Peri Health Dictionary

Catharanthus roseus

Apocynaceae

San: Nityakalyani;

Hin: Sadabahar, Baramassi;

Mal: Ushamalari, Nityakalyani

Tel: Billaganeru;

Tam: Sudukattu mallikai; Pun: Rattanjot;

Kan: Kasikanigale, Nitya Mallige

Importance: Periwinkle or Vinca is an erect handsome herbaceous perennial plant which is a chief source of patented cancer and hypotensive drugs. It is one of the very few medicinal plants which has a long history of uses as diuretic, antidysenteric, haemorrhagic and antiseptic. It is known for use in the treatment of diabetes in Jamaica and India. The alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine present in the leaves are recognized as anticancerous drugs. Vinblastine in the form of vinblastin sulphate is available in market under the trade name “VELBE” and Vincristine sulphate as “ONCOVIN” (Eli Lilly). Vinblastine is used in combination with other anticancer agents for the treatment of lymphocytic lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, testicular carcinoma and choriocarcinoma. Vincristine is used in acute leukemia, lymphosarcoma and Wilm’s tumour. Its roots are a major source of the alkaloids, raubasine (ajmalicine), reserpine and serpentine used in the preparation of antifibrillic and hypertension-relieving drugs. It is useful in the treatment of choriocarcinoma and Hodgkin’s disease-a cancer affecting lymph glands, spleen and liver. Its leaves are used for curing diabetes, menorrhagia and wasp stings. Root is tonic, stomachic, hypotensive, sedative and tranquilliser (Narayana and Dimri,1990).

Distribution: The plant is a native of Madagascar and hence the name Madagascar Periwinkle. It is distributed in West Indies, Mozambique, South Vi etnam, Sri Lanka , Philippines and Australia. It is well adapted to diverse agroclimatic situations prevalent in India and is commercially cultivated in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. USA, Hungary, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands and UK are the major consumers.

Botany: Catharanthus roseus (Linn.) G.Don.

syn. Vinca rosea Linn. belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is an erect highly branched lactiferous perennial herb growing up to a height of one metre. Leaves are oblong or ovate, opposite, short-petioled, smooth with entire margin. Flowers are borne on axils in pairs. There are three flower colour types , pink, pink-eyed and white. Calyx with 5 sepal, green, linear, subulate. Corolla tube is cylindrical with 5 petals, rose-purple or white with rose-purple spot in the centre; throat of corolla tube hairy, forming a corona-like structure. The anthers are epipetalous borne on short filaments inside the bulging distal end of corolla tube converging conically above the stigma. Two characteristic secretary systems, namely a column like nectarium on both sides of pistil and a secretory cringulam circling the papillate stigma with a presumed role in pollination - fecundation process are present. Ovary bicarpellary, basally distinct with fused common style and stigma. The dehiscent fruit consists of a pair of follicles each measuring about 25 mm in length and 2.3 mm in diameter, containing up to thirty linearly arranged seeds with a thin black tegumen. On maturity, the follicles split along the length dehiscing the seeds.

Agrotechnology: Periwinkle grows well under tropical and subtropical climate. A well distributed rainfall of 1000 mm or more is ideal. In north India the low winter temperatures adversely affect the crop growth. It can grow on any type of soil ,except those which are highly saline, alkaline or waterlogged. Light soils, rich in humus are preferable for large scale cultivation since harvesting of the roots become easy.

Catharanthus is propagated by seeds. Fresh seeds should be used since they are short-viable. Seeds can be either sown directly in the field or in a nursery and then transplanted. Seed rate is 2.5 kg/ha for direct sowing and the seeds are drilled in rows 45 cm apart or broadcasted. For transplanted crop the seed rate is 500gm/ha. Seeds are sown in nursery and transplanted at 45x 30cm spacing after 60 days when the seedlings attain a height of 15-20cm Nursery is prepared two months in advance so that transplanting coincides with the on set of monsoons. Application of FYM at the rate of 15 t/ha is recommended. An alternate approach is to grow leguminous green manure crops and incorporate the same into the soil at flowering stage. Fertilisers are recommended at 80:40:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O/ha for irrigated crop and 60:30:30 kg/ha for rainfed crop. N is applied in three equal splits at planting and at 45 and 90 days after planting. 4 or 5 irrigations will be needed to optimise yield when rainfall is restricted. Fortnightly irrigations support good crop growth when the crop is grown exclusively as an irrigated crop. Weeding is carried out before each topdressing. Alternatively, use of fluchloraline at 0.75 kg a.i. /ha pre-plant or alachlor at 1.0 kg a.i. per ha as pre-emergence to weeds provides effective control of a wide range of weeds in periwinkle crop. Detopping of plants by 2cm at 50% flowering stage improves root yield and alkaloid contents. No major pests, other than Oleander hawk moth, have been reported in this crop. Fungal diseases like twig blight (top rot or dieback) caused by Phytophthora nicotianae., Pythium debaryanum, P. butleri and P. aphanidermatum; leaf spot due to Alternaria tenuissima, A. alternata, Rhizoctonia solani and Ophiobolus catharanthicola and foot-rot and wilt by Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium solani have been reported. However, the damage to the crop is not very serious. Three virus diseases causing different types of mosaic symptoms and a phyllody or little leaf disease due to mycoplasma -like organisms have also been reported; the spread of which could be checked by uprooting and destroying the affected plants.

