Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) -- Reversible kidney damage that results in delayed
kidney function. Once treated, ATN is usually resolved in one to two weeks.
Allograft (allogenic graft or homograft) -- Transplant tissue acquired from the
same species (i.e., human).
Atherosclerosis -- A disease in which fatty deposits accumulate on the inner
walls of the arteries, causing narrowing or blockage that may result in a heart attack.
Commonly known as "hardening of the arteries."
Antibody -- A substance that is produced by the immune system in response to
specific antigens, thereby helping the body fight infection and foreign substances.
Antigen -- Substance that may trigger an immune response. An antigen may be
introduced into the body or formed within the body (i.e., bacteria, toxins, foreign blood
cells).
Biopsy -- Removal of a sample of tissue with a small needle. The
tissue is then examined to determine a diagnosis.
Blood typing -- A test that can help establish compatibility between two
different types of blood. Blood types include A, B, AB, and O.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) -- A waste product regularly removed by the kidneys
and eliminated in the urine. Regular testing of the BUN level can indicate
how well the kidney is functioning.
Cadaveric donor -- An individual who has recently passed away of causes not
affecting the organ intended for transplant. Cadaver organs usually come from people who
have willed their organs before death by signing organ donor cards. Permission for
donation can also be given by the deceased person's family at the time of death.
Chest x-ray -- Used to view the lungs and lower respiratory tract for
diagnosis and therapy.
Cholesterol -- A fatty substance that is acquired in part from certain foods. A
high cholesterol level may lead to atherosclerosis.
Creatinine -- A waste product in the blood that is removed by the kidneys
and eliminated in the urine. Regular testing of the creatinine level indicates how well the kidney is functioning.
Cross matching -- A test that establishes the compatibility or closeness of
blood between the organ donor and recipient.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) -- A common virus that may be present without
causing symptoms in
healthy people, but can cause serious conditions if present in transplant patients.
Diastolic -- The lower number in a blood pressure reading that
indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Echocardiogram -- A procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to
examine the heart. This procedure may be used for the same purpose as an
electrocardiogram.