Fibr Health Dictionary

Fibr: From 1 Different Sources


Cystic Fibrosis

This is the most common serious genetic disease in Caucasian children, with an incidence of about one per 2,500 births, and more than 6,000 patients in the UK (30,000 in the USA). It is an autosomal recessive disorder of the mucus-secreting glands of the lungs, the pancreas, the mouth, and the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the sweat glands of the skin. The defective gene is sited on chromosome 7 which encodes for a protein, cystic ?brosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Individuals who inherit the gene only on one set of chromosomes can, however, carry the defect into successive generations. Where parents have a child with cystic ?brosis, they have a one-infour chance of subsequent children having the disease. They should seek GENETIC COUNSELLING.

The disorder is characterised by failure to gain weight in spite of a good appetite, by repeated attacks of bronchitis (with BRONCHIECTASIS developing at a young age), and by the passage of loose, foul-smelling and slimy stools (faeces). AMNIOCENTESIS, which yields amniotic ?uid along with cells shed from the fetus’s skin, can be used to diagnose cystic ?brosis prenatally. The levels of various enzymes can be measured in the ?uid and are abnormal when the fetus is affected by cystic ?brosis. Neonatal screening is possible using a test on blood spots – immunoreactive trypsin (IRT).

In children with symptoms or a positive family history, the disease can be tested for by measuring sweat chloride and sodium. This detects the abnormal amount of salt that is excreted via the sweat glands when cystic ?brosis is present. Con?rmation is by genetic testing.

Treatment This consists basically of regular physiotherapy and postural drainage, antibiotics and the taking of pancreatic enzyme tablets and vitamins. Some children need STEROID treatment and all require nutritional support. The earlier treatment is started, the better the results. Whereas two decades ago, only 12 per cent of affected children survived beyond adolescence, today 75 per cent survive into adult life, and an increasing number are surviving into their 40s. Patients with end-stage disease can be treated by heart-lung transplantation (with their own heart going to another recipient). Research is underway on the possible use of GENE THERAPY to control the disorder. Parents of children with cystic ?brosis, seeking help and advice, can obtain this from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.... cystic fibrosis

Fibrositis

Pain, muscular sti?ness and in?ammation affecting the soft tissues of the arm, legs and trunk. The cause is unknown but may include immunological factors, muscular strain and psychological stress. Treatment is usually palliative.... fibrositis

Ventricular Fibrillation

A very fast ‘flickering’ of the heart with no measurable circulation of blood by the heart. This usually occurs after a heart attack (or electrocution).... ventricular fibrillation

Fibrillation

A term applied to rapid contraction or TREMOR of muscles, and especially to a form of abnormal action of the heart muscle in which individual bundles of ?bres take up independent action. It is believed to be due to a state of excessive excitability in the muscle associated with the stretching which occurs in dilatation of the heart. The main causes are ATHEROSCLEROSIS, chronic rheumatic heart disease and hypertensive heart disease (see HEART, DISEASES OF). Fibrillation is distinguished as atrial or ventricular, depending on whether the muscle of the atria or of the ventricles is affected. In atrial ?brillation, the heartbeats and the pulse become extremely irregular, both as regards time and force; when the atrium is ?brillating there is no signi?cant contraction of the atrial muscle but the cardiac output is maintained by ventricular contraction. In ventricular ?brillation there is no signi?cant contractile force, so that there is no cardiac output. The commonest cause is myocardial infarction. Administration of DIGOXIN, timolol or verapamil may restore normal rhythm, and in some patients, CARDIOVERSION – a controlled direct-current electric shock given via a modi?ed de?brillator placed on the chest wall – is e?ective.... fibrillation

Fibrin

A substance formed in the BLOOD as it clots: indeed, its formation causes clotting. The substance is produced in threads; after the threads have formed a close meshwork through the blood, they contract, and produce a dense, felted mass. The substance is formed not only from shed blood but also from LYMPH which exudes from the lymph vessels. Thus ?brin is found in all in?ammatory conditions within serous cavities like the PLEURA, PERITONEUM, and PERICARDIUM, and forms a thick coat upon the surface of the in?amed membranes. It is also found in in?amed joints, and in the lung as a result of pneumonia. (See COAGULATION.)... fibrin