The crop allows 3-4 clippings of foliage beginning from 6 months. The flowering stage is ideal for collection of roots with high alkaloid content. The crop is cut about 7 cm above the ground and dried for stem, leaf and seed. The field is irrigated, ploughed and roots are collected. The average yields of leaf, stem and root are 3.6, 1.5and 1.5 t/ha, respectively under irrigated conditions and 2.0, 1.0 and 0.75t/ha, respectively under rainfed conditions on air dry basis. The harvested stem and roots loose 80% and 70% of their weight, respectively. The crop comes up well as an undercrop in eucalyptus plantation in north India. In north western India a two year crop sequence of periwinkle-senna-mustard or periwinkle-senna- coriander are recommended for higher net returns and productivity (Krishnan,1995).

Properties and activity: More than 100 alkaloids and related compounds have so far been isolated and characterised from the plant. The alkaloid contents in different parts show large variations as roots 0.14-1.34%, stem 0.074-0.48%, leaves 0.32-1.16%, flowers 0.005-0.84%, fruits 0.40%, seeds 0.18% and pericarp 1.14% (Krishnan et al, 1983). These alkaloids includes monomeric indole alkaloids, 2-acyl indoles, oxindole, -methylene indolines, dihydroindoles, bisindole and others. Dry leaves contain vinblastine (vincaleucoblastine or VLB) 0.00013-0.00063%, and vincristine (leurocristine or LC) 0.0000003-0.0000153% which have anticancerous activity (Virmani et al, 1978). Other alkaloids reported are vincoside, isovincoside (strictosidine), catharanthine, vindolinine, lochrovicine, vincolidine, ajmalicine (raubasine), reserpine, serpentine, leurosine, lochnerine, tetrahydroalstonine, vindoline, pericalline, perivine, periformyline, perividine, carosine, leurosivine, leurosidine and rovidine. The different alkaloids possessed anticancerous, antidiabetic, diuretic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antidysenteric, haemorrhagic, antifibrillic, tonic, stomachic, sedative and tranquillising activities.... periwinkle

The time interval between exposure to an infectious agent (eg, bite) and appearance of the first sign or symptom of the disease in question.... incubation period

Acute or chronic in?ammation of the PERICARDIUM, the membranous sac that surrounds the HEART. It may occur on its own or as part of PANCARDITIS, when in?ammation also affects the MYOCARDIUM and ENDOCARDIUM (membranous lining of the inside of the heart). Various causes include virus infection, cancer and URAEMIA. (See also HEART, DISEASES OF.)... pericarditis

The smooth membrane that surrounds the HEART.... pericardium

A term applied to the period starting a few weeks before birth, the birth itself and the week or two following it.... perinatal

Popularly called the crotch, or crutch, this is the region situated between the opening of the bowel behind and of the genital organs in front. In women it becomes stretched in childbirth, and the vaginal opening may tear or need to be cut (see EPISIOTOMY) to facilitate delivery of the baby.... perineum

The membrane surrounding a BONE. The periosteum carries blood vessels and nerves for the nutrition and development of the bone. When it is irritated, an increased deposit of bone takes place beneath it; if it is destroyed, the bone may cease to grow and a portion may die and separate as a sequestrum.... periosteum

Periostitis means in?ammation on the surface of a BONE, affecting the PERIOSTEUM. (See BONE, DISORDERS OF.)... periostitis

See NERVOUS SYSTEM.... peripheral nervous system

The worm-like movement by which the stomach and bowels propel their contents. It consists of alternate waves of relaxation and contraction in successive parts of the intestinal tube. Any obstruction to the movement of the contents causes these contractions to become more forcible and are often accompanied by the severe form of pain known as COLIC.... peristalsis

The serous membrane of the abdominal cavity. The parietal peritoneum lines the walls of the abdomen and the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs. The two are continuous with one another at the back of the abdomen and form a complicated closed sac (see MESENTERY; OMENTUM). A small amount of ?uid is always present to lubricate the membrane, while a large amount collects in conditions associated with OEDEMA or in PERITONITIS.... peritoneum

The term applied to a collection of pus or an ABSCESS which occurs complicating an attack of TONSILLITIS. The collection of pus forms between the tonsil and the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx. This condition is also known as quinsy; treatment drainage of the abscess and the administration of appropriate antibiotics.... peritonsillar abscess

In?ammation of the PERITONEUM. It may be acute or chronic, localised or generally di?used, and its severity and danger may vary according to the cause.

