Fibroscan – a non-invasive ultrasound scan that measures the ‘elasticity’ or stiffness of the liver.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
antepartum refers to the time during pregnancy before a baby is born. Antepartum refers to the mother.
See: intrapartum and postpartum.
CD4 cells are white blood cells in your immune system. CD4 cells signal to CD8 cells to destroy a virus. CD4 cells are also used by HIV as factories to reproduce in.
duration of ruptured membranes – time between when the mother’s waters break and the actual delivery.
ALT, alanine aminotransferase, also called serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; SGPT) – a key liver enzyme produced in liver cells. ALT is routinely monitored in HIVpositive people on ARVs to monitor liver toxicity from HIV drugs (or other medications). Increased ALT signals liver injury, but does not indicate how serious liver damage is.