Fibrinogen

The soluble protein in the blood which is the precursor of FIBRIN, the substance in blood clot.... fibrinogen

Fibrinolysis

The way in which blood clots are removed from the circulation. The insoluble protein FIBRIN is broken down by the enzyme plasmin (see PLASMINOGEN) which is activated at the same time as the COAGULATION process of blood. There is normally a balance between coagulation and ?brinolysis; an abnormal increase in the latter causes excessive bleeding.... fibrinolysis

Fibroadenoma

A benign tumour of glandular EPITHELIUM containing ?brous elements. The commonest benign tumour is of the breast, often occurring in young women.... fibroadenoma

Fibroid

Fibroid, or ?bromyoma, is the commonest form of tumour of the uterus (see UTERUS, DISEASES OF), and one of the most common tumours of the human body. It is composed of a mixture of muscular and ?brous tissue. The tumour may be small or as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids may cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding and usually occur in women over 30 years of age. In some women the ?broid may be small enough to remove surgically but, if it is large, a HYSTERECTOMY is often necessary. Small, symptomless ?broids are no danger and can be left untreated.... fibroid

Fibroma

A benign tumour comprising mainly CONNECTIVE TISSUE – the substance that surrounds body structures, binding them together. Examples are neuro?broma, affecting connective tissue around nerves, and ovarian ?broma which develops around the follicles from which eggs (ova) develop in the OVARIES. Unless the ?broma is causing symptoms (as a result of pressure on surrounding tissues) it does not require treatment. If symptoms occur, the tumour is removed surgically.... fibroma

Fibrosarcoma

A cancer of the CONNECTIVE TISSUE arising in the ?broblasts, stem cells that produce connective tissue cells. The tumours can develop in bone or in soft tissue and occur most commonly in the limbs. Treatment is by surgery or RADIOTHERAPY.... fibrosarcoma

Fibrosis

The formation of ?brous or scar tissue, which is usually due to infection, injury or surgical operation.... fibrosis

Atrial Fibrillation

Arrhythmia. Heart flutter. Disorderly uncoordinated contraction of atrial muscle wall, the ventricles responding irregularly.

Causes: thyrotoxicosis, valvular or coronary disease. Present in mitral stenosis and myocarditis. Precursor of heart failure. Carrying a bucket of coal upstairs may be sufficient to precipitate an attack. Symptoms. Pulse irregular in time and force, breathlessness, visible pulse in neck, excessive heart beats of sudden onset or permanent, with breathlessness often from emotional excitement.

Treatment. Patient should avoid excessive physical exercise or give way to anxiety and depression. Alternatives:– Tea. Equal parts: Hawthorn (berries or blossoms), Broom, Valerian. 1-2 teaspoons in each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; dose – half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Hawthorn, Valerian, Motherwort.

Formula. Hawthorn 2; Passion flower 2; Broom 3. Mix. Dose: Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium (BPC 1973): 2-5 drops. Tincture Lily of the Valley: 0.5-1ml.

Undue violence. Tincture Gelsemium 1; Tincture Cactus 2. Mix. Dose: 5-10 drops. Where heart muscle is damaged, add 1 part Liquid Extract Black Cohosh.

Broom. Spartiol Drops, 20 drops thrice daily. (Klein)

Diet. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... atrial fibrillation

Fibre, Dietary

See ROUGHAGE.... fibre, dietary

Fibrinolytic Drugs

A group of drugs, also known as thrombolytics, with the ability to break down the protein FIBRIN, the prime constituent of blood clots (see THROMBUS; THROMBOSIS). They are used to disperse blood clots that have formed in the vessels of the circulatory system. The group includes STREPTOKINASE, alteplase and reteplase. The drugs work by activating PLASMINOGEN to form PLASMIN which degrades ?brin and breaks up the blood clot (see COAGULATION).... fibrinolytic drugs

Fibrocystic Disease Of The Pancreas

See CYSTIC FIBROSIS.... fibrocystic disease of the pancreas

Fibroids

Also called a leiomyoma or fibromyoma (or myofibroma, for that matter), it is an encapsulated tumor made up of disorganized and irregular connective tissue. A uterine fibroid is benign, there may be one or many, they grow slowly, have unknown causes, and may or may not cause painful menses or mid-cycle bleeding. Much depends on where they are in the uterus and whether or not they extend far enough into the cavity to impair and thin out the endometrium. If they do, they cause distress.... fibroids

Fibrosing Alveolitis

See ALVEOLITIS.... fibrosing alveolitis

Fibrous Dysplasia

A rare disease in which areas of bone are replaced by ?brous tissue (see CONNECTIVE TISSUE). This renders the bone fragile and liable to fracture. It may involve only one bone – usually the thigh bone or FEMUR – or several bones. This latter form of the disease may be accompanied by pigmentation of the skin and the early onset of PUBERTY.... fibrous dysplasia

Pulmonary Fibrosis

A condition which may develop in both LUNGS (interstitial pulmonary ?brosis) or part of one lung. Scarring and thickening of lung tissues occur as a consequence of previous lung in?ammation, which may have been caused by PNEUMONIA or TUBERCULOSIS. Symptoms include cough and breathlessness and diagnosis is con?rmed with a chest X-ray. The patient’s underlying condition should be treated, but the damage already done to lung tissue is usually irreversible. (See also ALVEOLITIS.)... pulmonary fibrosis

Fibrates

A group of lipid-lowering drugs used to treat high blood levels of triglycerides or cholesterol.... fibrates

Fibre

It has been discovered that various cultures round the world, e.g. the Hunza Colony near Pakistan, the 7th-Day Adventists and others who eat high fibre foods have fewer cases of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Natives of Hunza may live to great ages and have few dental problems, emotional illness and never require a laxative. Today, foods may be over-processed.

Other diseases recognised to be characteristic of modern western civilisation and claimed to be causally related to diet are: appendicitis, coronary heart disease, hiatus hernia, diverticulosis, piles and other anal disorders, obesity, gall stones, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

Low fibre intake results in slow transit of food and exposes potential carcinogens a longer period of time in contact with the alimentary canal. A high fibre diet tends to absorb a variety of environmental pollutants and eliminate them from the body.

Foods rich in fibre: wholemeal bread, grains, cereals, brown rice, beans, peas, boiled cabbage, sweetcorn, banana, prunes (stewed), dried apricots. One of the highest is All Bran, which has the highest proportion of dietary fibre among breakfast cereals with no preserves, artificial colouring or flavouring. Contains one-third fewer calories than most breakfast cereals and because of its glycaemic effect is useful in diabetic diet. ... fibre

Fibre-optics

The transmission of images through bundles of thin, flexible glass or plastic threads which propagate light by total internal reflection. This means that all the light from a powerful external source travels the length of the fibre without losing its intensity. Fibre-optics have led to the development of endoscopes, which enable structures deep within the body to be viewed directly.... fibre-optics

Fibromyalgia

A poorly understood disorder causing generalized aching and stiffness of the muscles of the trunk, hips, and shoulders. Parts of the affected muscles (known as trigger points) are tender to the touch; common tender sites are the base of the skull and the muscles near the shoulderblades. Fibromyalgia commonly develops during periods of stress and may follow a chronic course. Treatment may consist of heat, massage, and drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, sometimes, antidepressant drugs, which may relieve the symptoms.... fibromyalgia

Retrolental Fibroplasia

Also called retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that mainly affects the eyes of premature infants. The usual cause is high concentrations of oxygen being given as part of the treatment for respiratory distress. Excess oxygen causes the tissues at the margin of the retina to shut down their blood vessels. When oxygen concentrations return to normal, the affected tissues may send strands of new vessels and fibrous scar tissue into the vitreous humour. This may interfere with vision and cause retinal detachment. Laser treatment may be used.... retrolental fibroplasia

Fibreoptic Endoscopy

A visualising technique enabling the operator to examine the internal organs with the minimum of disturbance or damage to the tissues. The procedure has transformed the management of, for example, gastrointestinal disease. In chest disease, ?breoptic bronchoscopy has now replaced the rigid wide-bore metal tube which was previously used for examination of the tracheo-bronchial tree.