Acute peritonitis generally arises because bacteria enter the peritoneal cavity, from penetrating wounds, e.g. stabs, from the exterior or from the abdominal organs. Hence conditions leading to perforation of the STOMACH, INTESTINE, BILE DUCT, URINARY BLADDER, and other hollow organs such as gastric ulcer (see STOMACH, DISEASES OF), typhoid fever (see ENTERIC FEVER), gall-stones (see under GALLBLADDER, DISEASES OF), rupture of the bladder, strangulated HERNIA, and obstructions of the bowels, may lead to peritonitis. Numerous bacteria may cause the in?ammation, most common being E. coli, streptococci and the gonococcus.

The symptoms usually begin with a RIGOR together with fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and tenderness. Shock develops and the abdominal wall becomes rigid. If untreated the patient usually dies. Urgent hospital admission is required. X-ray examination may show gas in the peritoneal cavity. Treatment consists of intravenous ?uids, antibiotics and surgical repair of the causative condition. Such treatment, together with strong analgesics is usually successful if started soon enough.... peritonitis

That period during the menstrual cycle (see MENSTRUATION) when fertilisation of the OVUM is unlikely to occur. OVULATION usually occurs about 15 days before the onset of the menstrual period. A woman is commonly believed to be fertile for about 11 days in each menstrual cycle – in other words, on the day of ovulation and for ?ve days before and ?ve days after this; this would be the eighth to the 18th day of the usual 28-day menstrual cycle. Outside this fertile period is the SAFE PERIOD: the ?rst week and the last ten days of the menstrual cycle. On the other hand, there is increasing evidence that the safest period is the last few days before menstruation. In the case of irregular menstruation it is not possible to calculate the safe period. In any event, the safety is not absolute. (See also CONTRACEPTION.)... safe period

The time between initiation of infection and the first shedding of the agent.... latent period

See POLYARTERITIS NODOSA.... periarteritis nodosa

In?ammation of CARTILAGE and the tissue surrounding it, usually as a result of chronic infection.... perichondritis

A localised in?ammation of the PERITONEUM surrounding the UTERUS.... perimetritis

A test of the visual ?elds of the EYE that assesses the extent of peripheral vision. The procedure does not normally form part of a routine test of vision but can be of value in assessing neurological diseases such as tumour of the brain.... perimetry

Recurrence at regular intervals of symptoms in malaria, characterised clinically by paroxysms and resulting from the invasion of the blood by new generations of parasites. Periodicity may be quotidian, tertian, quartan or double quartan according to the intervals between paroxysms.... periodicity

An adjective that relates to the tissues around the TEETH.... periodontal

See TEETH.... periodontal membrane

see PYORRHEA... periodontitis

The narrowing of the blood vessels in the legs and, less commonly, in the arms. Blood ?ow is restricted, with pain occurring in the affected area. If the blood supply is seriously reduced, GANGRENE of the tissues supplied by the affected vessel(s) may occur and the limb may need to be amputated. The common cause is ATHEROSCLEROSIS which may be brought on by HYPERTENSION, excessively fatty diet, poorly controlled DIABETES MELLITUS or smoking – the latter being the biggest risk factor, with 90 per cent of affected patients having been moderate to heavy smokers. Stopping smoking is essential; adequate exercise and a low-fat diet are important measures. Surgery may be required.... peripheral vascular disease

A haematoma under the skin around the anus.... perianal haematoma

An inherited condition causing recurrent bouts of fever. (See familial Mediterranean fever.)... periodic fever

Any disorder of the periodontium (the tissues that surround and support the teeth).... periodontal disease

See dialysis.... peritoneal dialysis

The time or times during which the infectious agent may be transferred directly or indirectlyfrom an infected person to another person, from an infected animal to human, or from an infected human to an animal, including arthropods. In diseases such as diphtheria and scarlet fever, in which mucous membranes are involved from the first entry of the pathogen, the period of communicability is from the date of first exposure to a source of infection until the infective microorganism is no longer disseminated from the involved mucous membranes, ie, from the period before the prodromata until termination of a carrier stage, if this develops. Most diseases are not communicable during the earlyincubation period or after full recovery. In diseases transmitted by arthropods, such as malaria and yellow fever, the periods of communicability are those during which the infectious agent occurs in infective form in the blood or other tissues of the infected person in sufficient numbers to permit vector infections. A period of communicability is also to be distinguished for the arthropod vector - namely, that time during which the agent is present in the tissues of the arthropod in such form and locus (infective stage) as to be transmissible.... communicable period

