Dictionary

feeding, breast See breastfeeding.

familial hypercholesterolemia The most common inherited type of hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels in the blood). Familial hypercholesterolemia is recognizable in childhood and is due to genetic defects in the receptor (target) for low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The most common autosomal dominant form of hypercholesterolemia is caused by mutation in the LDL receptor gene (LDLR) on chromosome…

familial Mediterranean fever A rare genetic disorder that is characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammation, with fever and pain in the abdomen, chest, and/or joints. Abbreviated FMF. FMF attacks typically last for 12 to 72 hours. The symptoms may differ from patient to patient, even in the same family. In some cases, protein deposits, called…

familial mental retardation 1 See FMR1.

familial neurovisceral lipidosis See GM1gangliosidosis.

familial polyposis See familial adenomatous polyposis.

family planning See birth control.

family tree See pedigree.

Fanconi anemia A rare, inherited disease that adversely affects all the elements of bone marrow and is associated with malformations of the heart, kidney, and limbs, as well as pigmentary changes of the skin. Fanconi anemia predisposes a person to cancer, particularly to a disturbance of bone marrow growth called myelodysplasia and to acute myeloid…

FAO deficiency See Sjogren’s syndrome.

FAP Familial adenomatous polyposis.

Farber lipogranulomatosis A very rare, deadly genetic disease that is characterized by the onset, in the first few weeks of life, of swollen, painful joints; nodules under the skin; profound motor and developmental delay; cherry-red spots in the retina; and cardiorespiratory problems. The disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is due to…