Betamethasone - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

BETAMETHASONE A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES J AMES...

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BETAMETHASONE A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES

J AMES N. P ARKER , M.D. AND P HILIP M. P ARKER , P H .D., E DITORS

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ICON Health Publications ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Last digit indicates print number: 10 9 8 7 6 4 5 3 2 1

Publisher, Health Care: Philip Parker, Ph.D. Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. Publisher's note: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. As new medical or scientific information becomes available from academic and clinical research, recommended treatments and drug therapies may undergo changes. The authors, editors, and publisher have attempted to make the information in this book up to date and accurate in accord with accepted standards at the time of publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for consequences from application of the book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to the contents of this book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in each situation. The reader is advised to always check product information (package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage and contraindications before prescribing any drug or pharmacological product. Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, alternative therapies, complementary therapies and medicines, and integrative medical treatments. Cataloging-in-Publication Data Parker, James N., 1961Parker, Philip M., 1960Betamethasone: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References / James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors p. cm. Includes bibliographical references, glossary, and index. ISBN: 0-497-00135-7 1. Betamethasone-Popular works. I. Title.

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Disclaimer This publication is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher, editors, and authors are not engaging in the rendering of medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. References to any entity, product, service, or source of information that may be contained in this publication should not be considered an endorsement, either direct or implied, by the publisher, editors, or authors. ICON Group International, Inc., the editors, and the authors are not responsible for the content of any Web pages or publications referenced in this publication.

Copyright Notice If a physician wishes to copy limited passages from this book for patient use, this right is automatically granted without written permission from ICON Group International, Inc. (ICON Group). However, all of ICON Group publications have copyrights. With exception to the above, copying our publications in whole or in part, for whatever reason, is a violation of copyright laws and can lead to penalties and fines. Should you want to copy tables, graphs, or other materials, please contact us to request permission (E-mail: [email protected]). ICON Group often grants permission for very limited reproduction of our publications for internal use, press releases, and academic research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group International, Inc. The disclaimer above must accompany all reproductions, in whole or in part, of this book.

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Acknowledgements The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in various references has been critical in the creation of this book which is best viewed as a comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official agencies which produce publications on betamethasone. Books in this series draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this book. Some of the work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to Tiffany Freeman for her excellent editorial support.

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About the Editors James N. Parker, M.D. Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for health books by ICON Health Publications. Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for ICON Health Publications.

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About ICON Health Publications To discover more about ICON Health Publications, simply check with your preferred online booksellers, including Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com which currently carry all of our titles. Or, feel free to contact us directly for bulk purchases or institutional discounts: ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Fourth Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Fax: 858-546-4341 Web site: www.icongrouponline.com/health

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Table of Contents FORWARD .......................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON BETAMETHASONE ..................................................................................... 3 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 Federally Funded Research on Betamethasone............................................................................... 4 E-Journals: PubMed Central ......................................................................................................... 7 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed .................................................................................. 7 CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND BETAMETHASONE ........................................................................... 53 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 53 Finding Nutrition Studies on Betamethasone ............................................................................. 53 Federal Resources on Nutrition ................................................................................................... 54 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 55 CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND BETAMETHASONE ..................................................... 57 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 57 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.................................................. 57 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 60 General References ....................................................................................................................... 61 CHAPTER 4. PATENTS ON BETAMETHASONE.................................................................................. 63 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 63 Patents on Betamethasone............................................................................................................ 63 Patent Applications on Betamethasone........................................................................................ 71 Keeping Current .......................................................................................................................... 72 CHAPTER 5. BOOKS ON BETAMETHASONE ..................................................................................... 73 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 73 The National Library of Medicine Book Index ............................................................................. 73 CHAPTER 6. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON BETAMETHASONE........................................................ 75 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 75 News Services and Press Releases................................................................................................ 75 Academic Periodicals covering Betamethasone ............................................................................ 76 CHAPTER 7. RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS .................................................................................... 79 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 79 U.S. Pharmacopeia....................................................................................................................... 79 Commercial Databases ................................................................................................................. 81 APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 85 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 85 NIH Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 85 NIH Databases............................................................................................................................. 87 Other Commercial Databases....................................................................................................... 89 APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 91 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 91 Patient Guideline Sources............................................................................................................ 91 Finding Associations.................................................................................................................... 93 APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES .................................................................................. 95 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 95 Preparation................................................................................................................................... 95 Finding a Local Medical Library.................................................................................................. 95 Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada ................................................................................... 95 ONLINE GLOSSARIES................................................................................................................ 101 Online Dictionary Directories ................................................................................................... 101

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BETAMETHASONE DICTIONARY.......................................................................................... 103 INDEX .............................................................................................................................................. 151

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FORWARD In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."1 Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with betamethasone is indexed in search engines, such as www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to know as much as possible about betamethasone, using the most advanced research tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. In addition to offering a structured and comprehensive bibliography, the pages that follow will tell you where and how to find reliable information covering virtually all topics related to betamethasone, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. Public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research studies are emphasized. Various abstracts are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on betamethasone. Abundant guidance is given on how to obtain free-of-charge primary research results via the Internet. While this book focuses on the field of medicine, when some sources provide access to non-medical information relating to betamethasone, these are noted in the text. E-book and electronic versions of this book are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). If you are using the hard copy version of this book, you can access a cited Web site by typing the provided Web address directly into your Internet browser. You may find it useful to refer to synonyms or related terms when accessing these Internet databases. NOTE: At the time of publication, the Web addresses were functional. However, some links may fail due to URL address changes, which is a common occurrence on the Internet. For readers unfamiliar with the Internet, detailed instructions are offered on how to access electronic resources. For readers unfamiliar with medical terminology, a comprehensive glossary is provided. For readers without access to Internet resources, a directory of medical libraries, that have or can locate references cited here, is given. We hope these resources will prove useful to the widest possible audience seeking information on betamethasone. The Editors

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From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ten-things-to-know.

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CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON BETAMETHASONE Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on betamethasone.

The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and betamethasone, you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” We recommend that you type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is what you can expect from this type of search: •

Severe Oral Manifestations of Chronic Graft-Vs.-Host Disease Source: JADA. Journal of the American Dental Association. 132(8): 1124-1127. August 2001. Contact: Available from American Dental Association. ADA Publishing Co, Inc., 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 440-2867. Website: www.ada.org. Summary: Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the main cause of morbidity (complications or illness) in patients who have received bone marrow transplants. Chronic GVHD is that which occurs 100 days or more after the transplant procedure and may take the form of various oral manifestations. This article reports the case of a 23 year old women who received an allogeneic (matched) bone marrow transplant. Although prophylactic (preventive) therapy was provided, the patient developed

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chronic GVHD. Appropriate therapy was initiated, and it received a good clinical response at all sites affected by the GVHD, except in the oral cavity. The patient received complete symptomatic relief through revised systemic therapy (mycophenolate mofetil), improved oral hygiene (a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for people with xerostomia, or dry mouth), use of topical medications (mouthwash with calcium and antibacterial enzymes, and mouthrinses with lidocaine and betamethasone for pain), and a monitored diet. At a follow up appointment 15 months later, the patient had no relapse of intraoral lesions. The authors conclude that effective intervention by dentists is an important part of increasing treatment effectiveness and improving quality of life in patients who receive bone marrow transplants. 3 figures. 19 references.

Federally Funded Research on Betamethasone The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to betamethasone. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health.2 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions. Search the CRISP Web site at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/crisp_query.generate_screen. You will have the option to perform targeted searches by various criteria, including geography, date, and topics related to betamethasone. For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally funded studies use animals or simulated models to explore betamethasone. The following is typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for betamethasone: •

Project Title: EFFECTS OF ANTENATAL BETAMETHASONE ON NEONATAL ADRENAL FUNCTION Principal Investigator & Institution: Davies, Jill K.; University of Colorado Hlth Sciences Ctr P.O. Box 6508, Grants and Contracts Aurora, Co 800450508 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002 Summary: This abstract is not available. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: GLUCOCORTICOID PROGRAMMING OF THE PITUITARYADRENAL AXIS Principal Investigator & Institution: Nathanielsz, Peter W.; Professor, Director; Obstetrics and Gynecology; New York University School of Medicine 550 1St Ave New York, Ny 10016 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2001; Project End 31-AUG-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant) Studies in precocial and altricial rodents and sheep from our own and other laboratories throughout the world provide compelling evidence

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Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH).

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that fetal exposure to inappropriate amounts of glucocorticoid (GO) has profound effects on fetal growth, placental CRH production, fetal and post-natal brain and hippocampal-hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HHPAA) function and neuronal protein concentrations. Depending on the nature and timing of prenatal challenges, postnatal HHPAA activity increases or decreases. Experimental outcomes resemble altered HHPAA activity observed in human conditions such as depression and anxiety. Overall Hypothesis: Our overall general hypothesis is that exposure of the fetal baboon at the equivalent of 24-25 weeks human gestation to inappropriate amounts of GC (multiple course betamethasone (betaM) administration equivalent to that administered to pregnant women in premature labor) will alter the program and trajectory of fetal development. Specific hypotheses: Exposure of the fetal baboon to inappropriate amounts of GC will: 1) result in fetal intrauterine growth retardation characterized by low fetal and placental weight; 2) increase placental 11 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (11BHSD) function and CRH production, 3) reset fetal HHPAA function and decrease critical, neuronal proteins in the fetal brain; 4) result in long term programming effects. For Specific Aim 4 in year 1 we will treat 16 pregnant baboons with BM and 16 with vehicle and allowed them to deliver. These animals will be 4 years old and post-pubertal when the current period of requested funding ends. We will then be in a position to propose studies on them as a follow up RO1. Approach: The proposed work begins a series of studies on GC programming of fetal development in nonhuman primates. We will combine state-of-the-art techniques from whole animal to gene function to examine effects of clinically relevant GO exposure in final two thirds of pregnancy on 1) fetal and placental growth; 2) placental 11BHSD 1 and 2 message, protein and activity; 3) brain and HHPAA structure and function, especially GR and neuronal proteins. The significance of the proposed studies lies in information they will provide relevant to the fetal origin of adult disease, specifically resetting of critical HHPAA function by GO. The data address both steroid administration in clinical management and effects of increased GC in maternal stress on the fetus. The work addresses current concepts of the fetal origins of adult disease, known as the "Barker Hypothesis." These studies will improve understanding of how GO affects central features of fetal development. The proposal also involves preparation for follow up studies in nonhuman primates allowed to survive into adult life. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: PLACENTAL MATRIX PROTEINS AND IUGR Principal Investigator & Institution: Guller, Seth; Assistant Professor; Obstetrics and Gynecology; New York University School of Medicine 550 1St Ave New York, Ny 10016 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 05-APR-1995; Project End 30-JUN-2007 Summary: (provided by applicant): For the last several years, our laboratory has investigated the role of glucocorticoid (GC) in the periparturitional regulation of ECM proteins in the placenta and fetal membranes in humans and non-human primates. In this application, we test a novel action of GC, its role in promoting placental damage in pregnancies associated with intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia (IUGR/PE). Based on our preliminary results, we hypothesize that GC, induced in response to fetal stress, promotes an antifibrinolytic/promatrix placental state by pathologically enhancing the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-i (PAl- 1) in syncytiotrophoblasts (SYNCTs) and ECM proteins in placental mesenchymal cells (PMCs). We postulate that this hypermatrix state in placenta reduces the flow of nutrients between mother and fetus and compromises fetal well-being. To test this hypothesis we will: 1) use primary cultures of SYNCTs to examine the effect of GC

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treatment on the stability of PAl-1 mRNA and the expression of proteins that bind to the 3'-untranslated region of the PAl- 1 gene and alter mRNA stability; 2) use run-on and zymographic assays to evaluate the mechanism of GC-mediated over-expression of basal laminar and interstitial ECM proteins in primary cultures of PMCs; 3) determine whether fibrinolytic parameters and levels of ECM proteins are coordinately altered in IUGR/PE placentas compared to controls matched for gestational age; 4) use an in vivo baboon model to determine whether a single or a triple dose of betamethasone (BM) alters placental gene expression in a manner that mimics the anti-fibrinolytic/promatrix state that is observed in pregnancies associated with IUGR/PE. These studies will shed light on the mechanism through which fetal stress alters placental gene expression in pregnancies with IUGR/PE. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: PRENATAL GLUCOCORTICOID AND POSTNATAL BLOOD PRESSURE Principal Investigator & Institution: Figueroa, Jorge P.; Professor; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Wake Forest University Health Sciences Winston-Salem, Nc 27157 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-DEC-2001; Project End 30-NOV-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): During development, glucocorticoids (GC) are essential for organ maturation, particularly the fetal lung. In 1994 an NIH consensus panel recommended the use of glucocorticoids for enhancing fetal lung maturation in pregnancies threatened by premature labor between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. As a consequence, the use of GC given as single or multiple doses has increased from 15 percent to more than 50 percent in such pregnancies. The possibility that GC may have adverse effects has prompted the questioning of the growing use of GC in the perinatal period. Our working hypothesis is that maternal GC therapy to promote fetal lung maturation has a fetal programming effect on the kidney that will appear as hypertension later in life. Specifically, our hypotheses are: 1) Antenatal administration of synthetic GC predisposes the individual to hypertension in adult life; 2) Exposure to synthetic GC, at critical periods during fetal life, disrupts nephrogenesis resulting in kidneys with a reduced number of nephrons; 3) Synthetic GC disrupts nephrogenesis by downregulating the fetal ReninAngiotensin-System (RAS); 4) The intrarenal mechanism involved in the effects of synthetic GC on the fetal RAS includes inhibition of COX-2 and Type I NOS in macula densa and the downregulation of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors in renal tissue; 5) Reduction in nephron number during fetal life results in hypertension during adulthood. We will test these hypotheses by administering single or multiple clinically relevant doses of betamethasone to pregnant sheep at a gestational age equivalent to that used in clinical practice (0.6 of gestation). To specifically test whether reducing nephron mass at this specific stage of development produces hypertension in adults, we will perform fetal unilateral nephrectomy at 0.6 of gestation and monitor blood pressure and renal function at selected intervals after birth until adulthood. In addition, using molecular biology tools we will study potential mechanisms by which GC may alter fetal kidney development. Specifically, we will study the expression of the RAS system and of two important regulators of this system during fetal development, i.e., Type I NOS and PGHS-2. These data will provide important information on the potential impact of prenatal GC administration on blood pressure in adult life and the mechanism by which GC exerts this effect. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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E-Journals: PubMed Central3 PubMed Central (PMC) is a digital archive of life sciences journal literature developed and managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).4 Access to this growing archive of e-journals is free and unrestricted.5 To search, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Pmc, and type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box. This search gives you access to full-text articles. The following is a sample of items found for betamethasone in the PubMed Central database: •

A randomized, placebo controlled, trial of preoperative sustained release Betamethasone plus non-controlled intraoperative Ketorolac or Fentanyl on pain after diagnostic laparoscopy or laparoscopic tubal ligation [ISRCTN52633712]. by Bagley WP, Smith AA, Hebert JD, Snider CC, Sega GA, Piller MD, Carney PC, Carroll RC.; 2003; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=194702

The National Library of Medicine: PubMed One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine.6 The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater number of domestic and foreign references. It is also free to use. If the publisher has a Web site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with betamethasone, simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for betamethasone (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): •

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A case of cutaneous delayed-type allergy to oral dexamethasone and to betamethasone. Author(s): Nucera E, Buonomo A, Pollastrini E, De Pasquale T, Del Ninno M, Roncallo C, Schiavino D, Patriarca G. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2002; 204(3): 248-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12037457

Adapted from the National Library of Medicine: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/about/intro.html.

With PubMed Central, NCBI is taking the lead in preservation and maintenance of open access to electronic literature, just as NLM has done for decades with printed biomedical literature. PubMed Central aims to become a world-class library of the digital age. 5 The value of PubMed Central, in addition to its role as an archive, lies in the availability of data from diverse sources stored in a common format in a single repository. Many journals already have online publishing operations, and there is a growing tendency to publish material online only, to the exclusion of print. 6 PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.

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A comparative trial between diclofenac-gentamicin and betamethasone-neomycin drops in patients undergoing cataract extraction. Author(s): Suharwardy J, Ling C, Bell JA, Munton CG. Source: Eye (London, England). 1994; 8 ( Pt 5): 550-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7835452

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A comparative, multicenter, double blind trial of 0.05% halobetasol propionate ointment and 0.1% betamethasone valerate ointment in the treatment of patients with chronic, localized plaque psoriasis. Author(s): Blum G, Yawalkar S. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1991 December; 25(6 Pt 2): 1153-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1757607

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A comparison of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005%, and betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate ointment, 0.05%, in the treatment of eczema. Author(s): Delescluse J, van der Endt JD. Source: Cutis; Cutaneous Medicine for the Practitioner. 1996 February; 57(2 Suppl): 32-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8646867

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A controlled clinical trial of a new formulation of betamethasone dipropionate cream in once-daily treatment of psoriasis. Author(s): Ellis CN, Katz HI, Rex IH Jr, Shavin JS, Van Scott EJ, VanderPloeg D. Source: Clinical Therapeutics. 1989 November-December; 11(6): 768-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2692821

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A controlled trial of beclomethasone versus betamethasone enemas in distal ulcerative colitis. Author(s): Halpern Z, Sold O, Baratz M, Konikoff F, Halak A, Gilat T. Source: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 1991 February; 13(1): 38-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2007742

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A double-blind, multicenter comparison between 0.05% halobetasol propionate ointment and 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate ointment in chronic plaque psoriasis. Author(s): Mensing H, Korsukewitz G, Yawalkar S. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1991 December; 25(6 Pt 2): 1149-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1757606

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A new calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate formulation (Daivobet) is an effective once-daily treatment for psoriasis vulgaris. Author(s): Kaufmann R, Bibby AJ, Bissonnette R, Cambazard F, Chu AC, Decroix J, Douglas WS, Lowson D, Mascaro JM, Murphy GM, Stymne B. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2002; 205(4): 389-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12444337

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A new calcipotriol/betamethasone formulation with rapid onset of action was superior to monotherapy with betamethasone dipropionate or calcipotriol in psoriasis vulgaris. Author(s): Douglas WS, Poulin Y, Decroix J, Ortonne JP, Mrowietz U, Gulliver W, Krogstad AL, Larsen FG, Iglesias L, Buckley C, Bibby AJ. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2002; 82(2): 131-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12125943

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A prospective, randomized trial comparing the efficacy of dexamethasone and betamethasone for the treatment of antepartum HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome. Author(s): Isler CM, Barrilleaux PS, Magann EF, Bass JD, Martin JN Jr. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2001 June; 184(7): 1332-7; Discussion 1337-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11408849

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A randomised controlled comparison of betamethasone with dexamethasone: effects on the antenatal fetal heart rate. Author(s): Magee LA, Dawes GS, Moulden M, Redman CW. Source: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1997 November; 104(11): 1233-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9386022

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A randomized double-blind study to compare the effects of nasal fluticasone and betamethasone on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and bone turnover in patients with nasal polyposis. Author(s): Fowler PD, Gazis AG, Page SR, Jones NS. Source: Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences. 2002 December; 27(6): 489-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12472517

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A randomized, controlled trial of antepartum thyrotropin-releasing hormone and betamethasone in the prevention of respiratory disease in preterm infants. Author(s): Knight DB, Liggins GC, Wealthall SR. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1994 July; 171(1): 11-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8030684

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Betamethasone

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A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of betamethasone for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. Author(s): Garite TJ, Rumney PJ, Briggs GG, Harding JA, Nageotte MP, Towers CV, Freeman RK. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1992 February; 166(2): 646-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1536246

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A single therapeutic treatment with betamethasone is detectable in hair. Author(s): Raul JS, Cirimele V, Ludes B, Kintz P. Source: Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2002 November-December; 26(8): 582-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12501917

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Absence of significant hemodynamic changes in the fetus following maternal betamethasone administration. Author(s): Meizner I, Katz M. Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1997 September; 10(3): 223-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9339535

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Absence of significant hemodynamic changes in the fetus following maternal betamethasone administration. Author(s): Cohlen BJ, Stigter RH, Derks JB, Mulder EJ, Visser GH. Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1996 October; 8(4): 252-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8916378

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Abuse of betamethasone drops. Author(s): Chetan R, Ramesh S, Ramana AV, Indirabai K. Source: Indian Pediatrics. 1991 September; 28(9): 1083-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1802851

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Acyclovir ointment plus topical betamethasone or placebo in first episode disciform keratitis. Author(s): Power WJ, Hillery MP, Benedict-Smith A, Collum LM. Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology. 1992 December; 76(12): 711-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1486070

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Adrenal suppression induced by betamethasone in women at risk for premature delivery. Author(s): Helal KJ, Gordon MC, Lightner CR, Barth WH Jr. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2000 August; 96(2): 287-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10908779

Studies

11

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Adrenal suppression with intranasal betamethasone drops. Author(s): Flynn MD, Beasley P, Tooke JE. Source: The Journal of Laryngology and Otology. 1992 September; 106(9): 827-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1431525

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Allergic contact dermatitis from betamethasone valerate in Japan. Author(s): Tajima M, Murata T, Suzuki Y, Tanikawa A, Amagai M, Tanaka M. Source: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2001 March; 26(2): 220-1. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11345071

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Altered immune function in human newborns after prenatal administration of betamethasone: enhanced natural killer cell activity and decreased T cell proliferation in cord blood. Author(s): Kavelaars A, van der Pompe G, Bakker JM, van Hasselt PM, Cats B, Visser GH, Heijnen CJ. Source: Pediatric Research. 1999 March; 45(3): 306-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10088646

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Analgesic effect of topical diclofenac versus betamethasone after posterior segment surgery. Author(s): Lesnoni G, Coppe AM, Manni G, Billi B, Stirpe M. Source: Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.). 1995; 15(1): 34-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7754246

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Antenatal betamethasone and favourable outcomes in fetuses with 'poor prognosis' diaphragmatic hernia. Author(s): Ford WD, Kirby CP, Wilkinson CS, Furness ME, Slater AJ. Source: Pediatric Surgery International. 2002 May; 18(4): 244-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12021971

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Antenatal betamethasone and fetoplacental blood flow. Author(s): Wijnberger LD, Bilardo CM, Hecher K, Stigter RH, Visser GH. Source: Lancet. 1999 July 17; 354(9174): 256. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10421335

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Antenatal betamethasone and fetoplacental blood flow. Author(s): Adamson SL, Kingdom J. Source: Lancet. 1999 July 17; 354(9174): 255-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10421334

12

Betamethasone

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Antenatal corticosteroid therapy and fetal behaviour: a randomised study of the effects of betamethasone and dexamethasone. Author(s): Mulder EJ, Derks JB, Visser GH. Source: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1997 November; 104(11): 1239-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9386023

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Assessing equivalence of innovator and generic formulations of betamethasone dipropionate cream and ointment. Author(s): Sequira J, Berardi M, Chan TM, Letarte J, Malchow R, Pramanick B, Wolkoff HN. Source: Clinical Therapeutics. 1991 November-December; 13(6): 687-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1790543

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Augmented betamethasone: efficacy in psoriasis with different dosing frequencies. Author(s): Singh S. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 1996 December; 132(12): 1525-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8961896

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Beclomethasone dipropionate and betamethasone valerate with sodium cromoglycate in steroid-dependent asthma in adults. Author(s): Gkupta SK, Mitra K, Chatterjee S. Source: Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 1985 June; 3(1): 84-8. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3925964

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Betamethasone (Betnesol) in the treatment of paediatric asthma. Author(s): Asher MI, Pattemore PK, Gillies JD, Cutfield W, Ambler G. Source: N Z Med J. 1993 July 14; 106(959): 294. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8321455

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Betamethasone alteration of the one-hour glucose challenge test in pregnancy. Author(s): Mastrobattista JM, Patel N, Monga M. Source: J Reprod Med. 2001 February; 46(2): 83-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11255820

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Betamethasone and intrauterine fetal death. Author(s): Sharony A, Oettinger M. Source: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 1994; 38(2): 87-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7959347

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Betamethasone and placental vascular resistance. Author(s): Montenegro N. Source: Lancet. 1999 June 12; 353(9169): 2073-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10376648

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Betamethasone and the human fetal ductus arteriosus. Author(s): Wasserstrum N, Huhta JC, Mari G, Sharif DS, Willis R, Neal NK. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1989 December; 74(6): 897-900. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2685679

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Betamethasone associated changes in umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms in multiple pregnancies with umbilical artery absent end diastolic flow. Author(s): Barkehall-Thomas A, Thompson M, Baker LS, Edwards A, Wallace EM. Source: The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2003 October; 43(5): 360-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14717312

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Betamethasone dipropionate (0.05%) plus salicylic acid (3%) ointment versus dexamethasone trimethyl acetate (1%) and salicylic acid 4% ointments in chronic dermatoses. Author(s): Chattopadhyay SP, Arora PN, Anand S, Sharma SD. Source: Indian J Dermatol. 1987 April; 32(2): 41-4. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3453353

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Betamethasone dipropionate (0.05)% plus chinoform (3%) cream against betamethasone valerate (0.1%) plus chinoform cream (3%) in secondarily infected dermatoses. Author(s): Chattopadhyay SP, Arora PN, Anand S, Sharma SD. Source: Indian J Dermatol. 1987 July; 32(3): 73-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2973437

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Betamethasone dipropionate cream for the treatment of psoriasis. A double-blind comparison with clobetasol propionate cream. Author(s): Verdich J, Karlsmark T. Source: Dermatologica. 1985; 170(3): 152-5. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3979642

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Betamethasone dipropionate in optimized vehicle. Intermittent pulse dosing for extended maintenance treatment of psoriasis. Author(s): Katz HI, Hien NT, Prawer SE, Scott JC, Grivna EM. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 1987 October; 123(10): 1308-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3662562

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Betamethasone

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Betamethasone dipropionate polyacrylic film-forming lotion in the treatment of hand dermatitis. Author(s): Gupta AK, Shear NH, Lester RS, Baxter ML, Sauder DN. Source: International Journal of Dermatology. 1993 November; 32(11): 828-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8270348

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Betamethasone in plus phenobarbitone prior to hepatobiliary scintigraphy increases diagnostic accuracy in infants with jaundice. Author(s): Gupta DK, Charles AR, Srinivas M, Dave S, Bal CS. Source: Indian J Pediatr. 2001 November; 68(11): 1039-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11770238

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Betamethasone in tetanus patients: an evaluation of its effect on the mortality and morbidity. Author(s): Chandy ST, Peter JV, John L, Nayyar V, Mathai D, Dayal AK, Thomas K, Sheshadri MS, Cherian AM. Source: J Assoc Physicians India. 1992 June; 40(6): 373-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1452560

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Betamethasone in threatened preterm labour. Author(s): Wild SM. Source: Lancet. 2001 September 22; 358(9286): 1017. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11586992

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Betamethasone increases the beta-adrenergic receptor density of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Author(s): Marone G, Fimiani B, Petracca R, Marchese E, Condorelli M. Source: Ric Clin Lab. 1985 January-March; 15(1): 25-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2986273

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Betamethasone modulates the biological function of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Author(s): Marone G, Siri L, Genovese A, Condorelli M. Source: Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1987; 82(3-4): 532-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3032805

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Betamethasone reduces postoperative pain and nausea after ambulatory surgery. Author(s): Aasboe V, Raeder JC, Groegaard B. Source: Anesthesia and Analgesia. 1998 August; 87(2): 319-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9706923

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Betamethasone rules OK! Author(s): Anderson I. Source: N Z Med J. 1993 August 25; 106(962): 368. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8255565

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Betamethasone treatment and fetal lung perfusion evaluated with color Doppler energy imaging. Author(s): Dubiel M, Gudmundsson S, Pirhonen J, Breborowicz GH, Marsal K. Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1997 October; 10(4): 272-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9383880

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Betamethasone valerate foam 0.12%: a novel vehicle with enhanced delivery and efficacy. Author(s): Franz TJ, Parsell DA, Halualani RM, Hannigan JF, Kalbach JP, Harkonen WS. Source: International Journal of Dermatology. 1999 August; 38(8): 628-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10487457

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Betamethasone valerate foam for treatment of nonscalp psoriasis. Author(s): Stein LF, Sherr A, Solodkina G, Gottlieb AB, Chaudhari U. Source: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2001 July-August; 5(4): 303-7. Epub 2001 July 18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11907840

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Betamethasone valerate in foam vehicle is effective with both daily and twice a day dosing: a single-blind, open-label study in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Author(s): Feldman SR, Ravis SM, Fleischer AB Jr, McMichael A, Jones E, Kaplan R, Shavin J, Weiss J, Bartruff JK, Levin DL, Del Rosso J, Kpea N. Source: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2001 September-October; 5(5): 3869. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11907847

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Betamethasone-dixyrazine combination versus high-dose metoclopramide as antiemetic treatment in doxorubicin and cisplatin chemotherapy. Author(s): Sorbe B, Hallen C, Skare NG, Underskog I. Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. 1989 June; 15(2): 161-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2762589

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Betamethasone

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Betamethasone-dixyrazine versus betamethasone-metoclopramide as antiemetic treatment of cisplatin-doxorubicin-induced nausea in ovarian carcinoma patients. Author(s): Sorbe B, Hallen C. Source: Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 1991; 12(1): 31-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2050157

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Betamethasone-dixyrazine versus metoclopramide as antiemetic treatment in cancer chemotherapy. Author(s): Sorbe B, Hallen C. Source: Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden). 1988; 27(4): 357-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3060151

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Betamethasone-induced lecithin release in vitro from the fetal membranes. Author(s): Vesce F, Pareschi MC, Travagli S, Tarabbia C, Pansini F, Salvatorelli G, Gulinati AM, Grandi E, Biondi C. Source: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 1992; 33(3): 134-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1612525

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Betamethasone-induced resistance to vecuronium: a potential problem in neurosurgery? Author(s): Parr SM, Galletly DC, Robinson BJ. Source: Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. 1991 February; 19(1): 103-5. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1672800

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Blanching activities of betamethasone formulations. The effect of dosage form on topical drug availability. Author(s): Smith EW, Meyer E, Haigh JM. Source: Arzneimittel-Forschung. 1990 May; 40(5): 618-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2383308

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Bullous mastocytosis treated with oral betamethasone therapy. Author(s): Verma KK, Bhat R, Singh MK. Source: Indian J Pediatr. 2004 March; 71(3): 261-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15080414

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Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Dovobet, Daivobet): a new formulation for the treatment of psoriasis. Author(s): Poulin Y. Source: Skin Therapy Letter. 2002 June; 7(6): 1-3. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12223976

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Calcipotriol in psoriasis vulgaris: a controlled trial comparing betamethasone dipropionate + salicylic acid. Author(s): Crosti C, Finzi AF, Mian E, Scarpa C. Source: International Journal of Dermatology. 1997 July; 36(7): 537-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9268756

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Calcipotriol ointment in nail psoriasis: a controlled double-blind comparison with betamethasone dipropionate and salicylic acid. Author(s): Tosti A, Piraccini BM, Cameli N, Kokely F, Plozzer C, Cannata GE, Benelli C. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1998 October; 139(4): 655-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9892909

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Calcipotriol ointment vs. betamethasone 17-valerate ointment in the treatment of lichen amyloidosis. Author(s): Khoo BP, Tay YK, Goh CL. Source: International Journal of Dermatology. 1999 July; 38(7): 539-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10440287

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Calcitriol shows greater persistence of treatment effect than betamethasone dipropionate in topical psoriasis therapy. Author(s): Camarasa JM, Ortonne JP, Dubertret L. Source: The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2003 January; 14(1): 8-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12745849

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Can roxithromycin and betamethasone induce acute pancreatitis? A case report. Author(s): Renkes P, Petitpain N, Cosserat F, Bangratz S, Trechot P. Source: Jop [electronic Resource] : Journal of the Pancreas. 2003 September; 4(5): 184-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14526130

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Changes in fetoplacental vessel flow velocity waveforms following maternal administration of betamethasone. Author(s): Edwards A, Baker LS, Wallace EM. Source: Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002 September; 20(3): 240-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12230445

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Changes in leukocyte, granulocyte and lymphocyte counts following antenatal betamethasone administration to pregnant women. Author(s): Kadanali S, Ingec M, Kucukozkan T, Borekci B, Kumtepe Y. Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 1997 September; 58(3): 269-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9286859

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Betamethasone

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Changes in umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms following maternal administration of betamethasone. Author(s): Edwards A, Baker LS, Wallace EM. Source: Placenta. 2003 January; 24(1): 12-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12495654

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Childhood Cushing's syndrome induced by betamethasone nose drops, and repeat prescriptions. Author(s): Findlay CA, Macdonald JF, Wallace AM, Geddes N, Donaldson MD. Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 1998 September 12; 317(7160): 739-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9732346

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Clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate: a review of costs and complications in the treatment of common cutaneous fungal infections. Author(s): Greenberg HL, Shwayder TA, Bieszk N, Fivenson DP. Source: Pediatric Dermatology. 2002 January-February; 19(1): 78-81. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11860579

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Combination therapy with tacrolimus and betamethasone for a patient with X-linked auto-immune enteropathy. Author(s): Kobayashi I, Nakanishi M, Okano M, Sakiyama Y, Matsumoto S. Source: European Journal of Pediatrics. 1995 July; 154(7): 594-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7556338

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Comparative effects of calcipotriol and betamethasone 17-valerate solution in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp. Author(s): Basak PY, Ergin S. Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : Jeadv. 2001 January; 15(1): 86-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11451340

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Comparative efficacy of calcipotriol (MC903) cream and betamethasone 17-valerate cream in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. A randomized, double-blind, parallel group multicentre study. Calcipotriol Study Group. Author(s): Molin L, Cutler TP, Helander I, Nyfors B, Downes N. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1997 January; 136(1): 89-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9039301

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Comparison of betamethasone valerate solution with phototherapy (UVB comb) in scalp psoriasis treatment. Author(s): Braun R, Dotterud LK, Falk ES. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 1998 September; 78(5): 385. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9779265

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Comparison of calcipotriol monotherapy and a combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone valerate after 2 weeks' treatment with calcipotriol in the topical therapy of psoriasis vulgaris: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized study. Author(s): Ruzicka T, Lorenz B. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1998 February; 138(2): 254-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9602870

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Comparison of cyclosporine and topical betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate in the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema. Author(s): Granlund H, Erkko P, Eriksson E, Reitamo S. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 1996 September; 76(5): 371-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8891011

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Comparison of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005%, and betamethasone-17,21dipropionate ointment, 0.05%, in the treatment of psoriasis. Author(s): Roberts DT. Source: Cutis; Cutaneous Medicine for the Practitioner. 1996 February; 57(2 Suppl): 2731. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8646866

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Comparison of intramuscular betamethasone and oral prednisone in the prevention of relapse of acute asthma. Author(s): Chan JS, Cowie RL, Lazarenko GC, Little C, Scott S, Ford GT. Source: Can Respir J. 2001 May-June; 8(3): 147-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11420590

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Comparison of safety and efficacy of fluticasone propionate cream, 0.05%, and betamethasone valerate cream, 0.1%, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Author(s): Callen J. Source: Cutis; Cutaneous Medicine for the Practitioner. 1996 February; 57(2 Suppl): 4550. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8646870

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Comparison of the effect of hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate and betamethasone on collagen synthesis in human skin in vivo. Author(s): Haapasaari KM, Risteli J, Koivukangas V, Oikarinen A. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 1995 July; 75(4): 269-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8578945

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Comparison of the efficacy of diclofenac and betamethasone following strabismus surgery. Author(s): Wright M, Butt Z, McIlwaine G, Fleck B. Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology. 1997 April; 81(4): 299-301. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9215059

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Comparison of the influence of cyclosporine and topical betamethasone-17,21dipropionate treatment on quality of life in chronic hand eczema. Author(s): Granlund H, Erkko P, Reitamo S. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 1997 January; 77(1): 54-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9059680

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Constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus during prenatal betamethasone therapy. Author(s): Azancot-Benisty A, Benifla JL, Matias A, De Crepy A, Madelenat P. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1995 May; 85(5 Pt 2): 874-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7724144

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Contact allergy to hydrocortisone and systemic contact dermatitis from prednisolone with tolerance of betamethasone. Author(s): Isaksson M, Persson LM. Source: American Journal of Contact Dermatitis : Official Journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. 1998 June; 9(2): 136-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9601904

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Corticosteroids and fetal vasculature: effects of hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and betamethasone on human umbilical artery. Author(s): Potter SM, Dennedy MC, Morrison JJ. Source: Bjog : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2002 October; 109(10): 1126-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12387465

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Cushing's syndrome induced by betamethasone nose drops. Children taking intranasal corticosteroids should be monitored for growth retardation. Author(s): Malozowski S, Purucker M, Worobec A. Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 1999 May 15; 318(7194): 1355. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10383213

