AIDS-HIV Related Terms
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Ocular
Pertaining to the eye or vision.
Office Of AIDS Research (OAR)
An office within the National Institute of Health (NIH) that is responsible for the scientific, budgetary, legislative, and policy elements of the NIH AIDS research program. Internet address
Off-Label Use
A drug prescribed for conditions other than those approved by the FDA.
OI
See opportunistic infection.
Oncology
The branch of medicine that studies cancers or other tumors.
Opportunistic Infections
Illnesses caused by various organisms, some of which usually do not cause disease in persons with normal immune systems. Persons living with advanced HIV infection suffer opportunistic infections of the lungs, brain, eyes, and other organs. Opportunistic infections common in persons diagnosed with AIDS include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; Kaposi's Sarcoma; cryptosporidiosis; histoplasmosis; other parasitic, viral, and fungal infections; and some types of cancers.
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL)
A whitish lesion that appears on the side of the tongue and inside cheeks. The lesion appears raised, with a ribbed or hairy surface. OHL occurs mainly in persons with declining immunity and may be caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection. OHL was not observed before the HIV epidemic.
Organelle
Any one of various particles of living substance bound within most cells, such as the mitochondria, the Golgi complex, the endoplastic reticulum, the lysosomes, and the centrioles.
Oropharyngeal
Relating to that division of the pharynx between the soft palate and the epiglottis. The pharynx is a tube that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus, the connection to the stomach. The epiglottis is a thin, valve-like structure that covers the glottis, the opening of the upper part of the larynx (the part of the throat containing the vocal cords), during swallowing.
Orphan Drugs
An FDA category that refers to medications used to treat diseases and conditions that occur rarely. Therefore, there is little financial incentive for the pharmaceutical industry to develop such medications. Orphan drug status gives a manufacturer specific financial incentives to develop and provide such medications.
Osteonecrosis
Also known as avascular necrosis. Generalized death of bone tissue. Recent NIH studies have shown that osteonecrosis of the hip is common among patients with HIV infection. While researchers can-t yet pinpoint a specific cause, patients in the NIH studies were more likely to have taken testosterone, lipid-lowering drugs, and corticosteroids, all prescribed therapies for the acute and chronic complications of HIV infection.
Osteopenia
Diminished amount of bone tissue or decreased bone density.
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