If you like herbal teas, there are lots of types you can try - one of them is periwinkle tea. Like most herbal teas, it has a slightly bitter taste, but it also has important health benefits. Read to find out more about periwinkle tea! About Periwinkle Tea Periwinkle tea is made from the vinca plant, an herbaceous plant which can be found in Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. Vinca plant has long, trailing stems that grow near the ground, touching it. The branches can reach about half a meter in height. The leaves are evergreen and, opposite, the flowers are salverform, with 5 vilet (and sometimes white) petals connected together at the base. Two species of the plant are often cultivated as ornamental plants. However, in some parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, it has spread too much, becoming an invasive plant. Interestingly, it is said that the plant protects you from voodoo magic. Periwinkle Tea constituents Vinca plants have lots of constituents which are transferred to periwinkle tea, as well. Periwinkle tea is rich in alkaloids that come from the vinca plant. It has at least 86 different alkaloids. Some of them are: vincamine, vinpocetine, vinblastine, vincristine, alstonine, ajmalicine, leurocristine, and reserpine. How to prepare Periwinkle Tea For a cup of periwinkle tea, you need a teaspoon of dried herbs. Pour boiling water into the cup and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Once the steeping time is done, strain to remove the herbs and your cup of periwinkle tea is done. If the taste is too bitter for you, you can sweeten the tea by adding honey or fruit juice to your cup. Periwinkle Tea Benefits Thanks to the many constituents derived from the vinca plant, periwinkle tea has lots of important health benefits. Periwinkle tea plays an important role in the fight against cancer. It is often recommended in the treatment for leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, malignant lymphomas, neuroblastoma, Wilm’s tumor and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Drinking periwinkle tea will help lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure, as well as improve blood circulation. You can drink periwinkle tea during menstruation if you’ve got an excessive blood flow. It should help in such situations. This tea is also useful in treating diarrhea, colitis and diabetes. You can use periwinkle tea to treat mouth sores and bleeding gums; it acts as a good mouth rinse. It can help you with headaches and memory loss problems and it enhances your memory. It also has calming effects, helping you with anxiety and nervousness. Periwinkle tea can be used topically, as well. You can wet a cloth with tea and use it to stop wounds from bleeding. You can also put it on the skin to treat wasp stings or on the eye if you’ve got an eye infection. Periwinkle Tea Side Effects With so many health benefits, periwinkle tea has to have a few side effects too. Here are some which you have to be careful with. If you’ve got kidney, liver or lung diseases, you should avoid drinking periwinkle tea. Also you should not drink it if you’ve got low blood pressure, or if you’re constipated. Pregnant women shouldn’t drinkperiwinkle tea, as it may lead to birth defects or even miscarriages. Also, it is best to stay away from this tea if you’re breast feeding; even in this case, it might affect the baby. It is best to stop drinking periwinkle tea before a surgery. It can lower blood pressure and it might lead to problems during and after the surgery. Check with your doctor and make sure you’re safe to drink periwinkle tea after a surgery. It is also recommended that you not drink more than 4 cups of periwinkle tea. Besides the usual symptoms (low blood pressure and constipation) you might also get other symptoms: headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. Drinking periwinkle tea can help you a lot, with its many health benefits. Don’t forget about the side effects, though. As long as you make sure it’s safe to drink periwinkle tea, you can happily drink it!... enjoy periwinkle tea

A period past the due date of an insurance premium, during which coverage may not be cancelled.... grace period

An abscess or pus pocket around the apex of the root of a tooth...sometimes called a gumboil... periapical abscess

(Lam.) Merill.

Family: Menispermaceae.

Habitat: Hill forests of Sikkim, Northern Bengal and Assam.

Folk: Baarak-kaant (Maharashtra), Goriaa-loti (Assam).

Action: Leaves—an infusion is used for asthma and high fever. Pounded leaves are applied in headache. The mucilage in water is used for arresting falling of hair.

The bark contains a non-toxic principle. The root is reported to contain a narcotic alkaloid.... pericampylus glaucus

(Arabic) One who is treasured... peridot

(Nees) Bremek.

Synonym: Strobilanthes auriculatus Nees.

Family: Acanthaceae.

Habitat: Upper Gangetic Plain, Madhya Pradesh.

Siddha/Tamil: Kurinji.

Folk: Pandadi (Gujarat).