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Cushing's syndrome induced by betamethasone nose drops. In rhinological disease betamethasone should be regarded as systemic corticosteroid. Author(s): Homer JJ, Gazis TG. Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 1999 May 15; 318(7194): 1355. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10323840

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Cushing's syndrome induced by betamethasone nose drops. Learning difficulties may complicate the issue. Author(s): Scorrer T, Barton J. Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 1999 May 15; 318(7194): 1356. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10383214

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Cutaneous metabolism and penetration of methoxypsoralen, betamethasone 17valerate, retinoic acid, nitroglycerin and theophylline. Author(s): Ademola JI, Maibach HI. Source: Current Problems in Dermatology. 1995; 22: 201-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7587326

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Dermatologic investigation of betamethasone 17,21-dipropionate ointment with chinoform. Author(s): Tollofsrud A. Source: J Int Med Res. 1977; 5(2): 132-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=141383

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Determination of betamethasone dipropionate and salicylic acid in pharmaceutical preparations by high-performance liquid chromatography. Author(s): Kedor-Hackmann ER, Gianotto EA, Santoro MI. Source: Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 1998 June; 24(6): 553-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9876622

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Development of a coupled-column liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for the direct determination of betamethasone in urine. Author(s): Polettini A, Marrubini Bouland G, Montagna M. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1998 August 25; 713(2): 339-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9746249

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Development of endogenous glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and progestins in the human fetal and perinatal period. Influence of antenatal treatment with betamethasone or phenobarbital. Author(s): Sippell WG, Bidlingmaier F, Knorr D. Source: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1980 July; 18(1): 95-104. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7398755

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Dexamethasone compared with betamethasone for glucocorticoid treatment of postpartum HELLP syndrome. Author(s): Isler CM, Magann EF, Rinehart BK, Terrone DA, Bass JD, Martin JN Jr. Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2003 March; 80(3): 291-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12628531

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Differential modulation of transforming growth factor-beta by betamethasone-17valerate and isotretinoin: corticosteroid decreases and isotretinoin increases the level of transforming growth factor-beta in suction blister fluid. Author(s): Leivo T, Arjomaa P, Oivula J, Vesterinen M, Kiistala U, Autio P, Oikarinen A. Source: Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology. 2000 May-August; 13(3-4): 150-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10859533

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Diflorasone diacetate ointment 0.05% versus betamethasone dipropionate ointment 0.05% in moderate-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Author(s): Shupack JL, Jondreau L, Kenny C, Stiller MJ. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 1993; 186(2): 129-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8428041

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Diprosone (betamethasone dipropionate) Creame 0-05%. Review and report of a multicentre study. Author(s): Chambers WB, Cash WS, Marinaccio A. Source: J Int Med Res. 1976; 4(3 Suppl): 1-26. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=799993

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DNA content and Ks8.12 binding of the psoriatic lesion during treatment with the vitamin D3 analogue MC903 and betamethasone. Author(s): de Mare S, de Jong EG, van de Kerkhof PC. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1990 September; 123(3): 291-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1698446

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Do we use too much antenatal betamethasone? Author(s): Skoll A. Source: J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2002 July; 24(7): 548. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12365394

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Do we use too much antenatal betamethasone? Author(s): Skoll A, Ferreira E, Pedneault L, Duchesne M, Letourneau G. Source: J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2002 April; 24(4): 330-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12196869

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Domoprednate (Stermonid), a topical D-homocorticosteroid, skin atrophy and telangiectasia. A double-blind, randomized comparison with hydrocortisone butyrate, betamethasone valerate, clobetasole propionate and placebo. Author(s): Serup J, Holm P. Source: Dermatologica. 1985; 170(4): 189-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3888708

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Dose related effects of betamethasone on iodothyronines and thyroid hormonebinding proteins in serum. Author(s): Gamstedt A, Jarnerot G, Kagedal B. Source: Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1981 April; 96(4): 484-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6782791

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Dose-related inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine release from neutrophils of the newborn by dexamethasone, betamethasone, and hydrocortisone. Author(s): Irakam A, Miskolci V, Vancurova I, Davidson D. Source: Biology of the Neonate. 2002 August; 82(2): 89-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12169830

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Double acting betamethasone (Celestone Chronodose) in the treatment of supraspinatus tendinitis: a comparison of subacromial and gluteal single injections with placebo. Author(s): Valtonen EJ. Source: J Int Med Res. 1978; 6(6): 463-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=363484

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Double blind, placebo controlled trial of betamethasone nasal drops for nasal polyposis. Author(s): Chalton R, Mackay I, Wilson R, Cole P. Source: British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.). 1985 September 21; 291(6498): 788. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3929943

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Double-blind clinical study reveals synergistic action between alpha-hydroxy acid and betamethasone lotions towards topical treatment of scalp psoriasis. Author(s): Kostarelos K, Teknetzis A, Lefaki I, Ioannides D, Minas A. Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : Jeadv. 2000 January; 14(1): 5-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10877245

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Double-blind comparison of halcinonide and betamethasone valerate. Use with occlusive dressings in psoriasis treatment. Author(s): Clark RF, Clement ER. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 1975 June; 111(6): 731-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1094960

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Double-blind comparison of naftifine cream and clotrimazole/betamethasone dipropionate cream in the treatment of tinea pedis. Author(s): Smith EB, Breneman DL, Griffith RF, Hebert AA, Hickman JG, Maloney JM, Millikan LE, Sulica VI, Dromgoole SH, Sefton J, et al. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1992 January; 26(1): 125-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1732321

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Double-blind, right/left comparison of calcipotriol and betamethasone valerate in treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Author(s): Kragballe K, Gjertsen BT, De Hoop D, Karlsmark T, van de Kerkhof PC, Larko O, Nieboer C, Roed-Petersen J, Strand A, Tikjob G. Source: Lancet. 1991 January 26; 337(8735): 193-6. Erratum In: Lancet 1991 April 20; 337(8747): 988. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1670840

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Double-blind, right/left comparison of calcipotriol ointment and betamethasone ointment in the treatment of Prurigo nodularis. Author(s): Wong SS, Goh CL. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 2000 June; 136(6): 807-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10871962

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Dramatic response of surface contact dermatitis to new parenteral corticosteroidbetamethasone sodium phosphate. Author(s): McCormick GE. Source: J Med Assoc Ga. 1975 December; 64(12): 453-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1107457

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Drug-induced Cushing syndrome in a patient with ulcerative colitis after betamethasone enema: evaluation of plasma drug concentration. Author(s): Tsuruoka S, Sugimoto K, Fujimura A. Source: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. 1998 August; 20(4): 387-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9712462

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Dynamics of the fetal adrenal, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B responses to antenatal betamethasone therapy. Author(s): Parker CR Jr, Atkinson MW, Owen J, Andrews WW. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1996 February; 174(2): 562-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8623785

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Early onset of action and efficacy of a combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate in the treatment of psoriasis. Author(s): Papp KA, Guenther L, Boyden B, Larsen FG, Harvima RJ, Guilhou JJ, Kaufmann R, Rogers S, van de Kerkhof PC, Hanssen LI, Tegner E, Burg G, Talbot D, Chu A. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2003 January; 48(1): 48-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12522370

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Effect of antenatal betamethasone administration on placental vascular resistance. Author(s): Wallace EM, Baker LS. Source: Lancet. 1999 April 24; 353(9162): 1404-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10227222

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Effect of antenatal betamethasone and dexamethasone administration on fetal heart rate variability in growth-retarded fetuses. Author(s): Multon O, Senat MV, Minoui S, Hue MV, Frydman R, Ville Y. Source: Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy. 1997 May-June; 12(3): 170-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9313077

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Effect of antenatal betamethasone therapy on maternal-fetal Doppler velocimetry. Author(s): Piazze JJ, Anceschi MM, La Torre R, Amici F, Maranghi L, Cosmi EV. Source: Early Human Development. 2001 January; 60(3): 225-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11146241

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Effect of betamethasone in vivo on placental corticotropin-releasing hormone in human pregnancy. Author(s): Marinoni E, Korebrits C, Di Iorio R, Cosmi EV, Challis JR. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1998 April; 178(4): 770-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9579442

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Effect of betamethasone on computerized cardiotocographic parameters in preterm growth-restricted fetuses with and without cerebral vasodilation. Author(s): Frusca T, Soregaroli M, Valcamonico A, Scalvi L, Bonera R, Bianchi U. Source: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2001; 52(3): 194-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11598363

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Effect of betamethasone on maternal glucose. Author(s): Shelton SD, Boggess KA, Smith T, Herbert WN. Source: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2002 September;12(3):191-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12530617

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Effect of betamethasone on the fetal heart rate pattern assessed by computerized cardiotocography in normal twin pregnancies. Author(s): Ville Y, Vincent Y, Tordjman N, Hue MV, Fernandez H, Frydman R. Source: Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy. 1995 September-October; 10(5): 301-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7576167

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Effect of dexamethasone and betamethasone on fetal heart rate variability in preterm labour: a randomised study. Author(s): Senat MV, Minoui S, Multon O, Fernandez H, Frydman R, Ville Y. Source: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998 July; 105(7): 749-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9692416

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Effect of prenatal betamethasone administration on maternal and fetal corticosteroidbinding globulin concentrations. Author(s): Jeffray TM, Marinoni E, Ramirez MM, Bocking AD, Challis JR. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1999 December; 181(6): 1546-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10601941

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Effectiveness of a rescue dose of antenatal betamethasone after an initial single course. Author(s): Vermillion ST, Bland ML, Soper DE. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2001 November; 185(5): 1086-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11717638

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Efficacy and safety of a new combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (once or twice daily) compared to calcipotriol (twice daily) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Author(s): Guenther L, Van de Kerkhof PC, Snellman E, Kragballe K, Chu AC, Tegner E, Garcia-Diez A, Springborg J. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 2002 August; 147(2): 316-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12174105

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Efficacy of betamethasone valerate 0.1% thermophobic foam in seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp: an open-label, multicentre, prospective trial on 180 patients. Author(s): Milani M, Antonio Di Molfetta S, Gramazio R, Fiorella C, Frisario C, Fuzio E, Marzocca V, Zurilli M, Di Turi G, Felice G. Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2003; 19(4): 342-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12841928

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Efficacy of betamethasone valerate foam formulation in comparison with betamethasone dipropionate lotion in the treatment of mild-to-moderate alopecia areata: a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded trial. Author(s): Mancuso G, Balducci A, Casadio C, Farina P, Staffa M, Valenti L, Milani M. Source: International Journal of Dermatology. 2003 July; 42(7): 572-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12839615

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Efficacy of betamethasone valerate mousse in comparison with standard therapies on scalp psoriasis: an open, multicentre, randomized, controlled, cross-over study on 241 patients. Author(s): Andreassi L, Giannetti A, Milani M; Scale Investigators Group. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 2003 January; 148(1): 134-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12534607

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Epidermal cell DNA content and intermediate filaments keratin 10 and vimentin after treatment of psoriasis with calcipotriol cream once daily, twice daily and in combination with clobetasone 17-butyrate cream or betamethasone 17-valerate cream: a comparative flow cytometric study. Author(s): Glade CP, Van Erp PE, Van De Kerkhof PC. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1996 September; 135(3): 379-84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8949429

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Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: correlation of IgE levels with disease activity under successful betamethasone/dapsone combination therapy. Author(s): Miyake H, Morishima Y, Komai R, Hashimoto T, Kishimoto S. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2001 November-December; 81(6): 429. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11859948

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Erroneous intravenous administration of sustained action suspension of betamethasone. Author(s): Berod T, Delmotte JJ. Source: Pharmacy World & Science : Pws. 2000 February; 22(1): 26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10815297

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Evaluation of safety and efficacy of supirocin-B (mupirocin 2% + betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%) in infected dermatoses--a post marketing study. Author(s): Savant S, Janaki VR, Mittal RR, Sengupta S, Desai A. Source: J Indian Med Assoc. 2000 April; 98(4): 194-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11016191

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Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of topical indomethacin, betamethasone valerate and emollients on UVL-induced inflammation by means of non-invasive measurements of the skin elasticity. Author(s): Dobrev H. Source: Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2001 August; 17(4): 184-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11499541

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Failure of betamethasone to alter the radiation response of two cultured human glioma cell-lines. Author(s): Benediktsson G, Blomquist E, Carlsson J. Source: Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 1990 February; 8(1): 47-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2319290

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Failure of clotrimazole-betamethasone dipropionate cream in treatment of Microsporum canis infections. Author(s): Rosen T, Elewski BE. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1995 June; 32(6): 1050-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7751452

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Feasibility of measuring the bioavailability of topical betamethasone dipropionate in commercial formulations using drug content in skin and a skin blanching bioassay. Author(s): Pershing LK, Silver BS, Krueger GG, Shah VP, Skelley JP. Source: Pharmaceutical Research. 1992 January; 9(1): 45-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1589409

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Fetal and neonatal breathing movements in man after betamethasone. Author(s): Marsal KS, Gennser GM, Ohrlander SA. Source: Life Sciences. 1975 August 1; 17(3): 449-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1160515

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Fetal betamethasone treatment and neonatal outcome in preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Author(s): Szabo I, Vizer M, Ertl T. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003 December; 189(6): 1812-3; Author Reply 1813. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14710131

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Fetal sex and prenatal betamethasone therapy. Author(s): Ballard PL, Ballard RA, Granberg JP, Sniderman S, Gluckman PD, Kaplan SL, Grumbach MM. Source: The Journal of Pediatrics. 1980 September; 97(3): 451-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7411310

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Fluocinonide compared with betamethasone in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Author(s): Ronn HH. Source: The Practitioner. 1976 June; 216(1296): 704-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=781661

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Fluticasone propionate spray and betamethasone sodium phosphate mouthrinse: a randomized crossover study for the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus. Author(s): Hegarty AM, Hodgson TA, Lewsey JD, Porter SR. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2002 August; 47(2): 271-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12140475

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Fusidic acid plus betamethasone in infected or potentially infected eczema. Author(s): Hjorth N, Schmidt H, Thomsen K. Source: Pharmatherapeutica. 1985; 4(2): 126-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3903779

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Fusidic acid/betamethasone in infected dermatoses--a double-blind comparison with neomycin/betamethasone. Author(s): Javier PR, Ortiz M, Torralba L, Montinola FL, Ke ML, Canete R. Source: Br J Clin Pract. 1986 June; 40(6): 235-8. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3741731

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Fusidic acid-betamethasone combination in infected eczema: an open, randomized comparison with gentamicin-betamethasone combination. Author(s): Strategos J. Source: Pharmatherapeutica. 1986; 4(9): 601-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3763654

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Gas chromatographic and mass spectral study of betamethasone synthetic corticosteroid metabolism. Author(s): Rodchenkov GM, Uralets VP, Semenov VA, Gurevich VA. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1988 November 18; 432: 283-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3220896

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Glucocorticoid activity in cord serum: comparison of hydrocortisone and betamethasone regimens. Author(s): Ballard PL, Liggins GC. Source: The Journal of Pediatrics. 1982 September; 101(3): 468-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7108674

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Glucocorticoid levels in maternal and cord serum after prenatal betamethasone therapy to prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Author(s): Ballard PL, Granberg P, Ballard RA. Source: The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 1975 December; 56(6): 1548-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1202085

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Glucocorticoid treatment for nasal polyps. The use of topical budesonide powder, intramuscular betamethasone, and surgical treatment. Author(s): Lildholdt T, Rundcrantz H, Bende M, Larsen K. Source: Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery. 1997 June; 123(6): 595-600. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9193219

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Glucose intolerance after short-term administration of corticosteroids in healthy subjects. Prednisone, deflazacort, and betamethasone. Author(s): Pagano G, Bruno A, Cavallo-Perin P, Cesco L, Imbimbo B. Source: Archives of Internal Medicine. 1989 May; 149(5): 1098-101. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2655543

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Growth velocity in children on oral corticosteroids and betamethasone valerate aerosol. Author(s): Kuzemko JA. Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal. 1974 September; 50 Suppl 4: 38-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4467154

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Haematological effects of betamethasone treatment in late pregnancy. Author(s): Wallace EM, Ekkel K, Cotter T, Tippett C, Catalano J. Source: The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 1998 November; 38(4): 396-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9890217

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Hiccups with betamethasone dipropionate. Author(s): MacGregor EG, Villalobos R, Perini L. Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2000 March; 27(3): 819-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10743834

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High doses of 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas in chronic radiation proctitis: comparison with betamethasone enemas. Author(s): Triantafillidis JK, Dadioti P, Nicolakis D, Mericas E. Source: The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 1990 November; 85(11): 1537-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2239891

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Hypercholesterolemia in the newborn: occurrence after anterpartum treatment with betamethasone-phenobarbital-ritodrine for the prevention of the respiratory distress syndrome. Author(s): Andersen G, Friis-Hansen B. Source: Pediatrics. 1978 July; 62(1): 8-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=210441

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Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (Flegel): report of a case in which the application of betamethasone-17-valerate cream caused complete clearing of the lesions. Author(s): Donald GF, Hunter GA. Source: The Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 1967 June; 9(1): 31-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5590674

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Hypertensive crisis associated with ritodrine infusion and betamethasone administration in premature labor. Author(s): Gonen R, Samberg I, Sharf M. Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 1982 May; 13(3): 129-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7095243

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Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in premature neonates after extensive prenatal treatment with betamethasone: a case history. Author(s): Kairalla AB. Source: American Journal of Perinatology. 1992 September-November; 9(5-6): 428-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1418149

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Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and growth in asthmatic children on long term betamethasone valerate aerosol. Author(s): Friedman M, Frears J. Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal. 1974 September; 50 Suppl 4: 33-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4467153

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Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical function. Association with topical application of betamethasone dipropionate. Author(s): Reymann F, Kehlet H. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 1979 March; 115(3): 362-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=219785

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Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome due to nasal betamethasone: a problem not to be sniffed at! Author(s): Nutting CM, Page SR. Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal. 1995 April; 71(834): 231-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7784285

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Immediate and delayed effects of antenatal corticosteroids on fetal heart rate: a randomized trial that compares betamethasone acetate and phosphate, betamethasone phosphate, and dexamethasone. Author(s): Subtil D, Tiberghien P, Devos P, Therby D, Leclerc G, Vaast P, Puech F. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003 February; 188(2): 524-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12592266

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In vitro diffusion cell design and validation. II. Temperature, agitation and membrane effects on betamethasone 17-valerate permeation. Author(s): Smith EW, Haigh JM. Source: Acta Pharm Nord. 1992; 4(3): 171-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1418642

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In vitro effects of betamethasone, adrenaline and noradrenaline on normal human Tlymphocyte rosettes. Author(s): Kumar R, Schatterjee S, Singh LM. Source: Mater Med Pol. 1985 July-September; 17(3): 170-1. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3879522

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In vitro metabolism of prednisolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, and cortisol by the human placenta. Author(s): Blanford AT, Murphy BE. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1977 February 1; 127(3): 264-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=835623

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In vitro percutaneous permeation of betamethasone and betamethasone 17-valerate. Author(s): Kubota K, Maibach HI. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1993 October; 82(10): 1039-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8254489

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Incidence of respiratory distress syndrome following antenatal betamethasone: role of sex, type of delivery, and prolonged rupture of membranes. Author(s): Papageorgiou AN, Colle E, Farri-Kostopoulos E, Gelfand MM. Source: Pediatrics. 1981 May; 67(5): 614-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7254990

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Increased theophylline metabolism in premature infants after prenatal betamethasone administration. Author(s): Jager-Roman E, Doyle PE, Thomas D, Baird-Lambert J, Cvejic M, Buchanan N. Source: Dev Pharmacol Ther. 1982; 5(3-4): 127-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7151644

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Induction of generalized pustular psoriasis by topical use of betamethasonedipropionate ointment in psoriasis. Author(s): Hellgren L. Source: Ann Clin Res. 1976 October; 8(5): 317-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=136921

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Infantile periocular haemangioma treated with two days in a week betamethasone oral mini pulse therapy. Author(s): Verma K, Verma KK. Source: Indian J Pediatr. 2001 April; 68(4): 355-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11370446

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Influence of antenatal betamethasone and gender cohabitation on outcome of twin pregnancies 24 to 34 weeks of gestation. Author(s): Ardila J, Le Guennec JC, Papageorgiou A. Source: Semin Perinatol. 1994 February; 18(1): 15-8. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8209281

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Influence of topically applied betamethasone-17-valerate on cell cycle kinetics of human anagen hair determined by DNA flow cytometry. Author(s): Schell H, Kiesewetter F, Pausch C, Arai A, Katsuoka K, Hornstein OP. Source: Dermatologica. 1989; 178(1): 12-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2917676

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Inhibition of acid mucopolysaccharide synthesis by hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate and betamethasone 17-valerate. Author(s): Saarni H, Hopsu-Havu VK. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1977 November; 97(5): 505-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=145236

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Intentional ablation of vestibular function using commercially available topical gentamicin-betamethasone eardrops in patients with Meniere's disease: further evidence for topical eardrop ototoxicity. Author(s): Kaplan DM, Hehar SS, Bance ML, Rutka JA. Source: The Laryngoscope. 2002 April; 112(4): 689-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12150525

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Intermittent corticosteroid maintenance treatment of psoriasis: a double-blind multicenter trial of augmented betamethasone dipropionate ointment in a pulse dose treatment regimen. Author(s): Katz HI, Prawer SE, Medansky RS, Krueger GG, Mooney JJ, Jones ML, Samson CR. Source: Dermatologica. 1991; 183(4): 269-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1809589

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Intramuscular betamethasone dipropionate vs. oral prednisolone in hay fever patients. Author(s): Laursen LC, Faurschou P, Pals H, Svendsen UG, Weeke B. Source: Allergy. 1987 April; 42(3): 168-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3592139

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Intramuscular betamethasone dipropionate vs. topical beclomethasone dipropionate and placebo in hay fever. Author(s): Laursen LC, Faurschou P, Munch EP. Source: Allergy. 1988 August; 43(6): 420-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3189722

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Intranasal betamethasone induced acne and adrenal suppression. Author(s): Bong JL, Connell JM, Lever R. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 2000 March; 142(3): 579-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10777272

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Intrathecal anti-tetanus serum (ATS) and parenteral betamethasone in the treatment of tetanus. Author(s): Thomas PP, Crowell EB Jr, Mathew M. Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 1982; 76(5): 620-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6897465

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Is betamethasone effective longer than 7 days after treatment? Author(s): Vermillion ST, Soper DE, Newman RB. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2001 April; 97(4): 491-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11275015

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Judgement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical function in psychiatric patients by betamethasone-induced cortisol suppressibility. Author(s): Kasper S, Vecsei P, Richter P, Haack D, Diebold K, Katzinski L. Source: Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996). 1988; 74(3): 161-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3210012

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Ketoacidosis in pregnancy associated with the parenteral administration of terbutaline and betamethasone. A case report. Author(s): Bernstein IM, Catalano PM. Source: J Reprod Med. 1990 August; 35(8): 818-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2120435

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Letter: The treatment of cavernous haemangioma with topical betamethasone 17 valerate. Author(s): Weber G. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1973 December; 89(6): 649-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4802519

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Leucocyte function after antenatal betamethasone given to prevent respiratory distress. Author(s): Lazzarin A, Capsoni F, Moroni M, Pardi G, Marini A. Source: Lancet. 1977 December 24-31; 2(8052-8053): 1354-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=74754

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Leukemoid reaction induced by prenatal administration of betamethasone. Author(s): Cohen A, Barak M, Herschkowitz S, Zecca S. Source: Acta Paediatr Jpn. 1993 December; 35(6): 534-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8109234

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Liposome encapsulation improves efficacy of betamethasone dipropionate in atopic eczema but not in psoriasis vulgaris. Author(s): Korting HC, Zienicke H, Schafer-Korting M, Braun-Falco O. Source: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1990; 39(4): 349-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2076716

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Local anti-rheumatic effect of betamethasone. Author(s): Minno AM. Source: Pa Med. 1971 January; 74(1): 59-61. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5540283

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Local treatment of psoriasis and eczema with betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate (Diproderm cream): a double-blind comparsion with fluocortolone caproate, fluocortolone pivalate (Ultralanum cream). Author(s): Nordwall C. Source: Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 1974 August; 16(8): 798-803. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4217246

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Local treatment of psoriasis of the scalp with clobetasol propionate and betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate: a double-blind comparison. Author(s): Lassus A. Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion. 1976; 4(5): 365-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=795609

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Local treatment of psoriasis with desoxymethasone and betamethasone 17,21dipropionate: a double-blind comparison. Author(s): Lassus A. Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion. 1977; 4(9): 650-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=338253

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Management of eczematous dermatitis with amcinonide or betamethasone valerate. A double-blind comparative study. Author(s): Rosenberg EW. Source: Cutis; Cutaneous Medicine for the Practitioner. 1979 December; 24(6): 642-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=391500

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Maternal glucocorticoid in unplanned premature labor. Controlled study on the effects of betamethasone phosphate on the phospholipids of the gastric aspirate and on the adrenal cortical function of the newborn infant. Author(s): Teramo K, Hallman M, Raivio KO. Source: Pediatric Research. 1980 April; 14(4 Pt 1): 326-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7375188

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Maternal hypercorticism from serial courses of betamethasone. Author(s): Schmitz T, Goffinet F, Barrande G, Cabrol D. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1999 November; 94(5 Pt 2): 849. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10546760

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Maternal infectious morbidity following multiple courses of betamethasone. Author(s): Rotmensch S, Vishne TH, Celentano C, Dan M, Ben-Rafael Z. Source: The Journal of Infection. 1999 July; 39(1): 49-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10468129

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Metabolism and degradation of betamethasone 17-valerate in homogenized living skin equivalent. Author(s): Kubota K, Ademola J, Maibach HI. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 1994; 188(1): 13-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8305748

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Methimazole, but not betamethasone, prevents 131I treatment-induced rises in thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies in hyperthyroid Graves' disease. Author(s): Gamstedt A, Wadman B, Karlsson A. Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 1986 April; 62(4): 773-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2869050

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Mid trimester abortion by single dose of betamethasone. Author(s): Baveja R, Ghosh UK, Singh M. Source: The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1979 January; 69: 83-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=429051

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Mometasone furoate versus betamethasone vale-rate in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis. Author(s): Grandolfo M, Vena GA, Angelini G, Bianchi B. Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : Jeadv. 1999 March; 12(2): 178-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10343953

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Mometasone versus betamethasone creams: a trial in dermatoses. Author(s): Wishart JM, Lee IS. Source: N Z Med J. 1993 May 26; 106(956): 203-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8341439

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Mononuclear leukocyte ADP-ribosylation as an indicator of immune function in malignant-glioma patients treated with betamethasone for cerebral edema. Author(s): Pero RW, Salford LG, Stromblad LG, Andersson C. Source: Journal of Neurosurgery. 1992 October; 77(4): 601-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1527620

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Multicenter trial analysis. Fluocinonide and betamethasone gel in psoriasis. Author(s): Barsky S. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 1976 December; 112(12): 1729-33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=795379

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Multiple courses of betamethasone to enhance fetal lung maturation do not suppress neonatal adrenal response. Author(s): Terrone DA, Rinehart BK, Rhodes PG, Roberts WE, Miller RC, Martin JN Jr. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1999 June; 180(6 Pt 1): 1349-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10368470

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Multiple vs. single betamethasone therapy. Neonatal and maternal effects. Author(s): Pratt L, Waschbusch L, Ladd W, Gangnon R, Hendricks SK. Source: J Reprod Med. 1999 March; 44(3): 257-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10202744

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Neonatal cushingoid syndrome resulting from serial courses of antenatal betamethasone. Author(s): Bradley BS, Kumar SP, Mehta PN, Ezhuthachan SG. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1994 May; 83(5 Pt 2): 869-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8159381

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Neonatal sepsis after betamethasone administration to patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Author(s): Vermillion ST, Soper DE, Chasedunn-Roark J. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1999 August; 181(2): 320-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10454676

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Neonatal sepsis and death after multiple courses of antenatal betamethasone therapy. Author(s): Vermillion ST, Soper DE, Newman RB. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2000 October; 183(4): 810-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11035318

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Observations on oral betamethasone-17-valerate in the treatment of idiopathic steatorrhoea. Author(s): Otaki AT, Daly JR, Morton-Gill A. Source: Gut. 1967 October; 8(5): 458-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6057775

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Observations on the absorption of oral betamethasone 17-valerate and its therapeutic value in ulcerative colitis. Author(s): Friedman M, Fletcher J, Hinton JM, Lennard-Jones JE, Misiewicz JJ, Parrish JA. Source: British Medical Journal. 1967 February 11; 1(536): 335-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5334747

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Occipitofrontal circumference in newborns of betamethasone treated mothers. Author(s): Verder H, Kjer JJ, Hess J, Gildsig K. Source: Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 1983; 11(6): 265-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6668528

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Once daily application of diflorasone diacetate ointment compared with betamethasone valerate ointment twice daily in patients with eczematous dermatoses. Author(s): Hersle K, Mobacken H. Source: J Int Med Res. 1982; 10(6): 423-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7152081

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Once-daily 0.1% mometasone furoate cream versus twice-daily 0.1% betamethasone valerate cream in the treatment of a variety of dermatoses. Author(s): Viglioglia P, Jones ML, Peets EA. Source: J Int Med Res. 1990 November-December; 18(6): 460-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2292327

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Onset of the vasoconstrictor effect of diflucortolone valerate, betamethasone valerate, and fluocinolone acetonide ointments applied for varying periods under occlusive dressings. Author(s): Szadurski J, Renz F, Gasser D. Source: Dermatologica. 1976; 153(4): 236-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1017533

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Ophthalmic fluorometholone-gentamicin versus ophthalmic betamethasonegentamicin following cataract surgery. Author(s): Steinbach PD, Bauer J, Sunder Raj P. Source: Ocular Immunology and Inflammation. 1997 March; 5(1): 51-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9145693

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Oral lichen planus. A double-blind comparison of treatment with betamethasone valerate aerosol and pellets. Author(s): Greenspan JS, Yeoman CM, Harding SM. Source: British Dental Journal. 1978 February 7; 144(3): 83-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=341919

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Oral mini-pulse therapy with betamethasone in vitiligo patients having extensive or fast-spreading disease. Author(s): Pasricha JS, Khaitan BK. Source: International Journal of Dermatology. 1993 October; 32(10): 753-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8225724

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Oral pentoxifylline vs topical betamethasone in Schamberg disease: a comparative randomized investigator-blinded parallel-group trial. Author(s): Panda S, Malakar S, Lahiri K. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 2004 April; 140(4): 491-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15096387

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Painless thyroiditis induced by the cessation of betamethasone. Author(s): Morita S, Ueda Y, Yokoyama N. Source: Intern Med. 2001 August; 40(8): 744-6. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11518115

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Pediatricians who prescribe clotrimazole-betamethasone diproprionate (Lotrisone) often utilize it in inappropriate settings regardless of their knowledge of the drug's potency. Author(s): Railan D, Wilson JK, Feldman SR, Fleischer AB. Source: Dermatology Online Journal [electronic Resource]. 2002 October; 8(2): 3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12546758

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Penetration of topically applied betamethasone sodium phosphate into human aqueous humour. Author(s): Watson DG, McGhee CN, Midgley JM, Dutton GN, Noble MJ. Source: Eye (London, England). 1990; 4 ( Pt 4): 603-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2226991

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Percutaneous absorption of betamethasone 17-benzoate measured by radioimmunoassay. Author(s): Mizuchi A, Miyachi Y, Tamaki K, Kukita A. Source: The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1976 August; 67(2): 279-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=781144

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Percutaneous absorption of betamethasone-17, 21-dipropionate and salicylic acid during the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. Author(s): Gip L, Hamfelt A. Source: J Int Med Res. 1976; 4(2): 106-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=799983

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Pharmacokinetic evaluation of betamethasone and its water soluble phosphate ester in humans. Author(s): Loo JC, McGilveray IJ, Jordan N, Brien R. Source: Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition. 1981 July-September; 2(3): 265-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7295883

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Pharmacokinetics of betamethasone in twin and singleton pregnancy. Author(s): Ballabh P, Lo ES, Kumari J, Cooper TB, Zervoudakis I, Auld PA, Krauss AN. Source: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2002 January; 71(1): 39-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11823756

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Phase II study of cyclophosphamide, interferon-alpha and betamethasone (CIB) as induction therapy for patients 60-75 years of age with multiple myeloma stages II and III. Author(s): Lundin J, Osterborg A, Bjorkholm M, Bjorkstrand B, Celsing F, Hjalmar V, Linder O, Luthman M, Merup M, Tidefelt U, Mellstedt H; Myeloma Group of Central Sweden. Source: The Hematology Journal : the Official Journal of the European Haematology Association / Eha. 2003; 4(4): 248-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12872149

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Placental transfer and metabolism of betamethasone in human pregnancy. Author(s): Anderson AB, Gennser G, Jeremy JY, Ohrlander S, Sayers L, Turnbull AC. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1977 April; 49(4): 471-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=857211

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Plasma concentrations of betamethasone after topical application of betamethasone 17-valerate: comparison with oral administration. Author(s): Kubota K, Lo ES, Huttinot G, Andersen PH, Maibach HI. Source: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1994 January; 37(1): 86-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8148226

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Postnatal lung function in preterm lambs: effects of a single exposure to betamethasone and thyroid hormones. Author(s): Polk DH, Ikegami M, Jobe AH, Newnham J, Sly P, Kohen R, Kelly R. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1995 March; 172(3): 872-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7892878

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Postpartum pulmonary edema after ritodrine and betamethasone use. Author(s): Pou-Martinez A, Kelly SH, Newell FD, Culbert CM. Source: J Reprod Med. 1982 July; 27(7): 428-30. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7120225

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Postponement of premature labour and prevention of respiratory distress syndrome. Further observations on the use of salbutamol and betamethasone. Author(s): Amarasingham JL, Tan KW. Source: Mod Med Asia. 1977 October; 13(10): 13-8. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=579648

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Premature rupture of the membranes: maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity related to betamethasone and antibiotic therapy. Author(s): Miller JM Jr, Brazy JE, Gall SA, Crenshaw MC Jr, Jelovsek FR. Source: J Reprod Med. 1980 October; 25(4): 173-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7431365

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Prenatal administration of betamethasone for prevention of patient ductus arteriosus. Author(s): Clyman RI, Ballard PL, Sniderman S, Ballard RA, Roth R, Heymann MA, Granberg JP. Source: The Journal of Pediatrics. 1981 January; 98(1): 123-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7452388

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Prescription of high-potency corticosteroid agents and clotrimazole-betamethasone dipropionate by pediatricians. Author(s): Fleischer AB Jr, Feldman SR. Source: Clinical Therapeutics. 1999 October; 21(10): 1725-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10566568

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Pretreatment with betamethasone of patients with Graves' disease given radioiodine therapy: thyroid autoantibody responses and outcome of therapy. Author(s): Gamstedt A, Karlsson A. Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 1991 July; 73(1): 125-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2045463

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Psoriasis treatment with betamethasone dipropionate using short-term application and short-term occlusion. Author(s): Jaeger L. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 1986; 66(1): 84-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2424228

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Pulmonary interstitial emphysema 24 hours after antenatal betamethasone treatment in preterm sheep. Author(s): Willet KE, Jobe AH, Ikegami M, Newnham J, Sly PD. Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2000 September; 162(3 Pt 1): 1087-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10988135

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Pulmonary oedema following treatment with ritodrine and betamethasone in preterm labour. Author(s): Niebuhr-Jorgensen U. Source: Dan Med Bull. 1980 April; 27(2): 99-100. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7428447

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Qualitative study of prostaglandins in pregnant uterine tissues: effects of estradiol17 beta and betamethasone. Author(s): Lima FE, Lacuara JL, Vastik JF, Cremer-Lacuara M. Source: Prostaglandins Med. 1979 December; 3(6): 387-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=550162

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Radioimmunoassay for plasma betamethasone 17-benzoate. Author(s): Mizuchi A, Okada N, Henmi Z, Miyachi Y. Source: Steroids. 1975 November; 26(5): 635-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1239836

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Randomized trial of oral naproxen or local injection of betamethasone in lateral epicondylitis of the humerus. Author(s): Saartok T, Eriksson E. Source: Orthopedics. 1986 February; 9(2): 191-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3515333

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Recurrent oral ulceration. A double-blind comparison of treatment with betamethasone valerate aerosol and placebo. Author(s): Yeoman CM, Greenspan JS, Harding SM. Source: British Dental Journal. 1978 February 21; 144(4): 114-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=341923

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Reduced incidence of hyaline membrane disease in extremely premature infants following delay of delivery in mother with preterm labor: use of ritodrine and betamethasone. Author(s): Kwong MS, Egan EA. Source: Pediatrics. 1986 November; 78(5): 767-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3532016

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Reduction of mortality, morbidity, and respiratory distress syndrome in infants weighing less than 1,000 grams by treatment with betamethasone and ritodrine. Author(s): Papageorgiou AN, Doray JL, Ardila R, Kunos I. Source: Pediatrics. 1989 April; 83(4): 493-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2927987

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Regression of scleromyxedema with topical betamethasone and dimethyl sulfoxide: a 30-month follow-up. Author(s): Bonnetblanc JM, Bedane C. Source: Archives of Dermatology. 1991 November; 127(11): 1733-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1952989

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Relationship between in vivo skin blanching and in vitro release rate for betamethasone valerate creams. Author(s): Shah VP, Elkins J, Skelly JP. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1992 January; 81(1): 104-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1619561

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Relative potency in acute and chronic suppressive effects of prednisolone and betamethasone on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in man. Author(s): Morimoto Y, Oishi T, Hanasaki N, Miyatake A, Noma K, Yamamura Y. Source: Endocrinol Jpn. 1980 October; 27(5): 659-66. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6263598

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Release of betamethasone 17-valerate from extemporaneous dilutions of a proprietary topical cream. Author(s): Magnus AD, Haigh JM, Kanfer I. Source: Dermatologica. 1981; 163(4): 331-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7308554

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Repeated fetal betamethasone treatment and birth weight and head circumference. Author(s): Shelton SD, Boggess KA, Murtha AP, Groff AO, Herbert WN. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2001 February; 97(2): 301-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11165599

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Repeated use of betamethasone in rabbits: effects of treatment variation on adrenal suppression, pulmonary maturation, and pregnancy outcome. Author(s): Pratt L, Magness RR, Phernetton T, Hendricks SK, Abbott DH, Bird IM. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1999 April; 180(4): 995-1005. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10203669

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Results of a double-blind controlled study on the use of betamethasone in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome. Author(s): Doran TA, Swyer P, MacMurray B, Mahon W, Enhorning G, Bernstein A, Falk M, Wood MM. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1980 February 1; 136(3): 313-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7352521

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Roentgenographic evaluation of ossification and calcification of the lumbar spinal canal after intradiscal betamethasone injection. Author(s): Ito S, Usui H, Maruyama K, Muro T. Source: Journal of Spinal Disorders. 2001 October; 14(5): 434-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11586144

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Role of intra-amniotic instillation of betamethasone in prolonged pregnancy. Author(s): Agarwal N, Mathur T, Gupta N, Sharma V, Agarwal RK. Source: The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1981 March; 73: 335-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7275229

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Scalp psoriasis: topical calcipotriol 50 micrograms/g/ml solution vs. betamethasone valerate 1% lotion. Author(s): Duweb GA, Abuzariba O, Rahim M, al-Taweel M, Abdulla SA. Source: Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2000; 20(3-4): 65-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11314240

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School progress and cognitive development of 6-year-old children whose mothers were treated antenatally with betamethasone. Author(s): MacArthur BA, Howie RN, Dezoete JA, Elkins J. Source: Pediatrics. 1982 July; 70(1): 99-105. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7201129

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Selective inhibition by betamethasone of allergen-induced release of SRS-A from human lung. Author(s): Hammond CV, Hammond MD, Taylor WA. Source: Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1982; 67(3): 284-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6174455

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Serial betamethasone administration: effect on maternal salivary estriol levels. Author(s): Hendershott CM, Dullien V, Goodwin TM. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1999 January; 180(1 Pt 3): S21922. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9914621

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Serum free thyroid hormones are decreased by betamethasone treatment in Graves' disease. Author(s): Gamstedt A, Kagedal B, Tegler L. Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research. Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung. Hormones Et Metabolisme. 1988 January; 20(1): 54-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3371858

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Simultaneous determination of betamethasone, betamethasone acetate and hydrocortisone in biological fluids using high-performance liquid chromatography. Author(s): Petersen MC, Nation RL, Ashley JJ. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1980 August 8; 183(2): 131-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7400271

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Simultaneous diffusion and metabolism of betamethasone 17-valerate in the living skin equivalent. Author(s): Kubota K, Ademola J, Maibach HI. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1995 December; 84(12): 1478-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8748331

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Single dose of betamethasone in combined medical treatment of secretory otitis media. Author(s): Hemlin C, Carenfelt C, Papatziamos G. Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. 1997 May; 106(5): 359-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9153098

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Single-fiber electromyography for studying the effect of betamethasone on normal neuromuscular junctions in man. Author(s): Girlanda P, Venuto C, Mangiapane R, Nicolosi C, Trotta F, Messina C. Source: European Neurology. 1990; 30(3): 142-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2141566

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Six-month controlled study of effect of desoximetasone and betamethasone 17valerate on the pituitary-adrenal axis. Author(s): Cornell RC, Stoughton RB. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 1981 July; 105(1): 91-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7259982

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Species-specific differences in the glucocorticoid receptor transactivation function upon binding with betamethasone-esters. Author(s): Tanigawa K, Nagase H, Ohmori K, Tanaka K, Miyake H, Kiniwa M, Ikizawa K. Source: International Immunopharmacology. 2002 June; 2(7): 941-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12188035

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Steroid aerosols in asthma: an assessment of betamethasone valerate and a 12-month study of patients on maintenance treatment. Author(s): McAllen MK, Kochanowski SJ, Shaw KM. Source: British Medical Journal. 1974 February 2; 1(900): 171-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4590668

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Steroid and growth hormone levels in premature infants after prenatal betamethasone therapy to prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Author(s): Ballard PL, Gluckman PD, Liggins GC, Kaplan SL, Grumbach MM. Source: Pediatric Research. 1980 February; 14(2): 122-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6444710

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Striae and persistent tinea corporis related to prolonged use of betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream/clotrimazole 1% cream (Lotrisone cream) Author(s): Barkey WF. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1987 September; 17(3): 518-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3655035

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Subconjunctival betamethasone is of benefit after cataract surgery. Author(s): Corbett MC, Hingorani M, Boulton JE, Shilling JS. Source: Eye (London, England). 1993; 7 ( Pt 6): 744-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8119423

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Submucous infiltration of betamethasone and lidocaine in the treatment of vulvar vestibulitis. Author(s): Segal D, Tifheret H, Lazer S. Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2003 March 26; 107(1): 105-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12593908

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Summary of clinical experience with a new ester of betamethasone--the valerate (valisone ointment). Author(s): Nierman MM. Source: J Indiana State Med Assoc. 1966 October; 59(10): 1184-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5978360

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Suspected betamethasone-induced leukemoid reaction in a premature infant. Author(s): Hoff DS, Mammel MC. Source: Pharmacotherapy. 1997 September-October; 17(5): 1031-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9324194

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Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) after treatment with cyclophosphamide, alpha-interferon and betamethasone in a patient with multiple myeloma. Author(s): Bjorck E, Samuelsson J. Source: European Journal of Haematology. 1996 May; 56(5): 323-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8641409

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Systemic effects of a short course of betamethasone compared with high-dose inhaled budesonide in early childhood asthma. Author(s): Hedlin G, Svedmyr J, Ryden AC. Source: Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). 1999 January; 88(1): 48-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10090547

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The atrophogenic potential and dermal tolerance of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment compared with betamethasone dipropionate ointment. Author(s): Traulsen J, Hughes-Formella BJ. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2003; 207(2): 166-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12920367

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The characteristics of betamethasone-loaded chitosan microparticles by spray-drying method. Author(s): Huang YC, Yeh MK, Cheng SN, Chiang CH. Source: Journal of Microencapsulation. 2003 July-August; 20(4): 459-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12851046

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The effect of betamethasone administration to pregnant women on maternal serum indicators of infection. Author(s): Vaisbuch E, Levy R, Hagay Z. Source: Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 2002; 30(4): 287-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12235715

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The effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on fetal heart rate patterns and biophysical activities. A prospective randomized trial. Author(s): Rotmensch S, Liberati M, Vishne TH, Celentano C, Ben-Rafael Z, Bellati U. Source: Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 1999 July; 78(6): 493-500. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10376858

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The effect of betamethasone on fetal biophysical activities and Doppler velocimetry of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries. Author(s): Rotmensch S, Liberati M, Celentano C, Efrat Z, Bar-Hava I, Kovo M, Golan A, Moravski G, Ben-Rafael Z. Source: Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 1999 October; 78(9): 768-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10535338

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The effect of betamethasone on salivary estriol. Author(s): Leff RP, Goldkrand JW. Source: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2002 March;11(3):192-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12380676

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The effect of betamethasone versus dexamethasone on fetal biophysical parameters. Author(s): Mushkat Y, Ascher-Landsberg J, Keidar R, Carmon E, Pauzner D, David MP. Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2001 July; 97(1): 50-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11435009

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The effect of multidose antenatal betamethasone on maternal and infant outcomes. Author(s): Thorp JA, Jones AM, Hunt C, Clark R. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2001 January; 184(2): 196-202. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11174502

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The effect of six weeks topical nasal betamethasone drops on the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis and bone turnover in patients with nasal polyposis. Author(s): Gazis AG, Homer JJ, Henson DB, Page SR, Jones NS. Source: Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences. 1999 December; 24(6): 495-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10606995

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The effects of Betamethasone on white blood cells during pregnancy with PPROM. Author(s): Diebel ND, Parsons MT, Spellacy WN. Source: Journal of Perinatal Medicine. 1998; 26(3): 204-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9773380

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The effects of dexamethasone and betamethasone on surfactant protein-B messenger RNA expression in human type II pneumocytes and human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Author(s): Ramin SM, Vidaeff AC, Gilstrap LC 3rd, Bishop KD, Jenkins GN, Alcorn JL. Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004 April; 190(4): 952-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15118620

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The influence of betamethasone and dexamethasone on motor development in young rats. Author(s): Gramsbergen A, Mulder EJ. Source: Pediatric Research. 1998 July; 44(1): 105-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9667379

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The role of betamethasone in the treatment of acute exudative pharyngitis. Author(s): Marvez-Valls EG, Ernst AA, Gray J, Johnson WD. Source: Academic Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 1998 June; 5(6): 567-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9660281

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The use of betamethasone and hyaluronidase injections in the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Author(s): Lamprakopoulos A, Zorzos I, Lykourinas M. Source: Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. 2000 December; 34(6): 355-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11195899

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Therapeutic effect of topical application of linoleic acid and lincomycin in combination with betamethasone valerate in melasma patients. Author(s): Lee MH, Kim HJ, Ha DJ, Paik JH, Kim HY. Source: Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2002 August; 17(4): 518-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12172049

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Three-year prospective randomized study of incidence of posterior capsule opacification in eyes treated with topical diclofenac and betamethasone. Author(s): Tsuchiya T, Ayaki M, Onishi T, Kageyama T, Yaguchi S. Source: Ophthalmic Research. 2003 March-April; 35(2): 67-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12646745

•

Topical therapy for psoriasis with the use of augmented betamethasone and calcipotriene on alternate weeks. Author(s): Singh S, Reddy DC, Pandey SS. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2000 July; 43(1 Pt 1): 61-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10863225

•

Treatment of intestinal graft-versus-host disease using betamethasone enemas. Author(s): Wada H, Mori A, Okada M, Takatsuka H, Tamura A, Seto Y, Iwata N, Fujimori Y, Okamoto T, Takemoto Y, Kakishita E. Source: Transplantation. 2001 October 27; 72(8): 1451-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11685119

•

Treatment of psoriasis with a new combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate: a flow cytometric study. Author(s): van Rossum MM, van Erp PE, van de Kerkhof PC. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2001; 203(2): 148-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11586014

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Type-IV hypersensitivity to betamethasone valerate and clobetasol propionate: results of a multicentre study. Author(s): Sommer S, Wilkinson SM, English JS, Gawkrodger DJ, Green C, King CM, Powell S, Sansom JE, Shaw S. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 2002 August; 147(2): 266-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12174097

•

Urticaria following betamethasone. Author(s): Maddin S. Source: Jama : the Journal of the American Medical Association. 1969 January 20; 207(3): 560. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5818221

•

Use of betamethasone in intractable asthma. Author(s): Abram LE, Fine AJ. Source: West Med Med J West. 1967 February; 8(2): 61-2. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6072165

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Use of betamethasone in reduction of cerebral edema. Author(s): Johnson JA, Assam S. Source: Military Medicine. 1966 January; 131(1): 44-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4954871

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Use of clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate by family physicians. Author(s): Shaffer MP, Feldman SR, Fleischer AB Jr. Source: Family Medicine. 2000 September; 32(8): 561-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11002867

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Using oral tetracycline and topical betamethasone valerate to treat acrodermatitis continua of hallopeau. Author(s): Piquero-Casals J, Fonseca de Mello AP, Dal Coleto C, Fonseca Takahashi MD, Simonsen Nico MM. Source: Cutis; Cutaneous Medicine for the Practitioner. 2002 August; 70(2): 106-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12234156

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Uterine activity after betamethasone administration for the enhancement of fetal lung maturation. Author(s): Yeshaya A, Orvieto R, Ben-Shem E, Dekel A, Peleg D, Dicker D, Ben-Rafael Z. Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 1996 August; 67(2): 139-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8841802

•

Visual interpretation of the effect of maternal betamethasone administration on the fetal heart rate pattern. Author(s): van Iddekinge B, Hofmeyr GJ, Buchmann E. Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology : the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2003 July; 23(4): 360-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12881071

•

Vitiligo--response to 0.2 percent betamethasone 17-valerate in flexible collodion. Author(s): Kandil E. Source: Dermatologica. 1970; 141(4): 277-81. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5487485

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Water-soluble betamethasone-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) hollow microparticles as a sustained release dosage form. Author(s): Chaw CS, Yang YY, Lim IJ, Phan TT. Source: Journal of Microencapsulation. 2003 May-June; 20(3): 349-59. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12881115

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CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND BETAMETHASONE Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to find studies dedicated specifically to nutrition and betamethasone.

Finding Nutrition Studies on Betamethasone The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) offers a searchable bibliographic database called the IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements; National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 1B29, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2086, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2086, Tel: 301-435-2920, Fax: 301-480-1845, E-mail: [email protected]). The IBIDS contains over 460,000 scientific citations and summaries about dietary supplements and nutrition as well as references to published international, scientific literature on dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.7 The IBIDS includes references and citations to both human and animal research studies. As a service of the ODS, access to the IBIDS database is available free of charge at the following Web address: http://ods.od.nih.gov/databases/ibids.html. After entering the search area, you have three choices: (1) IBIDS Consumer Database, (2) Full IBIDS Database, or (3) Peer Reviewed Citations Only. Now that you have selected a database, click on the “Advanced” tab. An advanced search allows you to retrieve up to 100 fully explained references in a comprehensive format. Type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” To narrow the search, you can also select the “Title” field.

7

Adapted from http://ods.od.nih.gov. IBIDS is produced by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health to assist the public, healthcare providers, educators, and researchers in locating credible, scientific information on dietary supplements. IBIDS was developed and will be maintained through an interagency partnership with the Food and Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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The following information is typical of that found when using the “Full IBIDS Database” to search for “betamethasone” (or a synonym): •

Determination of betamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide by GC-NCI-MS in excreta of treated animals and development of a fast oxidation procedure for derivatization of corticosteroids. Author(s): State Laboratory (ROLG), Braemkasteelstraat 59, B-9050 Ghent (Belgium) Source: Courtheyn, D. Vercammen, J. Logghe, M. Seghers, H. Wasch, K. de Brabander, H. de Analyst (United Kingdom). (1998). volume 123(12) page 2409-2414.

Additional physician-oriented references include: •

Cholinomimetic drugs modify betamethasone suppression in the rat. Author(s): Department Farmaco-Biologico, Pharmacy School, University of Messina, Italy. Source: Saija, A De Pasquale, R Costa, G Pharmacol-Res. 1989 Sep-October; 21(5): 609-16 1043-6618

•

Comparison of effects of verapamil, low calcium diet and betamethasone on duodenal calcium absorption efficiency in the chick. Author(s): Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Pediatrics, Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia. Source: Blahos, J Care, A D Abbas, S K Horm-Metab-Res. 1989 November; 21(11): 612-5 0018-5043

•

Fetal monkey surfactants after intra-amniotic or maternal administration of betamethasone and thyroid hormone. Author(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, USA. [email protected] Source: Gilbert, W M Eby Wilkens, E Plopper, C Whitsett, J A Tarantal, A F ObstetGynecol. 2001 September; 98(3): 466-70 0029-7844

Federal Resources on Nutrition In addition to the IBIDS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide many sources of information on general nutrition and health. Recommended resources include: •

healthfinder®, HHS’s gateway to health information, including diet and nutrition: http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=238&page=0

•

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site dedicated to nutrition information: www.nutrition.gov

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The Food and Drug Administration’s Web site for federal food safety information: www.foodsafety.gov

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The National Action Plan on Overweight and Obesity sponsored by the United States Surgeon General: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/

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The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has an Internet site sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/

Nutrition

55

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Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/

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Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/

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Food and Nutrition Service sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering food and nutrition. The following is a representative sample: •

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=174&layer=&from=subcats

•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_nutrition.html

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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Nutrition/

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Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/

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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Nutrition/

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Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Nutrition/

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WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/nutrition

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WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

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CHAPTER 3. BETAMETHASONE

ALTERNATIVE

MEDICINE

AND

Overview In this chapter, we will begin by introducing you to official information sources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relating to betamethasone. At the conclusion of this chapter, we will provide additional sources.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (http://nccam.nih.gov/) has created a link to the National Library of Medicine’s databases to facilitate research for articles that specifically relate to betamethasone and complementary medicine. To search the database, go to the following Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html. Select “CAM on PubMed.” Enter “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box. Click “Go.” The following references provide information on particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine that are related to betamethasone: •

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by the sublingual route of immunotherapy with a standardized grass pollen extract. Author(s): Sabbah A, Hassoun S, Le Sellin J, Andre C, Sicard H. Source: Allergy. 1994 May; 49(5): 309-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8092425

•

Adulterated “homoeopathic” cure for asthma. Author(s): Morice A. Source: Lancet. 1986 April 12; 1(8485): 862-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2870348

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•

An evidence-based assessment of occlusal adjustment as a treatment for temporomandibular disorders. Author(s): Tsukiyama Y, Baba K, Clark GT. Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 2001 July; 86(1): 57-66. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11458263

•

An office technique for identifying crystal in synovial fluid. Author(s): Wild JH, Zvaifler NJ. Source: American Family Physician. 1975 July; 12(1): 72-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=168759

•

Anti-inflammatory activity of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. A preliminary study. Author(s): Satyavati GV, Prasad DN, Das PK, Singh HD. Source: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1969 January; 13(1): 37-45. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4982025

•

Azathioprine as a corticosteroid sparing agent for the treatment of dermatitis caused by the weed Parthenium. Author(s): Verma KK, Manchanda Y, Pasricha JS. Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2000 January-February; 80(1): 31-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10721830

•

Bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy in a patient treated with systemic corticosteroids for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Author(s): Bandello F, Incorvaia C, Rosa N, Parmeggiani F, Costagliola C, Sebastiani A. Source: Eur J Ophthalmol. 2002 March-April; 12(2): 123-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12022284

•

Cerebral form of high-altitude illness. Author(s): Houston CS, Dickinson J. Source: Lancet. 1975 October 18; 2(7938): 758-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=52782

•

Clinical efficacy of sublingual-swallow immunotherapy: a double-blind, placebocontrolled trial of a standardized five-grass-pollen extract in rhinitis. Author(s): Clavel R, Bousquet J, Andre C. Source: Allergy. 1998 May; 53(5): 493-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9636808

•

Combined chemotherapy with bleomycin, adriamycin, and platinum in advanced thyroid cancer. Author(s): De Besi P, Busnardo B, Toso S, Girelli ME, Nacamulli D, Simioni N, Casara D, Zorat P, Fiorentino MV.

Alternative Medicine 59

Source: J Endocrinol Invest. 1991 June; 14(6): 475-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1723086 •

Complement activation in the central nervous system following blood-brain barrier damage in man. Author(s): Lindsberg PJ, Ohman J, Lehto T, Karjalainen-Lindsberg ML, Paetau A, Wuorimaa T, Carpen O, Kaste M, Meri S. Source: Annals of Neurology. 1996 October; 40(4): 587-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8871578

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Conservative approach to the treatment of chemotherapy-induced extravasation. Author(s): Tsavaris NB, Karagiaouris P, Tzannou I, Komitsopoulou P, Bacoyiannis C, Karabellis A, Papanicolaou V, Mylonakis N, Karvounis N, Zoannou A, et al. Source: J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1990 June; 16(6): 519-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2355131

•

Delay of preterm delivery in sheep by omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturates. Author(s): Baguma-Nibasheka M, Brenna JT, Nathanielsz PW. Source: Biology of Reproduction. 1999 March; 60(3): 698-701. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10026118

•

Determination of taxol in Taxus chinensis by HPLC method. Author(s): Xu LX, Liu AR. Source: Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1991; 26(7): 537-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1687188

•

Effect of betamethasone and betamethasone with neomycin nasal drops on human nasal mucociliary clearance and ciliary beat frequency. Author(s): Stanley PJ, Griffin WM, Wilson R, Greenstone MA, Mackay IS, Cole PJ. Source: Thorax. 1985 August; 40(8): 607-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3929419

•

Etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and high-dose betamethasone (EACB) as outpatient salvage therapy for refractory multiple myeloma. Author(s): Ohrling M, Bjorkholm M, Osterborg A, Juliusson G, Bjoreman M, Brenning G, Carlson K, Celsing F, Gahrton G, Grimfors G, et al. Source: European Journal of Haematology. 1993 July; 51(1): 45-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8348944

•

Maternal intravenous administration of long chain n-3 polyunsaturates to the pregnant ewe in late gestation results in specific inhibition of prostaglandin h synthase (PGHS) 2, but not PGHS1 and oxytocin receptor mRNA in myometrium

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during betamethasone-induced labor. Author(s): Ma XH, Wu WX, Brenna JT, Nathanielsz PW. Source: Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. 2000 July-August; 7(4): 2337. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10964022 •

Mucosal damage during intestinal anaphylaxis in the rat. Effect of betamethasone and disodium cromoglycate. Author(s): D'Inca R, Hunt RH, Perdue MH. Source: Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 1992 November; 37(11): 1704-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1425070

•

Stabilization and HPLC analysis of betamethasone sodium phosphate in plasma. Author(s): Samtani MN, Schwab M, Nathanielsz PW, Jusko WJ. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2004 March; 93(3): 726-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14762910

•

The effect of clonixin and betamethasone on adjuvant-induced arthritis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rats. Author(s): Watnick AS, Sabin C. Source: Japanese Journal of Pharmacology. 1972 December; 22(6): 741-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4541481

Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering CAM and related topics. The following is a representative sample: •

Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.: http://www.herbmed.org/

•

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=169&layer=&from=subcats

•

Chinese Medicine: http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/

•

drkoop.com: http://www.drkoop.com/InteractiveMedicine/IndexC.html

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Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_altn.htm

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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Alternative/

•

Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/

•

MedWebPlus: http://medwebplus.com/subject/Alternative_and_Complementary_Medicine

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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/

•

HealthGate: http://www.tnp.com/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/drugs_and_herbs

Alternative Medicine 61

•

WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Alternative_Medicine/

The following is a specific Web list relating to Betamethasone; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •

General Overview Seborrheic Dermatitis Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com

•

Herbs and Supplements Corticosteroids Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Lotrisone Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com

General References A good place to find general background information on CAM is the National Library of Medicine. It has prepared within the MEDLINEplus system an information topic page dedicated to complementary and alternative medicine. To access this page, go to the MEDLINEplus site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html. This Web site provides a general overview of various topics and can lead to a number of general sources.

63

CHAPTER 4. PATENTS ON BETAMETHASONE Overview Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.8 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “betamethasone” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on betamethasone, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography.

Patents on Betamethasone By performing a patent search focusing on betamethasone, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an 8Adapted

from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.

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example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on betamethasone: •

21-Adamantane-1'-carboxylate steroid compositions Inventor(s): English; Alan Frederick (Hazlemere, EN), Phillipps; Gordon Hanley (Wembley, EN), Stribley; Gillian Helen (Northwood, EN) Assignee(s): Glaxo Laboratories Limited (Greenford, EN) Patent Number: 4,016,271 Date filed: November 19, 1975 Abstract: The Specification describes a method of systemically treating immunological disorders or inflammatory disorders having a significant immunological component which comprises administering to a subject suffering from such a disorder an initial dosage in the case of a human adult subject of 50 to 500 mg of from more than betamethasone 21-adamantane-1'-carboxylate, dexamethasone 21-adamantane-1'carboxylate or a corresponding 11-ketone, or in the case of other subjects, an equivalent dosage calculated on the body weight of the subject. The Specification further describes pharmaceutical and veterinary compositions for use in the above method, each dosage unit containing 50 to 500 mg of the 21-adamantane-1'-carboxylate steroid. Excerpt(s): The present invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to the medicinal use of betamethasone 21-adamantane -1'-carboxylate, its 16.alpha.-methyl analogue, and the corresponding 11-ketones, as more particularly described hereinafter. Belgian Specification No. 785812 describes and claims betamethasone 21-adamantane1'-carboxylate and its corresponding 9.alpha.-chloro analogue, these compounds being described in our said Application as having prolonged antiinflammatory activity upon internal administration. As indicated in our Application, the above-mentioned compounds may advantageously be administered at intervals of several days in view of their prolonged duration of activity, an interval of 14 days being mentioned for intramuscular and intraarticular administration of the compounds to humans and an interval of 7-21 days for administration to animals. Our said Specification further describes dosages at which the compounds may be administered over such intervals to achieve a satisfactory antiinflammatory effect. Thus, for intramuscular administration to adult humans a dosage rate of 5-40 mg, preferably 10-20 mg of steroid is recommended, while for intra-articular administration the recommended dosage is 1-20 mg, preferably 3-6 mg of steroid. For animals, a recommended dose rate is 0.1 to 0.5 mg steroid per kg animal weight. Dosage units are described containing 1-50 mg of steroid. We have now discovered that in treating inflammatory disorders associated with a significant immunological component, very valuable long-lasting therapeutic effects can be achieved by the administration of betamethasone 21-adamantane-1'-carboxylate, its 16.alpha.-methyl analogue and the corresponding 11-ketones in initial doses larger than those hitherto proposed in our said Application. The 21-adamantane-1'-carboxylates of betamethasone and dexamethasone are particularly preferred, the betamethasone compound being especially advantageous. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04016271__

Patents 65

•

Betamethasone- and hyaluronic acid-treated thin adhesive plaster for the treatment of psoriasis dermatitis and dermatosis Inventor(s): Donati; Elisabetta (Cavallasca, IT), Rapaport; Irina (Rovio, CH) Assignee(s): Altergon S.A. (Lugano, CH) Patent Number: 6,379,695 Date filed: October 22, 1999 Abstract: Thin adhesive plaster having a thickness lower than 500.mu.m for the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis and dermatosis, comprising:a) a support comprising an outer layer in plastic film and an inner layer in woven or non-woven fabric having approximately the same size as the plastic film,b) an adhesive layer placed on the support inner layer having approximately the same size as the support comprising an adhesive matrix in the form of hydrogel, betamethasone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and optionally hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,c) a protective plastic film contacted with the adhesive layer and removable immediately prior to use. Excerpt(s): The present invention refers to a plaster in the form of a thin film for the treatment of slight psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, and dermatosis. Corticosteroids are amply used in cases of eczema, dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, etc., being remarkably efficacious for the treatment of skin diseases. However, prolonged treatments with said drugs cause untoward side effects at a systemic level, such as for example the suppression of the adrenocortical pituitary function, a phenomenon taking place even when corticosteroids are for external use and administered locally. Further side effects arising from a prolonged administration of corticosteroids consist in skin infections, such as for example acne. That is the reason why the hormone is administered locally at very low concentrations. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06379695__

•

Betamethasone dipropionate cream Inventor(s): Sandweiss; Varda E. (Forest Hills, NY), Shapiro; Paul H. (West Caldwell, NJ), Stupak; Elliot (West Caldwell, NJ) Assignee(s): Schering Corporation (Madison, NJ) Patent Number: 4,489,070 Date filed: November 10, 1983 Abstract: Disclosed is an elegant formulation of betamethasone dipropionate useful as a topical anti-inflammatory product. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to an elegant formulation of betamethasone dipropionate. A betamethasone dipropionate cream has been sold by Schering Corporation under the trademark Diprosone. That product consists of betamethasone dipropionate in a cream consisting of purified water, mineral oil, white petrolatum, polyethylene glycol 1000 monocetyl ether, cetostearyl alcohol, monobasic sodium phosphate and phosphoric acid, with 4-chloro-m-cresol and propylene glycol as preservatives. The formulation of the present invention is remarkably simple compared to Diprosone cream. It contains a glycol solvent as a major component, but it is free of any other preservative and contains no surfactants. It is thus less likely to cause allergic reactions due to these additives. Nevertheless, the formulation of the present invention

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is highly efficacous and is stable. In fact, it is surprisingly more effective than Diprosone cream. Also, even though standard preservatives are not present, the present formulation has been found to be self preserving when tested in standardized assays for the determination of growth of Eschericia coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillis niger, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In standard dermal irriration studies on rabbits, the formulation of the present invention has been found to be less irritating than Diprosone cream. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04489070__ •

Betamethasone dipropionate cream Inventor(s): Florance; Richard K. (Boonton, NJ), Sequeira; Joel A. (New York, NY) Assignee(s): Schering Corporation (Madison, NJ) Patent Number: 4,489,071 Date filed: December 9, 1983 Abstract: An elegant topical cream composition, dipropionate, for the treatment of inflammation.

containing

betamethasone

Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a cream formulation of betamethasone dipropionate having improved properties. U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,462 discloses a steroid ointment having very good efficacy. The effectiveness of this composition is believed to be due to the steroid's being completely dissolved in the ointment. However, this ointment, like others, feels somewhat greasy when applied to the skin. Another product currently on the market (Diprosone Cream) is an oil-in-water emulsion containing, in addition to the betamethasone dipropionate, water, mineral oil, white petrolatum, ceteth 20, cetostearyl alcohol, monobasic sodium phosphate, and phosphoric acid, preserved with 4-chloro-mcresol and propylene glycol. While this formula is more cosmetically elegant than the previously discussed ointment, it is not as effective. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 494,214, filed May 13, 1983, (having assignee in common with the present patent application) discloses a cream-like composition having better efficacy than Diprosone Cream. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04489071__ •

Clotrimazole-betamethasone dipropionate combination Inventor(s): Hammell; Susan B. (Berkeley Heights, NJ) Assignee(s): Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ) Patent Number: 4,298,604 Date filed: October 6, 1980 Abstract: Antifungal compositions comprising clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate are disclosed. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to antifungal compositions comprising clotrimazole, a synthetic antifungal agent, and betamethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid. Such compositions are surprisingly more effective against fungi than compositions comprising only clotrimazole. The compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.001 to about 0.33 percent by weight betamethasone dipropionate and

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about 0.01 to about 10 percent by weight clotrimazole in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention comprise about 0.01 to about 0.1 percent by weight betamethasone diproprionate and about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight clotrimazole. In the compositions of the present invention, the ratio of clotrimazole to betamethasone dipropionate ranges from about 10 to 1 to about 30 to 1. A particularly preferred composition comprises about 0.06 percent by weight betamethasone diproprionate and about 1 percent by weight clotrimazole. The compositions of the present invention may be used in the topical treatment of the following derma and/or vaginal infections: tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis due to, for example, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis; candidiasis due to Candida albicans; and tinea versicolor due to Malassezia furfur. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful when these infections are accompanied by moderate to severe inflammation. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04298604__ •

Composition for the treatment of hair loss Inventor(s): Brown; Sandra (Southfield, MI) Assignee(s): STB Family Limited Partnership (Southfield, MI) Patent Number: 6,344,448 Date filed: July 11, 1994 Abstract: A method and compound having betamethasone dipropionate and all-transretinoic is disclosed for the treatment of hair loss. The method also includes identifying any underlying conditions causing hair loss and administration of a salve of betamethasone dipropionate and all-trans-retinoic acid to the affected areas. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a compound and method of treatment for hair loss, and more particularly, to a compound and method using a compound having all-trans-retinoic acid and betamethasone dipropionate. Restoration of human hair has been attempted for centuries. In many cases, hair loss is merely covered by wigs or toupees. Many medical treatments have been attempted over the years; however, up until now, no treatment has been found which satisfactorily stimulates hair growth for a wide variety of cases, including alopecia. Each hair extends from a tube-like depression called a hair follicle. The hair follicle extends from the surface of the skin into the dermis and may pass into the subcutaneous layer. At the base of the follicle is a group of epidermal cells which receive nourishment from blood vessels that occur in a projection of connective tissue at the base of the follicle. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06344448__

•

Compositions and in situ methods for forming films on body tissue Inventor(s): Pomerantz; Edwin (Woodland Hills, CA) Assignee(s): Zila Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Phoenix, AZ) Patent Number: 5,081,157 Date filed: February 6, 1991

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Abstract: A film-forming composition for topical application of medicaments to body tissues. The film-forming composition includes hydroxypropyl cellulose; a non-toxic volatile solvent for said hydroxypropyl cellulose and said reaction product, and an esterification agent which reacts with the hydroxypropyl cellulose to form a reaction product which is soluble in the solvent. The medicinal compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamainolone acetonide, lidocaine hydrochloride, dibucaine hydrochloride. Excerpt(s): The composition of Example 1 is tested for pain reduction capability in comparison with the commercially available medication sold under the name "Orabase", a composition containing benzocaine in a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and pectin base. Twenty otherwise healthy human subjects who suffer from recurrent aphthous stomatitis are separated into test and control groups of ten members each. Comparable test sites consisting of an aphthous ulcer and surrounding healthy mucosal tissue is selected in the mouths of each of the subjects. These sites are prepared by irrigating with distilled water and then carefully drying with cotton gauze pads. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05081157__ •

Method for treating inflammation Inventor(s): Narula; Satwant K. (West Caldwell, NJ), Smith; Sidney R. (Ridgewood, NJ) Assignee(s): Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ) Patent Number: 5,753,218 Date filed: May 3, 1996 Abstract: A method is provided for treating or preventing inflammatory conditions, in particular septic shock and inflammatory conditions caused by auto-immune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, uveitis, and psoriasis. The method comprises administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of IL-10 plus at least one steroid such as betamethasone. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising IL-10 plus at least one steroid, e.g., betamethasone or its derivatives. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a method for treating inflammatory conditions or diseases relating to inflammation, including septic shock. One of the mechanisms by which the immune system normally regulates itself includes the production of proteins called cytokines. Cytokines mediate numerous immune/inflammatory responses. Several cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-.alpha.), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interferon gamma (IFN-.gamma.), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), are produced by stimulated monocytes/macrophages and have been implicated in many of the inflammatory, immunological, hematological, and metabolic changes occurring during infection and tissue injury ›See, e.g., Hart et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:3803(1989)!. Septic shock is one example of a disease state characterized by production of inflammatory cytokines. It is an often fatal condition usually resulting from gram-negative bacteremia. Despite the use of potent antibiotics and intensive care, there is still a high mortality rate for sepsis as well as for cases of gram-negative bacteremia which result in septic shock (See, e.g., Ziegler et al., New Eng. J. Med. 324:429 (1991); Bone et al., New Eng. J. Med. 317:653 (1987); and Kreger et al., Am. J. Med 68:344 (1980)). Approximately 100,000-300,000 cases of sepsis-causing gram-negative bacteremia are reported per year, with the resulting deaths estimated at 30,000 to 100,000 (Wolff, New Eng. J. Med. 324:486 (1991)). Sepsis

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requires prompt treatment, since the patient's condition often deteriorates rapidly. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. The symptoms of septic shock include fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, peripheral hypoperfusion or systemic toxicity. (Ziegler et aL, supra). Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05753218__ •

