ALG Antilymphocyte or antithymocyte globulins (ALG or ATG) are purified horse or rabbit serums that suppress the immune system in order to allow the bone marrow to recover. The serums are produced by injecting the animals with white blood cells called lymphocytes. The animals then produce antibodies which are collected and purified to produce the globulin.
Anti-Fungals Drugs used to fight fungal infections. Amphotericin, fluconazole and nystatin are anti-fungal drugs.
Aspirate An aspirate is a small volume of bone marrow which is removed under local anaethetic from either the hip bone or the breast bone. The cells in the sample can then be examined under the microscope to identify any abnormality in the developing blood cells.
Bone marrow aspirate A procedure where a small sample of bone marrow is removed from either the hip bone or the breast bone. The sample is then examined under a microscope and a diagnosis made.
Bone marrow biopsy Similar to a bone marrow aspirate, but a small slither of the bone is also removed for examination.
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) A procedure used in the treatment of aplastic anaemia and MDS. The patient is given high doses of chemotherapy to wipe out the "defective" marrow. Healthy marrow from a donor is then infused into the patient. This is the only truly curative treatment for patients with severe or very severe aplastic anaemia.
Cannula A narrow tube inserted into a vein through which fluids can be given and blood taken. Rather more temporary than a central venous catheter.
Central Venous Catheter A Central Venous Catheter or Central Line is a small felexible plastic tube inserted into the large vein above the heart through which drugs and blood products can be given. It also enables blood samples to be taken painlessly. It is also known as a HICKMAN® catheter. (HICKMAN is a registered trade mark of C. R. Bard, Inc.)
Cord blood Blood obtained from the umbilical cord at the time of birth. Cord blood is extremely rich in stem cells which have the ability to re-populate bone marrow and thereby produce blood cells.
Cyclosporin An immunosuppressant drug used in the treatment of aplastic anaemia.
G-CSF Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor. A drug used to stimulate white cell production following immunosuppressant treatment.
HICKMAN® Catheter See Central Venous Catheter
Idiopathic Term given to a disease which has no known cause.
Neutrophil The most important and plentiful of the white blood cells. Protects the body against infection by absorbing and destroying waste or harmful material such as disease producing bacteria.
Platelets A blood cell which prevents and controls bleeding. Also known as a thrombocyte.
Red Blood Cell Blood cells which contain the red pigment haemoglobin. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the tissues of the body. A lack of red blood cells causes anaemia. Also known as erythrocytes.
Reticulocytes An immature red blood cell.
T-Cell A white blood cell involved in controlling immune reactions and fighting viral infections.
Thrombocyte A blood cell which prevents and controls bleeding. Also known as a platelet.
White Blood Cells Blood cells which help to prevent and fight infections.There are three main type of white blood cells - granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes.
Zoster Immune Globulin A drug given to protect anyone with a compromised immune system from chicken pox or shingles. It is usually given to the patient once they have come into contact with the virus.