| polygenic diseases | Genetic disorders that are caused by the combined action of more than one gene. Examples of polygenic conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and peptic ulcers. Because such disorders depend on the simultaneous presence of several genes, they are not inherited as simply as single-gene diseases. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| polygenic | <genetics> Pertaining to the combined action of alleles of more than one gene. Height is an example of a polygenic trait, as are predispositions to different types of heart disease. Origin: Gr. Gennan = to produce (14 Nov 1997) |
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| polygenic disorder | <genetics> Genetic disorders resulting from the combined action of alleles of more thanone gene (for example, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers). Although such disorders are inherited, they depend on the simultaneous presence of several alleles, thus the hereditary patterns are usually more complex than those of single-gene disorders. (14 Oct 1997) |
| polygenic disorders | Genetic disorders resulting from the combined action of alleles of more than one gene (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers). Although such disorders are inherited, they depend on the simultaneous presence of several alleles, thus the hereditary patterns are usually more complex than those of single- gene disorders. Compare single-gene disorders. (05 Mar 2000) |
| polygenic inheritance | Inheritance in which a measurable phenotype is generated by many loci, the contributions of which are statistically independent, additive, and of about equal value. (The latter are in accordance with the classical central limit therein and justify the use of the multivariate normal distribution in galtonian genetics). Synonym: polygenic inheritance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diseases, polygenic | Genetic disorders that are caused by the combined action of more than one gene. Examples of polygenic conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and peptic ulcers. Because such disorders depend on the simultaneous presence of several genes, they are not inherited as simply as single-gene diseases. (12 Dec 1998) |
| aaa disease | Endemic anaemia of ancient Egypt, ascribed in the Papyrus Ebers to intestinal infestation with ancylostoma; now called ancylostomiasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn | Erythroblastosis foetalis due to maternal-foetal incompatibility with respect to an antigen of the ABO blood group; the foetus possesses A or B antigen which is lacking in the mother, and the mother produces immune antibody which causes haemolysis of foetal erythrocytes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accumulation disease | A disease characterised by abnormal accumulation of a metabolic product in certain cells and tissues; examples include the mucopolysaccharidoses, lipoidoses. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Acosta's disease | A condition that results from prolonged exposure to high altitude. Symptoms include a continuous dry cough, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance, dizziness, headache, sleep difficulty, anorexia, confusion, fatigue and a rapid pulse. Treatment includes the immediate movement to a lower altitude. Prophylaxis has been accomplished successfully with the use of acetazolamide (Diamox). (27 Sep 1997) |
| acquired immunodeficiency disease | Acquired immunodeficiency disease: Disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute disease | Disease having a short and relatively severe course. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Adams-Stokes disease | <syndrome> Transient asystole or ventricular fibrillation in the presence of atrioventricular block. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Addison-Biermer disease | <haematology> A form of anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that results when the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor, necessary for normal B12 absorption, may be the underlying cause for B12 deficiency if is not produced in the gastric glands (in the stomach). Origin: Gr. Haima = blood (27 Sep 1997) |
| Addison's disease | <endocrinology> A rare endocrine disease that results from the underproduction of aldosterone and cortisol (hormones) by the adrenal glands. Symptoms include weakness, low blood pressure, anaemia, low blood sugar and electrolyte abnormalities. (27 Sep 1997) |
| adult-onset still's disease | Although Still's disease was first described in children, it is known to begin in adults. See: Still's disease. (12 Dec 1998) |