| cold compress | <orthopaedics> This may be ice packs wrapped in cloth to deliver a cold compress to an acutely injured muscle, joint or bone. Cold compresses are commonly indicated for most injuries in the first 24-48 hours. They should be applied only intermittently, with periods of time without the compress applied. (27 Sep 1997) |
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| instant | 1. A point in duration; a moment; a portion of time too short to be estimated; also, any particular moment. "There is scarce an instant between their flourishing and their not being." (Hooker) 2. A day of the present or current month; as, the sixth instant; an elliptical expression equivalent to the sixth of the month instant, i. E, the current month. See Instant. Synonym: Moment, flash, second. Origin: F. Instant, fr. L. Instans standing by, being near, present. See Instant. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ACE | <enzyme> This hydrolase enzyme cleaves the decapeptide angiotensin I (biologically inactive) to form active angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme which removes a dipeptide (histidylleucine) from angiotensin I. Angiotensin II causes contraction of vascular smooth muscle and thus raises blood pressure and stimulates aldosterone release from the adrenal glands. Angiotensin is finally broken down by angiotensinases. Elevations in angiotensin converting enzyme are seen sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, asbestosis, berylliosis, diabetes, Hodgkin's disease, hyperthyroidism, amyloidosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, scleroderma, silicosis, tuberculosis, Gaucher's disease and leprosy. The normal values are 18 to 67 U/ml over 20 years of age (people under 20 have higher levels). Drugs that inhibit ACE are used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. See: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor Acronym: ACE (12 Aug 2000) |
| ACE inhibitor | <pharmacology> A group of antihypertensive medications that work by inhibiting an enzyme (angiotensin-converting enzyme) that is important in the regulation of blood pressure. Studies have also indicated that it may help prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. Examples include: captopril, ramipril, enalapril, losartan potassium, bepridil and lisinopril. (12 Mar 1998) |
| ACE level | <investigation> This is a blood test which measures the concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the bloodstream. Elevations in angiotensin-converting enzyme are seen sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, asbestosis, berylliosis, diabetes, Hodgkin's disease, hyperthyroidism, amyloidosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, scleroderma, silicosis, tuberculosis, Gaucher's disease and leprosy. The normal values are 18 to 67 U/ml over 20 years of age (people under 20 have higher levels). (15 Jan 1998) |
| medication, ace-inhibitor | Agents that inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), thereby acting as vasodilators (really as anti-vasoconstrictors), lightening the stress load on the heart. (12 Dec 1998) |
| graduated compress | Layers of cloth thickest in the centre, becoming thinner toward the periphery. (05 Mar 2000) |
| wet compress | Gauze moistened with saline or antiseptic solution. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compress | Cloth (or another material) applied under pressure to an area of the skin and held in place for a period of time. A compress can be any temperature (cold, luke arm, or hot) and it can be dry or wet. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ice compress | Cold compress applied to an acute injury for the purpose of decreasing swelling and pain. Ice can be placed within a dry towel (never directly on the site) to achieve the desired effect. (27 Sep 1997) |
| paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria | <haematology> A rare blood disorder caused by antibodies which destroy red blood cells upon exposure to the cold. The antibodies are formed against a specific blood group and are triggered by the cold. The cause is unknown but the disease has been associated with syphilis and some viral infections. Serum haemoglobin and urine haemoglobin are increased during the attacks. The disease is chronic and treatment is difficult. Some cases resolve spontaneously without treatment. Origin: Gr. Ouron = urine (27 Sep 1997) |
| rose cold | Allergic rhinitis occurring in the spring and early summer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| warm-cold haemolysin | Haemolysin which combines with red blood cells at temperatures below 20캜 and are eluted at warmer temperatures, e.g., 30 to 37캜. See: Donath-Landsteiner cold autoantibody, haemagglutinating cold autoantibody. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cold | <virology> A slang term that describes a viral upper respiratory infection which results from inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. (27 Sep 1997) |
| cold abscess | An abscess without heat or other usual signs of inflammation. Synonym: tuberculous abscess. (05 Mar 2000) |