The principle of ?breoptics in medicine is that a light from a cold light source passes down a bundle of quartz ?bres in the endoscope to illuminate the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract or the bronchi. The re?ected light is returned to the observer’s eye via the image bundle which may contain up to 20,000 ?bres. The tip of the instrument can be angulated in both directions, and ?ngertip controls are provided for suction, air insu?ation and for water injection to clear the lens or the mucosa. The oesophagus, stomach and duodenum can be visualised; furthermore, visualisation of the pancreatic duct and direct endoscopic cannulation is now possible, as is visualisation of the bile duct. Fibreoptic colonoscopy can visualise the entire length of the colon and it is now possible to biopsy polyps or suspected carcinomas and to perform polypectomy.

The ?exible smaller ?breoptic bronchoscope has many advantages over the rigid tube, extending the range of view to all segmental bronchi and enabling biopsy of pulmonary parenchyma. Biopsy forceps can be directed well beyond the tip of the bronchoscope itself, and the more ?exible ?breoptic instrument causes less discomfort to the patient.

Fibreoptic laparoscopy is a valuable technique that allows the direct vizualisation of the abdominal contents: for example, the female pelvic organs, in order to detect the presence of suspected lesions (and, in certain cases, e?ect their subsequent removal); check on the development and position of the fetus; and test the patency of the Fallopian tubes.

(See also ENDOSCOPE; BRONCHOSCOPE; LARYNGOSCOPE; LAPAROSCOPE; COLONOSCOPE.)... fibreoptic endoscopy

Fibroblasts

Cells distributed widely throughout CONNECTIVE TISSUE that produce the precursor substances of COLLAGEN, elastic ?bres and reticular ?bres.... fibroblasts

Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Symptoms These vary, with pain and fatigue generally prominent, sometimes causing considerable disability. Patients can usually dress and wash independently but cannot cope with a job or household activities. Pain is mainly axial, but may affect any region. ANALGESICS, NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS) and local physical treatments are generally ine?ective.

Patients often have a poor sleep pattern, waking exhausted. Unexplained headache, urinary frequency and abdominal symptoms are common, but no cause has been found. Patients generally score highly on measures of anxiety and DEPRESSION. Fibromyalgia is not an ideal description; idiopathic di?use-pain syndrome and non-restorative sleep disorder are increasingly preferred terms.

Clinical ?ndings are generally unremarkable; most important is the presence of multiple hyperalgesic tender sites (e.g. low cervical spine, low lumbar spine, suboccipital muscle, mid upper trapezius, tennis-elbow sites, upper outer quadrants of buttocks, medial fat pad of knees). In ?bromyalgia, hyperalgesia (excessive discomfort) is widespread and symmetrical, but absent at sites normally non-tender. Claims by patients to be tender all over are more likely to be due to fabrication or psychiatric disturbance. OSTEOARTHRITIS and periarticular syndrome are much more common and should be excluded, together with other conditions, such as hypothyroidism (see THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF), SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) and in?ammatory myopathy (see MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF), which may present with similar symptoms.

Cause There is no investigational evidence of in?ammatory, metabolic or structural abnormality, and the problem seems functional rather than pathological. SEROTONIN de?ciency has a signi?cant role in ?bromyalgia syndrome.

Management Controlled trials have con?rmed the usefulness of low-dose AMITRIPTYLINE or DOTHIEPIN together with a graded exercise programme to increase aerobic ?tness. How this works is still unclear; its e?cacy may be due to its normalising effects on the sleep centre or ‘pain gating’ (reduction of pain sensation) at the spinal-cord level. Prognosis is often poor. Nevertheless, suitable advice and training can help most patients to learn to cope better with their condition and avoid unnecessary investigations and drug treatments.... fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibrous Tissue

See CONNECTIVE TISSUE.... fibrous tissue

Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica

A pathological rather than a clinical entity. The term refers to the replacement of BONE by a highly cellular and vascular connective tissue. It is the result of osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity and is due to excessive PARATHYROID activity. It is thus seen in a proportion of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and in patients with uraemic osteodystrophy; that is, the secondary hyperparathyroidism that occurs in patients with chronic renal disease.... osteitis fibrosa cystica