Action: Pounded leaves—rubbed on body during the cold stage of intermittent fever.... perilepta auriculata

(Linn.) Britton.

Family: Labiatae; Lamiacae.

Habitat: Throughout the Himalayas up to an altitude of about 3,500 m, and in the hills of Assam.

English: Perilla, Wild Coleus.

Folk: Bhanjeer, Ban-tulasi, Ban- jiraa, Bhasindi.

Action: Herb—sedative, antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, resolvent.

P. frutescens var. crispa is used in mixtures prescribed for cough and lung affections.

Several chemotypes of Perilla have been detected. The Indian type is rich in rosefuran. Other components are perillene, perilla ketone, beta-caryo- phyllene, phellandrene and a few ses- quiterpenoids. Aerial parts gave ethyl linolenate, linolenic acid and beta- sitosterol. The leaves also gave an an- thocyanin, perillanin. The leaves and flowering tops yield essential oils containing perilla ketone as major com- ponent—94% in leaf oils and 47% in inflorescence oils at fruiting stage.

Perillaldehyde, a major component of the plant extract, inhibits (moderately) a broad range of both bacteria and fungi. The MeOH extract of var. acuta Kudo is reported to prolong hexobarbital-induced sleep in mice. Dillapiol has been isolated as the active principle from the methanolic extract.... perilla frutescens

Perinatal mortality consists of deaths of the FETUS after the 28th week of pregnancy and deaths of the newborn child during the ?rst week of life. Today, more individuals die within a few hours of birth than during the following 40 years. It is therefore not surprising that the perinatal mortality rate, which is the number of such deaths per 1,000 total births, is a valuable indicator of the quality of care provided for the mother and her newborn baby. In 2002, the perinatal mortality rate was 7.87 in the United Kingdom compared with 11.4 in 1982 – and over 30 in the early 1960s.

The causes of perinatal mortality include extreme prematurity, intrapartum anoxia (that is, di?culty in the birth of the baby, resulting in lack of oxygen), congenital abnormalities of the baby, and antepartum anoxia (that is, conditions in the terminal stages of pregnancy preventing the fetus from getting su?cient oxygen).

The most common cause of perinatal death is some complication of placenta, cord or membranes. The next most common is congenital abnormality. Intrauterine hypoxia and birth asphyxia comprise the third most common cause.... perinatal mortality

See MENSTRUATION.... period

A method of autologous blood TRANSFUSION – using a patient’s own blood, salvaged during a surgical operation – instead of conventional blood-bank transfusion.... perioperative cell salvage

At the edges, especially circulation or nerves. Peripheral functions are usually controlled and modified more by local conditions than systemic (central) controls.... peripheral

In?ammation of the nerves (see NERVE) in the outlying parts of the body. (See NEURITIS.)... peripheral neuritis

These have almost completely replaced BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT, used to treat malignancies such as LEUKAEMIA and LYMPHOMA for the past 20 years. The high doses of CHEMOTHERAPY or RADIOTHERAPY used to treat these diseases destroy the bone marrow which contains stem cells from which all the blood cells derive. In 1989 stem cells were found in the blood during recovery from chemotherapy. By giving growth factors (cytokines), the number of stem cells in the blood increased for about three to four days. In a peripheral-blood stem-cell transplant, these cells can be separated from the peripheral blood, without a general anaesthetic. The cells taken by either method are then frozen and returned intravenously after the chemotherapy or radiotherapy is completed. Once transplanted, the stem cells usually take less than three weeks to repopulate the blood, compared to a month or more for a bone marrow transplant. This means that there is less risk of infection or bleeding during the recovery from the transplant. The whole procedure has a mortality risk of less than 5 per cent – half the risk of a bone marrow transplant.... peripheral-blood stem-cell transplants

Decne.

Family: Asclepiadaceae; Periplo- caceae.

Habitat: Punjab and Rajasthan.

Folk: Barri (Punjab).

Action: Plant—stomachic; used in cerebral fever. Bark—purgative. Latex—used against tumours and swellings.

The leaves and stems contain 2.2% of resin alcohol, a bitter substance, tannin and small quantities of a glucosidal principle which produces first a decrease and then an increase in blood pressure. The bark contain 8% tannin.... periploca aphylla

Falc.

Family: Asclepiadaceae.

Habitat: The Himalayas, from Kashmir to Nepal and Meghalaya, ascending to 1,800 m.

Ayurvedic: Krishna Saarivaa (substitute). (Cryptolepis buchanani is equated with Krishna Saarivaa.)

Action: Used in place of Cryptolepis buchanani and Hemidesmus indicus for rheumatism, urinary and skin diseases.