Steroid intermediates and processes for their preparation Inventor(s): Andrews; David R. (Maplewood, NJ), Sudhakar; Anantha R. (East Brunswick, NJ) Assignee(s): Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ) Patent Number: 5,502,183 Date filed: July 25, 1994 Abstract: Novel steroids having a 9.alpha.-hydroxy or a 9.alpha.-carbonate substituent can be prepared from 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrostenedione and can be utilized in the synthesis of commercially valuable corticosteroids such as betamethasone. The 9.alpha.carbonates are prepared by reaction of the corresponding 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroid with a sequence of excess base, trialkylsilyl chloride, alkyl haloformate and alkanol or by using excess base, alkyl haloformate and alkoxide. 9.alpha.-Carbonate-17-keto compounds can be treated with lithium acetylide and a lithium salt to afford the corresponding 17.alpha.-ethynyl-17.beta.-hydroxy-9.alpha.-carbonate. This compound is then esterified with a novel series of reagents to give the 17-ester which can be reduced the corresponding 17-allene. Oxidation of this allene to the bis-epoxide compound, followed by treatment with an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid under phase transfer conditions gives the 17.alpha.-hydroxy 21-ester 9.alpha.-carbonate. Elimination of the 9.alpha.-carbonate group affords the a 17.alpha.-hydroxy, 9(11)ene, which in a few subsequent steps can be converted to a variety of commercially important corticosteroids. Novel 9.alpha.-carbonate compounds are prepared in the various reaction steps. Excerpt(s): The 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroids are known to be useful intermediates for preparing commercially valuable corticosteroids. These corticosteroids such as betamethasone find utility in the treatment of psoriasis, dermatological diseases and inflammation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,596 describes a process for dehydrating 9.alpha.hydroxysteroid type compounds with a strong acid (pKa less than 1) to give.DELTA.9,11 steroids. A.DELTA.9,11 steroid is one which possesses a double bond between positions 9 and 11 in the steroid ring. U.S. Pat. No. 4,102,907 and European Patent Application No. 87201933.6 teach dehydration of steroid intermediates. John Fried and John A. Edwards, Organic Reactions in Steroid Chemistry, Vol. II, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, N.Y. (1972), pp., 382-385; L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, Steroids, Reinhold Publishing Corp., New York (1959), Chapter 18, Homo and Nor Steroids, pp. 577-599 and R. W. Draper and M. S. Puar Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra of D-homoannulated 17-hydroxypregnan-20-ones, Steroids 54/1, July, 1989, pp. 1-10, disclose undesirable D-ring homologation of 17-hydroxy-20-keto steroids by utilizing conventional acidic or alkaline reagents. J. Org. Chem., 44, pp. 15821584 (1979) notes that C-9.alpha. esters are not readily preparable. The.DELTA.9,11 steroids are useful intermediates for the preparation of pharmaceutically active corticosteroids as taught in L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, Steroids, Chapter 19, Adrenocortical Hormones, pp. 600-726, supra, I. Nitta and H. Ueno, New Synthesis of Corticoids, Yuki Gosei Kagaku, Vol. 45, No. 5 (1987), pp. 445-461, and in J. Redpath and

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F. J. Zeelen, in Chem. Soc. Rev., Stereoselective Synthesis of Steroid Sidechains, Vol. 12 (1983), pp. 75-98. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a process for preparing.DELTA.9,11 steroids by dehydration of 9.alpha.-oxygenated steroids possessing the requisite 17,21-dihydroxy-20-ketone (corticoid) or 17-hydroxy-20-ketone (pregnane) side chain which avoids D-ring homo-rearrangement and which can also reduce the steps required for their preparation. The present invention utilizes a 9.alpha.carbonate of the 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroid as an intermediate in the synthesis of commercially valuable steroids. 9.alpha.-carbonates are prepared from the commercially available 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione or its derivatives by a sequence of either excess base, trialkylsilyl halide, alkyl, vinyl, or phenyl haloformate and alkanol; or a sequence of excess base, excess alkylhaloformate and alkoxide. The use of the 9.alpha.carbonate allows for elimination in the presence of a 17-hydroxy group. h. treatment of the compound of step (g) with a strong acid to afford the.DELTA.9,11 steroid of formula I. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05502183__ •

Steroid ointment Inventor(s): Ecker; Varda (New York, NY) Assignee(s): Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ) Patent Number: 4,070,462 Date filed: October 26, 1976 Abstract: An improved ointment for the topical administration of steroids is comprised of a therapeutically effective amount of a 17-mono or 17,21-diester of betamethasone in a non-aqueous base comprised of 5-15% of a glycol solvent, 1-3% of a principle emulsifying agent; 0-7% of a secondary emulsifying agent; and 70-90% of a petrolatum base. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a topical ointment for use in the application of steroid medicaments and to mixtures of the ointment base and such steroids. More particularly, this invention relates to a new, improved ointment vehicle for steroids having advantages over previously known ointments. The use of topical ointments as vehicles for steroid medicaments, particularly steroids having anti-inflammatory activity, is well-known in the art. The problem which must be dealt with in order to prepare a successful composition is to balance the completeness of incorporation of the steroidal medicament in the vehicle with the ease and completeness of its release from the ointment to and through the skin to which it is applied. Topical steroids dispersed or incorporated in oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion-based vehicles have been observed to remain unabsorbed by the skin because the steroid is insoluble in such systems. Alternatively, a water-soluble steroid may be used which does dissolve in the aqueous phase of either the oil-in-water or the water-in-oil emulsion base, but when the steroid is exposed to the dermal surface, it is too vehicle-soluble for optimal absorption. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04070462__

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•

Topical treatment for acne Inventor(s): Benitez; Juan E. (911 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco, TX 78596) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,505,949 Date filed: October 13, 1994 Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical acne cream having primary ingredients such as: clortrimazole being an anti-fungal ingredient usually termed fungicidal due to its characteristic of killing fungus when they come in contact with the substance; betamethasone dipropionate being an anti-inflammatory ingredient; and salicylic acid being an anti-septic/anti-bacterial/keratolytic substance which rapidly reduces inflammation caused by a person's body's immune reaction to acne bacteria as well as optional secondary ingredients such as binders, emulsifiers and fillers which may be present individually and in combination. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to the field of treating the skin condition known as acne. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with the prophylactic or therapeutic topical treatment of acne. Even more specifically, the present invention is concerned with the topical treatment of such skin disorders as acne vulgaris, other acneiform dermal disorders, e.g. preadolescent acne, acne rosacea (now known as rosacea), premenstrual acne, acne venenata, acne cosmetica, pomade acne, acne detergicans, acne cosmetica, acne excoriee, gram negative acne, steroid acne, acne conglobata, or nodulocystic acne. The present invention can also be used for topically treating certain other types of acneiform dermal disorders, e.g. perioral dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis in the presence of acne, gram negative folliculitis, sebaceous gland dysfunction, hiddradenitis suppurativa, pseudo-folliculitis barbae, or folliculitis. The present invention relates to topically applied medicinal compositions, and more particularly refers to such compositions having active topical medicinal ingredients, and additionally having LYCD in amounts sufficient to act with the other active ingredients to provide synergistic therapeutic results. The present invention concerns benzoyl peroxide quaternary ammonium lipophilic salicylate based pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions and their use especially in treatment of acne. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05505949__

Patent Applications on Betamethasone As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.9 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 relating to betamethasone:

9

This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.

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•

Betamethasone

Remedies for retina and choroid diseases containing steroids as the active ingredient Inventor(s): Kurose, Tatsuji; (Ikoma, JP), Tano, Yasuo; (Kobe, JP) Correspondence: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, PC; 767 Third Avenue; 25th Floor; New York; NY; 10017-2023; US Patent Application Number: 20040097478 Date filed: September 29, 2003 Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide therapeutic agents for retinochoroidal disorders comprising a steroid as an active ingredient and having improved effects and dosage forms for treating the retinochoroidal disorders whereby the steroid can be easily administered. The present invention relates to therapeutic agents for the retinochoroidal disorders comprising betamethasone or hydrocortisone as an active ingredient and to subconjunctival injections comprising the steroid as an active ingredient. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to therapeutic agents for retinochoroidal disorders comprising a specific steroid, namely betamethasone or hydrocortisone as an active ingredient and to subconjunctival injections for treating the retinochoroidal disorders comprising the steroid as an active ingredient. Retinochoroidal disorders are intractable disorders leading to blindness. In particular, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy are main retinochoroidal disorders. Age-related macular degeneration (hereinafter abbreviated as "AMD") is a disorder which is caused by an unknown origin and occurs at a macular site with aging. This disorder often occurs among old people over fifty and is noted as a disorder which is a main cause of visual loss and blindness of old people in recent years. AMD is classified into two types, i.e., an exudation-type wherein neovascularization derived from choroid extends to the macular site to cause hemorrhage or exudation, and an atrophy-type in which choroidal neovascularization does not participate and wherein retinal pigment epithelial cells and a choroidal capillary plate atrophy. In the exudationtype, neovascularization extends or migrates from the choroids to the retinal pigment epithelial cells or under the retina in macula lutea of old people to cause hemorrhage or exudative lesions. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Keeping Current In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with betamethasone, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. You will see two broad options: (1) Issued Patent, and (2) Published Applications. To see a list of issued patents, perform the following steps: Under “Issued Patents,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on betamethasone. You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning betamethasone. Simply go back to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Select “Quick Search” under “Published Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.

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CHAPTER 5. BOOKS ON BETAMETHASONE Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to betamethasone. In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent sources for book titles on betamethasone include the Combined Health Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Your local medical library also may have these titles available for loan.

The National Library of Medicine Book Index The National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health has a massive database of books published on healthcare and biomedicine. Go to the following Internet site, http://locatorplus.gov/, and then select “Search LOCATORplus.” Once you are in the search area, simply type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box, and select “books only.” From there, results can be sorted by publication date, author, or relevance. The following was recently catalogued by the National Library of Medicine:10 • 10

Subacromial betamethasone therapy. Author: Valtonen, Erkki J; Year: 1974

In addition to LOCATORPlus, in collaboration with authors and publishers, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is currently adapting biomedical books for the Web. The books may be accessed in two ways: (1) by searching directly using any search term or phrase (in the same way as the bibliographic database PubMed), or (2) by following the links to PubMed abstracts. Each PubMed abstract has a "Books" button that displays a facsimile of the abstract in which some phrases are hypertext links. These phrases are also found in the books available at NCBI. Click on hyperlinked results in the list of books in which the phrase is found. Currently, the majority of the links are between the books and PubMed. In the future, more links will be created between the books and other types of information, such as gene and protein sequences and macromolecular structures. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Books.

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CHAPTER 6. PERIODICALS BETAMETHASONE

AND

NEWS

ON

Overview In this chapter, we suggest a number of news sources and present various periodicals that cover betamethasone.

News Services and Press Releases One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on betamethasone is to search the news wires. In the following sample of sources, we will briefly describe how to access each service. These services only post recent news intended for public viewing. PR Newswire To access the PR Newswire archive, simply go to http://www.prnewswire.com/. Select your country. Type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box. You will automatically receive information on relevant news releases posted within the last 30 days. The search results are shown by order of relevance. Reuters Health The Reuters’ Medical News and Health eLine databases can be very useful in exploring news archives relating to betamethasone. While some of the listed articles are free to view, others are available for purchase for a nominal fee. To access this archive, go to http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html and search by “betamethasone” (or synonyms). The following was recently listed in this archive for betamethasone: •

Connetics Initiates Phase III Trial Of Betamethasone Mousse Source: Reuters Medical News Date: April 08, 1997

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The NIH Within MEDLINEplus, the NIH has made an agreement with the New York Times Syndicate, the AP News Service, and Reuters to deliver news that can be browsed by the public. Search news releases at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html. MEDLINEplus allows you to browse across an alphabetical index. Or you can search by date at the following Web page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html. Often, news items are indexed by MEDLINEplus within its search engine. Business Wire Business Wire is similar to PR Newswire. To access this archive, simply go to http://www.businesswire.com/. You can scan the news by industry category or company name. Market Wire Market Wire is more focused on technology than the other wires. To browse the latest press releases by topic, such as alternative medicine, biotechnology, fitness, healthcare, legal, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, access Market Wire’s Medical/Health channel at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_index?channel=MedicalHealth. Or simply go to Market Wire’s home page at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/home, type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click on “Search News.” As this service is technology oriented, you may wish to use it when searching for press releases covering diagnostic procedures or tests. Search Engines Medical news is also available in the news sections of commercial Internet search engines. See the health news page at Yahoo (http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/News_and_Media/), or you can use this Web site’s general news search page at http://news.yahoo.com/. Type in “betamethasone” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is relevant to betamethasone, you can go to any stock trading Web site (such as http://www.etrade.com/) and search for the company name there. News items across various news sources are reported on indicated hyperlinks. Google offers a similar service at http://news.google.com/. BBC Covering news from a more European perspective, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) allows the public free access to their news archive located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/. Search by “betamethasone” (or synonyms).

Academic Periodicals covering Betamethasone Numerous periodicals are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database that are known to publish articles relating to betamethasone. In addition

Periodicals and News

77

to these sources, you can search for articles covering betamethasone that have been published by any of the periodicals listed in previous chapters. To find the latest studies published, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed, type the name of the periodical into the search box, and click “Go.” If you want complete details about the historical contents of a journal, you can also visit the following Web site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi. Here, type in the name of the journal or its abbreviation, and you will receive an index of published articles. At http://locatorplus.gov/, you can retrieve more indexing information on medical periodicals (e.g. the name of the publisher). Select the button “Search LOCATORplus.” Then type in the name of the journal and select the advanced search option “Journal Title Search.”

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CHAPTER 7. RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS Overview While a number of hard copy or CD-ROM resources are available for researching medications, a more flexible method is to use Internet-based databases. Broadly speaking, there are two sources of information on approved medications: public sources and private sources. We will emphasize free-to-use public sources.

U.S. Pharmacopeia Because of historical investments by various organizations and the emergence of the Internet, it has become rather simple to learn about the medications recommended for betamethasone. One such source is the United States Pharmacopeia. In 1820, eleven physicians met in Washington, D.C. to establish the first compendium of standard drugs for the United States. They called this compendium the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Today, the USP is a non-profit organization consisting of 800 volunteer scientists, eleven elected officials, and 400 representatives of state associations and colleges of medicine and pharmacy. The USP is located in Rockville, Maryland, and its home page is located at http://www.usp.org/. The USP currently provides standards for over 3,700 medications. The resulting USP DI Advice for the Patient can be accessed through the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. The database is partially derived from lists of federally approved medications in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Drug Approvals database, located at http://www.fda.gov/cder/da/da.htm. While the FDA database is rather large and difficult to navigate, the Phamacopeia is both user-friendly and free to use. It covers more than 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter medications. To access this database, simply type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html. To view examples of a given medication (brand names, category, description, preparation, proper use, precautions, side effects, etc.), simply follow the hyperlinks indicated within the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Below, we have compiled a list of medications associated with betamethasone. If you would like more information on a particular medication, the provided hyperlinks will direct you to ample documentation (e.g. typical dosage, side effects, drug-interaction risks, etc.). The

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following drugs have been mentioned in the Pharmacopeia and other sources as being potentially applicable to betamethasone: Clotrimazole and Betamethasone •

Topical - U.S. Brands: Lotrisone http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202156.html

Corticosteroids •

Ophthalmic - U.S. Brands: AK-Dex; AK-Pred; AK-Tate; Baldex; Decadron; Dexair; Dexotic; Econopred; Econopred Plus; Eflone; Flarex; Fluor-Op; FML Forte; FML Liquifilm; FML S.O.P.; HMS Liquifilm; Inflamase Forte; Inflamase Mild; I-Pred; Lite Pred; Maxidex; Ocu-Dex; Ocu-Pred; Ocu-Pred Forte; Ocu-PredA; Pred Forte; Pred Mild; Predair; Predair A; Predair Forte; Storz-Dexa; Ultra Pred http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202013.html

•

Otic - U.S. Brands: Decadron http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202014.html

•

Rectal - U.S. Brands: Anucort-HC; Anu-Med HC; Anuprep HC; Anusol-HC; Anutone-HC; Anuzone-HC; Cort-Dome; Cortenema; Cortifoam; Hemorrhoidal HC; Hemril-HC Uniserts; Proctocort; Proctosol-HC; Rectasol-HC http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/203366.html

Corticosteroids Glucocorticoid Effects •

Systemic - U.S. Brands: Acetocot; A-hydroCort; Amcort; A-MethaPred; Aristocort; Aristocort Forte; Aristopak; Aristospan; Articulose-50; ArticuloseL.A.; Celestone; Celestone Phosphate; Celestone Soluspan; Cinalone 40; Cinonide 40; Clinacort; Clinalog; Cordrol; Cortastat; Cortastat 10; Cortastat LA; Cortef; Cortone Acetate; Cotolone; Dalalone; Dalalone D.P.; Dalalone L.A.; Decadrol; Decadron; Decadron Elixir; Decadron Phosphate; Decadron-LA; Decaject; Decaject-LA; Delta-Cortef; Deltasone; DepMedalone 40; DepMedalone 80; Depoject-40; Depoject-80; Depo-Medrol; Depopred; Depo-Predate; Dexacorten; Dexacorten-LA; Dexamethasone Intensol; Dexasone; Dexasone L.A.; Dexone; Dexone 0.75; Dexone 1.5; Dexone 4; Dexone LA; Duralone-40; Duralone-80; Hexadrol; Hexadrol Phosphate; Hydrocortone; Hydrocortone Acetate; Hydrocortone Phosphate; Kenacort; Kenacort Diacetate; Kenaject-40; Kenalog-10; Kenalog-40; Ken-Jec 40; Key-Pred; Key-Pred SP; Liquid Pred; Med-Jec-40; Medralone 80; Medrol; Meprolone; Methacort 40; Methacort 80; Methylcotolone; Meticorten; Mymethasone; Nor-Pred T.B.A.; Orasone 1; Orasone 10; Orasone 20; Orasone 5; Orasone 50; Pediapred; Predacort 50; Predacorten; Predacorten 80; Predalone 50; Predalone T.B.A.; Predate S; Predate TBA; Predate-50; Predcor-25; Predcor-50; Predcor-TBA; Predicort-RP; Pred-Ject-50; Prednicot; Prednisone Intensol; Pred-Pak 45; Pred-Pak 79; Prelone; Primethasone; Robalog; Selestoject; Solu-Cortef; Solu-Medrol; Solurex; Solurex LA; Sterapred; Sterapred DS; Tac-3; Tramacort-D; Triam-A; Triam-Forte; Triamolone 40; Triamonide 40; Tri-Kort; Trilog; Trilone; Tristoject http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202018.html

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Corticosteroids Medium to Very High Potency •

Topical - U.S. Brands: Alphatrex; Aristocort; Aristocort A; Betatrex; Beta-Val; Bio-Syn; Cordran; Cordran SP; Cormax; Cutivate; Cyclocort; Delta-Tritex; Dermabet; Dermatop; Diprolene; Diprolene AF; Diprosone; Elocon; Florone; Florone E; Fluocet; Fluocin; Fluonid; Flurosyn; Flutex; Halog; Halog-E; Kenac; Kenalog; Kenalog-H; Kenonel; Licon; Lidex; Lidex-E; Locoid; Luxiq; Maxiflor; Maxivate; Olux; Pandel; Psorcon; Synalar; Synalar-HP; Synemol; Teladar; Temovate; Temovate E; Temovate Scalp Application; Topicort; Topicort LP; Triacet; Triderm; Ultravate; Uticort; Valisone; Valisone Reduced Strength; Valnac; Westcort http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202016.html

Commercial Databases In addition to the medications listed in the USP above, a number of commercial sites are available by subscription to physicians and their institutions. Or, you may be able to access these sources from your local medical library.

Mosby’s Drug Consult Mosby’s Drug Consult database (also available on CD-ROM and book format) covers 45,000 drug products including generics and international brands. It provides prescribing information, drug interactions, and patient information. Subscription information is available at the following hyperlink: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/. PDRhealth The PDRhealth database is a free-to-use, drug information search engine that has been written for the public in layman’s terms. It contains FDA-approved drug information adapted from the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) database. PDRhealth can be searched by brand name, generic name, or indication. It features multiple drug interactions reports. Search PDRhealth at http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/index.html. Other Web Sites Drugs.com (www.drugs.com) reproduces the information in the Pharmacopeia as well as commercial information. You may also want to consider the Web site of the Medical Letter, Inc. (http://www.medletter.com/) which allows users to download articles on various drugs and therapeutics for a nominal fee. If you have any questions about a medical treatment, the FDA may have an office near you. Look for their number in the blue pages of the phone book. You can also contact the FDA through its toll-free number, 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332), or on the World Wide Web at www.fda.gov.

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APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES Overview In this chapter, we focus on databases and Internet-based guidelines and information resources created or written for a professional audience.

NIH Guidelines Commonly referred to as “clinical” or “professional” guidelines, the National Institutes of Health publish physician guidelines for the most common diseases. Publications are available at the following by relevant Institute11: •

Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm

•

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); fact sheets available at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/facts/

•

National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with guidelines: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html

•

National Cancer Institute (NCI); guidelines available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/list.aspx?viewid=5f35036e-5497-4d86-8c2c714a9f7c8d25

•

National Eye Institute (NEI); guidelines available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/order/index.htm

•

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); guidelines available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/index.htm

•

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); research available at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000375

•

National Institute on Aging (NIA); guidelines available at http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/

11

These publications are typically written by one or more of the various NIH Institutes.

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•

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); guidelines available at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/publications.htm

•

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); guidelines available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/

•

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); fact sheets and guidelines available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/index.htm

•

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); guidelines available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm

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National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact sheets and guidelines at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/

•

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); guidelines available at http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/

•

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); guidelines available at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm

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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); guidelines available at http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugAbuse.html

•

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); environmental health information available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/facts.htm

•

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); guidelines available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/index.cfm

•

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); neurological disorder information pages available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm

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National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); publications on selected illnesses at http://www.nih.gov/ninr/news-info/publications.html

•

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; general information at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/becon/becon_info.htm

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Center for Information Technology (CIT); referrals to other agencies based on keyword searches available at http://kb.nih.gov/www_query_main.asp

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National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); health information available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/

•

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR); various information directories available at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/publications.asp

•

Office of Rare Diseases; various fact sheets available at http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/html/resources/rep_pubs.html

•

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; various fact sheets on infectious diseases available at http://www.cdc.gov/publications.htm

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NIH Databases In addition to the various Institutes of Health that publish professional guidelines, the NIH has designed a number of databases for professionals.12 Physician-oriented resources provide a wide variety of information related to the biomedical and health sciences, both past and present. The format of these resources varies. Searchable databases, bibliographic citations, full-text articles (when available), archival collections, and images are all available. The following are referenced by the National Library of Medicine:13 •

Bioethics: Access to published literature on the ethical, legal, and public policy issues surrounding healthcare and biomedical research. This information is provided in conjunction with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics located at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_bioethics.html

•

HIV/AIDS Resources: Describes various links and databases dedicated to HIV/AIDS research: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/aidsinfs.html

•

NLM Online Exhibitions: Describes “Exhibitions in the History of Medicine”: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/exhibition.html. Additional resources for historical scholarship in medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/hmd.html

•

Biotechnology Information: Access to public databases. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

•

Population Information: The National Library of Medicine provides access to worldwide coverage of population, family planning, and related health issues, including family planning technology and programs, fertility, and population law and policy: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_population.html

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Cancer Information: Access to cancer-oriented databases: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_cancer.html

•

Profiles in Science: Offering the archival collections of prominent twentieth-century biomedical scientists to the public through modern digital technology: http://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/

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Chemical Information: Provides links to various chemical databases and references: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Chem/ChemMain.html

•

Clinical Alerts: Reports the release of findings from the NIH-funded clinical trials where such release could significantly affect morbidity and mortality: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/clinical_alerts.html

•

Space Life Sciences: Provides links and information to space-based research (including NASA): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_space.html

•

MEDLINE: Bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the healthcare system, and the pre-clinical sciences: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html

12

Remember, for the general public, the National Library of Medicine recommends the databases referenced in MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.gov/ or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/databases.html). 13 See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases.html.

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Toxicology and Environmental Health Information (TOXNET): Databases covering toxicology and environmental health: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Tox/ToxMain.html

•

Visible Human Interface: Anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of normal male and female human bodies: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/visible_human.html

The NLM Gateway14 The NLM (National Library of Medicine) Gateway is a Web-based system that lets users search simultaneously in multiple retrieval systems at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It allows users of NLM services to initiate searches from one Web interface, providing one-stop searching for many of NLM’s information resources or databases.15 To use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. Type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the search box and click “Search.” The results will be presented in a tabular form, indicating the number of references in each database category. Results Summary Category Journal Articles Books / Periodicals / Audio Visual Consumer Health Meeting Abstracts Other Collections Total

Items Found 5913 12 961 0 14 6900

HSTAT16 HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in healthcare decision-making.17 These documents include clinical practice guidelines, quickreference guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports and technology assessments from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as AHRQ’s Put Prevention Into Practice.18 Simply search by “betamethasone” (or synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov.

14

Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x.

15

The NLM Gateway is currently being developed by the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 16 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 17 18

The HSTAT URL is http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/.

Other important documents in HSTAT include: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Reports and Technology Assessment Reports; the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource documents; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS); the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services; the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community Services’ Guide to Community Preventive Services; and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations.

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Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists19 Coffee Break is a general healthcare site that takes a scientific view of the news and covers recent breakthroughs in biology that may one day assist physicians in developing treatments. Here you will find a collection of short reports on recent biological discoveries. Each report incorporates interactive tutorials that demonstrate how bioinformatics tools are used as a part of the research process. Currently, all Coffee Breaks are written by NCBI staff.20 Each report is about 400 words and is usually based on a discovery reported in one or more articles from recently published, peer-reviewed literature.21 This site has new articles every few weeks, so it can be considered an online magazine of sorts. It is intended for general background information. You can access the Coffee Break Web site at the following hyperlink: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/.

Other Commercial Databases In addition to resources maintained by official agencies, other databases exist that are commercial ventures addressing medical professionals. Here are some examples that may interest you: •

CliniWeb International: Index and table of contents to selected clinical information on the Internet; see http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/.

•

Medical World Search: Searches full text from thousands of selected medical sites on the Internet; see http://www.mwsearch.com/.

19 Adapted 20

from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/Archive/FAQ.html.

The figure that accompanies each article is frequently supplied by an expert external to NCBI, in which case the source of the figure is cited. The result is an interactive tutorial that tells a biological story. 21 After a brief introduction that sets the work described into a broader context, the report focuses on how a molecular understanding can provide explanations of observed biology and lead to therapies for diseases. Each vignette is accompanied by a figure and hypertext links that lead to a series of pages that interactively show how NCBI tools and resources are used in the research process.

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APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES Overview Official agencies, as well as federally funded institutions supported by national grants, frequently publish a variety of guidelines written with the patient in mind. These are typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. Since new guidelines on betamethasone can appear at any moment and be published by a number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the Internet-based services that post them.

Patient Guideline Sources The remainder of this chapter directs you to sources which either publish or can help you find additional guidelines on topics related to betamethasone. Due to space limitations, these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly. The National Institutes of Health The NIH gateway to patients is located at http://health.nih.gov/. From this site, you can search across various sources and institutes, a number of which are summarized below. Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus The National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patient-oriented healthcare information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic pages” which list links to available materials relevant to betamethasone. To access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas. Recently, MEDLINEplus listed the following when searched for “betamethasone”:

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Asthma http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/asthma.html Crohn's Disease http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/crohnsdisease.html Lupus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lupus.html Rheumatoid Arthritis http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html Ulcerative Colitis http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ulcerativecolitis.html You may also choose to use the search utility provided by MEDLINEplus at the following Web address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. Simply type a keyword into the search box and click “Search.” This utility is similar to the NIH search utility, with the exception that it only includes materials that are linked within the MEDLINEplus system (mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a very targeted search. The NIH Search Utility The NIH search utility allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites that comprise the NIH-WEB-SPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate in some way to betamethasone. The drawbacks of this approach are that the information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide useful background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html. Additional Web Sources A number of Web sites are available to the public that often link to government sites. These can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative sample: •

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=168&layer=&from=subcats

•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm

•

Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html

•

Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics

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Finding Associations There are several Internet directories that provide lists of medical associations with information on or resources relating to betamethasone. By consulting all of associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations concerned with betamethasone. The National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people find organizations that provide information about betamethasone. For more information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797. Directory of Health Organizations The Directory of Health Organizations, provided by the National Library of Medicine Specialized Information Services, is a comprehensive source of information on associations. The Directory of Health Organizations database can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/Dir/DirMain.html. It is composed of two parts: DIRLINE and Health Hotlines. The DIRLINE database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, and government institutes and associations that primarily focus on health and biomedicine. To access DIRLINE directly, go to the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. Simply type in “betamethasone” (or a synonym), and you will receive information on all relevant organizations listed in the database. Health Hotlines directs you to toll-free numbers to over 300 organizations. You can access this database directly at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/. On this page, you are given the option to search by keyword or by browsing the subject list. When you have received your search results, click on the name of the organization for its description and contact information. The Combined Health Information Database Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit your search to “Organizations” and “betamethasone”. Type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” Type “betamethasone” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every three months.

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The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at no charge, lists of associations organized by health topic. You can access this database at the following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/orgsearch.html. Type “betamethasone” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”

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APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES Overview In this Appendix, we show you how to quickly find a medical library in your area.

Preparation Your local public library and medical libraries have interlibrary loan programs with the National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the largest medical collections in the world. According to the NLM, most of the literature in the general and historical collections of the National Library of Medicine is available on interlibrary loan to any library. If you would like to access NLM medical literature, then visit a library in your area that can request the publications for you.22

Finding a Local Medical Library The quickest method to locate medical libraries is to use the Internet-based directory published by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). This network includes 4626 members and affiliates that provide many services to librarians, health professionals, and the public. To find a library in your area, simply visit http://nnlm.gov/members/adv.html or call 1-800-338-7657.

Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada In addition to the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists a number of libraries with reference facilities that are open to the public. The following is the NLM’s list and includes hyperlinks to each library’s Web site. These Web pages can provide information on hours of operation and other restrictions. The list below is a small sample of

22

Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html.

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libraries recommended by the National Library of Medicine (sorted alphabetically by name of the U.S. state or Canadian province where the library is located)23: •

Alabama: Health InfoNet of Jefferson County (Jefferson County Library Cooperative, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences), http://www.uab.edu/infonet/

•

Alabama: Richard M. Scrushy Library (American Sports Medicine Institute)

•

Arizona: Samaritan Regional Medical Center: The Learning Center (Samaritan Health System, Phoenix, Arizona), http://www.samaritan.edu/library/bannerlibs.htm

•

California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html

•

California: Community Health Library of Los Gatos, http://www.healthlib.org/orgresources.html

•

California: Consumer Health Program and Services (CHIPS) (County of Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Library) - Carson, CA, http://www.colapublib.org/services/chips.html

•

California: Gateway Health Library (Sutter Gould Medical Foundation)

•

California: Health Library (Stanford University Medical Center), http://wwwmed.stanford.edu/healthlibrary/

•

California: Patient Education Resource Center - Health Information and Resources (University of California, San Francisco), http://sfghdean.ucsf.edu/barnett/PERC/default.asp

•

California: Redwood Health Library (Petaluma Health Care District), http://www.phcd.org/rdwdlib.html

•

California: Los Gatos PlaneTree Health Library, http://planetreesanjose.org/

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California: Sutter Resource Library (Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Sacramento), http://suttermedicalcenter.org/library/

•

California: Health Sciences Libraries (University of California, Davis), http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/healthsci/

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California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center (ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html

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California: Washington Community Health Resource Library (Fremont), http://www.healthlibrary.org/

•

Colorado: William V. Gervasini Memorial Library (Exempla Healthcare), http://www.saintjosephdenver.org/yourhealth/libraries/

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Connecticut: Hartford Hospital Health Science Libraries (Hartford Hospital), http://www.harthosp.org/library/

•

Connecticut: Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Center (University of Connecticut Health Center, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library), http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/

23

Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.

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•

Connecticut: Waterbury Hospital Health Center Library (Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury), http://www.waterburyhospital.com/library/consumer.shtml

•

Delaware: Consumer Health Library (Christiana Care Health System, Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Wilmington), http://www.christianacare.org/health_guide/health_guide_pmri_health_info.cfm

•

Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), http://www.delamed.org/chls.html

•

Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm

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Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp

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Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Library: Consumer Health Information Service (Hawaii Medical Library, Honolulu), http://hml.org/CHIS/

•

Idaho: DeArmond Consumer Health Library (Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene), http://www.nicon.org/DeArmond/index.htm

•

Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html

•

Illinois: Medical Library (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria), http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org/general/library/

•

Kentucky: Medical Library - Services for Patients, Families, Students & the Public (Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington), http://www.centralbap.com/education/community/library.cfm

•

Kentucky: University of Kentucky - Health Information Library (Chandler Medical Center, Lexington), http://www.mc.uky.edu/PatientEd/

•

Louisiana: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation Library (Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans), http://www.ochsner.org/library/

•

Louisiana: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical LibraryShreveport, http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/

•

Maine: Franklin Memorial Hospital Medical Library (Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington), http://www.fchn.org/fmh/lib.htm

•

Maine: Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library (Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston), http://www.cmmc.org/library/library.html

•

Maine: Hadley Parrot Health Science Library (Eastern Maine Healthcare, Bangor), http://www.emh.org/hll/hpl/guide.htm

•

Maine: Maine Medical Center Library (Maine Medical Center, Portland), http://www.mmc.org/library/

•

Maine: Parkview Hospital (Brunswick), http://www.parkviewhospital.org/

•

Maine: Southern Maine Medical Center Health Sciences Library (Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford), http://www.smmc.org/services/service.php3?choice=10

•

Maine: Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Health Information Library (Western Maine Health, Norway), http://www.wmhcc.org/Library/

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Manitoba, Canada: Consumer & Patient Health Information Service (University of Manitoba Libraries), http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/health/reference/chis.html

•

Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp

•

Maryland: Health Information Center at the Wheaton Regional Library (Montgomery County, Dept. of Public Libraries, Wheaton Regional Library), http://www.mont.lib.md.us/healthinfo/hic.asp

•

Massachusetts: Baystate Medical Center Library (Baystate Health System), http://www.baystatehealth.com/1024/

•

Massachusetts: Boston University Medical Center Alumni Medical Library (Boston University Medical Center), http://med-libwww.bu.edu/library/lib.html

•

Massachusetts: Lowell General Hospital Health Sciences Library (Lowell General Hospital, Lowell), http://www.lowellgeneral.org/library/HomePageLinks/WWW.htm

•

Massachusetts: Paul E. Woodard Health Sciences Library (New England Baptist Hospital, Boston), http://www.nebh.org/health_lib.asp

•

Massachusetts: St. Luke’s Hospital Health Sciences Library (St. Luke’s Hospital, Southcoast Health System, New Bedford), http://www.southcoast.org/library/

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Massachusetts: Treadwell Library Consumer Health Reference Center (Massachusetts General Hospital), http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/library/chrcindex.html

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Massachusetts: UMass HealthNet (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester), http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/

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Michigan: Botsford General Hospital Library - Consumer Health (Botsford General Hospital, Library & Internet Services), http://www.botsfordlibrary.org/consumer.htm

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Michigan: Helen DeRoy Medical Library (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers), http://www.providence-hospital.org/library/

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Michigan: Marquette General Hospital - Consumer Health Library (Marquette General Hospital, Health Information Center), http://www.mgh.org/center.html

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Michigan: Patient Education Resouce Center - University of Michigan Cancer Center (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor), http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/leares.htm

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Michigan: Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources - Consumer Health Information (Detroit), http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39330

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Montana: Center for Health Information (St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Missoula)

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National: Consumer Health Library Directory (Medical Library Association, Consumer and Patient Health Information Section), http://caphis.mlanet.org/directory/index.html

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National: National Network of Libraries of Medicine (National Library of Medicine) provides library services for health professionals in the United States who do not have access to a medical library, http://nnlm.gov/

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National: NN/LM List of Libraries Serving the Public (National Network of Libraries of Medicine), http://nnlm.gov/members/

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Nevada: Health Science Library, West Charleston Library (Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Las Vegas), http://www.lvccld.org/special_collections/medical/index.htm

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New Hampshire: Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries (Dartmouth College Library, Hanover), http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/conshealth.htmld/

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New Jersey: Consumer Health Library (Rahway Hospital, Rahway), http://www.rahwayhospital.com/library.htm

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New Jersey: Dr. Walter Phillips Health Sciences Library (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.englewoodhospital.com/links/index.htm

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New Jersey: Meland Foundation (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/9360/

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New York: Choices in Health Information (New York Public Library) - NLM Consumer Pilot Project participant, http://www.nypl.org/branch/health/links.html

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New York: Health Information Center (Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse), http://www.upstate.edu/library/hic/

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New York: Health Sciences Library (Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park), http://www.lij.edu/library/library.html

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New York: ViaHealth Medical Library (Rochester General Hospital), http://www.nyam.org/library/

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Ohio: Consumer Health Library (Akron General Medical Center, Medical & Consumer Health Library), http://www.akrongeneral.org/hwlibrary.htm

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Oklahoma: The Health Information Center at Saint Francis Hospital (Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa), http://www.sfh-tulsa.com/services/healthinfo.asp

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Oregon: Planetree Health Resource Center (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles), http://www.mcmc.net/phrc/

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Pennsylvania: Community Health Information Library (Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey), http://www.hmc.psu.edu/commhealth/

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Pennsylvania: Community Health Resource Library (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville), http://www.geisinger.edu/education/commlib.shtml

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Pennsylvania: HealthInfo Library (Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton), http://www.mth.org/healthwellness.html

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Pennsylvania: Hopwood Library (University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System, Pittsburgh), http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/chi/hopwood/index_html

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Pennsylvania: Koop Community Health Information Center (College of Physicians of Philadelphia), http://www.collphyphil.org/kooppg1.shtml

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Pennsylvania: Learning Resources Center - Medical Library (Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport), http://www.shscares.org/services/lrc/index.asp

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Pennsylvania: Medical Library (UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh), http://www.upmc.edu/passavant/library.htm

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Quebec, Canada: Medical Library (Montreal General Hospital), http://www.mghlib.mcgill.ca/

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South Dakota: Rapid City Regional Hospital Medical Library (Rapid City Regional Hospital), http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Library/Default.asp

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Texas: Houston HealthWays (Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library), http://hhw.library.tmc.edu/

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Washington: Community Health Library (Kittitas Valley Community Hospital), http://www.kvch.com/

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Washington: Southwest Washington Medical Center Library (Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver), http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/body.cfm?id=72

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ONLINE GLOSSARIES The Internet provides access to a number of free-to-use medical dictionaries. The National Library of Medicine has compiled the following list of online dictionaries: •

ADAM Medical Encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.), comprehensive medical reference: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html

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MedicineNet.com Medical Dictionary (MedicineNet, Inc.): http://www.medterms.com/Script/Main/hp.asp

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Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (Inteli-Health, Inc.): http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/

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Multilingual Glossary of Technical and Popular Medical Terms in Eight European Languages (European Commission) - Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html

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On-line Medical Dictionary (CancerWEB): http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/

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Rare Diseases Terms (Office of Rare Diseases): http://ord.aspensys.com/asp/diseases/diseases.asp

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Technology Glossary (National Library of Medicine) - Health Care Technology: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/ta101/ta10108.htm

Beyond these, MEDLINEplus contains a very patient-friendly encyclopedia covering every aspect of medicine (licensed from A.D.A.M., Inc.). The ADAM Medical Encyclopedia can be accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html. ADAM is also available on commercial Web sites such as drkoop.com (http://www.drkoop.com/) and Web MD (http://my.webmd.com/adam/asset/adam_disease_articles/a_to_z/a).

Online Dictionary Directories The following are additional online directories compiled by the National Library of Medicine, including a number of specialized medical dictionaries: •

Medical Dictionaries: Medical & Biological (World Health Organization): http://www.who.int/hlt/virtuallibrary/English/diction.htm#Medical

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MEL-Michigan Electronic Library List of Online Health and Medical Dictionaries (Michigan Electronic Library): http://mel.lib.mi.us/health/health-dictionaries.html

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Patient Education: Glossaries (DMOZ Open Directory Project): http://dmoz.org/Health/Education/Patient_Education/Glossaries/

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Web of Online Dictionaries (Bucknell University): http://www.yourdictionary.com/diction5.html#medicine

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BETAMETHASONE DICTIONARY The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. Abdomen: That portion of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. [NIH] Abdominal: Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. [NIH] Abdominal Pain: Sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal region. [NIH] Ablation: The removal of an organ by surgery. [NIH] Acceptor: A substance which, while normally not oxidized by oxygen or reduced by hydrogen, can be oxidized or reduced in presence of a substance which is itself undergoing oxidation or reduction. [NIH] Acne: A disorder of the skin marked by inflammation of oil glands and hair glands. [NIH] Acne Rosacea: An acneiform eruption occurring mostly in middle-aged adults and appearing generally on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Three types are recognized: granulomatous, glandular hyperplastic with rhinophyma, and ocular. [NIH] Acne Vulgaris: A chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous apparatus associated with an increase in sebum secretion. It is characterized by open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads), and pustular nodules. The cause is unknown, but heredity and age are predisposing factors. [NIH] Acrodermatitis: Inflammation involving the skin of the extremities, especially the hands and feet. Several forms are known, some idiopathic and some hereditary. The infantile form is called Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. [NIH] Acyl: Chemical signal used by bacteria to communicate. [NIH] Adamantane: A tricyclo bridged hydrocarbon. [NIH] Adenocarcinoma: A malignant epithelial tumor with a glandular organization. [NIH] Adenosine: A nucleoside that is composed of adenine and d-ribose. Adenosine or adenosine derivatives play many important biological roles in addition to being components of DNA and RNA. Adenosine itself is a neurotransmitter. [NIH] Adjustment: The dynamic process wherein the thoughts, feelings, behavior, and biophysiological mechanisms of the individual continually change to adjust to the environment. [NIH] Adjuvant: A substance which aids another, such as an auxiliary remedy; in immunology, nonspecific stimulator (e.g., BCG vaccine) of the immune response. [EU] Adrenal Cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal gland. It secretes mineralocorticoids, androgens, and glucocorticoids. [NIH] Adrenal Glands: Paired glands situated in the retroperitoneal tissues at the superior pole of each kidney. [NIH] Adrenaline: A hormone. Also called epinephrine. [NIH] Adrenergic: Activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or substances with similar activity; the term is applied to those nerve fibres that liberate norepinephrine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes, i.e., the sympathetic fibres. [EU]

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Adverse Effect: An unwanted side effect of treatment. [NIH] Aerosol: A solution of a drug which can be atomized into a fine mist for inhalation therapy. [EU]

Affinity: 1. Inherent likeness or relationship. 2. A special attraction for a specific element, organ, or structure. 3. Chemical affinity; the force that binds atoms in molecules; the tendency of substances to combine by chemical reaction. 4. The strength of noncovalent chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the complex. 5. In immunology, a thermodynamic expression of the strength of interaction between a single antigen-binding site and a single antigenic determinant (and thus of the stereochemical compatibility between them), most accurately applied to interactions among simple, uniform antigenic determinants such as haptens. Expressed as the association constant (K litres mole -1), which, owing to the heterogeneity of affinities in a population of antibody molecules of a given specificity, actually represents an average value (mean intrinsic association constant). 6. The reciprocal of the dissociation constant. [EU] Agar: A complex sulfated polymer of galactose units, extracted from Gelidium cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red algae. It is used as a gel in the preparation of solid culture media for microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making emulsions, and as a supporting medium for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. [NIH]

Agonist: In anatomy, a prime mover. In pharmacology, a drug that has affinity for and stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances. [EU] Albumin: 1. Any protein that is soluble in water and moderately concentrated salt solutions and is coagulable by heat. 2. Serum albumin; the major plasma protein (approximately 60 per cent of the total), which is responsible for much of the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure and serves as a transport protein carrying large organic anions, such as fatty acids, bilirubin, and many drugs, and also carrying certain hormones, such as cortisol and thyroxine, when their specific binding globulins are saturated. Albumin is synthesized in the liver. Low serum levels occur in protein malnutrition, active inflammation and serious hepatic and renal disease. [EU] Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] Alimentary: Pertaining to food or nutritive material, or to the organs of digestion. [EU] Alkaline: Having the reactions of an alkali. [EU] Allantois: An embryonic diverticulum of the hindgut of reptiles, birds, and mammals; in man its blood vessels give rise to those of the umbilical cord. [NIH] Allergen: An antigenic substance capable of producing immediate-type hypersensitivity (allergy). [EU] Allergic Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane associated with hay fever; fits may be provoked by substances in the working environment. [NIH] Allogeneic: Taken from different individuals of the same species. [NIH] Alopecia: Absence of hair from areas where it is normally present. [NIH] Alpha Particles: Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, i.e., helium nuclei, emitted during disintegration of very heavy isotopes; a beam of alpha particles or an alpha ray has very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability. [NIH] Alpha-helix: One of the secondary element of protein. [NIH] Alternative medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as

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standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments. Alternative medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Alveoli: Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs. [NIH] Amino Acids: Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. [NIH] Amino Acids: Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. [NIH] Amnion: The extraembryonic membrane which contains the embryo and amniotic fluid. [NIH]

Amniotic Fluid: Amniotic cavity fluid which is produced by the amnion and fetal lungs and kidneys. [NIH] Amyloidosis: A group of diseases in which protein is deposited in specific organs (localized amyloidosis) or throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). Amyloidosis may be either primary (with no known cause) or secondary (caused by another disease, including some types of cancer). Generally, primary amyloidosis affects the nerves, skin, tongue, joints, heart, and liver; secondary amyloidosis often affects the spleen, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands. [NIH] Anaesthesia: Loss of feeling or sensation. Although the term is used for loss of tactile sensibility, or of any of the other senses, it is applied especially to loss of the sensation of pain, as it is induced to permit performance of surgery or other painful procedures. [EU] Analgesic: An agent that alleviates pain without causing loss of consciousness. [EU] Analogous: Resembling or similar in some respects, as in function or appearance, but not in origin or development;. [EU] Anaphylaxis: An acute hypersensitivity reaction due to exposure to a previously encountered antigen. The reaction may include rapidly progressing urticaria, respiratory distress, vascular collapse, systemic shock, and death. [NIH] Androgens: A class of sex hormones associated with the development and maintenance of the secondary male sex characteristics, sperm induction, and sexual differentiation. In addition to increasing virility and libido, they also increase nitrogen and water retention and stimulate skeletal growth. [NIH] Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of hemoglobin. [NIH] Aneurysm: A sac formed by the dilatation of the wall of an artery, a vein, or the heart. [NIH] Angina: Chest pain that originates in the heart. [NIH] Antagonism: Interference with, or inhibition of, the growth of a living organism by another living organism, due either to creation of unfavorable conditions (e. g. exhaustion of food supplies) or to production of a specific antibiotic substance (e. g. penicillin). [NIH] Antiallergic: Counteracting allergy or allergic conditions. [EU] Antibacterial: A substance that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or reproduction. [EU] Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. [NIH]

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Antibodies: Immunoglobulin molecules having a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which they interact only with the antigen that induced their synthesis in cells of the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with an antigen closely related to it. [NIH] Antibody: A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen. [NIH] Anticoagulant: A drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called a blood thinner. [NIH] Antidiuretic: Suppressing the rate of urine formation. [EU] Antiemetic: An agent that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting. Also antinauseant. [EU]

Antifibrinolytic: Inhibiting fibrinolysis. [EU] Antifungal: Destructive to fungi, or suppressing their reproduction or growth; effective against fungal infections. [EU] Antigen: Any substance which is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with specific antibody or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as bacteria and tissue cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule known as the antigenic determinant (q.v.) combines with antibody or a specific receptor on a lymphocyte. Abbreviated Ag. [EU] Anti-inflammatory: Having to do with reducing inflammation. [NIH] Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Substances that reduce or suppress inflammation. [NIH] Antimycotic: Suppressing the growth of fungi. [EU] Antineoplastic: Inhibiting or preventing the development of neoplasms, checking the maturation and proliferation of malignant cells. [EU] Antipyretic: An agent that relieves or reduces fever. Called also antifebrile, antithermic and febrifuge. [EU] Antiviral: Destroying viruses or suppressing their replication. [EU] Anus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. [NIH] Anxiety: Persistent feeling of dread, apprehension, and impending disaster. [NIH] Aorta: The main trunk of the systemic arteries. [NIH] Aphthous Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. [NIH] Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] Arachidonic Acid: An unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. [NIH] Arterial: Pertaining to an artery or to the arteries. [EU] Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] Arterioles: The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries. [NIH]

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Artery: Vessel-carrying blood from the heart to various parts of the body. [NIH] Articular: Of or pertaining to a joint. [EU] Ascites: Accumulation or retention of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity. [NIH] Aspirate: Fluid withdrawn from a lump, often a cyst, or a nipple. [NIH] Assay: Determination of the amount of a particular constituent of a mixture, or of the biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. [EU] Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of disease. [NIH] Atopic: Pertaining to an atopen or to atopy; allergic. [EU] Atopic Eczema: Generic term for acute or chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin, typically erythematous, edematous, papular, vesicular, and crusting; often accompanied by sensations of itching and burning. [NIH] Atrial: Pertaining to an atrium. [EU] Atrioventricular: Pertaining to an atrium of the heart and to a ventricle. [EU] Atrium: A chamber; used in anatomical nomenclature to designate a chamber affording entrance to another structure or organ. Usually used alone to designate an atrium of the heart. [EU] Atrophy: Decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ, or multiple organs, associated with a variety of pathological conditions such as abnormal cellular changes, ischemia, malnutrition, or hormonal changes. [NIH] Autacoids: A chemically diverse group of substances produced by various tissues in the body that cause slow contraction of smooth muscle; they have other intense but varied pharmacologic activities. [NIH] Autoantibodies: Antibodies that react with self-antigens (autoantigens) of the organism that produced them. [NIH] Autoantigens: Endogenous tissue constituents that have the ability to interact with autoantibodies and cause an immune response. [NIH] Autodigestion: Autolysis; a condition found in disease of the stomach: the stomach wall is digested by the gastric juice. [NIH] Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign and directs an immune response against them. [NIH] Bacteremia: The presence of viable bacteria circulating in the blood. Fever, chills, tachycardia, and tachypnea are common acute manifestations of bacteremia. The majority of cases are seen in already hospitalized patients, most of whom have underlying diseases or procedures which render their bloodstreams susceptible to invasion. [NIH] Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms which generally possess rigid cell walls, multiply by cell division, and exhibit three principal forms: round or coccal, rodlike or bacillary, and spiral or spirochetal. [NIH] Base: In chemistry, the nonacid part of a salt; a substance that combines with acids to form salts; a substance that dissociates to give hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions; a substance whose molecule or ion can combine with a proton (hydrogen ion); a substance capable of donating a pair of electrons (to an acid) for the formation of a coordinate covalent bond. [EU] Basophils: Granular leukocytes characterized by a relatively pale-staining, lobate nucleus and cytoplasm containing coarse dark-staining granules of variable size and stainable by basic dyes. [NIH] Beclomethasone: An anti-inflammatory, synthetic glucocorticoid. It is used topically as an

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anti-inflammatory agent and in aerosol form for the treatment of asthma. [NIH] Benzocaine: A surface anesthetic that acts by preventing transmission of impulses along nerve fibers and at nerve endings. [NIH] Benzoyl Peroxide: A peroxide derivative that has been used topically for burns and as a dermatologic agent in the treatment of acne and poison ivy. It is used also as a bleach in the food industry. [NIH] Betamethasone 17-Valerate: 9-Fluoro-11 beta,17,21-trihydroxy-16 beta-methylpregna-1,4diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate. A synthetic glucocorticoid with high topical anti-inflammatory activity and relatively low systemic anti-inflammatory activity. [NIH] Bile: An emulsifying agent produced in the liver and secreted into the duodenum. Its composition includes bile acids and salts, cholesterol, and electrolytes. It aids digestion of fats in the duodenum. [NIH] Bile Pigments: Pigments that give a characteristic color to bile including: bilirubin, biliverdine, and bilicyanin. [NIH] Biliary: Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder. [NIH] Biliary Tract: The gallbladder and its ducts. [NIH] Bioassay: Determination of the relative effective strength of a substance (as a vitamin, hormone, or drug) by comparing its effect on a test organism with that of a standard preparation. [NIH] Bioavailability: The degree to which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration. [EU] Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] Biological response modifier: BRM. A substance that stimulates the body's response to infection and disease. [NIH] Biological Transport: The movement of materials (including biochemical substances and drugs) across cell membranes and epithelial layers, usually by passive diffusion. [NIH] Biopsy: Removal and pathologic examination of specimens in the form of small pieces of tissue from the living body. [NIH] Biosynthesis: The building up of a chemical compound in the physiologic processes of a living organism. [EU] Biotechnology: Body of knowledge related to the use of organisms, cells or cell-derived constituents for the purpose of developing products which are technically, scientifically and clinically useful. Alteration of biologic function at the molecular level (i.e., genetic engineering) is a central focus; laboratory methods used include transfection and cloning technologies, sequence and structure analysis algorithms, computer databases, and gene and protein structure function analysis and prediction. [NIH] Bladder: The organ that stores urine. [NIH] Blastocyst: The mammalian embryo in the post-morula stage in which a fluid-filled cavity, enclosed primarily by trophoblast, contains an inner cell mass which becomes the embryonic disc. [NIH] Bleomycin: A complex of related glycopeptide antibiotics from Streptomyces verticillus consisting of bleomycin A2 and B2. It inhibits DNA metabolism and is used as an antineoplastic, especially for solid tumors. [NIH] Blister: Visible accumulations of fluid within or beneath the epidermis. [NIH]

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Blood Coagulation: The process of the interaction of blood coagulation factors that results in an insoluble fibrin clot. [NIH] Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber. Unless there is reference to another location, such as the pulmonary artery or one of the heart chambers, it refers to the pressure in the systemic arteries, as measured, for example, in the forearm. [NIH] Blood vessel: A tube in the body through which blood circulates. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. [NIH] Blood-Brain Barrier: Specialized non-fenestrated tightly-joined endothelial cells (tight junctions) that form a transport barrier for certain substances between the cerebral capillaries and the brain tissue. [NIH] Body Fluids: Liquid components of living organisms. [NIH] Bone Marrow: The soft tissue filling the cavities of bones. Bone marrow exists in two types, yellow and red. Yellow marrow is found in the large cavities of large bones and consists mostly of fat cells and a few primitive blood cells. Red marrow is a hematopoietic tissue and is the site of production of erythrocytes and granular leukocytes. Bone marrow is made up of a framework of connective tissue containing branching fibers with the frame being filled with marrow cells. [NIH] Bowel: The long tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a small and a large bowel. Also called the intestine. [NIH] Bronchi: The larger air passages of the lungs arising from the terminal bifurcation of the trachea. [NIH] Bronchial: Pertaining to one or more bronchi. [EU] Bronchodilator: A drug that relaxes the smooth muscles in the constricted airway. [NIH] Buccal: Pertaining to or directed toward the cheek. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the buccal surface of a tooth. [EU] Budesonide: A glucocorticoid used in the management of asthma, the treatment of various skin disorders, and allergic rhinitis. [NIH] Bupivacaine: A widely used local anesthetic agent. [NIH] Calcification: Deposits of calcium in the tissues of the breast. Calcification in the breast can be seen on a mammogram, but cannot be detected by touch. There are two types of breast calcification, macrocalcification and microcalcification. Macrocalcifications are large deposits and are usually not related to cancer. Microcalcifications are specks of calcium that may be found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. Many microcalcifications clustered together may be a sign of cancer. [NIH] Calcium: A basic element found in nearly all organized tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. [NIH] Candidiasis: Infection with a fungus of the genus Candida. It is usually a superficial infection of the moist cutaneous areas of the body, and is generally caused by C. albicans; it most commonly involves the skin (dermatocandidiasis), oral mucous membranes (thrush, def. 1), respiratory tract (bronchocandidiasis), and vagina (vaginitis). Rarely there is a systemic infection or endocarditis. Called also moniliasis, candidosis, oidiomycosis, and formerly blastodendriosis. [EU]

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Candidosis: An infection caused by an opportunistic yeasts that tends to proliferate and become pathologic when the environment is favorable and the host resistance is weakened. [NIH]

Capillary: Any one of the minute vessels that connect the arterioles and venules, forming a network in nearly all parts of the body. Their walls act as semipermeable membranes for the interchange of various substances, including fluids, between the blood and tissue fluid; called also vas capillare. [EU] Capsules: Hard or soft soluble containers used for the oral administration of medicine. [NIH] Carbohydrate: An aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, particularly of the pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols. They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the proportion to form water, (CH2O)n. The most important carbohydrates are the starches, sugars, celluloses, and gums. They are classified into mono-, di-, tri-, polyand heterosaccharides. [EU] Carbon Dioxide: A colorless, odorless gas that can be formed by the body and is necessary for the respiration cycle of plants and animals. [NIH] Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU] Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. [NIH]

Cardiac: Having to do with the heart. [NIH] Cardiotocography: Monitoring of fetal heart frequency before birth in order to assess impending prematurity in relation to the pattern or intensity of antepartum uterine contraction. [NIH] Carotene: The general name for a group of pigments found in green, yellow, and leafy vegetables, and yellow fruits. The pigments are fat-soluble, unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons functioning as provitamins and are converted to vitamin A through enzymatic processes in the intestinal wall. [NIH] Carrier Proteins: Transport proteins that carry specific substances in the blood or across cell membranes. [NIH] Case report: A detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports also contain some demographic information about the patient (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin). [NIH] Case series: A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment. [NIH] Cataract: An opacity, partial or complete, of one or both eyes, on or in the lens or capsule, especially an opacity impairing vision or causing blindness. The many kinds of cataract are classified by their morphology (size, shape, location) or etiology (cause and time of occurrence). [EU] Caudal: Denoting a position more toward the cauda, or tail, than some specified point of reference; same as inferior, in human anatomy. [EU] Causal: Pertaining to a cause; directed against a cause. [EU] Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells. [NIH] Cell Cycle: The complex series of phenomena, occurring between the end of one cell division and the end of the next, by which cellular material is divided between daughter

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cells. [NIH] Cell Division: The fission of a cell. [NIH] Cell membrane: Cell membrane = plasma membrane. The structure enveloping a cell, enclosing the cytoplasm, and forming a selective permeability barrier; it consists of lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates, the lipids thought to form a bilayer in which integral proteins are embedded to varying degrees. [EU] Cell proliferation: An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division. [NIH] Cell Size: The physical dimensions of a cell. It refers mainly to changes in dimensions correlated with physiological or pathological changes in cells. [NIH] Central Nervous System: The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. [NIH] Cerebral: Of or pertaining of the cerebrum or the brain. [EU] Cerebral Arteries: The arteries supplying the cerebral cortex. [NIH] Cerebral Cortex: The thin layer of gray matter on the surface of the cerebral hemisphere that develops from the telencephalon and folds into gyri. It reaches its highest development in man and is responsible for intellectual faculties and higher mental functions. [NIH] Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing, and learning. [NIH] Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs. [NIH] Chin: The anatomical frontal portion of the mandible, also known as the mentum, that contains the line of fusion of the two separate halves of the mandible (symphysis menti). This line of fusion divides inferiorly to enclose a triangular area called the mental protuberance. On each side, inferior to the second premolar tooth, is the mental foramen for the passage of blood vessels and a nerve. [NIH] Chlorophyll: Porphyrin derivatives containing magnesium that act to convert light energy in photosynthetic organisms. [NIH] Cholesterol: The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. [NIH] Chorion: The outermost extraembryonic membrane. [NIH] Choroid: The thin, highly vascular membrane covering most of the posterior of the eye between the retina and sclera. [NIH] Choroid Diseases: Disorders of the choroid including hereditary choroidal diseases, neoplasms, and other abnormalities of the vascular layer of the uvea. [NIH] Choroidal Neovascularization: A pathological process consisting of the formation of new blood vessels in the choroid. [NIH] Chromatin: The material of chromosomes. It is a complex of DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins (chromosomal proteins, non-histone) found within the nucleus of a cell. [NIH] Chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time. [NIH] Ciliary: Inflammation or infection of the glands of the margins of the eyelids. [NIH] CIS: Cancer Information Service. The CIS is the National Cancer Institute's link to the public, interpreting and explaining research findings in a clear and understandable manner, and providing personalized responses to specific questions about cancer. Access the CIS by calling 1-800-4-CANCER, or by using the Web site at http://cis.nci.nih.gov. [NIH]

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Cisplatin: An inorganic and water-soluble platinum complex. After undergoing hydrolysis, it reacts with DNA to produce both intra and interstrand crosslinks. These crosslinks appear to impair replication and transcription of DNA. The cytotoxicity of cisplatin correlates with cellular arrest in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. [NIH] Clinical study: A research study in which patients receive treatment in a clinic or other medical facility. Reports of clinical studies can contain results for single patients (case reports) or many patients (case series or clinical trials). [NIH] Clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. [NIH] Clobetasol: Topical corticosteroid that is absorbed faster than fluocinonide. It is used in psoriasis, but may cause marked adrenocortical suppression. [NIH] Cloning: The production of a number of genetically identical individuals; in genetic engineering, a process for the efficient replication of a great number of identical DNA molecules. [NIH] Clonixin: Anti-inflammatory analgesic. [NIH] Clotrimazole: An imidazole derivative with a broad spectrum of antimycotic activity. It inhibits biosynthesis of the sterol ergostol, an important component of fungal cell membranes. Its action leads to increased membrane permeability and apparent disruption of enzyme systems bound to the membrane. [NIH] Cofactor: A substance, microorganism or environmental factor that activates or enhances the action of another entity such as a disease-causing agent. [NIH] Colitis: Inflammation of the colon. [NIH] Collagen: A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of skin, connective tissue, and the organic substance of bones and teeth. Different forms of collagen are produced in the body but all consist of three alpha-polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix. Collagen is differentiated from other fibrous proteins, such as elastin, by the content of proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine; by the absence of tryptophan; and particularly by the high content of polar groups which are responsible for its swelling properties. [NIH] Collagen disease: A term previously used to describe chronic diseases of the connective tissue (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis), but now is thought to be more appropriate for diseases associated with defects in collagen, which is a component of the connective tissue. [NIH] Collapse: 1. A state of extreme prostration and depression, with failure of circulation. 2. Abnormal falling in of the walls of any part of organ. [EU] Collodion: A nitrocellulose solution in ether and alcohol. Collodion has a wide range of uses in industry including applications in the manufacuture of photographic film, in fibers, in lacquers, and in engraving and lithography. In medicine it is used as a drug solvent and a wound sealant. [NIH] Colloidal: Of the nature of a colloid. [EU] Colon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus. [NIH] Combination Therapy: Association of 3 drugs to treat AIDS (AZT + DDC or DDI + protease inhibitor). [NIH]

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Complement: A term originally used to refer to the heat-labile factor in serum that causes immune cytolysis, the lysis of antibody-coated cells, and now referring to the entire functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins that is the effector not only of immune cytolysis but also of other biologic functions. Complement activation occurs by two different sequences, the classic and alternative pathways. The proteins of the classic pathway are termed 'components of complement' and are designated by the symbols C1 through C9. C1 is a calcium-dependent complex of three distinct proteins C1q, C1r and C1s. The proteins of the alternative pathway (collectively referred to as the properdin system) and complement regulatory proteins are known by semisystematic or trivial names. Fragments resulting from proteolytic cleavage of complement proteins are designated with lower-case letter suffixes, e.g., C3a. Inactivated fragments may be designated with the suffix 'i', e.g. C3bi. Activated components or complexes with biological activity are designated by a bar over the symbol e.g. C1 or C4b,2a. The classic pathway is activated by the binding of C1 to classic pathway activators, primarily antigen-antibody complexes containing IgM, IgG1, IgG3; C1q binds to a single IgM molecule or two adjacent IgG molecules. The alternative pathway can be activated by IgA immune complexes and also by nonimmunologic materials including bacterial endotoxins, microbial polysaccharides, and cell walls. Activation of the classic pathway triggers an enzymatic cascade involving C1, C4, C2 and C3; activation of the alternative pathway triggers a cascade involving C3 and factors B, D and P. Both result in the cleavage of C5 and the formation of the membrane attack complex. Complement activation also results in the formation of many biologically active complement fragments that act as anaphylatoxins, opsonins, or chemotactic factors. [EU] Complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Complementary medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used to enhance or complement the standard treatments. Complementary medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Computational Biology: A field of biology concerned with the development of techniques for the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions. This field encompasses all computational methods and theories applicable to molecular biology and areas of computer-based techniques for solving biological problems including manipulation of models and datasets. [NIH] Conception: The onset of pregnancy, marked by implantation of the blastocyst; the formation of a viable zygote. [EU] Cones: One type of specialized light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina that provide sharp central vision and color vision. [NIH] Conjunctiva: The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the anterior part of the sclera. [NIH] Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, generally consisting of conjunctival hyperaemia associated with a discharge. [EU] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH]

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Connective Tissue Cells: A group of cells that includes fibroblasts, cartilage cells, adipocytes, smooth muscle cells, and bone cells. [NIH] Contact dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin with varying degrees of erythema, edema and vesinculation resulting from cutaneous contact with a foreign substance or other exposure. [NIH]

Contraindications: Any factor or sign that it is unwise to pursue a certain kind of action or treatment, e. g. giving a general anesthetic to a person with pneumonia. [NIH] Control group: In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works. [NIH] Controlled clinical trial: A clinical study that includes a comparison (control) group. The comparison group receives a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment at all. [NIH] Controlled study: An experiment or clinical trial that includes a comparison (control) group. [NIH]

Convulsions: A general term referring to sudden and often violent motor activity of cerebral or brainstem origin. Convulsions may also occur in the absence of an electrical cerebral discharge (e.g., in response to hypotension). [NIH] Coordination: Muscular or motor regulation or the harmonious cooperation of muscles or groups of muscles, in a complex action or series of actions. [NIH] Cor: The muscular organ that maintains the circulation of the blood. c. adiposum a heart that has undergone fatty degeneration or that has an accumulation of fat around it; called also fat or fatty, heart. c. arteriosum the left side of the heart, so called because it contains oxygenated (arterial) blood. c. biloculare a congenital anomaly characterized by failure of formation of the atrial and ventricular septums, the heart having only two chambers, a single atrium and a single ventricle, and a common atrioventricular valve. c. bovinum (L. 'ox heart') a greatly enlarged heart due to a hypertrophied left ventricle; called also c. taurinum and bucardia. c. dextrum (L. 'right heart') the right atrium and ventricle. c. hirsutum, c. villosum. c. mobile (obs.) an abnormally movable heart. c. pendulum a heart so movable that it seems to be hanging by the great blood vessels. c. pseudotriloculare biatriatum a congenital cardiac anomaly in which the heart functions as a three-chambered heart because of tricuspid atresia, the right ventricle being extremely small or rudimentary and the right atrium greatly dilated. Blood passes from the right to the left atrium and thence disease due to pulmonary hypertension secondary to disease of the lung, or its blood vessels, with hypertrophy of the right ventricle. [EU] Cornea: The transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the inside. [NIH] Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them. [EU] Cortex: The outer layer of an organ or other body structure, as distinguished from the internal substance. [EU] Cortical: Pertaining to or of the nature of a cortex or bark. [EU] Corticosteroid: Any of the steroids elaborated by the adrenal cortex (excluding the sex hormones of adrenal origin) in response to the release of corticotrophin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) by the pituitary gland, to any of the synthetic equivalents of these steroids, or to angiotensin II. They are divided, according to their predominant biological activity, into three major groups: glucocorticoids, chiefly influencing carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism; mineralocorticoids, affecting the regulation of electrolyte and water balance;

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and C19 androgens. Some corticosteroids exhibit both types of activity in varying degrees, and others exert only one type of effect. The corticosteroids are used clinically for hormonal replacement therapy, for suppression of ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary, as antineoplastic, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory agents, and to suppress the immune response. Called also adrenocortical hormone and corticoid. [EU] Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone: A neuropeptide released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of corticotropin by the anterior pituitary gland. [NIH] Cortisol: A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to stress. [NIH] Cortisone: A natural steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. It can also be made in the laboratory. Cortisone reduces swelling and can suppress immune responses. [NIH] Cryopreservation: Preservation of cells, tissues, organs, or embryos by freezing. In histological preparations, cryopreservation or cryofixation is used to maintain the existing form, structure, and chemical composition of all the constituent elements of the specimens. [NIH]

Curative: Tending to overcome disease and promote recovery. [EU] Cutaneous: Having to do with the skin. [NIH] Cyclic: Pertaining to or occurring in a cycle or cycles; the term is applied to chemical compounds that contain a ring of atoms in the nucleus. [EU] Cyclophosphamide: Precursor of an alkylating nitrogen mustard antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agent that must be activated in the liver to form the active aldophosphamide. It is used in the treatment of lymphomas, leukemias, etc. Its side effect, alopecia, has been made use of in defleecing sheep. Cyclophosphamide may also cause sterility, birth defects, mutations, and cancer. [NIH] Cyclosporine: A drug used to help reduce the risk of rejection of organ and bone marrow transplants by the body. It is also used in clinical trials to make cancer cells more sensitive to anticancer drugs. [NIH] Cyst: A sac or capsule filled with fluid. [NIH] Cytokine: Small but highly potent protein that modulates the activity of many cell types, including T and B cells. [NIH] Cytoplasm: The protoplasm of a cell exclusive of that of the nucleus; it consists of a continuous aqueous solution (cytosol) and the organelles and inclusions suspended in it (phaneroplasm), and is the site of most of the chemical activities of the cell. [EU] Cytotoxicity: Quality of being capable of producing a specific toxic action upon cells of special organs. [NIH] Daunorubicin: Very toxic anthracycline aminoglycoside antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces peucetius and others, used in treatment of leukemias and other neoplasms. [NIH]

Decidua: The epithelial lining of the endometrium that is formed before the fertilized ovum reaches the uterus. The fertilized ovum embeds in the decidua. If the ovum is not fertilized, the decidua is shed during menstruation. [NIH] Degenerative: Undergoing degeneration : tending to degenerate; having the character of or involving degeneration; causing or tending to cause degeneration. [EU] Dehydration: The condition that results from excessive loss of body water. [NIH] Dentists: Individuals licensed to practice dentistry. [NIH] Depigmentation: Removal or loss of pigment, especially melanin. [EU]

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Depressive Disorder: An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent. [NIH] Dermatitis: Any inflammation of the skin. [NIH] Dermatitis, Contact: A type of acute or chronic skin reaction in which sensitivity is manifested by reactivity to materials or substances coming in contact with the skin. It may involve allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. [NIH] Dermatitis, Seborrheic: A chronic inflammatory disease of the skin of unknown etiology. It is characterized by moderate erythema, dry, moist, or greasy scaling, and yellow crusted patches on various areas, especially the scalp. On the scalp, it generally appears first as small patches of scales, progressing to involve the entire scalp with exfoliation of excessive amounts of dry scales (dandruff). [NIH] Dermatologic Agents: Drugs used to treat or prevent skin disorders or for the routine care of skin. [NIH] Dermatosis: Any skin disease, especially one not characterized by inflammation. [EU] Dermis: A layer of vascular connective tissue underneath the epidermis. The surface of the dermis contains sensitive papillae. Embedded in or beneath the dermis are sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. [NIH] Desoximetasone: Topical anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid used in dermatoses, skin allergies, psoriasis, etc. [NIH] Dexamethasone: (11 beta,16 alpha)-9-Fluoro-11,17,21-trihydroxy-16-methylpregna-1,4diene-3,20-dione. An anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid used either in the free alcohol or esterified form in treatment of conditions that respond generally to cortisone. [NIH] Diabetes Mellitus: A heterogeneous group of disorders that share glucose intolerance in common. [NIH] Diabetic Retinopathy: Retinopathy associated with diabetes mellitus, which may be of the background type, progressively characterized by microaneurysms, interretinal punctuate macular edema, or of the proliferative type, characterized by neovascularization of the retina and optic disk, which may project into the vitreous, proliferation of fibrous tissue, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. [NIH] Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] Diastole: Period of relaxation of the heart, especially the ventricles. [NIH] Diastolic: Of or pertaining to the diastole. [EU] Diclofenac: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) with antipyretic and analgesic actions. It is primarily available as the sodium salt, diclofenac sodium. [NIH] Diclofenac Sodium: The sodium form of diclofenac. It is used for its analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. [NIH] Diffusion: The tendency of a gas or solute to pass from a point of higher pressure or concentration to a point of lower pressure or concentration and to distribute itself throughout the available space; a major mechanism of biological transport. [NIH] Diflucortolone: A topical glucocorticoid used in various dermatoses. It is absorbed through the skin, bound to plasma albumin, and may cause adrenal suppression. It is also administered as the valerate. [NIH] Digestion: The process of breakdown of food for metabolism and use by the body. [NIH] Dihydroxy: AMPA/Kainate antagonist. [NIH]

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Dilatation, Pathologic: The condition of an anatomical structure's being dilated beyond normal dimensions. [NIH] Dilation: A process by which the pupil is temporarily enlarged with special eye drops (mydriatic); allows the eye care specialist to better view the inside of the eye. [NIH] Dilator: A device used to stretch or enlarge an opening. [NIH] Dimethyl: A volatile metabolite of the amino acid methionine. [NIH] Dimethyl Sulfoxide: A highly polar organic liquid, that is used widely as a chemical solvent. Because of its ability to penetrate biological membranes, it is used as a vehicle for topical application of pharmaceuticals. It is also used to protect tissue during cryopreservation. Dimethyl sulfoxide shows a range of pharmacological activity including analgesia and anti-inflammation. [NIH] Direct: 1. Straight; in a straight line. 2. Performed immediately and without the intervention of subsidiary means. [EU] Discrete: Made up of separate parts or characterized by lesions which do not become blended; not running together; separate. [NIH] Distal: Remote; farther from any point of reference; opposed to proximal. In dentistry, used to designate a position on the dental arch farther from the median line of the jaw. [EU] Diuresis: Increased excretion of urine. [EU] Dopamine: An endogenous catecholamine and prominent neurotransmitter in several systems of the brain. In the synthesis of catecholamines from tyrosine, it is the immediate precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. A family of dopaminergic receptor subtypes mediate its action. Dopamine is used pharmacologically for its direct (beta adrenergic agonist) and indirect (adrenergic releasing) sympathomimetic effects including its actions as an inotropic agent and as a renal vasodilator. [NIH] Dorsal: 1. Pertaining to the back or to any dorsum. 2. Denoting a position more toward the back surface than some other object of reference; same as posterior in human anatomy; superior in the anatomy of quadrupeds. [EU] Dosage Forms: Completed forms of the pharmaceutical preparation in which prescribed doses of medication are included. They are designed to resist action by gastric fluids, prevent vomiting and nausea, reduce or alleviate the undesirable taste and smells associated with oral administration, achieve a high concentration of drug at target site, or produce a delayed or long-acting drug effect. They include capsules, liniments, ointments, pharmaceutical solutions, powders, tablets, etc. [NIH] Double-blind: Pertaining to a clinical trial or other experiment in which neither the subject nor the person administering treatment knows which treatment any particular subject is receiving. [EU] Doxorubicin: Antineoplastic antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces peucetics. It is a hydroxy derivative of daunorubicin and is used in treatment of both leukemia and solid tumors. [NIH] Drug Interactions: The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug. [NIH] Drug Tolerance: Progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, resulting from its continued administration. It should be differentiated from drug resistance wherein an organism, disease, or tissue fails to respond to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should also be differentiated from maximum tolerated dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level. [NIH]

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Duct: A tube through which body fluids pass. [NIH] Ductus Arteriosus: A fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery with the descending aorta. [NIH] Dyes: Chemical substances that are used to stain and color other materials. The coloring may or may not be permanent. Dyes can also be used as therapeutic agents and test reagents in medicine and scientific research. [NIH] Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation. [NIH] Eclampsia: Onset of convulsions or coma in a previously diagnosed pre-eclamptic patient. [NIH]

Eczema: A pruritic papulovesicular dermatitis occurring as a reaction to many endogenous and exogenous agents (Dorland, 27th ed). [NIH] Edema: Excessive amount of watery fluid accumulated in the intercellular spaces, most commonly present in subcutaneous tissue. [NIH] Efficacy: The extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions. Ideally, the determination of efficacy is based on the results of a randomized control trial. [NIH] Elastic: Susceptible of resisting and recovering from stretching, compression or distortion applied by a force. [EU] Elasticity: Resistance and recovery from distortion of shape. [NIH] Elastin: The protein that gives flexibility to tissues. [NIH] Elective: Subject to the choice or decision of the patient or physician; applied to procedures that are advantageous to the patient but not urgent. [EU] Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when fused or in solution, and thus becomes capable of conducting electricity; an ionic solute. [EU] Electromyography: Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. [NIH] Electrons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known negative charge, present in all elements; also called negatrons. Positively charged electrons are called positrons. The numbers, energies and arrangement of electrons around atomic nuclei determine the chemical identities of elements. Beams of electrons are called cathode rays or beta rays, the latter being a high-energy biproduct of nuclear decay. [NIH] Embryo: The prenatal stage of mammalian development characterized by rapid morphological changes and the differentiation of basic structures. [NIH] Embryo Transfer: Removal of a mammalian embryo from one environment and replacement in the same or a new environment. The embryo is usually in the pre-nidation phase, i.e., a blastocyst. The process includes embryo or blastocyst transplantation or transfer after in vitro fertilization and transfer of the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. It is not used for transfer of differentiated embryonic tissue, e.g., germ layer cells. [NIH] Embryology: The study of the development of an organism during the embryonic and fetal stages of life. [NIH] Emollient: Softening or soothing; called also malactic. [EU] Emphysema: A pathological accumulation of air in tissues or organs. [NIH] Emulsion: A preparation of one liquid distributed in small globules throughout the body of a second liquid. The dispersed liquid is the discontinuous phase, and the dispersion medium is the continuous phase. When oil is the dispersed liquid and an aqueous solution

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is the continuous phase, it is known as an oil-in-water emulsion, whereas when water or aqueous solution is the dispersed phase and oil or oleaginous substance is the continuous phase, it is known as a water-in-oil emulsion. Pharmaceutical emulsions for which official standards have been promulgated include cod liver oil emulsion, cod liver oil emulsion with malt, liquid petrolatum emulsion, and phenolphthalein in liquid petrolatum emulsion. [EU] Enamel: A very hard whitish substance which covers the dentine of the anatomical crown of a tooth. [NIH] Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain due to infection, autoimmune processes, toxins, and other conditions. Viral infections (see encephalitis, viral) are a relatively frequent cause of this condition. [NIH] Encephalomyelitis: A general term indicating inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, often used to indicate an infectious process, but also applicable to a variety of autoimmune and toxic-metabolic conditions. There is significant overlap regarding the usage of this term and encephalitis in the literature. [NIH] Endocarditis: Exudative and proliferative inflammatory alterations of the endocardium, characterized by the presence of vegetations on the surface of the endocardium or in the endocardium itself, and most commonly involving a heart valve, but sometimes affecting the inner lining of the cardiac chambers or the endocardium elsewhere. It may occur as a primary disorder or as a complication of or in association with another disease. [EU] Endogenous: Produced inside an organism or cell. The opposite is external (exogenous) production. [NIH] Endothelial cell: The main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. [NIH] Endotoxin: Toxin from cell walls of bacteria. [NIH] Enema: The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel. [NIH] Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. [NIH]

Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] Eosinophils: Granular leukocytes with a nucleus that usually has two lobes connected by a slender thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules that are uniform in size and stainable by eosin. [NIH] Epicondylitis: Inflammation of the epicondyle or of the tissues adjoining the epicondyle of the humerus. [EU] Epidermal: Pertaining to or resembling epidermis. Called also epidermic or epidermoid. [EU] Epidermis: Nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers: 1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); 2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); 3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); 4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and 5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). [NIH] Epinephrine: The active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local anesthetics. [NIH] Epithelial: Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body. [NIH]

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Epithelial Cells: Cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] Erythema: Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of causes. [NIH] Erythrocytes: Red blood cells. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks containing hemoglobin whose function is to transport oxygen. [NIH] Erythromycin: A bacteriostatic antibiotic substance produced by Streptomyces erythreus. Erythromycin A is considered its major active component. In sensitive organisms, it inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 50S ribosomal subunits. This binding process inhibits peptidyl transferase activity and interferes with translocation of amino acids during translation and assembly of proteins. [NIH] Esterification: The process of converting an acid into an alkyl or aryl derivative. Most frequently the process consists of the reaction of an acid with an alcohol in the presence of a trace of mineral acid as catalyst or the reaction of an acyl chloride with an alcohol. Esterification can also be accomplished by enzymatic processes. [NIH] Estradiol: The most potent mammalian estrogenic hormone. It is produced in the ovary, placenta, testis, and possibly the adrenal cortex. [NIH] Estriol: (16 alpha,17 beta)-Estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16,17-triol. A metabolite of estradiol and usually the predominant estrogenic metabolite in urine. During pregnancy, large amounts of estriol are produced by the placenta. It has also been obtained from plant sources. The 16 beta-isomer has also been isolated from the urine of pregnant women. [NIH] Ether: One of a class of organic compounds in which any two organic radicals are attached directly to a single oxygen atom. [NIH] Excitation: An act of irritation or stimulation or of responding to a stimulus; the addition of energy, as the excitation of a molecule by absorption of photons. [EU] Exfoliation: A falling off in scales or layers. [EU] Exogenous: Developed or originating outside the organism, as exogenous disease. [EU] Extemporaneous: Compounded according to a physician's prescription; prepared when ordered; not ready-made. [NIH] Extensor: A muscle whose contraction tends to straighten a limb; the antagonist of a flexor. [NIH]

Extracellular: Outside a cell or cells. [EU] Extracellular Matrix: A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. [NIH] Extraction: The process or act of pulling or drawing out. [EU] Extravasation: A discharge or escape, as of blood, from a vessel into the tissues. [EU] Fallopian tube: The oviduct, a muscular tube about 10 cm long, lying in the upper border of the broad ligament. [NIH] Family Planning: Programs or services designed to assist the family in controlling reproduction by either improving or diminishing fertility. [NIH] Fat: Total lipids including phospholipids. [NIH] Fatty acids: A major component of fats that are used by the body for energy and tissue development. [NIH] Feces: The excrement discharged from the intestines, consisting of bacteria, cells exfoliated

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from the intestines, secretions, chiefly of the liver, and a small amount of food residue. [EU] Fertilization in Vitro: Fertilization of an egg outside the body when the egg is normally fertilized in the body. [NIH] Fetal Blood: Blood of the fetus. Exchange of nutrients and waste between the fetal and maternal blood occurs via the placenta. The cord blood is blood contained in the umbilical vessels at the time of delivery. [NIH] Fetal Death: Death of the young developing in utero. [NIH] Fetal Heart: The heart of the fetus of any viviparous animal. It refers to the heart in the postembryonic period and is differentiated from the embryonic heart (heart/embryology) only on the basis of time. [NIH] Fetal Membranes: Thin layers of tissue which surround the embryo or fetus and provide for its nutrition, respiration, excretion and protection; they are the yolk sac, allantois, amnion, and chorion. [NIH] Fetus: The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth. [NIH] Fibrin: A protein derived from fibrinogen in the presence of thrombin, which forms part of the blood clot. [NIH] Fibrinolysis: The natural enzymatic dissolution of fibrin. [NIH] Fibrinolytic: Pertaining to, characterized by, or causing the dissolution of fibrin by enzymatic action [EU] Flexor: Muscles which flex a joint. [NIH] Flow Cytometry: Technique using an instrument system for making, processing, and displaying one or more measurements on individual cells obtained from a cell suspension. Cells are usually stained with one or more fluorescent dyes specific to cell components of interest, e.g., DNA, and fluorescence of each cell is measured as it rapidly transverses the excitation beam (laser or mercury arc lamp). Fluorescence provides a quantitative measure of various biochemical and biophysical properties of the cell, as well as a basis for cell sorting. Other measurable optical parameters include light absorption and light scattering, the latter being applicable to the measurement of cell size, shape, density, granularity, and stain uptake. [NIH] Fluocinonide: A topical glucocorticoid used in the treatment of eczemas. [NIH] Fluocortolone: 6 alpha-Fluoro-11 beta,21-dihydroxy-16 alpha-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20diono. A topical glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory activity used in the treatment of various skin disorders. It is used also as the acetate, caproate, and pivalate. [NIH] Fluorescence: The property of emitting radiation while being irradiated. The radiation emitted is usually of longer wavelength than that incident or absorbed, e.g., a substance can be irradiated with invisible radiation and emit visible light. X-ray fluorescence is used in diagnosis. [NIH] Fluorescent Dyes: Dyes that emit light when exposed to light. The wave length of the emitted light is usually longer than that of the incident light. Fluorochromes are substances that cause fluorescence in other substances, i.e., dyes used to mark or label other compounds with fluorescent tags. They are used as markers in biochemistry and immunology. [NIH] Follicles: Shafts through which hair grows. [NIH] Folliculitis: Inflammation of follicles, primarily hair follicles. [NIH] Forearm: The part between the elbow and the wrist. [NIH] Fungus: A general term used to denote a group of eukaryotic protists, including mushrooms, yeasts, rusts, moulds, smuts, etc., which are characterized by the absence of

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chlorophyll and by the presence of a rigid cell wall composed of chitin, mannans, and sometimes cellulose. They are usually of simple morphological form or show some reversible cellular specialization, such as the formation of pseudoparenchymatous tissue in the fruiting body of a mushroom. The dimorphic fungi grow, according to environmental conditions, as moulds or yeasts. [EU] Gas: Air that comes from normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burp). [NIH] Gas exchange: Primary function of the lungs; transfer of oxygen from inhaled air into the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood into the lungs. [NIH] Gastric: Having to do with the stomach. [NIH] Gastrin: A hormone released after eating. Gastrin causes the stomach to produce more acid. [NIH]

Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. [NIH]

Gene Expression: The phenotypic manifestation of a gene or genes by the processes of gene action. [NIH] Genital: Pertaining to the genitalia. [EU] Gestation: The period of development of the young in viviparous animals, from the time of fertilization of the ovum until birth. [EU] Gestational: Psychosis attributable to or occurring during pregnancy. [NIH] Gestational Age: Age of the conceptus. In humans, this may be assessed by medical history, physical examination, early immunologic pregnancy tests, radiography, ultrasonography, and amniotic fluid analysis. [NIH] Gland: An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. [NIH] Glioma: A cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells. [NIH] Glucocorticoid: A compound that belongs to the family of compounds called corticosteroids (steroids). Glucocorticoids affect metabolism and have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. They may be naturally produced (hormones) or synthetic (drugs). [NIH] Glucose: D-Glucose. A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. [NIH] Glutamate: Excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. [NIH] Glycerol: A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent. [NIH]

Glycerophospholipids: Derivatives of phosphatidic acid in which the hydrophobic regions are composed of two fatty acids and a polar alcohol is joined to the C-3 position of glycerol through a phosphodiester bond. They are named according to their polar head groups, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. [NIH] Glycoprotein: A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. [NIH] Gonadal: Pertaining to a gonad. [EU] Gout:

Hereditary

metabolic

disorder

characterized

by

recurrent

acute

arthritis,

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hyperuricemia and deposition of sodium urate in and around the joints, sometimes with formation of uric acid calculi. [NIH] Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated institutions and organizations. [NIH] Graft: Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body. [NIH] Graft Rejection: An immune response with both cellular and humoral components, directed against an allogeneic transplant, whose tissue antigens are not compatible with those of the recipient. [NIH] Graft-versus-host disease: GVHD. A reaction of donated bone marrow or peripheral stem cells against a person's tissue. [NIH] Gram-negative: Losing the stain or decolorized by alcohol in Gram's method of staining, a primary characteristic of bacteria having a cell wall composed of a thin layer of peptidoglycan covered by an outer membrane of lipoprotein and lipopolysaccharide. [EU] Gram-positive: Retaining the stain or resisting decolorization by alcohol in Gram's method of staining, a primary characteristic of bacteria whose cell wall is composed of a thick layer of peptidologlycan with attached teichoic acids. [EU] Granulocyte: A type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infection. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes. [NIH] Hair follicles: Shafts or openings on the surface of the skin through which hair grows. [NIH] Halcinonide: A topical glucocorticoid used in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. It may cause skin irritation. [NIH] Haptens: Small antigenic determinants capable of eliciting an immune response only when coupled to a carrier. Haptens bind to antibodies but by themselves cannot elicit an antibody response. [NIH] Hay Fever: A seasonal variety of allergic rhinitis, marked by acute conjunctivitis with lacrimation and itching, regarded as an allergic condition triggered by specific allergens. [NIH]

Heart failure: Loss of pumping ability by the heart, often accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness, and excess fluid accumulation in body tissues. [NIH] Hemolysis: The destruction of erythrocytes by many different causal agents such as antibodies, bacteria, chemicals, temperature, and changes in tonicity. [NIH] Hemorrhage: Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel. [NIH] Hepatobiliary: Pertaining to the liver and the bile or the biliary ducts. [EU] Hereditary: Of, relating to, or denoting factors that can be transmitted genetically from one generation to another. [NIH] Heredity: 1. The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 2. The genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] Hernia: Protrusion of a loop or knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. [NIH]

Hormonal: Pertaining to or of the nature of a hormone. [EU] Hormone: A substance in the body that regulates certain organs. Hormones such as gastrin help in breaking down food. Some hormones come from cells in the stomach and small intestine. [NIH] Humour: 1. A normal functioning fluid or semifluid of the body (as the blood, lymph or

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bile) especially of vertebrates. 2. A secretion that is itself an excitant of activity (as certain hormones). [EU] Hyaline membrane disease: A respiratory disease of newborns, especially premature infants, in which a membrane composed of proteins and dead cells forms and lines the alveoli making gas exchange difficult or impossible. [NIH] Hyaluronidase: An enzyme that splits hyaluronic acid and thus lowers the viscosity of the acid and facilitates the spreading of fluids through tissues either advantageously or disadvantageously. [NIH] Hydrocortisone: The main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Its synthetic counterpart is used, either as an injection or topically, in the treatment of inflammation, allergy, collagen diseases, asthma, adrenocortical deficiency, shock, and some neoplastic conditions. [NIH] Hydrogel: A network of cross-linked hydrophilic macromolecules used in biomedical applications. [NIH] Hydrogen: The first chemical element in the periodic table. It has the atomic symbol H, atomic number 1, and atomic weight 1. It exists, under normal conditions, as a colorless, odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas. Hydrogen ions are protons. Besides the common H1 isotope, hydrogen exists as the stable isotope deuterium and the unstable, radioactive isotope tritium. [NIH] Hydrolysis: The process of cleaving a chemical compound by the addition of a molecule of water. [NIH] Hydrophilic: Readily absorbing moisture; hygroscopic; having strongly polar groups that readily interact with water. [EU] Hydroxylysine: A hydroxylated derivative of the amino acid lysine that is present in certain collagens. [NIH] Hydroxyproline: A hydroxylated form of the imino acid proline. A deficiency in ascorbic acid can result in impaired hydroxyproline formation. [NIH] Hyperbilirubinemia: Pathologic process consisting of an abnormal increase in the amount of bilirubin in the circulating blood, which may result in jaundice. [NIH] Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, not due to tumor formation. It differs from hypertrophy, which is an increase in bulk without an increase in the number of cells. [NIH] Hyperreflexia: Exaggeration of reflexes. [EU] Hypersensitivity: Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. [NIH] Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Currently accepted threshold levels are 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. [NIH] Hypertrophy: General increase in bulk of a part or organ, not due to tumor formation, nor to an increase in the number of cells. [NIH] Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure. [NIH] Hypothalamic: Of or involving the hypothalamus. [EU] Hypothalamus: Ventral part of the diencephalon extending from the region of the optic chiasm to the caudal border of the mammillary bodies and forming the inferior and lateral walls of the third ventricle. [NIH] Hypothermia: Lower than normal body temperature, especially in warm-blooded animals; in man usually accidental or unintentional. [NIH]

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Idiopathic: Describes a disease of unknown cause. [NIH] Imidazole: C3H4N2. The ring is present in polybenzimidazoles. [NIH] Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). [NIH]

Immune system: The organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and disposal of foreign ("non-self") material which enters the body. [NIH] Immunization: Deliberate stimulation of the host's immune response. Active immunization involves administration of antigens or immunologic adjuvants. Passive immunization involves administration of immune sera or lymphocytes or their extracts (e.g., transfer factor, immune RNA) or transplantation of immunocompetent cell producing tissue (thymus or bone marrow). [NIH] Immunogenic: Producing immunity; evoking an immune response. [EU] Immunologic: The ability of the antibody-forming system to recall a previous experience with an antigen and to respond to a second exposure with the prompt production of large amounts of antibody. [NIH] Immunology: The study of the body's immune system. [NIH] Immunosuppressive: Describes the ability to lower immune system responses. [NIH] Immunosuppressive therapy: Therapy used to decrease the body's immune response, such as drugs given to prevent transplant rejection. [NIH] Immunotherapy: Manipulation of the host's immune system in treatment of disease. It includes both active and passive immunization as well as immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection. [NIH] In situ: In the natural or normal place; confined to the site of origin without invasion of neighbouring tissues. [EU] In vitro: In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body). [NIH] In vivo: In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory). [NIH] Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery. [NIH] Indomethacin: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase necessary for the formation of prostaglandins and other autacoids. It also inhibits the motility of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. [NIH] Induction: The act or process of inducing or causing to occur, especially the production of a specific morphogenetic effect in the developing embryo through the influence of evocators or organizers, or the production of anaesthesia or unconsciousness by use of appropriate agents. [EU] Induction therapy: Treatment designed to be used as a first step toward shrinking the cancer and in evaluating response to drugs and other agents. Induction therapy is followed by additional therapy to eliminate whatever cancer remains. [NIH] Infantile: Pertaining to an infant or to infancy. [EU] Infection: 1. Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response. The infection may remain localized, subclinical, and temporary if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. A local infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic clinical infection or disease state. A local infection may also become systemic when the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. 2. An infectious disease. [EU]

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Infiltration: The diffusion or accumulation in a tissue or cells of substances not normal to it or in amounts of the normal. Also, the material so accumulated. [EU] Inflammation: A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. [NIH] Inflammatory bowel disease: A general term that refers to the inflammation of the colon and rectum. Inflammatory bowel disease includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. [NIH]

Infusion: A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion. [NIH] Inhalation: The drawing of air or other substances into the lungs. [EU] Inorganic: Pertaining to substances not of organic origin. [EU] Instillation: . [EU] Insulator: Material covering the metal conductor of the lead. It is usually polyurethane or silicone. [NIH] Intensive Care: Advanced and highly specialized care provided to medical or surgical patients whose conditions are life-threatening and require comprehensive care and constant monitoring. It is usually administered in specially equipped units of a health care facility. [NIH]

Interferon: A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. [NIH] Interferon-alpha: One of the type I interferons produced by peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cells when exposed to live or inactivated virus, double-stranded RNA, or bacterial products. It is the major interferon produced by virus-induced leukocyte cultures and, in addition to its pronounced antiviral activity, it causes activation of NK cells. [NIH] Interleukin-1: A soluble factor produced by monocytes, macrophages, and other cells which activates T-lymphocytes and potentiates their response to mitogens or antigens. IL-1 consists of two distinct forms, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta which perform the same functions but are distinct proteins. The biological effects of IL-1 include the ability to replace macrophage requirements for T-cell activation. The factor is distinct from interleukin-2. [NIH] Interleukin-2: Chemical mediator produced by activated T lymphocytes and which regulates the proliferation of T cells, as well as playing a role in the regulation of NK cell activity. [NIH] Intermediate Filaments: Cytoplasmic filaments intermediate in diameter (about 10 nanometers) between the microfilaments and the microtubules. They may be composed of any of a number of different proteins and form a ring around the cell nucleus. [NIH] Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] Intestinal: Having to do with the intestines. [NIH] Intestines: The section of the alimentary canal from the stomach to the anus. It includes the large intestine and small intestine. [NIH] Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] Intramuscular: IM. Within or into muscle. [NIH] Intravenous: IV. Into a vein. [NIH]

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Invasive: 1. Having the quality of invasiveness. 2. Involving puncture or incision of the skin or insertion of an instrument or foreign material into the body; said of diagnostic techniques. [EU]

Ion Transport: The movement of ions across energy-transducing cell membranes. Transport can be active or passive. Passive ion transport (facilitated diffusion) derives its energy from the concentration gradient of the ion itself and allows the transport of a single solute in one direction (uniport). Active ion transport is usually coupled to an energy-yielding chemical or photochemical reaction such as ATP hydrolysis. This form of primary active transport is called an ion pump. Secondary active transport utilizes the voltage and ion gradients produced by the primary transport to drive the cotransport of other ions or molecules. These may be transported in the same (symport) or opposite (antiport) direction. [NIH] Ions: An atom or group of atoms that have a positive or negative electric charge due to a gain (negative charge) or loss (positive charge) of one or more electrons. Atoms with a positive charge are known as cations; those with a negative charge are anions. [NIH] Ischemia: Deficiency of blood in a part, due to functional constriction or actual obstruction of a blood vessel. [EU] Isotretinoin: A topical dermatologic agent that is used in the treatment of acne vulgaris and several other skin diseases. The drug has teratogenic and other adverse effects. [NIH] Jaundice: A clinical manifestation of hyperbilirubinemia, consisting of deposition of bile pigments in the skin, resulting in a yellowish staining of the skin and mucous membranes. [NIH]

Kb: A measure of the length of DNA fragments, 1 Kb = 1000 base pairs. The largest DNA fragments are up to 50 kilobases long. [NIH] Keratin: A class of fibrous proteins or scleroproteins important both as structural proteins and as keys to the study of protein conformation. The family represents the principal constituent of epidermis, hair, nails, horny tissues, and the organic matrix of tooth enamel. Two major conformational groups have been characterized, alpha-keratin, whose peptide backbone forms an alpha-helix, and beta-keratin, whose backbone forms a zigzag or pleated sheet structure. [NIH] Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea. [NIH] Keratolytic: An agent that promotes keratolysis. [EU] Keto: It consists of 8 carbon atoms and within the endotoxins, it connects poysaccharide and lipid A. [NIH] Kinetics: The study of rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems. [NIH] Laceration: 1. The act of tearing. 2. A torn, ragged, mangled wound. [EU] Lactation: The period of the secretion of milk. [EU] Laparoscopy: Examination, therapy or surgery of the abdomen's interior by means of a laparoscope. [NIH] Laxative: An agent that acts to promote evacuation of the bowel; a cathartic or purgative. [EU]

Lens: The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure suspended between the aqueous and vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina. [NIH] Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. [NIH] Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming tissue. [NIH] Lichen Planus: An inflammatory, pruritic disease of the skin and mucous membranes, which can be either generalized or localized. It is characterized by distinctive purplish, flat-

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topped papules having a predilection for the trunk and flexor surfaces. The lesions may be discrete or coalesce to form plaques. Histologically, there is a "saw-tooth" pattern of epidermal hyperplasia and vacuolar alteration of the basal layer of the epidermis along with an intense upper dermal inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of T-cells. Etiology is unknown. [NIH] Lidocaine: A local anesthetic and cardiac depressant used as an antiarrhythmia agent. Its actions are more intense and its effects more prolonged than those of procaine but its duration of action is shorter than that of bupivacaine or prilocaine. [NIH] Ligation: Application of a ligature to tie a vessel or strangulate a part. [NIH] Lincomycin: (2S-trans)-Methyl 6,8-dideoxy-6-(((1-methyl-4-propyl-2pyrrolidinyl)carbonyl)amino)-1-thio-D-erythro-alpha-D-galacto-octopyranoside. An antibiotic produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis var. lincolnensis. It has been used in the treatment of staphylococcal, streptococcal, and Bacteroides fragilis infections. [NIH] Lipid: Fat. [NIH] Lipophilic: Having an affinity for fat; pertaining to or characterized by lipophilia. [EU] Lipopolysaccharide: Substance consisting of polysaccaride and lipid. [NIH] Lipoprotein: Any of the lipid-protein complexes in which lipids are transported in the blood; lipoprotein particles consist of a spherical hydrophobic core of triglycerides or cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphipathic monolayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins; the four principal classes are high-density, low-density, and very-lowdensity lipoproteins and chylomicrons. [EU] Lithium: An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight 6.94. Salts of lithium are used in treating manic-depressive disorders. [NIH]

Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [NIH] Localized: Cancer which has not metastasized yet. [NIH] Loop: A wire usually of platinum bent at one end into a small loop (usually 4 mm inside diameter) and used in transferring microorganisms. [NIH] Lumbar: Pertaining to the loins, the part of the back between the thorax and the pelvis. [EU] Lupus: A form of cutaneous tuberculosis. It is seen predominantly in women and typically involves the nasal, buccal, and conjunctival mucosa. [NIH] Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). [NIH]

Lymphatic: The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymphocyte Count: A count of the number of lymphocytes in the blood. [NIH] Lymphocytes: White blood cells formed in the body's lymphoid tissue. The nucleus is round or ovoid with coarse, irregularly clumped chromatin while the cytoplasm is typically pale blue with azurophilic (if any) granules. Most lymphocytes can be classified as either T or B (with subpopulations of each); those with characteristics of neither major class are called null cells. [NIH]

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Lymphoid: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop. [NIH] Lymphoma: A general term for various neoplastic diseases of the lymphoid tissue. [NIH] Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells. [NIH] Macula: A stain, spot, or thickening. Often used alone to refer to the macula retinae. [EU] Macula Lutea: An oval area in the retina, 3 to 5 mm in diameter, usually located temporal to the superior pole of the eye and slightly below the level of the optic disk. [NIH] Macular Degeneration: Degenerative changes in the macula lutea of the retina. [NIH] Malabsorption: Impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients. [EU] Malabsorption syndrome: A group of symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea resulting from the body's inability to properly absorb nutrients. [NIH] Malignant: Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. [NIH] Malignant tumor: A tumor capable of metastasizing. [NIH] Malnutrition: A condition caused by not eating enough food or not eating a balanced diet. [NIH]

Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast. [NIH] Manic: Affected with mania. [EU] Mannans: Polysaccharides consisting of mannose units. [NIH] Mastocytosis: A group of diseases resulting from proliferation of mast cells. [NIH] Mediate: Indirect; accomplished by the aid of an intervening medium. [EU] Medicament: A medicinal substance or agent. [EU] MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] Membrane Lipids: Lipids, predominantly phospholipids, cholesterol and small amounts of glycolipids found in membranes including cellular and intracellular membranes. These lipids may be arranged in bilayers in the membranes with integral proteins between the layers and peripheral proteins attached to the outside. Membrane lipids are required for active transport, several enzymatic activities and membrane formation. [NIH] Meninges: The three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. [NIH] Mercury: A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to mercury poisoning. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing. [NIH] Mesenchymal: Refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue. [NIH] Metabolite: Any substance produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. [EU] Metoclopramide: A dopamine D2 antagonist that is used as an antiemetic. [NIH] Microbe: An organism which cannot be observed with the naked eye; e. g. unicellular animals, lower algae, lower fungi, bacteria. [NIH]

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Microcalcifications: Tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be detected on a mammogram. A cluster of these very small specks of calcium may indicate that cancer is present. [NIH] Microfilaments: The smallest of the cytoskeletal filaments. They are composed chiefly of actin. [NIH] Microorganism: An organism that can be seen only through a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi. Although viruses are not considered living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms. [NIH] Microtubules: Slender, cylindrical filaments found in the cytoskeleton of plant and animal cells. They are composed of the protein tubulin. [NIH] Mineral Oil: A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is used as laxative, lubricant, ointment base, and emollient. [NIH] Mineralocorticoids: A group of corticosteroids primarily associated with the regulation of water and electrolyte balance. This is accomplished through the effect on ion transport in renal tubules, resulting in retention of sodium and loss of potassium. Mineralocorticoid secretion is itself regulated by plasma volume, serum potassium, and angiotensin II. [NIH] Modification: A change in an organism, or in a process in an organism, that is acquired from its own activity or environment. [NIH] Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] Molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms. [NIH] Monitor: An apparatus which automatically records such physiological signs as respiration, pulse, and blood pressure in an anesthetized patient or one undergoing surgical or other procedures. [NIH] Monocytes: Large, phagocytic mononuclear leukocytes produced in the vertebrate bone marrow and released into the blood; contain a large, oval or somewhat indented nucleus surrounded by voluminous cytoplasm and numerous organelles. [NIH] Mononuclear: A cell with one nucleus. [NIH] Monotherapy: A therapy which uses only one drug. [EU] Morphological: Relating to the configuration or the structure of live organs. [NIH] Morphology: The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life). [NIH] Motility: The ability to move spontaneously. [EU] Motion Sickness: Sickness caused by motion, as sea sickness, train sickness, car sickness, and air sickness. [NIH] Mucociliary: Pertaining to or affecting the mucus membrane and hairs (including eyelashes, nose hair, .): mucociliary clearing: the clearance of mucus by ciliary movement ( particularly in the respiratory system). [EU] Mucociliary Clearance: Rate of ciliary and secretory activity of the respiratory submucosal glands. It is a non-specific host defense mechanism, measurable in vivo by mucus transfer, ciliary beat frequency, and clearance of radioactive tracers. [NIH] Mucosa: A mucous membrane, or tunica mucosa. [EU] Mucus: The viscous secretion of mucous membranes. It contains mucin, white blood cells,

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water, inorganic salts, and exfoliated cells. [NIH] Multidose: Occurring in, or using multiple doses. [EU] Multiple Myeloma: A malignant tumor of plasma cells usually arising in the bone marrow; characterized by diffuse involvement of the skeletal system, hyperglobulinemia, Bence-Jones proteinuria, and anemia. [NIH] Multiple sclerosis: A disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys myelin. Myelin is a substance that contains both protein and fat (lipid) and serves as a nerve insulator and helps in the transmission of nerve signals. [NIH] Mupirocin: A topically used antibiotic from a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. It has shown excellent activity against gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci. The antibiotic is used primarily for the treatment of primary and secondary skin disorders, nasal infections, and wound healing. [NIH] Mycophenolate mofetil: A drug that is being studied for its effectiveness in preventing graft-versus-host disease and autoimmune disorders. [NIH] Myelin: The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves. [NIH] Myometrium: The smooth muscle coat of the uterus, which forms the main mass of the organ. [NIH] Naproxen: An anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Both the acid and its sodium salt are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic or musculoskeletal disorders, dysmenorrhea, and acute gout. [NIH] Nasal Mucosa: The mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity. [NIH] Nasal Polyps: Focal accumulations of edema fluid in the nasal mucosa accompanied by hyperplasia of the associated submucosal connective tissue. Polyps may be neoplasms, foci of inflammation, degenerative lesions, or malformations. [NIH] Nausea: An unpleasant sensation in the stomach usually accompanied by the urge to vomit. Common causes are early pregnancy, sea and motion sickness, emotional stress, intense pain, food poisoning, and various enteroviruses. [NIH] Neomycin: Antibiotic complex produced by Streptomyces fradiae. It is composed of neomycins A, B, and C. It acts by inhibiting translation during protein synthesis. [NIH] Neonatal: Pertaining to the first four weeks after birth. [EU] Neoplasms: New abnormal growth of tissue. Malignant neoplasms show a greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and metastasis, compared to benign neoplasms. [NIH] Nephrectomy: Surgery to remove a kidney. Radical nephrectomy removes the kidney, the adrenal gland, nearby lymph nodes, and other surrounding tissue. Simple nephrectomy removes only the kidney. Partial nephrectomy removes the tumor but not the entire kidney. [NIH]

Nephron: A tiny part of the kidneys. Each kidney is made up of about 1 million nephrons, which are the working units of the kidneys, removing wastes and extra fluids from the blood. [NIH] Nerve Endings: Specialized terminations of peripheral neurons. Nerve endings include neuroeffector junction(s) by which neurons activate target organs and sensory receptors which transduce information from the various sensory modalities and send it centrally in the nervous system. Presynaptic nerve endings are presynaptic terminals. [NIH]

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Nerve Fibers: Slender processes of neurons, especially the prolonged axons that conduct nerve impulses. [NIH] Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. [NIH] Neuromuscular: Pertaining to muscles and nerves. [EU] Neuromuscular Junction: The synapse between a neuron and a muscle. [NIH] Neuronal: Pertaining to a neuron or neurons (= conducting cells of the nervous system). [EU] Neurons: The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. [NIH] Neuropeptide: A member of a class of protein-like molecules made in the brain. Neuropeptides consist of short chains of amino acids, with some functioning as neurotransmitters and some functioning as hormones. [NIH] Neurosurgery: A surgical specialty concerned with the treatment of diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral and sympathetic nervous system. [NIH] Neutrons: Electrically neutral elementary particles found in all atomic nuclei except light hydrogen; the mass is equal to that of the proton and electron combined and they are unstable when isolated from the nucleus, undergoing beta decay. Slow, thermal, epithermal, and fast neutrons refer to the energy levels with which the neutrons are ejected from heavier nuclei during their decay. [NIH] Neutrophils: Granular leukocytes having a nucleus with three to five lobes connected by slender threads of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing fine inconspicuous granules and stainable by neutral dyes. [NIH] Nitrogen: An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight 14. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells. [NIH] Nitroglycerin: A highly volatile organic nitrate that acts as a dilator of arterial and venous smooth muscle and is used in the treatment of angina. It provides relief through improvement of the balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Although total coronary blood flow is not increased, there is redistribution of blood flow in the heart when partial occlusion of coronary circulation is effected. [NIH] Norepinephrine: Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers and of the diffuse projection system in the brain arising from the locus ceruleus. It is also found in plants and is used pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic. [NIH] Nucleus: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Ocular: 1. Of, pertaining to, or affecting the eye. 2. Eyepiece. [EU] Oedema: The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces of the body; usually applied to demonstrable accumulation of excessive fluid in the subcutaneous tissues. Edema may be localized, due to venous or lymphatic obstruction or to increased vascular permeability, or it may be systemic due to heart failure or renal disease. Collections of edema fluid are designated according to the site, e.g. ascites (peritoneal cavity), hydrothorax (pleural cavity), and hydropericardium (pericardial sac). Massive generalized edema is called anasarca. [EU]

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Ointments: Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medications. Ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons. [NIH] Opacity: Degree of density (area most dense taken for reading). [NIH] Ophthalmic: Pertaining to the eye. [EU] Opsin: A protein formed, together with retinene, by the chemical breakdown of metarhodopsin. [NIH] Optic Disk: The portion of the optic nerve seen in the fundus with the ophthalmoscope. It is formed by the meeting of all the retinal ganglion cell axons as they enter the optic nerve. [NIH]

Optic Nerve: The 2nd cranial nerve. The optic nerve conveys visual information from the retina to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the retinal ganglion cells which sort at the optic chiasm and continue via the optic tracts to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other important targets include the superior colliculi and the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the central nervous system. [NIH] Oral Health: The optimal state of the mouth and normal functioning of the organs of the mouth without evidence of disease. [NIH] Oral Hygiene: The practice of personal hygiene of the mouth. It includes the maintenance of oral cleanliness, tissue tone, and general preservation of oral health. [NIH] Oral Manifestations: Disorders of the mouth attendant upon non-oral disease or injury. [NIH]

Organelles: Specific particles of membrane-bound organized living substances present in eukaryotic cells, such as the mitochondria; the golgi apparatus; endoplasmic reticulum; lysomomes; plastids; and vacuoles. [NIH] Ossification: The formation of bone or of a bony substance; the conversion of fibrous tissue or of cartilage into bone or a bony substance. [EU] Otitis: Inflammation of the ear, which may be marked by pain, fever, abnormalities of hearing, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. [EU] Otitis Media: Inflammation of the middle ear. [NIH] Outpatient: A patient who is not an inmate of a hospital but receives diagnosis or treatment in a clinic or dispensary connected with the hospital. [NIH] Ovaries: The pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. [NIH] Ovary: Either of the paired glands in the female that produce the female germ cells and secrete some of the female sex hormones. [NIH] Ovum: A female germ cell extruded from the ovary at ovulation. [NIH] Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the increase of positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges. Most biological oxidations are accomplished by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction of an acceptor molecule. Univalent o. indicates loss of one electron; divalent o., the loss of two electrons. [EU]

Oxytocin: A nonapeptide posterior pituitary hormone that causes uterine contractions and stimulates lactation. [NIH] Paediatric: Of or relating to the care and medical treatment of children; belonging to or

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concerned with paediatrics. [EU] Palliative: 1. Affording relief, but not cure. 2. An alleviating medicine. [EU] Pancreas: A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is comprised of the Islets of Langerhans, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland that secretes digestive enzymes. [NIH] Pancreatic: Having to do with the pancreas. [NIH] Pancreatitis: Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, which may be asymptomatic or symptomatic, and which is due to autodigestion of a pancreatic tissue by its own enzymes. It is caused most often by alcoholism or biliary tract disease; less commonly it may be associated with hyperlipaemia, hyperparathyroidism, abdominal trauma (accidental or operative injury), vasculitis, or uraemia. [EU] Parenteral: Not through the alimentary canal but rather by injection through some other route, as subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular, intraspinal, intrasternal, intravenous, etc. [EU] Pathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by a morbid condition. 2. Pertaining to pathology (= branch of medicine that treats the essential nature of the disease, especially the structural and functional changes in tissues and organs of the body caused by the disease). [EU] Pelvis: The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones. [NIH] Pentoxifylline: A methylxanthine derivative that inhibits phosphodiesterase and affects blood rheology. It improves blood flow by increasing erythrocyte and leukocyte flexibility. It also inhibits platelet aggregation. Pentoxifylline modulates immunologic activity by stimulating cytokine production. [NIH] Peptide: Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are combined to make proteins. [NIH] Percutaneous: Performed through the skin, as injection of radiopacque material in radiological examination, or the removal of tissue for biopsy accomplished by a needle. [EU] Perfusion: Bathing an organ or tissue with a fluid. In regional perfusion, a specific area of the body (usually an arm or a leg) receives high doses of anticancer drugs through a blood vessel. Such a procedure is performed to treat cancer that has not spread. [NIH] Perinatal: Pertaining to or occurring in the period shortly before and after birth; variously defined as beginning with completion of the twentieth to twenty-eighth week of gestation and ending 7 to 28 days after birth. [EU] Perioral: Situated or occurring around the mouth. [EU] Peripheral blood: Blood circulating throughout the body. [NIH] Peripheral stem cells: Immature cells found circulating in the bloodstream. New blood cells develop from peripheral stem cells. [NIH] Peritoneal: Having to do with the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). [NIH] Peritoneal Cavity: The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the stomach. The two sacs are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen. [NIH] Peroxide: Chemical compound which contains an atom group with two oxygen atoms tied to each other. [NIH] Petrolatum: A colloidal system of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is used as an ointment base, topical protectant, and lubricant. [NIH]

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Petroleum: Naturally occurring complex liquid hydrocarbons which, after distillation, yield combustible fuels, petrochemicals, and lubricants. [NIH] Pharmaceutical Preparations: Drugs intended for human or veterinary use, presented in their finished dosage form. Included here are materials used in the preparation and/or formulation of the finished dosage form. [NIH] Pharmaceutical Solutions: Homogeneous liquid preparations that contain one or more chemical substances dissolved, i.e., molecularly dispersed, in a suitable solvent or mixture of mutually miscible solvents. For reasons of their ingredients, method of preparation, or use, they do not fall into another group of products. [NIH] Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the throat. [NIH] Phenobarbital: A barbituric acid derivative that acts as a nonselective central nervous system depressant. It promotes binding to inhibitory GABA subtype receptors, and modulates chloride currents through receptor channels. It also inhibits glutamate induced depolarizations. [NIH] Phenolphthalein: An acid-base indicator which is colorless in acid solution, but turns pink to red as the solution becomes alkaline. It is used medicinally as a cathartic. [NIH] Phenyl: Ingredient used in cold and flu remedies. [NIH] Phosphodiesterase: Effector enzyme that regulates the levels of a second messenger, the cyclic GMP. [NIH] Phospholipids: Lipids containing one or more phosphate groups, particularly those derived from either glycerol (phosphoglycerides; glycerophospholipids) or sphingosine (sphingolipids). They are polar lipids that are of great importance for the structure and function of cell membranes and are the most abundant of membrane lipids, although not stored in large amounts in the system. [NIH] Phosphorus: A non-metallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nevers, bones, and teeth, and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the primary energy source for the body's cells.) [NIH] Phototherapy: Treatment of disease by exposure to light, especially by variously concentrated light rays or specific wavelengths. [NIH] Physical Examination: Systematic and thorough inspection of the patient for physical signs of disease or abnormality. [NIH] Physiologic: Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase "physiologic age," it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. [NIH]

Pigment: A substance that gives color to tissue. Pigments are responsible for the color of skin, eyes, and hair. [NIH] Pituitary Gland: A small, unpaired gland situated in the sella turcica tissue. It is connected to the hypothalamus by a short stalk. [NIH] Placenta: A highly vascular fetal organ through which the fetus absorbs oxygen and other nutrients and excretes carbon dioxide and other wastes. It begins to form about the eighth day of gestation when the blastocyst adheres to the decidua. [NIH] Plant Oils: Oils derived from plants or plant products. [NIH] Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of the kingdom Plantae. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (meristems); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of

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organs of locomotion; absense of nervous and sensory systems; and an alteration of haploid and diploid generations. [NIH] Plaque: A clear zone in a bacterial culture grown on an agar plate caused by localized destruction of bacterial cells by a bacteriophage. The concentration of infective virus in a fluid can be estimated by applying the fluid to a culture and counting the number of. [NIH] Plasma: The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma. [NIH] Plasma cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. [NIH] Plasma Volume: Volume of plasma in the circulation. It is usually measured by indicator dilution techniques. [NIH] Platelet Aggregation: The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin, collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. [NIH] Platelet Count: A count of the number of platelets per unit volume in a sample of venous blood. [NIH] Platelets: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes. [NIH] Pleated: Particular three-dimensional pattern of amyloidoses. [NIH] Pleural: A circumscribed area of hyaline whorled fibrous tissue which appears on the surface of the parietal pleura, on the fibrous part of the diaphragm or on the pleura in the interlobar fissures. [NIH] Pleural cavity: A space enclosed by the pleura (thin tissue covering the lungs and lining the interior wall of the chest cavity). It is bound by thin membranes. [NIH] Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs. [NIH] Poisoning: A condition or physical state produced by the ingestion, injection or inhalation of, or exposure to a deleterious agent. [NIH] Pollen: The male fertilizing element of flowering plants analogous to sperm in animals. It is released from the anthers as yellow dust, to be carried by insect or other vectors, including wind, to the ovary (stigma) of other flowers to produce the embryo enclosed by the seed. The pollens of many plants are allergenic. [NIH] Polyethylene: A vinyl polymer made from ethylene. It can be branched or linear. Branched or low-density polyethylene is tough and pliable but not to the same degree as linear polyethylene. Linear or high-density polyethylene has a greater hardness and tensile strength. Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, including implants and prostheses. [NIH]

Polypeptide: A peptide which on hydrolysis yields more than two amino acids; called tripeptides, tetrapeptides, etc. according to the number of amino acids contained. [EU] Polyposis: The development of numerous polyps (growths that protrude from a mucous membrane). [NIH] Posterior: Situated in back of, or in the back part of, or affecting the back or dorsal surface of the body. In lower animals, it refers to the caudal end of the body. [EU] Postnatal: Occurring after birth, with reference to the newborn. [EU] Postoperative: After surgery. [NIH] Potassium: An element that is in the alkali group of metals. It has an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of

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muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte and it plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the water-electrolyte balance. [NIH] Potentiates: A degree of synergism which causes the exposure of the organism to a harmful substance to worsen a disease already contracted. [NIH] Practice Guidelines: Directions or principles presenting current or future rules of policy for the health care practitioner to assist him in patient care decisions regarding diagnosis, therapy, or related clinical circumstances. The guidelines may be developed by government agencies at any level, institutions, professional societies, governing boards, or by the convening of expert panels. The guidelines form a basis for the evaluation of all aspects of health care and delivery. [NIH] Prednisolone: A glucocorticoid with the general properties of the corticosteroids. It is the drug of choice for all conditions in which routine systemic corticosteroid therapy is indicated, except adrenal deficiency states. [NIH] Prednisone: A synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from cortisone. It is biologically inert and converted to prednisolone in the liver. [NIH] Preeclampsia: A toxaemia of late pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria, when convulsions and coma are associated, it is called eclampsia. [EU] Pregnancy Outcome: Results of conception and ensuing pregnancy, including live birth, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, induced abortion. The outcome may follow natural or artificial insemination or any of the various reproduction techniques, such as embryo transfer or fertilization in vitro. [NIH] Pregnancy Tests: Tests to determine whether or not an individual is pregnant. [NIH] Prenatal: Existing or occurring before birth, with reference to the fetus. [EU] Preoperative: Preceding an operation. [EU] Procaine: A local anesthetic of the ester type that has a slow onset and a short duration of action. It is mainly used for infiltration anesthesia, peripheral nerve block, and spinal block. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1016). [NIH] Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum. [EU] Progesterone: Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. The principal progestational hormone of the body, secreted by the corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, and placenta. Its chief function is to prepare the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum. It acts as an antiovulatory agent when administered on days 5-25 of the menstrual cycle. [NIH] Projection: A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, whereby that which is emotionally unacceptable in the self is rejected and attributed (projected) to others. [NIH] Proline: A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is an essential component of collagen and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons. [NIH] Propylene Glycol: A clear, colorless, viscous organic solvent and diluent used in pharmaceutical preparations. [NIH] Prostaglandin: Any of a group of components derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway that are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiologic processes. The abbreviation for prostaglandin is PG; specific compounds are designated by adding one of the letters A through I to indicate the type of substituents found on the hydrocarbon skeleton and a subscript (1, 2 or 3) to indicate the number of double bonds in the hydrocarbon skeleton e.g., PGE2. The predominant naturally occurring prostaglandins all have two double bonds and are synthesized from arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) by the pathway shown in

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the illustration. The 1 series and 3 series are produced by the same pathway with fatty acids having one fewer double bond (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid or one more double bond (5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid) than arachidonic acid. The subscript a or ß indicates the configuration at C-9 (a denotes a substituent below the plane of the ring, ß, above the plane). The naturally occurring PGF's have the a configuration, e.g., PGF2a. All of the prostaglandins act by binding to specific cell-surface receptors causing an increase in the level of the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP (and in some cases cyclic GMP also). The effect produced by the cyclic AMP increase depends on the specific cell type. In some cases there is also a positive feedback effect. Increased cyclic AMP increases prostaglandin synthesis leading to further increases in cyclic AMP. [EU] Prostaglandins A: (13E,15S)-15-Hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-10,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGA(1)); (5Z,13E,15S)-15-hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13-trien-1-oic acid (PGA(2)); (5Z,13E,15S,17Z)-15hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13,17-tetraen-1-oic acid (PGA(3)). A group of naturally occurring secondary prostaglandins derived from PGE. PGA(1) and PGA(2) as well as their 19hydroxy derivatives are found in many organs and tissues. [NIH] Protease: Proteinase (= any enzyme that catalyses the splitting of interior peptide bonds in a protein). [EU] Protein C: A vitamin-K dependent zymogen present in the blood, which, upon activation by thrombin and thrombomodulin exerts anticoagulant properties by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa at the rate-limiting steps of thrombin formation. [NIH] Protein S: The vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C. Together with protein C, it inhibits the action of factors VIIIa and Va. A deficiency in protein S can lead to recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis. [NIH] Proteins: Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the shape and function of the protein. [NIH] Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly. [NIH] Protons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known positive charge, found in the nuclei of all elements. The proton mass is less than that of a neutron. A proton is the nucleus of the light hydrogen atom, i.e., the hydrogen ion. [NIH] Proximal: Nearest; closer to any point of reference; opposed to distal. [EU] Pruritic: Pertaining to or characterized by pruritus. [EU] Psoriasis: A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis. [NIH] Psychiatric: Pertaining to or within the purview of psychiatry. [EU] Psychiatry: The medical science that deals with the origin, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders. [NIH] Public Policy: A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. [NIH] Publishing: "The business or profession of the commercial production and issuance of literature" (Webster's 3d). It includes the publisher, publication processes, editing and editors. Production may be by conventional printing methods or by electronic publishing. [NIH]

Pulmonary: Relating to the lungs. [NIH]

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Pulmonary Artery: The short wide vessel arising from the conus arteriosus of the right ventricle and conveying unaerated blood to the lungs. [NIH] Pulmonary Edema: An accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in the lungs, may be caused by acute exposure to dangerous concentrations of irritant gasses. [NIH] Pulmonary hypertension: Abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. [NIH] Pulse: The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an artery produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts. [NIH]

Pustular: Pertaining to or of the nature of a pustule; consisting of pustules (= a visible collection of pus within or beneath the epidermis). [EU] Quality of Life: A generic concept reflecting concern with the modification and enhancement of life attributes, e.g., physical, political, moral and social environment. [NIH] Quaternary: 1. Fourth in order. 2. Containing four elements or groups. [EU] Quiescent: Marked by a state of inactivity or repose. [EU] Radiation: Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the waves/rays themselves; a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. [NIH] Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body in the area near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy. [NIH] Radioactive: Giving off radiation. [NIH] Radiography: Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of roentgen rays, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). [NIH] Radioimmunoassay: Classic quantitative assay for detection of antigen-antibody reactions using a radioactively labeled substance (radioligand) either directly or indirectly to measure the binding of the unlabeled substance to a specific antibody or other receptor system. Nonimmunogenic substances (e.g., haptens) can be measured if coupled to larger carrier proteins (e.g., bovine gamma-globulin or human serum albumin) capable of inducing antibody formation. [NIH] Radiological: Pertaining to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic procedures, and interventional radiology or other planning and guiding medical radiology. [NIH] Randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. [NIH] Receptor: A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell. [NIH] Rectum: The last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine. [NIH] Refer: To send or direct for treatment, aid, information, de decision. [NIH] Refractory: Not readily yielding to treatment. [EU] Regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment. [NIH] Relapse: The return of signs and symptoms of cancer after a period of improvement. [NIH]

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Respiration: The act of breathing with the lungs, consisting of inspiration, or the taking into the lungs of the ambient air, and of expiration, or the expelling of the modified air which contains more carbon dioxide than the air taken in (Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary, 4th ed.). This does not include tissue respiration (= oxygen consumption) or cell respiration (= cell respiration). [NIH] Respiratory distress syndrome: A lung disease that occurs primarily in premature infants; the newborn must struggle for each breath and blueing of its skin reflects the baby's inability to get enough oxygen. [NIH] Respiratory System: The tubular and cavernous organs and structures, by means of which pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange between ambient air and the blood are brought about. [NIH] Retina: The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. [NIH] Retinae: A congenital notch or cleft of the retina, usually located inferiorly. [NIH] Retinal: 1. Pertaining to the retina. 2. The aldehyde of retinol, derived by the oxidative enzymatic splitting of absorbed dietary carotene, and having vitamin A activity. In the retina, retinal combines with opsins to form visual pigments. One isomer, 11-cis retinal combines with opsin in the rods (scotopsin) to form rhodopsin, or visual purple. Another, all-trans retinal (trans-r.); visual yellow; xanthopsin) results from the bleaching of rhodopsin by light, in which the 11-cis form is converted to the all-trans form. Retinal also combines with opsins in the cones (photopsins) to form the three pigments responsible for colour vision. Called also retinal, and retinene1. [EU] Retinol: Vitamin A. It is essential for proper vision and healthy skin and mucous membranes. Retinol is being studied for cancer prevention; it belongs to the family of drugs called retinoids. [NIH] Retreatment: The therapy of the same disease in a patient, with the same agent or procedure repeated after initial treatment, or with an additional or alternate measure or follow-up. It does not include therapy which requires more than one administration of a therapeutic agent or regimen. Retreatment is often used with reference to a different modality when the original one was inadequate, harmful, or unsuccessful. [NIH] Rheology: The study of the deformation and flow of matter, usually liquids or fluids, and of the plastic flow of solids. The concept covers consistency, dilatancy, liquefaction, resistance to flow, shearing, thixotrophy, and viscosity. [NIH] Rheumatoid: Resembling rheumatism. [EU] Rheumatoid arthritis: A form of arthritis, the cause of which is unknown, although infection, hypersensitivity, hormone imbalance and psychologic stress have been suggested as possible causes. [NIH] Rhinitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. [NIH] Rhinophyma: A manifestation of severe Acne rosacea resulting in significant enlargement of the nose and occurring primarily in men. It is caused by hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands and surrounding connective tissue. The nose is reddened and marked with numerous telangiectasias. [NIH] Rhodopsin: A photoreceptor protein found in retinal rods. It is a complex formed by the binding of retinal, the oxidized form of retinol, to the protein opsin and undergoes a series of complex reactions in response to visible light resulting in the transmission of nerve

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impulses to the brain. [NIH] Ritodrine: Adrenergic beta-agonist used to control premature labor. [NIH] Rods: One type of specialized light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina that provide side vision and the ability to see objects in dim light (night vision). [NIH] Roxithromycin: Semisynthetic derivative of erythromycin. It is concentrated by human phagocytes and is bioactive intracellularly. While the drug is active against a wide spectrum of pathogens, it is particularly effective in the treatment of respiratory and genital tract infections. [NIH] Salicylate: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. [NIH] Salicylic: A tuberculosis drug. [NIH] Saliva: The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth. It contains mucins, water, organic salts, and ptylin. [NIH] Salivary: The duct that convey saliva to the mouth. [NIH] Salvage Therapy: A therapeutic approach, involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, after initial regimens have failed to lead to improvement in a patient's condition. Salvage therapy is most often used for neoplastic diseases. [NIH] Saponins: Sapogenin glycosides. A type of glycoside widely distributed in plants. Each consists of a sapogenin as the aglycon moiety, and a sugar. The sapogenin may be a steroid or a triterpene and the sugar may be glucose, galactose, a pentose, or a methylpentose. Sapogenins are poisonous towards the lower forms of life and are powerful hemolytics when injected into the blood stream able to dissolve red blood cells at even extreme dilutions. [NIH] Sclera: The tough white outer coat of the eyeball, covering approximately the posterior fivesixths of its surface, and continuous anteriorly with the cornea and posteriorly with the external sheath of the optic nerve. [EU] Scleroproteins: Simple proteins characterized by their insolubility and fibrous structure. Within the body, they perform a supportive or protective function. [NIH] Sclerosis: A pathological process consisting of hardening or fibrosis of an anatomical structure, often a vessel or a nerve. [NIH] Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. [NIH] Sebaceous: Gland that secretes sebum. [NIH] Sebaceous gland: Gland that secretes sebum. [NIH] Sebum: The oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands. It is composed of keratin, fat, and cellular debris. [NIH] Secretion: 1. The process of elaborating a specific product as a result of the activity of a gland; this activity may range from separating a specific substance of the blood to the elaboration of a new chemical substance. 2. Any substance produced by secretion. [EU] Secretory: Secreting; relating to or influencing secretion or the secretions. [NIH] Sepsis: The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. [NIH] Septic: Produced by or due to decomposition by microorganisms; putrefactive. [EU] Serous: Having to do with serum, the clear liquid part of blood. [NIH] Serum: The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed. [NIH] Serum Albumin: A major plasma protein that serves in maintaining the plasma colloidal

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osmotic pressure and transporting large organic anions. [NIH] Shock: The general bodily disturbance following a severe injury; an emotional or moral upset occasioned by some disturbing or unexpected experience; disruption of the circulation, which can upset all body functions: sometimes referred to as circulatory shock. [NIH]

Side effect: A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the one sought to be benefited by its administration. [EU] Signs and Symptoms: Clinical manifestations that can be either objective when observed by a physician, or subjective when perceived by the patient. [NIH] Skeletal: Having to do with the skeleton (boney part of the body). [NIH] Skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage. [NIH] Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine. [NIH] Smooth muscle: Muscle that performs automatic tasks, such as constricting blood vessels. [NIH]

Social Environment: The aggregate of social and cultural institutions, forms, patterns, and processes that influence the life of an individual or community. [NIH] Sodium: An element that is a member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23. With a valence of 1, it has a strong affinity for oxygen and other nonmetallic elements. Sodium provides the chief cation of the extracellular body fluids. Its salts are the most widely used in medicine. (From Dorland, 27th ed) Physiologically the sodium ion plays a major role in blood pressure regulation, maintenance of fluid volume, and electrolyte balance. [NIH] Soft tissue: Refers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body. [NIH] Solid tumor: Cancer of body tissues other than blood, bone marrow, or the lymphatic system. [NIH] Solvent: 1. Dissolving; effecting a solution. 2. A liquid that dissolves or that is capable of dissolving; the component of a solution that is present in greater amount. [EU] Specialist: In medicine, one who concentrates on 1 special branch of medical science. [NIH] Species: A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters distinguishing them from other categories of individuals of the same taxonomic level. In taxonomic nomenclature, species are designated by the genus name followed by a Latin or Latinized adjective or noun. [EU] Spectrum: A charted band of wavelengths of electromagnetic vibrations obtained by refraction and diffraction. By extension, a measurable range of activity, such as the range of bacteria affected by an antibiotic (antibacterial s.) or the complete range of manifestations of a disease. [EU] Sperm: The fecundating fluid of the male. [NIH] Spinal cord: The main trunk or bundle of nerves running down the spine through holes in the spinal bone (the vertebrae) from the brain to the level of the lower back. [NIH] Spleen: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes,

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filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach. [NIH] Spontaneous Abortion: The non-induced birth of an embryo or of fetus prior to the stage of viability at about 20 weeks of gestation. [NIH] Steatorrhoea: Excessive amounts of fats in the feces, as in malabsorption syndromes. [EU] Sterility: 1. The inability to produce offspring, i.e., the inability to conceive (female s.) or to induce conception (male s.). 2. The state of being aseptic, or free from microorganisms. [EU] Steroid: A group name for lipids that contain a hydrogenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system. Some of the substances included in this group are progesterone, adrenocortical hormones, the gonadal hormones, cardiac aglycones, bile acids, sterols (such as cholesterol), toad poisons, saponins, and some of the carcinogenic hydrocarbons. [EU] Stillbirth: The birth of a dead fetus or baby. [NIH] Stomach: An organ of digestion situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen between the termination of the esophagus and the beginning of the duodenum. [NIH] Streptococcal: Caused by infection due to any species of streptococcus. [NIH] Streptococci: A genus of spherical Gram-positive bacteria occurring in chains or pairs. They are widely distributed in nature, being important pathogens but often found as normal commensals in the mouth, skin, and intestine of humans and other animals. [NIH] Stress: Forcibly exerted influence; pressure. Any condition or situation that causes strain or tension. Stress may be either physical or psychologic, or both. [NIH] Subacute: Somewhat acute; between acute and chronic. [EU] Subclinical: Without clinical manifestations; said of the early stage(s) of an infection or other disease or abnormality before symptoms and signs become apparent or detectable by clinical examination or laboratory tests, or of a very mild form of an infection or other disease or abnormality. [EU] Subconjunctival: Situated or occurring beneath the conjunctiva. [EU] Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin. [NIH] Sublingual: Located beneath the tongue. [EU] Substance P: An eleven-amino acid neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is involved in transmission of pain, causes rapid contractions of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. [NIH]

Suction: The removal of secretions, gas or fluid from hollow or tubular organs or cavities by means of a tube and a device that acts on negative pressure. [NIH] Suppression: A conscious exclusion of disapproved desire contrary with repression, in which the process of exclusion is not conscious. [NIH] Suppressive: Tending to suppress : effecting suppression; specifically : serving to suppress activity, function, symptoms. [EU] Surfactant: A fat-containing protein in the respiratory passages which reduces the surface tension of pulmonary fluids and contributes to the elastic properties of pulmonary tissue. [NIH]

Sweat: The fluid excreted by the sweat glands. It consists of water containing sodium chloride, phosphate, urea, ammonia, and other waste products. [NIH] Sweat Glands: Sweat-producing structures that are embedded in the dermis. Each gland

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consists of a single tube, a coiled body, and a superficial duct. [NIH] Sympathetic Nervous System: The thoracolumbar division of the autonomic nervous system. Sympathetic preganglionic fibers originate in neurons of the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord and project to the paravertebral and prevertebral ganglia, which in turn project to target organs. The sympathetic nervous system mediates the body's response to stressful situations, i.e., the fight or flight reactions. It often acts reciprocally to the parasympathetic system. [NIH] Symptomatic: Having to do with symptoms, which are signs of a condition or disease. [NIH] Synapse: The region where the processes of two neurons come into close contiguity, and the nervous impulse passes from one to the other; the fibers of the two are intermeshed, but, according to the general view, there is no direct contiguity. [NIH] Synergistic: Acting together; enhancing the effect of another force or agent. [EU] Synovial: Of pertaining to, or secreting synovia. [EU] Synovial Fluid: The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the synovial membrane. It contains mucin, albumin, fat, and mineral salts and serves to lubricate joints. [NIH] Synovial Membrane: The inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint. It is loosely attached to the external fibrous capsule and secretes synovial fluid. [NIH] Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] Systemic therapy: Treatment that uses substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body. [NIH] Systolic: Indicating the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. [EU] Tachycardia: Excessive rapidity in the action of the heart, usually with a heart rate above 100 beats per minute. [NIH] Tachypnea: Rapid breathing. [NIH] Tacrolimus: A macrolide isolated from the culture broth of a strain of Streptomyces tsukubaensis that has strong immunosuppressive activity in vivo and prevents the activation of T-lymphocytes in response to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation in vitro. [NIH] Telangiectasia: The permanent enlargement of blood vessels, causing redness in the skin or mucous membranes. [NIH] Temporal: One of the two irregular bones forming part of the lateral surfaces and base of the skull, and containing the organs of hearing. [NIH] Teratogenic: Tending to produce anomalies of formation, or teratism (= anomaly of formation or development : condition of a monster). [EU] Terbutaline: A selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist used as a bronchodilator and tocolytic. [NIH]

Testis: Either of the paired male reproductive glands that produce the male germ cells and the male hormones. [NIH] Tetani: Causal agent of tetanus. [NIH] Tetanic: Having the characteristics of, or relating to tetanus. [NIH] Tetanus: A disease caused by tetanospasmin, a powerful protein toxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus usually occurs after an acute injury, such as a puncture wound or laceration. Generalized tetanus, the most common form, is characterized by tetanic muscular contractions and hyperreflexia. Localized tetanus presents itself as a mild condition with manifestations restricted to muscles near the wound. It may progress to the

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generalized form. [NIH] Tetracycline: An antibiotic originally produced by Streptomyces viridifaciens, but used mostly in synthetic form. It is an inhibitor of aminoacyl-tRNA binding during protein synthesis. [NIH] Theophylline: Alkaloid obtained from Thea sinensis (tea) and others. It stimulates the heart and central nervous system, dilates bronchi and blood vessels, and causes diuresis. The drug is used mainly in bronchial asthma and for myocardial stimulation. Among its more prominent cellular effects are inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and antagonism of adenosine receptors. [NIH] Therapeutics: The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, palliative or curative. [NIH] Threshold: For a specified sensory modality (e. g. light, sound, vibration), the lowest level (absolute threshold) or smallest difference (difference threshold, difference limen) or intensity of the stimulus discernible in prescribed conditions of stimulation. [NIH] Thrombin: An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. [NIH] Thrombomodulin: A cell surface glycoprotein of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and serves as a cofactor in the activation of protein C and its regulation of blood coagulation. [NIH]

Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. [NIH] Thrush: A disease due to infection with species of fungi of the genus Candida. [NIH] Thyroid: A gland located near the windpipe (trachea) that produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. [NIH] Thyroid Gland: A highly vascular endocrine gland consisting of two lobes, one on either side of the trachea, joined by a narrow isthmus; it produces the thyroid hormones which are concerned in regulating the metabolic rate of the body. [NIH] Thyroid Hormones: Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. [NIH] Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland. [NIH] Thyrotropin: A peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. It promotes the growth of the thyroid gland and stimulates the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the release of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. [NIH] Thyroxine: An amino acid of the thyroid gland which exerts a stimulating effect on thyroid metabolism. [NIH] Tinea Pedis: Dermatological pruritic lesion in the feet, caused by Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, or Epidermophyton floccosum. [NIH] Tinnitus: Sounds that are perceived in the absence of any external noise source which may take the form of buzzing, ringing, clicking, pulsations, and other noises. Objective tinnitus refers to noises generated from within the ear or adjacent structures that can be heard by other individuals. The term subjective tinnitus is used when the sound is audible only to the affected individual. Tinnitus may occur as a manifestation of cochlear diseases; vestibulocochlear nerve diseases; intracranial hypertension; craniocerebral trauma; and other conditions. [NIH] Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a specific function. [NIH] Tissue Culture: Maintaining or growing of tissue, organ primordia, or the whole or part of an organ in vitro so as to preserve its architecture and/or function (Dorland, 28th ed). Tissue

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culture includes both organ culture and cell culture. [NIH] Tolerance: 1. The ability to endure unusually large doses of a drug or toxin. 2. Acquired drug tolerance; a decreasing response to repeated constant doses of a drug or the need for increasing doses to maintain a constant response. [EU] Tone: 1. The normal degree of vigour and tension; in muscle, the resistance to passive elongation or stretch; tonus. 2. A particular quality of sound or of voice. 3. To make permanent, or to change, the colour of silver stain by chemical treatment, usually with a heavy metal. [EU] Tonicity: The normal state of muscular tension. [NIH] Topical: On the surface of the body. [NIH] Toxaemia: 1. The condition resulting from the spread of bacterial products (toxins) by the bloodstream. 2. A condition resulting from metabolic disturbances, e.g. toxaemia of pregnancy. [EU] Toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects. [NIH] Toxicity: The quality of being poisonous, especially the degree of virulence of a toxic microbe or of a poison. [EU] Toxicology: The science concerned with the detection, chemical composition, and pharmacologic action of toxic substances or poisons and the treatment and prevention of toxic manifestations. [NIH] Toxin: A poison; frequently used to refer specifically to a protein produced by some higher plants, certain animals, and pathogenic bacteria, which is highly toxic for other living organisms. Such substances are differentiated from the simple chemical poisons and the vegetable alkaloids by their high molecular weight and antigenicity. [EU] Trachea: The cartilaginous and membranous tube descending from the larynx and branching into the right and left main bronchi. [NIH] Transfection: The uptake of naked or purified DNA into cells, usually eukaryotic. It is analogous to bacterial transformation. [NIH] Translation: The process whereby the genetic information present in the linear sequence of ribonucleotides in mRNA is converted into a corresponding sequence of amino acids in a protein. It occurs on the ribosome and is unidirectional. [NIH] Trauma: Any injury, wound, or shock, must frequently physical or structural shock, producing a disturbance. [NIH] Triamcinolone Acetonide: An esterified form of triamcinolone. It is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid used topically in the treatment of various skin disorders. Intralesional, intramuscular, and intra-articular injections are also administered under certain conditions. [NIH]

Tricuspid Atresia: Absence of the orifice between the right atrium and ventricle, with the presence of an atrial defect through which all the systemic venous return reaches the left heart. As a result, there is left ventricular hypertrophy because the right ventricle is absent or not functional. [NIH] Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is a precursor serotonin and niacin. [NIH] Tubal ligation: An operation to tie the fallopian tubes closed. This procedure prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. [NIH] Tuberculosis: Any of the infectious diseases of man and other animals caused by species of

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Mycobacterium. [NIH] Tumor Necrosis Factor: Serum glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages and other mammalian mononuclear leukocytes which has necrotizing activity against tumor cell lines and increases ability to reject tumor transplants. It mimics the action of endotoxin but differs from it. It has a molecular weight of less than 70,000 kDa. [NIH] Ulcer: A localized necrotic lesion of the skin or a mucous surface. [NIH] Ulceration: 1. The formation or development of an ulcer. 2. An ulcer. [EU] Ulcerative colitis: Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel. [NIH] Ultrasonography: The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections of echoes of pulses of ultrasonic waves directed into the tissues. Use of ultrasound for imaging or diagnostic purposes employs frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 10 megahertz. [NIH] Uraemia: 1. An excess in the blood of urea, creatinine, and other nitrogenous end products of protein and amino acids metabolism; more correctly referred to as azotemia. 2. In current usage the entire constellation of signs and symptoms of chronic renal failure, including nausea, vomiting anorexia, a metallic taste in the mouth, a uraemic odour of the breath, pruritus, uraemic frost on the skin, neuromuscular disorders, pain and twitching in the muscles, hypertension, edema, mental confusion, and acid-base and electrolyte imbalances. [EU]

Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder. [NIH]

Urine: Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra. [NIH] Urticaria: A vascular reaction of the skin characterized by erythema and wheal formation due to localized increase of vascular permeability. The causative mechanism may be allergy, infection, or stress. [NIH] Uterine Contraction: Contraction of the uterine muscle. [NIH] Uterus: The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb. [NIH] Uvea: The middle coat of the eyeball, consisting of the choroid in the back of the eye and the ciliary body and iris in the front of the eye. [NIH] Uveitis: An inflammation of part or all of the uvea, the middle (vascular) tunic of the eye, and commonly involving the other tunics (the sclera and cornea, and the retina). [EU] Vaccine: A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. [NIH] Vagina: The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called the birth canal. [NIH] Vaginal: Of or having to do with the vagina, the birth canal. [NIH] Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina characterized by pain and a purulent discharge. [NIH] Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply. [EU] Vascular Resistance: An expression of the resistance offered by the systemic arterioles, and to a lesser extent by the capillaries, to the flow of blood. [NIH] Vasculitis: Inflammation of a blood vessel. [NIH]

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Vasodilation: Physiological dilation of the blood vessels without anatomic change. For dilation with anatomic change, dilatation, pathologic or aneurysm (or specific aneurysm) is used. [NIH] Vein: Vessel-carrying blood from various parts of the body to the heart. [NIH] Venous: Of or pertaining to the veins. [EU] Venous blood: Blood that has given up its oxygen to the tissues and carries carbon dioxide back for gas exchange. [NIH] Ventricle: One of the two pumping chambers of the heart. The right ventricle receives oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. The left ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the body through the aorta. [NIH] Ventricular: Pertaining to a ventricle. [EU] Venules: The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together to form veins. [NIH] Verapamil: A calcium channel blocker that is a class IV anti-arrhythmia agent. [NIH] Vertigo: An illusion of movement; a sensation as if the external world were revolving around the patient (objective vertigo) or as if he himself were revolving in space (subjective vertigo). The term is sometimes erroneously used to mean any form of dizziness. [EU] Vesicular: 1. Composed of or relating to small, saclike bodies. 2. Pertaining to or made up of vesicles on the skin. [EU] Vestibular: Pertaining to or toward a vestibule. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the tooth surface directed toward the vestibule of the mouth. [EU] Vestibule: A small, oval, bony chamber of the labyrinth. The vestibule contains the utricle and saccule, organs which are part of the balancing apparatus of the ear. [NIH] Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] Vimentin: An intermediate filament protein found in most differentiating cells, in cells grown in tissue culture, and in certain fully differentiated cells. Its insolubility suggests that it serves a structural function in the cytoplasm. MW 52,000. [NIH] Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. [NIH] Virus: Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and kill, tumor cells. [NIH] Viscosity: A physical property of fluids that determines the internal resistance to shear forces. [EU] Vitiligo: A disorder consisting of areas of macular depigmentation, commonly on extensor aspects of extremities, on the face or neck, and in skin folds. Age of onset is often in young adulthood and the condition tends to progress gradually with lesions enlarging and extending until a quiescent state is reached. [NIH] Vitreous: Glasslike or hyaline; often used alone to designate the vitreous body of the eye (corpus vitreum). [EU] Vitreous Body: The transparent, semigelatinous substance that fills the cavity behind the crystalline lens of the eye and in front of the retina. It is contained in a thin hyoid membrane and forms about four fifths of the optic globe. [NIH]

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Vitro: Descriptive of an event or enzyme reaction under experimental investigation occurring outside a living organism. Parts of an organism or microorganism are used together with artificial substrates and/or conditions. [NIH] Vivo: Outside of or removed from the body of a living organism. [NIH] Vulgaris: An affection of the skin, especially of the face, the back and the chest, due to chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles. [NIH] White blood cell: A type of cell in the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, and others. [NIH]

Windpipe: A rigid tube, 10 cm long, extending from the cricoid cartilage to the upper border of the fifth thoracic vertebra. [NIH] Wound Healing: Restoration of integrity to traumatized tissue. [NIH] Xerostomia: Decreased salivary flow. [NIH] Yeasts: A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers' and bakers' yeasts are Saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is dried yeast. [NIH] Yolk Sac: An embryonic membrane formed from endoderm and mesoderm. In reptiles and birds it incorporates the yolk into the digestive tract for nourishing the embryo. In placental mammals its nutritional function is vestigial; however, it is the source of most of the intestinal mucosa and the site of formation of the germ cells. It is sometimes called the vitelline sac, which should not be confused with the vitelline membrane of the egg. [NIH] Zymogen: Inactive form of an enzyme which can then be converted to the active form, usually by excision of a polypeptide, e. g. trypsinogen is the zymogen of trypsin. [NIH]

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INDEX A Abdomen, 103, 109, 127, 128, 134, 143 Abdominal, 103, 129, 134, 147 Abdominal Pain, 103, 129, 147 Ablation, 33, 103 Acceptor, 103, 133 Acne, 34, 65, 71, 103, 108, 127, 140 Acne Rosacea, 71, 103 Acne Vulgaris, 71, 103, 127 Acrodermatitis, 51, 103 Acyl, 103, 120 Adamantane, 64, 103 Adenocarcinoma, 49, 103 Adenosine, 103, 135, 145 Adjustment, 58, 103 Adjuvant, 60, 103 Adrenal Cortex, 103, 114, 115, 120, 124, 137 Adrenal Glands, 103, 105 Adrenaline, 32, 103 Adrenergic, 14, 103, 117, 119, 141, 144 Adverse Effect, 6, 104, 127, 142 Aerosol, 30, 31, 39, 43, 104, 108 Affinity, 104, 128, 142 Agar, 104, 136 Agonist, 104, 117, 141, 144 Albumin, 104, 116, 144 Algorithms, 104, 108 Alimentary, 104, 126, 134 Alkaline, 69, 104, 109, 135 Allantois, 104, 121 Allergen, 45, 104 Allergic Rhinitis, 104, 109, 123 Allogeneic, 3, 104, 123 Alopecia, 27, 67, 104, 115 Alpha Particles, 104, 139 Alpha-helix, 104, 127 Alternative medicine, 76, 104 Alveoli, 105, 124 Amino Acids, 105, 120, 132, 134, 136, 138, 146, 147 Amnion, 105, 121 Amniotic Fluid, 105, 122 Amyloidosis, 17, 105 Anaesthesia, 16, 105, 125 Analgesic, 11, 105, 112, 116, 131 Analogous, 105, 136, 146 Anaphylaxis, 60, 105

Androgens, 103, 105, 115 Anemia, 105, 131 Aneurysm, 105, 148 Angina, 105, 132 Antagonism, 105, 145 Antiallergic, 105, 115 Antibacterial, 4, 105, 142 Antibiotic, 41, 105, 115, 117, 120, 128, 131, 142, 145 Antibodies, 106, 107, 123, 136 Antibody, 104, 106, 113, 123, 125, 139 Anticoagulant, 106, 138 Antidiuretic, 47, 106 Antiemetic, 15, 16, 106, 129 Antifibrinolytic, 5, 106 Antifungal, 66, 106 Antigen, 104, 105, 106, 113, 124, 125, 139 Anti-Inflammatory Agents, 106, 115 Antimycotic, 106, 112 Antineoplastic, 106, 108, 115, 117 Antipyretic, 106, 116, 131 Antiviral, 106, 126 Anus, 106, 112, 119, 126 Anxiety, 5, 106 Aorta, 106, 118, 148 Aphthous Stomatitis, 68, 106 Aqueous, 40, 70, 106, 107, 115, 118, 127 Arachidonic Acid, 106, 137 Arterial, 106, 114, 124, 132, 138, 144 Arteries, 106, 109, 111, 114, 139 Arterioles, 106, 109, 110, 147 Artery, 13, 18, 20, 105, 106, 107, 139 Articular, 64, 107, 146 Ascites, 107, 132 Aspirate, 36, 107 Assay, 107, 139 Asymptomatic, 107, 134 Atopic, 35, 107 Atopic Eczema, 35, 107 Atrial, 107, 114, 146 Atrioventricular, 107, 114 Atrium, 107, 114, 146, 148 Atrophy, 22, 72, 107 Autacoids, 107, 125 Autoantibodies, 37, 107 Autoantigens, 107 Autodigestion, 107, 134 Autoimmune disease, 107, 131

152

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B Bacteremia, 68, 107 Bacteria, 71, 103, 105, 106, 107, 119, 120, 123, 129, 130, 141, 142, 143, 146, 147 Base, 67, 68, 69, 70, 107, 127, 130, 134, 135, 144, 147 Basophils, 107, 123 Beclomethasone, 8, 12, 34, 107 Benzocaine, 68, 108 Benzoyl Peroxide, 71, 108 Betamethasone 17-Valerate, 17, 18, 21, 27, 32, 33, 36, 38, 41, 44, 45, 46, 51, 108 Bile, 108, 123, 124, 127, 128, 143 Bile Pigments, 108, 127 Biliary, 108, 123, 134 Biliary Tract, 108, 134 Bioassay, 28, 108 Bioavailability, 28, 108 Biochemical, 108, 121 Biological response modifier, 108, 126 Biological Transport, 108, 116 Biopsy, 108, 134 Biosynthesis, 106, 108, 112 Biotechnology, 7, 73, 76, 87, 108 Bladder, 108, 131, 147 Blastocyst, 108, 113, 118, 135 Bleomycin, 58, 108 Blister, 22, 108 Blood Coagulation, 109, 145 Blood pressure, 6, 109, 124, 130, 139, 142 Blood vessel, 67, 104, 109, 111, 114, 119, 127, 129, 134, 142, 144, 145, 147, 148 Blood-Brain Barrier, 59, 109 Body Fluids, 109, 118, 142 Bone Marrow, 3, 109, 115, 123, 125, 128, 130, 131, 142 Bowel, 109, 119, 126, 127, 147 Bronchi, 109, 119, 145, 146 Bronchial, 109, 145 Bronchodilator, 109, 144 Buccal, 109, 128 Budesonide, 30, 47, 109 Bupivacaine, 109, 128 C Calcification, 44, 109 Calcium, 4, 54, 109, 113, 130, 148 Candidiasis, 67, 109 Candidosis, 109, 110 Capillary, 72, 110, 148 Capsules, 110, 117 Carbohydrate, 110, 114, 122 Carbon Dioxide, 110, 122, 135, 140, 148

Carcinogenic, 110, 143 Carcinoma, 16, 110 Cardiac, 110, 114, 119, 128, 143 Cardiotocography, 26, 110 Carotene, 110, 140 Carrier Proteins, 110, 139 Case report, 17, 35, 110, 112 Case series, 110, 112 Cataract, 8, 39, 47, 110 Caudal, 110, 124, 136 Causal, 110, 123, 144 Cell Cycle, 33, 110, 112 Cell Division, 107, 110, 111, 135 Cell membrane, 108, 110, 111, 112, 127, 135 Cell proliferation, 11, 111 Cell Size, 111, 121 Central Nervous System, 59, 111, 131, 133, 135, 145 Cerebral, 25, 37, 48, 51, 58, 109, 111, 114, 119 Cerebral Arteries, 48, 111 Cerebral Cortex, 111 Cerebrum, 111 Chemotherapy, 15, 16, 58, 59, 111, 141 Chin, 103, 111 Chlorophyll, 111, 122 Cholesterol, 24, 108, 111, 128, 129, 143 Chorion, 111, 121 Choroid, 72, 111, 140, 147 Choroid Diseases, 72, 111 Choroidal Neovascularization, 72, 111 Chromatin, 111, 119, 128, 132 Chronic, 3, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 30, 44, 103, 107, 111, 112, 116, 125, 134, 138, 143, 147, 149 Ciliary, 59, 111, 130, 147 CIS, 111, 140 Cisplatin, 15, 16, 112 Clinical study, 23, 112, 114 Clinical trial, 4, 87, 112, 114, 115, 117, 139 Clobetasol, 13, 36, 50, 112 Cloning, 108, 112 Clonixin, 60, 112 Clotrimazole, 18, 24, 28, 40, 42, 46, 51, 66, 80, 112 Cofactor, 112, 138, 145 Colitis, 92, 112 Collagen, 19, 112, 124, 136, 137 Collagen disease, 112, 124 Collapse, 105, 112 Collodion, 51, 112

153

Colloidal, 104, 112, 134, 141 Colon, 112, 126, 147 Combination Therapy, 27, 112 Complement, 59, 113 Complementary and alternative medicine, 57, 61, 113 Complementary medicine, 57, 113 Computational Biology, 87, 113 Conception, 113, 121, 137, 143 Cones, 113, 140 Conjunctiva, 113, 143 Conjunctivitis, 113, 123 Connective Tissue, 67, 109, 112, 113, 114, 116, 128, 129, 131, 140 Connective Tissue Cells, 113, 114 Contact dermatitis, 11, 20, 24, 37, 114 Contraindications, ii, 114 Control group, 68, 114 Controlled clinical trial, 8, 26, 114 Controlled study, 36, 44, 46, 114 Convulsions, 114, 118, 137 Coordination, 114, 131 Cor, 25, 114, 115 Cornea, 114, 127, 141, 147 Coronary, 114, 132 Cortex, 114 Cortical, 36, 114 Corticosteroid, 12, 20, 22, 24, 26, 29, 34, 42, 58, 66, 112, 114, 137 Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, 25, 115 Cortisol, 32, 34, 104, 115 Cortisone, 115, 116, 137 Cryopreservation, 115, 117 Curative, 115, 145 Cutaneous, 7, 8, 15, 18, 19, 21, 36, 51, 109, 114, 115, 128 Cyclic, 115, 135, 138, 145 Cyclophosphamide, 41, 47, 59, 115 Cyclosporine, 19, 20, 115 Cyst, 107, 115 Cytokine, 23, 115, 134 Cytoplasm, 107, 111, 115, 119, 128, 130, 132, 148 Cytotoxicity, 112, 115 D Daunorubicin, 115, 117 Decidua, 115, 135 Degenerative, 115, 129, 131 Dehydration, 69, 115 Dentists, 4, 115 Depigmentation, 115, 148 Depressive Disorder, 116, 128

Dermatitis, 14, 18, 20, 26, 36, 58, 61, 65, 71, 116, 118, 123 Dermatitis, Contact, 65, 116 Dermatitis, Seborrheic, 71, 116 Dermatologic Agents, 116 Dermatosis, 65, 116 Dermis, 67, 116, 143 Desoximetasone, 46, 116 Dexamethasone, 7, 9, 12, 13, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 32, 48, 49, 64, 80, 116 Diabetes Mellitus, 116 Diabetic Retinopathy, 72, 116 Diagnostic procedure, 63, 76, 116 Diastole, 116 Diastolic, 13, 116, 124 Diclofenac, 8, 11, 20, 50, 116 Diclofenac Sodium, 116 Diffusion, 32, 45, 108, 116, 126, 127 Diflucortolone, 39, 116 Digestion, 104, 108, 109, 116, 128, 143 Dihydroxy, 70, 116, 121 Dilatation, Pathologic, 117, 148 Dilation, 117, 148 Dilator, 117, 132 Dimethyl, 43, 117 Dimethyl Sulfoxide, 43, 117 Direct, iii, 21, 79, 117, 139, 144 Discrete, 117, 128 Distal, 8, 117, 138 Diuresis, 117, 145 Dopamine, 117, 129 Dorsal, 117, 136 Dosage Forms, 72, 117 Double-blind, 8, 9, 13, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43, 44, 57, 58, 117 Doxorubicin, 15, 16, 59, 117 Drug Interactions, 81, 117 Drug Tolerance, 117, 146 Duct, 118, 141, 144 Ductus Arteriosus, 13, 20, 42, 118 Dyes, 107, 118, 121, 132 Dysmenorrhea, 118, 131 E Eclampsia, 118, 137 Eczema, 8, 19, 20, 29, 35, 40, 65, 118, 123 Edema, 37, 51, 114, 116, 118, 131, 132, 137, 147 Efficacy, 8, 9, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 35, 58, 66, 118 Elastic, 118, 143 Elasticity, 28, 118 Elastin, 112, 118

154

Betamethasone

Elective, 45, 118 Electrolyte, 114, 118, 130, 137, 142, 147 Electromyography, 46, 118 Electrons, 107, 118, 127, 133, 139 Embryo, 105, 108, 118, 121, 125, 136, 137, 143, 149 Embryo Transfer, 118, 137 Embryology, 118, 121 Emollient, 118, 122, 130, 133 Emphysema, 42, 118 Emulsion, 66, 70, 118 Enamel, 119, 127 Encephalitis, 119 Encephalomyelitis, 60, 119 Endocarditis, 109, 119 Endogenous, 21, 107, 117, 118, 119 Endothelial cell, 109, 119, 145 Endotoxin, 119, 147 Enema, 24, 119 Environmental Health, 86, 88, 119 Enzymatic, 109, 110, 113, 119, 120, 121, 129, 140 Enzyme, 112, 119, 124, 125, 135, 138, 145, 149 Eosinophils, 119, 123 Epicondylitis, 43, 119 Epidermal, 27, 67, 119, 128 Epidermis, 108, 116, 119, 127, 128, 139 Epinephrine, 103, 117, 119, 132 Epithelial, 72, 103, 108, 115, 119, 120 Epithelial Cells, 72, 120 Erythema, 114, 116, 120, 147 Erythrocytes, 105, 109, 120, 123 Erythromycin, 120, 141 Esterification, 68, 120 Estradiol, 42, 120 Estriol, 45, 48, 120 Ether, 65, 112, 120 Excitation, 120, 121 Exfoliation, 116, 120 Exogenous, 118, 119, 120 Extemporaneous, 44, 120 Extensor, 120, 138, 148 Extracellular, 113, 120, 142 Extracellular Matrix, 113, 120 Extraction, 8, 120 Extravasation, 59, 120 F Fallopian tube, 120, 146 Family Planning, 87, 120 Fat, 106, 109, 110, 114, 120, 128, 131, 141, 142, 143, 144

Fatty acids, 104, 120, 122, 137 Feces, 120, 143 Fertilization in Vitro, 121, 137 Fetal Blood, 118, 121 Fetal Death, 12, 121 Fetal Heart, 9, 25, 26, 32, 48, 51, 110, 121 Fetal Membranes, 5, 16, 121 Fetus, 5, 10, 121, 135, 137, 143, 147 Fibrin, 109, 121, 145 Fibrinolysis, 106, 121 Fibrinolytic, 6, 121 Flexor, 120, 121, 128 Flow Cytometry, 33, 121 Fluocinonide, 29, 37, 112, 121 Fluocortolone, 35, 121 Fluorescence, 121 Fluorescent Dyes, 121 Follicles, 121 Folliculitis, 71, 121 Forearm, 109, 121 Fungus, 71, 109, 121 G Gas, 29, 110, 116, 122, 124, 129, 132, 140, 143, 148 Gas exchange, 122, 124, 140, 148 Gastric, 36, 107, 117, 122 Gastrin, 122, 123 Gene, 5, 6, 73, 108, 122 Gene Expression, 6, 122 Genital, 122, 141 Gestation, 5, 6, 10, 33, 59, 122, 134, 135, 143 Gestational, 6, 122 Gestational Age, 6, 122 Gland, 103, 115, 122, 128, 131, 134, 135, 141, 143, 145 Glioma, 28, 37, 122 Glucocorticoid, 5, 21, 29, 30, 36, 46, 80, 107, 108, 109, 116, 121, 122, 123, 124, 137, 146 Glucose, 12, 25, 30, 116, 122, 141 Glutamate, 122, 135 Glycerol, 122, 135 Glycerophospholipids, 122, 135 Glycoprotein, 122, 145, 147 Gonadal, 122, 143 Gout, 122, 131 Governing Board, 123, 137 Graft, 3, 50, 123, 125, 131 Graft Rejection, 123, 125 Graft-versus-host disease, 50, 123, 131 Gram-negative, 68, 123

155

Gram-positive, 123, 131, 143 Granulocyte, 17, 123 H Hair follicles, 116, 121, 123, 149 Halcinonide, 23, 123 Haptens, 104, 123, 139 Hay Fever, 34, 104, 123 Heart failure, 123, 132 Hemolysis, 9, 123 Hemorrhage, 72, 116, 123 Hepatobiliary, 14, 123 Hereditary, 103, 111, 122, 123 Heredity, 103, 122, 123 Hernia, 11, 123 Hormonal, 107, 115, 123 Hormone, 9, 23, 45, 46, 47, 54, 65, 103, 108, 114, 115, 119, 120, 122, 123, 133, 137, 140, 145 Humour, 40, 123 Hyaline membrane disease, 43, 124 Hyaluronidase, 49, 124 Hydrocortisone, 19, 20, 22, 23, 29, 33, 45, 68, 72, 124 Hydrogel, 65, 124 Hydrogen, 103, 107, 110, 124, 130, 132, 133, 138 Hydrolysis, 112, 124, 127, 136 Hydrophilic, 124 Hydroxylysine, 112, 124 Hydroxyproline, 112, 124 Hyperbilirubinemia, 124, 127 Hyperplasia, 124, 128, 131 Hyperreflexia, 124, 144 Hypersensitivity, 50, 104, 105, 124, 140 Hypertension, 6, 124, 137, 145, 147 Hypertrophy, 114, 124, 140, 146 Hypotension, 69, 114, 124 Hypothalamic, 31, 34, 44, 124 Hypothalamus, 115, 124, 135 Hypothermia, 69, 124 I Idiopathic, 38, 103, 125 Imidazole, 112, 125 Immune response, 103, 106, 107, 115, 123, 125, 143, 148 Immune system, 68, 125, 129, 131, 147, 149 Immunization, 125 Immunogenic, 125, 139 Immunologic, 122, 125, 134 Immunology, 39, 103, 104, 121, 125 Immunosuppressive, 115, 122, 125, 144 Immunosuppressive therapy, 125

Immunotherapy, 57, 58, 125 In situ, 67, 125 In vitro, 16, 32, 43, 118, 125, 144, 145 In vivo, 6, 19, 25, 43, 125, 130, 144 Incision, 125, 127 Indomethacin, 28, 125 Induction, 33, 41, 105, 125 Induction therapy, 41, 125 Infantile, 33, 103, 125 Infection, 36, 48, 68, 108, 109, 110, 111, 119, 123, 125, 128, 140, 143, 145, 147, 149 Infiltration, 47, 126, 137 Inflammatory bowel disease, 68, 126 Infusion, 31, 126 Inhalation, 104, 126, 136 Inorganic, 112, 126, 131 Instillation, 44, 126 Insulator, 126, 131 Intensive Care, 16, 68, 126 Interferon, 41, 47, 68, 126 Interferon-alpha, 41, 126 Interleukin-1, 68, 126 Interleukin-2, 126 Intermediate Filaments, 27, 126 Interstitial, 6, 42, 126 Intestinal, 50, 60, 110, 126, 129, 149 Intestines, 103, 120, 126 Intracellular, 125, 126, 129, 136, 138 Intramuscular, 19, 30, 34, 64, 126, 134, 146 Intravenous, 27, 59, 126, 134 Invasive, 28, 127 Ion Transport, 127, 130 Ions, 107, 118, 124, 127 Ischemia, 107, 127 Isotretinoin, 22, 127 J Jaundice, 14, 124, 127 K Kb, 86, 127 Keratin, 27, 127, 141 Keratitis, 10, 127 Keratolytic, 71, 127 Keto, 69, 127 Kinetics, 33, 127 L Laceration, 127, 144 Lactation, 127, 133 Laparoscopy, 7, 127 Laxative, 104, 127, 130 Lens, 110, 127, 148 Lesion, 22, 127, 145, 147 Leukemia, 117, 127

156

Betamethasone

Lichen Planus, 29, 39, 127 Lidocaine, 4, 47, 68, 128 Ligation, 128 Lincomycin, 49, 128 Lipid, 122, 127, 128, 131 Lipophilic, 71, 128 Lipopolysaccharide, 123, 128 Lipoprotein, 123, 128 Lithium, 69, 128 Liver, 9, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 115, 119, 121, 123, 128, 137 Localized, 8, 105, 125, 127, 128, 132, 135, 136, 144, 147 Loop, 123, 128 Lumbar, 44, 128 Lupus, 92, 112, 128 Lymph, 119, 123, 128, 131 Lymph node, 128, 131 Lymphatic, 125, 128, 129, 132, 142 Lymphocyte Count, 17, 128 Lymphocytes, 106, 125, 126, 128, 129, 142, 144, 149 Lymphoid, 106, 128, 129 Lymphoma, 58, 129 M Macrophage, 126, 129 Macula, 6, 72, 129 Macula Lutea, 72, 129 Macular Degeneration, 72, 129 Malabsorption, 129, 143 Malabsorption syndrome, 129, 143 Malignant, 37, 103, 106, 129, 131 Malignant tumor, 129, 131 Malnutrition, 104, 107, 129 Mammogram, 109, 129, 130 Manic, 128, 129 Mannans, 122, 129 Mastocytosis, 16, 129 Mediate, 68, 117, 129 Medicament, 70, 129 MEDLINE, 87, 129 Membrane Lipids, 129, 135 Meninges, 111, 129 Mercury, 121, 129 Mesenchymal, 5, 129 Metabolite, 117, 120, 129 Metoclopramide, 15, 16, 129 Microbe, 129, 146 Microcalcifications, 109, 130 Microfilaments, 126, 130 Microorganism, 112, 130, 149 Microtubules, 126, 130

Mineral Oil, 65, 66, 130 Mineralocorticoids, 21, 103, 114, 130 Modification, 130, 139 Molecular, 6, 87, 89, 108, 113, 130, 146, 147 Molecule, 106, 107, 113, 120, 124, 130, 133, 139 Monitor, 6, 130 Monocytes, 68, 126, 130 Mononuclear, 37, 130, 147 Monotherapy, 9, 19, 130 Morphological, 118, 122, 130 Morphology, 110, 130 Motility, 125, 130 Motion Sickness, 130, 131 Mucociliary, 59, 130 Mucociliary Clearance, 59, 130 Mucosa, 128, 130, 149 Mucus, 130, 147 Multidose, 48, 131 Multiple Myeloma, 41, 47, 59, 131 Multiple sclerosis, 68, 131 Mupirocin, 27, 131 Mycophenolate mofetil, 4, 131 Myelin, 131 Myometrium, 59, 131 N Naproxen, 43, 131 Nasal Mucosa, 131 Nasal Polyps, 30, 131 Nausea, 14, 16, 106, 117, 131, 147 Neomycin, 8, 29, 59, 131 Neonatal, 25, 28, 37, 38, 41, 48, 131 Neoplasms, 106, 111, 115, 131 Nephrectomy, 6, 131 Nephron, 6, 131 Nerve Endings, 108, 131 Nerve Fibers, 108, 132 Nervous System, 111, 131, 132, 143, 144 Neuromuscular, 46, 132, 147 Neuromuscular Junction, 46, 132 Neuronal, 5, 132 Neurons, 131, 132, 144 Neuropeptide, 115, 132 Neurosurgery, 16, 37, 132 Neutrons, 104, 132, 139 Neutrophils, 23, 123, 132 Nitrogen, 105, 115, 132, 146 Nitroglycerin, 21, 132 Norepinephrine, 103, 117, 132 Nucleus, 107, 111, 115, 119, 126, 128, 130, 132, 138

157

O Ocular, 39, 103, 132 Oedema, 42, 132 Ointments, 13, 39, 70, 117, 133 Opacity, 110, 133 Ophthalmic, 39, 50, 80, 133 Opsin, 133, 140 Optic Disk, 116, 129, 133 Optic Nerve, 133, 140, 141 Oral Health, 133 Oral Hygiene, 4, 133 Oral Manifestations, 3, 133 Organelles, 115, 130, 133 Ossification, 44, 133 Otitis, 46, 133 Otitis Media, 46, 133 Outpatient, 59, 133 Ovaries, 133, 146 Ovary, 120, 133, 136 Ovum, 115, 122, 133, 137 Oxidation, 54, 69, 103, 133 Oxytocin, 59, 133 P Paediatric, 12, 133 Palliative, 134, 145 Pancreas, 17, 103, 134 Pancreatic, 134 Pancreatitis, 17, 134 Parenteral, 24, 34, 35, 134 Pathologic, 108, 110, 114, 124, 134, 138 Pelvis, 103, 128, 133, 134, 147 Pentoxifylline, 39, 134 Peptide, 127, 134, 136, 138, 145 Percutaneous, 32, 40, 134 Perfusion, 15, 134 Perinatal, 6, 21, 38, 48, 49, 134 Perioral, 71, 134 Peripheral blood, 126, 134 Peripheral stem cells, 123, 134 Peritoneal, 107, 132, 134 Peritoneal Cavity, 107, 132, 134 Peroxide, 108, 134 Petrolatum, 65, 66, 70, 119, 134 Petroleum, 130, 134, 135 Pharmaceutical Preparations, 21, 135, 137 Pharmaceutical Solutions, 117, 135 Pharmacologic, 107, 135, 146 Pharyngitis, 49, 135 Phenobarbital, 21, 31, 135 Phenolphthalein, 119, 135 Phenyl, 70, 135 Phosphodiesterase, 134, 135

Phospholipids, 36, 120, 128, 129, 135 Phosphorus, 109, 135 Phototherapy, 18, 135 Physical Examination, 122, 135 Physiologic, 104, 108, 135, 137, 139 Pigment, 72, 115, 135 Pituitary Gland, 114, 115, 135 Placenta, 5, 18, 32, 120, 121, 135, 137 Plant Oils, 133, 135 Plants, 110, 122, 130, 132, 135, 136, 141, 146 Plaque, 8, 18, 22, 136 Plasma, 24, 41, 43, 60, 104, 106, 111, 116, 130, 131, 136, 141 Plasma cells, 106, 131, 136 Plasma Volume, 130, 136 Platelet Aggregation, 134, 136 Platelet Count, 9, 136 Platelets, 136 Pleated, 127, 136 Pleural, 132, 136 Pleural cavity, 132, 136 Pneumonia, 114, 136 Poisoning, 129, 131, 136 Pollen, 57, 58, 136 Polyethylene, 65, 136 Polypeptide, 112, 136, 149 Polyposis, 9, 23, 49, 136 Posterior, 11, 50, 111, 117, 133, 134, 136, 141 Postnatal, 5, 41, 136 Postoperative, 14, 136 Potassium, 130, 136 Potentiates, 126, 137 Practice Guidelines, 88, 137 Prednisolone, 20, 32, 34, 44, 137 Prednisone, 19, 30, 80, 137 Preeclampsia, 5, 28, 137 Pregnancy Outcome, 44, 137 Pregnancy Tests, 122, 137 Prenatal, 5, 6, 11, 20, 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 35, 42, 46, 118, 137 Preoperative, 7, 137 Procaine, 128, 137 Proctitis, 30, 137 Progesterone, 137, 143 Projection, 67, 132, 133, 137 Proline, 112, 124, 137 Propylene Glycol, 65, 66, 137 Prostaglandin, 59, 137 Prostaglandins A, 125, 137, 138 Protease, 112, 138

158

Betamethasone

Protein C, 5, 104, 127, 128, 138 Protein S, 73, 108, 120, 131, 138, 145 Proteinuria, 131, 137, 138 Protons, 104, 124, 138, 139 Proximal, 117, 138 Pruritic, 118, 127, 138, 145 Psychiatric, 34, 138 Psychiatry, 138 Public Policy, 87, 138 Publishing, 3, 7, 69, 138 Pulmonary, 41, 42, 44, 109, 114, 118, 138, 139, 140, 143, 148 Pulmonary Artery, 109, 118, 139, 148 Pulmonary Edema, 41, 139 Pulmonary hypertension, 114, 139 Pulse, 13, 33, 34, 39, 130, 139 Pustular, 33, 103, 139 Q Quality of Life, 4, 20, 139 Quaternary, 71, 139 Quiescent, 139, 148 R Radiation, 28, 30, 121, 139, 141 Radiation therapy, 139, 141 Radioactive, 124, 130, 139 Radiography, 122, 139 Radioimmunoassay, 40, 43, 139 Radiological, 134, 139 Randomized, 7, 9, 10, 18, 19, 22, 26, 27, 29, 32, 39, 43, 48, 50, 118, 139 Receptor, 14, 37, 46, 59, 106, 117, 135, 139 Rectum, 106, 112, 122, 126, 137, 139 Refer, 1, 109, 113, 129, 132, 139, 146, 148 Refractory, 59, 139 Regimen, 34, 118, 139, 140 Relapse, 4, 19, 139 Respiration, 110, 121, 130, 140 Respiratory distress syndrome, 10, 30, 31, 32, 41, 43, 44, 46, 140 Respiratory System, 130, 140 Retina, 11, 72, 111, 113, 116, 127, 129, 133, 140, 141, 147, 148 Retinae, 129, 140 Retinal, 72, 116, 133, 140 Retinol, 140 Retreatment, 42, 140 Rheology, 134, 140 Rheumatoid, 68, 92, 112, 131, 140 Rheumatoid arthritis, 68, 112, 131, 140 Rhinitis, 58, 140 Rhinophyma, 103, 140 Rhodopsin, 133, 140

Ritodrine, 31, 41, 42, 43, 141 Rods, 140, 141 Roxithromycin, 17, 141 S Salicylate, 71, 141 Salicylic, 13, 17, 21, 40, 71, 141 Saliva, 141 Salivary, 45, 48, 141, 149 Salvage Therapy, 59, 141 Saponins, 141, 143 Sclera, 111, 113, 141, 147 Scleroproteins, 127, 141 Sclerosis, 112, 131, 141 Screening, 112, 141 Sebaceous, 71, 116, 140, 141, 149 Sebaceous gland, 71, 116, 140, 141, 149 Sebum, 103, 141 Secretion, 47, 103, 115, 124, 127, 130, 141 Secretory, 46, 130, 141 Sepsis, 38, 68, 141 Septic, 68, 71, 141 Serous, 58, 141 Serum, 23, 29, 30, 34, 45, 48, 104, 113, 130, 139, 141, 147 Serum Albumin, 139, 141 Shock, 68, 105, 124, 142, 146 Side effect, 65, 79, 104, 115, 142, 146 Signs and Symptoms, 139, 142, 147 Skeletal, 105, 131, 142 Skeleton, 137, 142 Small intestine, 123, 126, 142 Smooth muscle, 107, 109, 114, 131, 132, 142, 143 Social Environment, 139, 142 Sodium, 12, 24, 29, 40, 60, 65, 66, 68, 116, 123, 130, 131, 142, 143 Soft tissue, 109, 142 Solid tumor, 108, 117, 142 Solvent, 65, 68, 70, 112, 117, 122, 135, 137, 142 Specialist, 93, 117, 142 Species, 46, 104, 119, 142, 143, 145, 146, 148 Spectrum, 112, 141, 142 Sperm, 105, 136, 142 Spinal cord, 111, 119, 129, 132, 142, 144 Spleen, 105, 128, 142 Spontaneous Abortion, 137, 143 Steatorrhoea, 38, 143 Sterility, 115, 143 Steroid, 5, 12, 46, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 115, 141, 143

159

Stillbirth, 137, 143 Stomach, 103, 107, 122, 123, 126, 131, 134, 142, 143 Streptococcal, 128, 143 Streptococci, 131, 143 Stress, 5, 115, 131, 140, 143, 147 Subacute, 125, 143 Subclinical, 125, 143 Subconjunctival, 47, 72, 143 Subcutaneous, 67, 118, 132, 134, 143 Sublingual, 57, 58, 143 Substance P, 120, 129, 141, 143 Suction, 22, 143 Suppression, 10, 11, 34, 44, 54, 65, 112, 115, 116, 143 Suppressive, 44, 143 Surfactant, 49, 143 Sweat, 116, 143 Sweat Glands, 116, 143 Sympathetic Nervous System, 132, 144 Symptomatic, 4, 29, 134, 144 Synapse, 103, 132, 144 Synergistic, 23, 71, 144 Synovial, 58, 144 Synovial Fluid, 58, 144 Synovial Membrane, 144 Systemic therapy, 4, 144 Systolic, 124, 144 T Tachycardia, 69, 107, 144 Tachypnea, 69, 107, 144 Tacrolimus, 18, 144 Telangiectasia, 22, 144 Temporal, 129, 144 Teratogenic, 127, 144 Terbutaline, 35, 144 Testis, 120, 144 Tetani, 144 Tetanic, 144 Tetanus, 14, 34, 144 Tetracycline, 51, 145 Theophylline, 21, 32, 145 Therapeutics, 8, 12, 40, 42, 81, 145 Threshold, 124, 145 Thrombin, 121, 136, 138, 145 Thrombomodulin, 138, 145 Thrombosis, 138, 145 Thrush, 109, 145 Thyroid, 23, 41, 42, 45, 54, 58, 145 Thyroid Gland, 145 Thyroid Hormones, 41, 45, 145 Thyroiditis, 40, 145

Thyrotropin, 9, 37, 145 Thyroxine, 104, 145 Tinea Pedis, 24, 67, 145 Tinnitus, 133, 145 Tissue Culture, 145, 148 Tolerance, 20, 47, 146 Tone, 133, 146 Tonicity, 123, 146 Toxaemia, 137, 146 Toxic, iv, 68, 115, 119, 146 Toxicity, 69, 117, 129, 146 Toxicology, 10, 88, 146 Toxin, 119, 144, 146 Trachea, 109, 145, 146 Transfection, 108, 146 Translation, 120, 131, 146 Trauma, 134, 145, 146 Triamcinolone Acetonide, 54, 146 Tricuspid Atresia, 114, 146 Tryptophan, 112, 146 Tubal ligation, 7, 146 Tuberculosis, 128, 141, 146 Tumor Necrosis Factor, 68, 147 U Ulcer, 68, 147 Ulceration, 43, 147 Ulcerative colitis, 8, 24, 38, 126, 147 Ultrasonography, 122, 147 Uraemia, 134, 147 Urethra, 147 Urine, 21, 106, 108, 117, 120, 138, 147 Urticaria, 50, 105, 147 Uterine Contraction, 110, 133, 147 Uterus, 115, 131, 133, 137, 146, 147 Uvea, 111, 147 Uveitis, 68, 147 V Vaccine, 103, 147 Vagina, 109, 147 Vaginal, 67, 147 Vaginitis, 109, 147 Vascular, 13, 25, 105, 111, 116, 125, 132, 135, 145, 147 Vascular Resistance, 13, 25, 147 Vasculitis, 134, 147 Vasodilation, 25, 148 Vein, 105, 126, 148 Venous, 132, 136, 138, 146, 148 Venous blood, 136, 148 Ventricle, 107, 114, 124, 139, 144, 146, 148 Ventricular, 114, 146, 148 Venules, 109, 110, 148

160

Betamethasone

Verapamil, 54, 148 Vertigo, 133, 148 Vesicular, 107, 148 Vestibular, 33, 148 Vestibule, 148 Veterinary Medicine, 87, 148 Vimentin, 27, 148 Virulence, 146, 148 Virus, 126, 136, 148 Viscosity, 124, 140, 148 Vitiligo, 39, 51, 148 Vitreous, 116, 127, 140, 148 Vitreous Body, 140, 148 Vitro, 149

Vivo, 149 Vulgaris, 9, 17, 19, 24, 26, 35, 149 W White blood cell, 49, 106, 123, 128, 129, 130, 136, 149 Windpipe, 145, 149 Wound Healing, 131, 149 X Xerostomia, 4, 149 Y Yeasts, 110, 121, 149 Yolk Sac, 121, 149 Z Zymogen, 138, 149

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