G to I
Glucocorticoid : Glucocorticoids (GC) are a class of steroid hormones that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) which is present in almost every vertebrate anima cell. GC,s are part of the feedback mechanism in the immune system, that turns immune activity (Inflammation) down, they are therefore used in medicine to treat diseases that are caused by an overactive immune system, such as Alergies, Asthma, Autoimmune disease and Sepsis.
Gottron's Sign : Gottron's sign is a reddened, often scaly rash that develops on the finger joints, although it can spread from there. Similar lesions can be seen over the front of the knees or outer arms, similar to psoriasis.
Glaucoma : Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged in a characteristic pattern. this can cause permanent vision damage in the affected eye and lead to blindness if left untreated.
Gottron's Sign : Gottron's sign is a reddened, often scaly rash that develops on the finger joints, although it can spread from there. Similar lesions can be seen over the front of the knees or outer arms, similar to psoriasis.
Glaucoma : Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged in a characteristic pattern. this can cause permanent vision damage in the affected eye and lead to blindness if left untreated.
Heliotrope rash : The heliotrope rash is located on the upper eyelids, and is often accompanied by eyelid swelling. The heliotrope sign is named for the heliotrope flower, which is violet coloured.
Hydroxychloroquine : Hydroxychloroquine is in a class of drugs called antimalarials. It is used to prevent and to treat acute attacks of Malaria. It is also used to treat discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis in patients whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments.
Hydroxychloroquine : Hydroxychloroquine is in a class of drugs called antimalarials. It is used to prevent and to treat acute attacks of Malaria. It is also used to treat discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis in patients whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments.
Immune System : A complex network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attack by foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Immunoglobulin : Immunoglobulins are antibodies that stop your immune system attacking your body,s own tissues. Infusions are given in severe cases of Myositis.
Immunosuppressants : methotrexate and azathioprine are often used as 2nd line medicines or/and used in combination with Prednisone. When used in conjunction with Prednisone it enables the patient to taper off the steroids more quickly, therefore avoiding some of the unwanted side effects. Methotrexate and Azathioprine are well tolerated, but methotrexate tends to work faster
Infectious myositis : When infectious myositis is caused by the flu, symptoms include not only muscle aches and muscle weakness, but also high fever, chills, sore throat, cough, fatigue and runny nose. When caused by trichinosis, symptoms in the early stages include diarrhea and vomiting. Later, as the parasites invade the muscles, symptoms can include fever, eye redness with swelling in the lids and muscle pain. Patients with pyomyositis usually have a fever, and the abscessed muscle is painful, tender and slightly swollen. Skin over the muscle may be red and hot.
Inflammation : A reaction of body tissues to injury or/and disease, marked by 5 signs. 1 = swelling. 2 = redness. 3 = heat. 4 = pain. 5 = loss of function
Inflammatory Myopathies : Inflammatory Myopathies are a group of diseases that involve chronic muscle inflammation, accompanied by muscle weakness. Another word for chronic inflammation of muscle tissue is Myositis.
Infliximab : Infliximab (Trade name Remicade) is a type of drug known as anti-TNF. (Anti Tumour Necrosis Factor) In people with rheumatoid arthritis and some other inflammatory diseases a protein called TNF is overproduced in the body causing inflammation and damage to Bones, Cartilage and Tissue. Anti-TNF drugs block the action of TNF and so can reduce the inflammation.
Innate immune system : The part of the immune system that is more primitive. It employs types of white blood cells called granulocytes and monocytes to destroy harmful substances.
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Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) : ILD is a term used to refer to a particular type of inflammation of the interstitium of the lungs. The Interstitium is the tissue that surrounds and separates the tiny air sacs in the lungs. ILD involves an inflammation of this supportive tissue between the air sacs rather than in the air sacs themselves.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) : Intraocular Pressure is the pressure of the fluid within the eyeball. This can be raised by the use of Steroid,s (Prednisolone) which can lead to the relating condition Glaucoma.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) : IVIG is a blood product administered intravenously. IVIG is given as a plasma protein replacement therapy (lgG) for immune deficient patients who have decreased or abolished antibody production capabilities. In these Immune deficient patients IVIG is administered to maintain adequate antibody levels. Treatment is given every 3 to 4 weeks. In the case of patients with autoimmune disease, IVIG is administered at a high dose to attempt to decrease the severity of the autoimmune diseases such as dermatomyositis.