| EPS | <investigation> A special study that involves the placement of electrodes inside the heart to map the electrical characteristics of the heart. This study is carried out in a specially equipped lab and is similar to a cardiac catheterisation procedure. Electrodes are placed inside the heart via a catheter placed into a vein. The electrodes are positioned near the heart's conduction system and an electrical map of the heart can be determined. This test is often performed in those where a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia is a problem. The location and characteristics of an arrhythmia can be determined, thus guiding medical management of the problem. Patients with Wolf Parkinson White syndrome or sick sinus syndrome may have this test as part of their evaluation. Acronym: EPS (14 Mar 2000) |
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| epsilon | Fifth letter of the Greek alphabet, &vepsilon;. (05 Mar 2000) |
| epsilon alcoholism | Jellinek's term for "spree-drinking," such as might occur during periods away from home. (05 Mar 2000) |
| epsom salt | <medicine> Sulphate of magnesia having cathartic qualities; originally prepared by boiling down the mineral waters at Epsom, England, whence the name; afterwards prepared from sea water; but now from certain minerals, as from siliceous hydrate of magnesia. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Epsom salts | <chemical> Sulfuric acid magnesium salt (1:1). A small colourless crystal used as an anticonvulsant, a cathartic, and an electrolyte replenisher in the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia. It causes direct inhibition of action potential in the myometrial muscle cells. Excitation and contraction are uncoupled, which decreases the frequency and force of contractions. Pharmacological action: anticonvulsants, cathartic, tocolytic agents. Chemical name: Sulfuric acid magnesium salt (1:1) (12 Dec 1998) |
| epsomite | Native sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| EPSP | <abbreviation> Excitatory postsynaptic potential. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein's disease | 1. One of a group of local infections suggesting diphtheria, but caused by microorganisms other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Synonym: Epstein's disease, false diphtheria, pseudodiphtheria. 2. Any microorganism resembling Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Origin: diphtheria + G. Eidos, resemblance (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein's pearls | Multiple small white epithelial inclusion cysts found in the midline of the palate in newborn infants. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein's sign | <clinical sign> Lid retraction in an infant giving it a frightened expression and a "wild glance." See: setting sun sign, Collier's sign. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein's symptom | <clinical sign> Lid retraction in an infant giving it a frightened expression and a "wild glance." See: setting sun sign, Collier's sign. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein, Alois | <person> German paediatrician, 1849-1918. See: Epstein's disease, Epstein's pearls, Epstein's sign, Epstein's symptom. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein, Michael Anthony | <person> English virologist, *1921. See: Epstein-Barr virus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Epstein-Barr virus | <virology> Species of Herpetoviridae that is responsible for infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). Discovered in 1964, this virus has been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma in South African children and with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Asian populations. (27 Sep 1997) |
| epstein-barr virus nuclear antigens | Nuclear antigens encoded by epstein-barr virus genes. at least six nuclear antigens have been identified but their mechanism of action and role in B-cell transformation is still unknown. (12 Dec 1998) |