The glycosides locin, plocin, ploci- nin, calocin, calocinin, as well as triter- penoids, have been reported from the twigs.... periploca calophylla

See LAPAROTOMY.... peritoneoscopy

Time of infection (bite) to the first finding of the organism (eg, malaria parasite) in the bloodstrea m, i.e. from the time of infection to time when first diagnostic stages can be detected.... prepatent period

Premonitory period; indicating the approach of a disease.... prodromal period

The increase of blood into the skin, resulting from the relaxation of the small arterioles that lead into the capillary beads at the edges of the body. This is a gentle way to lessen early high blood pressure, decreasing the difficulty of pushing columns of arterial blood through miles of capillaries.... vasodilation, peripheral

A rare, inherited condition that affects young people. Periodic paralysis is characterized by episodes of muscle weakness, which vary in frequency from daily to every few years and last from a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases, there is a drop in the potassium levels in the blood; in others, the levels rise. A carbohydraterich meal may trigger an attack. The condition often clears up without treatment by age 40.... paralysis, periodic

Nees.

Family: Acanthaceae.

Habitat: Distributed throughout India.

Ayurvedic: Nadikaantaa, Praachibalaa, Sulomshaa, Kaakatik- ta, Kaakajanghaa. (Aatarilaal is a wrong synonym. It is equated with Anthriscus cerefolium Hoffm., used in Unani medicine.)

Siddha/Tamil: Chebisa.

Action: Plant—febrifuge. The essential oil shows tuberculostatic activity in vitro. It inhibits the growth of various strains of Mycobaterium tuberculosis.

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the dried root in insomnia and for fear-psychosis in children.

Dosage: Root—1-5 g powder. (API, Vol III.)... peristrophe bicalyculata

A branch of obstetrics and paediatrics concerned with the study and care of the mother and baby during pregnancy and just after birth.... perinatology

See menstruation.... period, menstrual

The branch of dentistry concerned with periodontal disease.... periodontics

See dysmenorrhoea.... period pain

see perimeter.... automated perimeter

a well-recognized period just after the diagnosis of type 1 *diabetes mellitus when only very low insulin doses are required to control the condition. It lasts from months to a few years but inevitably ends, when dose requirements will increase quite quickly.... diabetic honeymoon period

the instillation of saline directly into the abdominal cavity and its subsequent aspiration a few minutes later. If the fluid is bloodstained on recovery an intra-abdominal haemorrhage is indicated. This is a useful diagnostic tool in trauma patients.... diagnostic peritoneal lavage

a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and inflammation in the absence of infection. They include familial Mediterranean fever (see polyserositis), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), and the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). Causative gene mutations have been identified.... hereditary periodic fever syndromes

n. inflammation of tissues surrounding a gland.... periadenitis

adj. around an apex, particularly the apex of a tooth. The term is applied to bone surrounding the apex and to X-ray views of this area.... periapical

the recognized period, either just before or just after a full *cardiac arrest, when the patient’s condition is very unstable and care must be taken to prevent progression or regression into a full cardiac arrest.... peri-arrest period

n. inflammation of tissues around a joint capsule, including tendons and *bursae. Chronic periarthritis, which may be spontaneous or follow injury, is a common cause of pain and stiffness of the shoulder; it usually responds to local steroid injections or physiotherapy.... periarthritis

adj. around a joint, including the joint margins and surrounding area immediately adjacent to the joint capsule. The term is commonly used to specify fractures, tumours, and types of internal fixation devices. See also extra-articular; intra-articular.... periarticular

adj. (in ophthalmology) denoting the area around the eyeball.... peribulbar

(pericardio-) combining form denoting the pericardium.... pericard

(pericardectomy) n. surgical removal of the membranous sac surrounding the heart (pericardium). It is used in the treatment of chronic constrictive pericarditis and chronic pericardial effusion (see pericarditis).... pericardiectomy

n. removal of excess fluid from within the sac (pericardium) surrounding the heart by means of needle *aspiration. See pericarditis; hydropericardium.... pericardiocentesis

n. the surgical separation of *adhesions between the heart and surrounding structures within the ribcage (adherent pericardium). The operation has now fallen into disuse.... pericardiolysis

n. the repair of wounds in the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium), such as those due to injury or surgery.... pericardiorrhaphy

n. an operation in which the membranous sac around the heart is opened and the fluid within drained via a tube. It is sometimes used in the treatment of septic pericarditis.... pericardiostomy

