Community-acquired infection
Community-acquired infection: An infection acquired in the community. In contrast to a nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection.
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- Compassionate use
Compassionate use: Term formerly used in the US for a method of providing experimental therapeutics prior to final FDA approval for use in humans. This procedure was used with very sick individuals who have no other treatment options. Often, case-by-case approval was obtained from the FDA for “compassionate use” of a drug or therapy. The […]
- Compartment syndrome
A condition in which there is swelling and an increase in pressure within a limited space (a compartment) that presses on and compromises blood vessels, nerves, and/or tendons that run through that compartment. Hence, the function of tissue within that compartment is compromised. Compartment syndromes usually involve the leg but can also occur in the […]
- Complement system
Complement system: A series of molecules that work together to perform many immune system functions. For example, the complement system helps to dissolve and remove immune complexes and to kill foreign cells.
- Complementary DNA
Complementary DNA: Single-stranded DNA made in the laboratory from a messenger RNA template under the aegis of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This form of DNA is often used as a probe in the physical mapping of a chromosome. Abbreviated as cDNA.
- Complementary medicine
Complementary medicine: A group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using acupuncture in addition to usual care to help lessen a patient’s discomfort following surgery. Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine. Whereas complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative […]