December 21, 2004
Natalie Rene Morales
Glossary of Terms
This page was designed for those of you, and me, who aren't familiar with some of
the words listed in this site. I know I've had to look them all up on the Internet, so I
have a better understanding.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) - This is a complete form of nutrition, containing
protein, sugar, fat, and added vitamins and minerals as needed for each individual. It
is administered through an intravenous infusion, usually using a central line. TPN is
used for patients who cannot or should not get their nutrition through eating.
Central Line - A special long lasting IV line that goes through a vein directly to the
heart. It is usually placed on the chest, though sometimes if the location must be
changed frequently it will be placed in other areas such as the groin or the neck.
Platelets - Platelets are blood cells that help control bleeding. When a blood vessel
is damaged, platelets collect at the site of the injury and temporarily repair the tear.
Platelets then activate substances in plasma which form a clot and allow the wound to
heal.
Rhodococcus - Rhodococcus equi is a bacteria that lives in the soil. All farms are
likely to be infected with the bacteria. Rhodococcus equi has recently been identified
as a growing problem among immunocompromised human patients.
Lipids - Soybean oil; fat
Atresia Small Intestine - Intestinal atresia (absence of a normal opening) is the
failure of a portion of the intestinal tract to completely form. It occurs most frequently in
the ileum (lower part of the small intestine). It can also occur in the duodenum (part of
the intestine that empties from the stomach), jejunum (second part of the intestine
extending from the duodenum to the ileum), or the colon (large intestine). Diagnosis
can be made by ultrasound during pregnancy or can present on the first to second
day of life. Abdominal distension (inflation) increases, the infant fails to pass stools,
and, finally, feedings are vomited. The cause of intestinal atresia is not known.
Gastrostomy (G-Tube) - the tube is inserted through a small nick in the skin and into
the stomach under X-ray guidance to drain the gastric fluids.
Mucus Fistula - an abdominal opening is created, the intestine is brought out
through the skin and sutured to the skin. This is used to re-feed the gastric fluids by
inserting a rubber catheter through the opening. A 30cc syringe is attached to the
catheter and pushing the fluids through. This is done so the colon can become active
and Natalie can have bowel movements.
