Page 127 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt
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Splenomegaly
Enlargement of the spleen.
Sputum Analysis
Method of detecting certain infections (especially tuberculosis) by
analyzing sputum, the mucus matter that collects in the respiratory
and upper digestive passages and is expelled by coughing.
Standard of Care
A treatment plan that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and
widely used for a given disease or condition.
Statins
A shortened name for a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Drugs in this class lower cholesterol
by slowing down the body’s production of cholesterol and by
increasing the liver’s ability to remove cholesterol from the blood.
See Also: Cholesterol
STD
See: Sexually Transmitted Disease
Stem Cell
A generic cell that can make exact copies of itself indefinitely but
can also produce specialized cells for various tissues in the body,
such as heart muscle, brain tissue, and liver tissue.
S
Steroid
A general class of substances that are structurally related to one
another and share the same chemical skeleton. Some hormones
and drugs are steroids. For example, natural testosterone and its
man-made derivatives help build muscle mass. Corticosteroid drugs
are used to reduce swelling and pain.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
A severe and sometimes fatal form of skin rash characterized by
red, blistered spots on the skin; blisters in the mouth, eyes, genitals,
HIV/AIDS Glossary 125