(pericardotomy) n. surgical opening or puncture of the membranous sac (pericardium) around the heart. It is required to gain access to the heart in heart surgery and to remove excess fluid from within the pericardium.... pericardiotomy

n. see pericardiotomy.... pericardotomy

n. the dense layer of fibrous connective tissue that covers the surface of *cartilage.... perichondrium

n. inflammation of the gingivae around the crown of a tooth, particularly a partially erupted third molar.... pericoronitis

n. the *periosteum of the skull.... pericranium

n. inflammation in the tissues around the bladder, causing pain in the pelvis, fever, and symptoms of *cystitis. It usually results from infection in the Fallopian tubes or uterus, but can occasionally arise from severe infection in a *diverticulum of the bladder itself. Treatment of pericystitis is directed to the underlying cause and usually involves antibiotic therapy. Pericystitis associated with a pelvic abscess clears when the abscess is surgically drained.... pericystitis

n. see epitrichium.... periderm

n. inflammation of the membrane covering the liver (capsule). It is usually associated with abnormalities of the liver (including liver abscess, cirrhosis, tuberculosis) or chronic peritonitis.... perihepatitis

n. see cell body.... perikaryon

n. the fluid between the bony and membranous *labyrinths of the ear.... perilymph

n. the period of time around the *menopause in which marked changes in the menstrual cycle occur, usually accompanied by hot flushes, and in which no 12 consecutive months of *amenorrhoea have yet occurred.... perimenopause

n. the *peritoneum of the uterus.... perimetrium

n. the fibrous sheath that surrounds each bundle of *muscle fibres.... perimysium

n. an instrument for mapping the extent of the *visual field. The patient fixes his or her gaze on a target in the centre of the inner surface of the hemisphere. Objects are presented on this surface and the patient says if they can be seen. The area of the visual field can be defined and any gaps in the field can be detected. There are several types of perimeter. In the static perimeter the movable object is replaced by a system of tiny lights that can be flashed briefly. A patient with a field defect will fail to see the lights that flash in the area of the defect. Modern visual field testing uses computer-assisted automated perimeters to map out and analyse visual fields and thus detect very subtle field defects (computerized perimetry). Automated perimeters are commonly used in the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. —perimetry n.... perimeter

(PNM) the total number of babies born dead after 24 weeks gestation (*stillbirths) and of live-born babies that die in the first week of life, regardless of gestational age at birth (early neonatal deaths), per 1000 live births and stillbirths. See infant mortality rate. See also confidential enquiries.... perinatal mortality rate

abnormal bulging down of the *perineum as a result of weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. It often accompanies problems with defecation and micturition.... perineal descent

see perineorrhaphy.... perineal repair

(perineal trauma) an injury to the perineum, which may be sustained during childbirth. Perineal tears can be classified by degree. First-degree tears involve the perineal skin and vaginal mucosa only. Second-degree tears involve the perineal muscles but not the anal sphincter. Third-degree tears involve the anal sphincter complex: the external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS). These are subclassified as 3a (less than 50% of EAS thickness torn), 3b (more than 50% of EAS thickness torn), and 3c (IAS torn). Fourth-degree tears involve the anal sphincter complex (EAS and IAS) and the anal epithelium or rectal mucosa. It is vitally important that these injuries are recognized and repaired by competent personnel. See also obstetric anal sphincter injury.... perineal tear

n. an operation designed to enlarge the vaginal opening by incising the hymen and part of the perineum (Fenton’s operation).... perineoplasty

n. the surgical repair of a damaged perineum. The damage is usually the result of a tear in the perineum sustained during childbirth (see perineal tear).... perineorrhaphy

a collection of pus around the kidney, usually secondary to *pyonephrosis but also resulting from spread of infection from other sites. It is more likely to occur in individuals who are immunosuppressed or have diabetes mellitus. Percutaneous or open surgical drainage are usually necessary but occasionally nephrectomy may be needed if the kidney is severely infected.... perinephric abscess

n. inflammation of the tissues around the kidney. This is usually due to spread of infection from the kidney itself (see pyelonephritis; pyonephrosis). The patient has pain in the loins, fever, and fits of shivering. Prompt treatment of the underlying renal infection is required to prevent progression to an abscess.... perinephritis

n. the sheath of connective tissue that surrounds individual bundles (fascicles) of nerve fibres within a large *nerve.... perineurium

adj. adjacent to the eyeball.... periocular

(PAS reaction) a test for the presence of glycoproteins, polysaccharides, certain mucopolysaccharides, glycolipids, and certain fatty acids in tissue sections. The tissue is treated with periodic acid, followed by *Schiff’s reagent. A positive reaction is the development of a red or magenta coloration.... periodic acid–schiff reaction

a localized abscess that arises in the periodontal tissues and is usually an acute manifestation of periodontal disease. It appears as a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum but not around the apex of the tooth.... periodontal abscess

a space between the gingival tissues and tooth occurring in periodontitis. See periodontal disease.... periodontal pocket

