Winter 1999
body surface area: A measure of the overall size of a person calculated from height and weight. Body surface area is expressed as meter squared or m2.
bone marrow depression: When the part of the bone which produces blood cells is slowed down, usually by drugs. This can result in reduced red blood cells (RBCs) which causes anemia; reduced white blood cells (WBCs) which can result in infection; or reduced platelets which can result in bleeding.
CD4%: The proportion of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, that are CD4 cells (also known as T4-cells). If above 25% a child is considered to have no immunosuppression (able to fight infection). A CD4% between 15% and 24% is considered moderate immunosuppression (some possible problem with fighting infection). CD4% below 15% is considered severe immune suppression (potentially serious problems fighting infection).
central nervous system: The brain and spinal cord.
kidney stones: A pebble-like substance that forms where urine is collected in the body and hurts when it is passed during urination (passing urine). Can be caused by drugs (Crixivan) and can be reduced by drinking lots of water.
kg: The abbreviation for kilogram, a unit of weight commonly used for body weight. One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
mg: The abbreviation for milligram, a unit of weight commonly used for dosages of drugs. It is a very small amount: one thousand milligrams equal one gram and approximately 30 grams equal one ounce.
mg per kg: A dose of a drug that depends on the body weight of the person taking it. For example, if a drug is dosed at 5 mg per kg and a child weighs 10 kg, the dose would be 50 mg (5 x 10).
mg per m2: A dose of a drug which depends on the body surface area of a person taking it. For example, if a drug is dosed at 100 mg per m2 body surface and a child's body surface area is 0.5 m2, the dose would be 50 mg (100 x 0.5).
peripheral neuropathy: A painful condition in the feet that can start with tingling or burning in the toes. It can be caused by drugs or HIV itself.
Copyright ©1999 by People With AIDS Working for Health, Inc. Non-commercial reproduction is strongly encouraged.