Tea For Fibroids

Fibroids are described as growths of your uterus muscles. This problem doesn’t really affect your uterus, but your cervix and the rest of your female reproductive system. A large number of hysterectomies are performed every month around the world, even if traditional medicine found other treatments as well. However, hysterectomy remains the only permanent remedy, even if it means that your uterus will be removed from your body. Alternative medicine fans advice against it due to the mental state that follows this procedure. It’s true that many women say they feel less of a woman since they had their hysterectomy. If you’re suffering from fibroids and you want to avoid a major surgery and a depression, choose a Tea for Fibroids and see how it goes! How a Tea for Fibroids Works A Tea for Fibroids’ main purpose is to get rid of the unwanted growths and stop them from developing in future. Their effect may take from a couple of days to several months, depending on the organism. Thanks to their anti inflammatory properties, these teas have the ability to restore your general health and your well being. However, don’t forget that this is a medical treatment and it shouldn’t be taken unsupervised. Efficient Tea for Fibroids A Tea for Fibroids must be both efficient and safe (you don’t want more complications). If you don’t know which teas to choose from, here’s a list to guide you on: - Chamomile Tea – has anti inflammatory and anti septic properties which allows you to use it for almost any health problem you have. Doctors prescribe a cure of Chamomile Tea in most fibroids cases mostly because it’s one hundred percent safe. The other reason is that there are no side effects and you can drink as much as you want. It has a pleasant taste and a lovely fragrance, so you can even turn it into a daily habit! - Willow Bark Tea – is a well known pain reliever and a great fever reducer. Its action on abnormal growths consists of decreasing their negative effect on your health and slowly eliminating them. However, don’t drink more than 2 cups per day for no longer than 2 months in order to avoid other health complications. - Nettle Herb Tea – it’s rich in acids and minerals and it’s also good for menopause, infertility in women and menstruation. You can find it in almost any teashop and preparing it at home couldn’t be any easier! Don’t drink more than 2 cups per day for a small amount of time (2 weeks). Tea for Fibroids Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to vomiting, nausea, headaches or uterine contractions. Don’t take a treatment based on a Tea for Fibroids if you’re breastfeeding, on anti coagulants or blood thinners. When in doubt, always ask your doctor’s opinion. Also, don’t start an herbal treatment without gathering more information! If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, ask for medical assistance and don’t try to treat it at home! If you have the green light from your doctor, choose a Tea for Fibroids that fits best your needs and enjoy its health benefits!... tea for fibroids

Fibrinolytics

Agents that prevent deposition of fibrin in veins. Fibrin deposits may block nutrients and oxygen, which state is a precursor of venous ulceration. Nettles. ... fibrinolytics

Heart – Fibrous Degeneration

Distinct from fatty degeneration. Due to thickening of walls by atheroma. Heart muscle (myocardium) fibres waste away due to lack of nourishment and are replaced by fibrous tissue. The condition usually runs with kidney weakness. Incurable. Partial relief of symptoms – treatment as for arteriosclerosis.

Every cardiac prescription for this condition should include a gentle diuretic to assist kidney function. The kidneys should be borne in mind, the most appropriate diuretic being Dandelion which would also make good any potassium loss. ... heart – fibrous degeneration

Diet - High Fibre

A diet high in rich carbohydrate foods with sufficient protein to promote efficient elimination and supply vital trace elements in the form of minerals. Such foods produce moist bulky stools easy to pass and reduce blood cholesterol. It reduces LDLs and increases HDLs.

Fibre-deficient foods lead to poor elimination of body wastes and constipation, disposing the colon to a toxic state. This induces depression, a coated tongue and tiredness during the day. Such foods bring about a change in the balance of bowel bacterial flora, and form gas which may cause pouches of diverticulitis to develop. One of its less obvious effects is to enhance the risk of tooth and gum disease. Soon calcium is expelled by the urine and the intake of magnesium reduced, thus favouring the development of stone.

All plant material; leaves, stalks, seeds etc contain fibre. High-fibre foods include: whole grains, wholemeal bread, wholemeal flour (100 per cent extraction rate), crispbreads, biscuits (digestive, bran, oatmeal or coconut), raw green salad materials, potatoes boiled in their jackets, breakfast cereals (porridge, muesli, All-Bran, Shredded Wheat), brown rice, bran (2 teaspoons thrice daily; increase if necessary), fresh or dried fruit once or twice daily. ... diet - high fibre

Fibrocystic Breast Disease (fbd)

Most lumps are harmless, including cysts (adenosis) and benign tumours. Not forerunners of cancer. Largely due to hormone imbalance. Fluid may be aspirated from a cyst. Thickened patches of fibrous tissue are freely movable and occur chiefly during years of menstruation depending upon the presence of oestrogen. An accurate diagnosis is necessary by a competent authority. Excessive sugar consumption suspected.

Prominent cyst formations have been reduced, even eliminated by Poke root, internally and externally, though surgery is sometimes indicated. Diuretics influence the kidneys to expel more body fluids and are sometimes helpful to reduce size. Cold water packs may be applied to the affected area two or more times daily, as practical.

Alternatives. Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Ground Ivy, Clivers, Horsetail. One heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup morning and evening.

Poke root. Tablets, powders. Tincture. 5-10 drops in water 3 times daily.

Evening Primrose oil. Two 500mg capsules, 3 times daily. Trials carried out by departments of Surgery at the University of Wales and the University of Dundee found Evening Primrose oil effective and safe. Poultice. Poke root. Horsetail.

Diet. As salt favours retention of fluid in cystic tissue it should be restricted.

Supplements. Daily. Beta carotene; B-complex; B6, Vitamin C 1g; Zinc. Vitamin E contra-indicated.

Treatment by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner. ... fibrocystic breast disease (fbd)

Fibroadenosis

An outdated term for the general lumpiness that is a normal feature of some women’s breasts. Cyclical changes in hormone levels often lead to lumpiness, which is more obvious before a menstrual period. Lumpy breasts do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, a new solitary, discrete breast lump should be assessed by a doctor to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.... fibroadenosis

Fibrocystic Disease

A term used to refer either to the inherited disorder cystic fibrosis or the presence of general lumpiness of the breasts that is a variation of normal.

(See also fibroadenosis).... fibrocystic disease

Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis

Scarring of lung tissue mainly involving the alveoli. There are a number of causes, including occupational exposure to dusts and fibrosing alveolitis, which is an autoimmune disorder.... interstitial pulmonary fibrosis

Dietary Fibre

(roughage) nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP), which cannot be digested and absorbed to produce energy; specifically, sources of NSP that do not contain lignin or resistant starch. Fibre is divided into two types: insoluble (cellulose and hemicelluloses) and soluble (pectins). Highly refined foods, such as sucrose, do not contain dietary fibre. Foods with a high fibre content include wholemeal cereals, vegetables, nuts, and fruit. A diet high in insoluble fibre (e.g. wheat bran, wholegrain and wholemeal bread and cereals) may help prevent bowel diseases, such as constipation, diverticulitis, and colon cancer. Soluble fibre (e.g. oats, barley, beans, pulses, fruit, and vegetables) slows the reabsorption of *bile salts and so helps to lower cholesterol as well as dampening the glycaemic response to glucose (see glycaemic index). A high-fibre diet used to be the first-line advice for irritable bowel syndrome; however, a low *FODMAP diet can be more effective.... dietary fibre

Fibrescope

n. an *endoscope that uses *fibre optics for the transmission of images from the interior of the body. Fibrescopes have a great advantage over the older endoscopes as they are flexible and can be introduced into relatively inaccessible cavities of the body.... fibrescope

Fibril

n. a very small fibre or a constituent thread of a fibre (for example, a *myofibril of a muscle fibre). —fibrillar, fibrillary adj.... fibril

Fibrinogenopenia

n. a former name for *hypofibrinogenaemia.... fibrinogenopenia

Fibrinoid

adj. resembling the protein fibrin.... fibrinoid

Fibrinolysin

n. see plasmin.... fibrinolysin

Fibrinolytic

adj. describing a group of drugs that are capable of breaking down the protein fibrin (see fibrinolysis), which is the main constituent of blood clots, and are therefore used to disperse blood clots (thrombi) that have formed within the circulation, most notably after myocardial infarction. They include *streptokinase, *urokinase, *alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase. Possible side-effects include bleeding at needle puncture sites, headache, backache, blood spots in the skin, and allergic reactions.... fibrinolytic

Fibroblast

n. a widely distributed cell in *connective tissue that is responsible for the production of both the ground substance and of the precursors of collagen, elastic fibres, and reticular fibres.... fibroblast

Fibrocartilage

n. a tough kind of *cartilage in which there are dense bundles of fibres in the matrix. It is found in the intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.... fibrocartilage

Fibrocyst

n. a benign tumour of fibrous connective tissue containing cystic spaces. —fibrocystic adj.... fibrocyst

Fibrocyte

n. an inactive cell present in fully differentiated *connective tissue. It is derived from a *fibroblast.... fibrocyte

Fibrodysplasia

n. abnormal development affecting connective tissue.... fibrodysplasia

Fibroelastosis

n. overgrowth or disturbed growth of the yellow (elastic) fibres in *connective tissue, especially endocardial fibroelastosis, overgrowth and thickening of the inner layer of the heart’s left ventricle.... fibroelastosis

Fibroepithelial Polyp

a fibrous overgrowth covered by epithelium, often occurring inside the mouth in response to chronic irritation (usually following accidental biting). It is sometimes called a fibrous *epulis.... fibroepithelial polyp

Fibromyositis

n. general inflammation of fibromuscular tissue.... fibromyositis

Fibroplasia

n. the production of fibrous tissue, which is a part of the normal healing process. See also retinopathy.... fibroplasia

Medullated Nerve Fibre

(myelinated nerve fibre) see myelin.... medullated nerve fibre

Nerve Fibre

the long fine process that extends from the cell body of a *neuron and carries nerve impulses. Bundles of nerve fibres running together form a *nerve. Each fibre has a sheath, which in medullated nerve fibres is a relatively thick layer containing the fatty insulating material *myelin.... nerve fibre

Purkinje Fibres

see atrioventricular bundle.... purkinje fibres

Reticular Fibres

microscopic, almost nonelastic, branching fibres of *connective tissue that join together to form a delicate supportive meshwork around blood vessels, muscle fibres, glands, nerves, etc. They are composed of a collagen-like protein (reticulin) and are particularly common in lymph nodes, the spleen, liver, kidneys, and muscles.... reticular fibres

Fibronectin

n. a large glycoprotein that acts as a host defence mechanism. In the plasma it induces phagocytosis and on the cell surface it induces protein linkage which is important in the formation of new epithelium in wound healing. It is also involved in platelet aggregation. It is concentrated in connective tissue and the endothelium of the capillaries and is a component of the extracellular matrix. In pregnancy, fetal fibronectin (fFN) is found in high concentrations in secretions from the cervix and vagina before fusion of the membranes occurs at around 21 weeks of gestation. Inflammation or trauma to the fetal–maternal surface after then causes secretion of fFN into the cervix and vagina. Vaginal swabs that detect fFN can be used to predict preterm birth between 22 and 34 weeks gestation.... fibronectin

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

(IPF) a serious interstitial lung disease, formerly called cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (see alveolitis). It is characterized by progressive fibrous scarring of the lung and increased numbers of inflammatory cells in the alveoli and surrounding tissues. The disease is usually diagnosed on clinical grounds on a basis of worsening breathlessness, inspiratory crackles at the lung bases on auscultation, clubbing of the fingers or toes, bilateral radiographic shadowing predominantly in the lower zones of the chest X-ray, subpleural *honeycomb change on CT scanning of the chest, and restrictive lung function on spirometry. It is also called usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP; see interstitial pneumonia), a term used by lung pathologists for the most common cellular pattern seen on biopsy. Treatment includes *pirfenidone, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.... idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

(NSF, nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy) a rare condition, first reported in 1997, that occurs exclusively in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who develop large areas of hardened skin with fibrotic nodules and plaques. Flexion contractures with an accompanying limitation of range of motion can also occur. Exposure to gadolinium, used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging, has been identified as a causative factor, but many patients with severe CKD have been exposed to gadolinium without consequence. Linear gadolinium preparations (Omniscan, OptiMARK) appear to carry the highest risk of NSF. There is no cure for the condition.... nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

(RPF) a condition in which a dense plaque of fibrous tissue develops behind the peritoneum adjacent to the abdominal aorta. It may be secondary to malignancy, medication (methysergide, beta blockers), aortic aneurysm, or certain infections. The ureters become encased and hence obstructed, causing acute *anuria and renal failure. The obstruction can be relieved by *nephrostomy or the insertion of double J *stents. In the acute phase steroid administration may help, but in established RPF *ureterolysis is required.... retroperitoneal fibrosis



Recent Searches