n. the tissues that support and attach the teeth to the jaw: the gums (see gingiva), *periodontal membrane, alveolar bone, and *cementum.... periodontium

n. the branch of dentistry concerned with the tissues that support and attach the teeth and the prevention and treatment of *periodontal disease.... periodontology

adj. denoting the period that extends from the day before to the first few days after surgery, during which drugs (e.g. analgesics, antibiotics, anticoagulants) may need to be administered and *vital signs are monitored.... perioperative

adj. 1. around the eye socket (*orbit). 2. relating to the periosteum within the orbit.... periorbital

n. a sharp instrument used in dental extractions. It is used to sever the periodontal ligament, thereby enabling an atraumatic extraction with minimal damage to the bony and soft tissue architecture.... periotome

(polyneuropathy, peripheral neuritis) any of a group of disorders affecting the sensory and/or motor nerves in the peripheral nervous system. They tend to start distally, in the fingers and toes, and progress proximally. Symptoms include pins and needles, stabbing pains and a numbness on the sensory side, and weakness of the muscles. The most common causes of peripheral neuropathy are diabetes, alcohol, certain drugs, and such infections as HIV; genetic causes of peripheral neuropathy include amyloidosis and *Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The diagnosis may be established by neurophysiological tests, blood tests, and occasionally a nerve biopsy.... peripheral neuropathy

(PPN) the delivery of nutrients directly into a peripheral vein (in the arm). Feed solutions must have a low *osmolality (<1200 mOsm/l), and PPN can be given only for a short period (less than four weeks). There is a risk of *phlebitis. See artificial nutrition and hydration; total parenteral nutrition.... peripheral parenteral nutrition

n. inflammation of the tissues around a vein: seen as an extension of *phlebitis.... periphlebitis

n. inflammation of the peritoneal membrane on the outer surface of a Fallopian tube.... perisalpingitis

n. inflammation of the external coverings of the spleen.... perisplenitis

n. the fibrous covering of a tendon.... peritendineum

n. see tenosynovitis.... peritendinitis

n. an eye operation in which an incision of the conjunctiva is made in a complete circle around the cornea.... peritomy

n. see laparoscope.... peritoneoscope

adj. describing bacteria in which the flagella cover the entire cell surface.... peritrichous

n. Archaic. inflammation of the tissues around the caecum.... perityphlitis

n. inflammation of the tissues around a ureter. This is usually associated with inflammation of the ureter itself (*ureteritis) often behind an obstruction caused by a stone or stricture. Treatment is directed to relieving any obstruction of the ureter and controlling the infection with antibiotics.... periureteritis

the injection of a bulking agent (e.g. collagen) into the tissues around the urethra, used for the treatment of urodynamic stress *incontinence. Such injections have a low morbidity and are easy to administer, and results are better in women with good bladder-neck support but poor urethral function. The short-term success rates of these procedures are reasonable, but long-term success rates are poor.... periurethral injection

see Virchow–Robin spaces.... perivascular spaces

(PVH) a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in infants who are born prematurely in which bleeding occurs from fragile blood vessels around the *ventricles in the brain. Bleeding extending into the lateral ventricles is termed intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and in severe cases can extend into the brain tissue (cerebral parenchyma). Surviving infants may have long-term neurological deficits, such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, or seizures.... periventricular haemorrhage

(PVL) softening of white matter around the ventricles of the brain in preterm infants due to a decreased blood supply to the brain, usually associated with *hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Diagnosis is by ultrasound, which shows increased density and, later, cysts in the periventricular area. The brain damage can cause visual impairment and cerebral palsy.... periventricular leucomalacia

(in neurology) the time of recovery needed for a nerve cell that has just transmitted a nerve impulse or for a muscle fibre that has just contracted. During the refractory period a normal stimulus will not bring about excitation of the cell, which is undergoing *repolarization.... refractory period

a condition in which attacks of sudden weakness and flaccidity occur in patients with *thyrotoxicosis, seen most often in males of Asian descent. The attacks last from hours to days; they can be prevented by potassium supplements and subsequent treatment of the thyrotoxicosis.... thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

(SBP) the presence of infection in the abdominal cavity without an obvious cause (see peritonitis). SBP occurs in patients with liver disease (and occasionally in those with nephrotic syndrome) due to *portal hypertension. This leads to the build-up of large volumes of peritoneal fluid (*ascites) in which infection takes hold and propagates. Patients experience fever, nausea, abdominal pain, further accumulation of ascites, and they may develop *hepatic encephalopathy with rapid deterioration. Diagnosis is made by *paracentesis culture of the ascitic fluid to confirm the presence of bacteria. Treatment includes antibiotics.... spontaneous bacterial peritonitis