Dictionary

dwarfism, hypochondroplastic See hypochondroplasia.

dwarfism, pituitary Dwarfism caused by a lack of growth hormone, usually due to malfunction of the anterior pituitary gland. Children with growth hormone deficiency may grow normally for the first 2 to 3 years of life, but they then fall behind their peers in height. Unlike those with other forms of dwarfism, those with pituitary…

dwarfism, rhizomelic Dwarfism with shortening especially of the ends of the limbs. See also achondroplasia; dwarfism.

dwarfism, Seckel-type See Seckel syndrome.

dwarfism, thanatophoric A form of shortlimbed (micromelic) dwarfism that usually causes death within the first few hours after birth. The bones of the arms and legs are very short. The ribs are also extremely short, and the rib cage is small, leading to respiratory insufficiency and death. See also achondroplasia; dwarfism; hypochondroplasia.

Dx Abbreviation for diagnosis, the determination of the nature of a disease.

dys- Prefix denoting bad or difficult, as in dyspepsia (difficult digestion).

dysarthria Speech that is characteristically slurred, slow, and difficult to understand. A person with dysarthria may also have problems controlling the pitch, loudness, rhythm, and voice qualities of his or her speech. Dysarthria is caused by paralysis, weakness, or inability to coordinate the muscles of the mouth. Dysarthria can occur as a developmental disability. It…

dyscalculia A specific developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to conceptualize and perform mathematics. Mild cases can often be compensated for with use of a calculator, but those with severe dyscalculia need special education services.

dysentery Inflammation of the intestine, with pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, and often a fever above 38.3°C (101°F). The causes of dysentery include bacteria (such as Shigella), protozoa (such as amebae), parasitic worms (such as schistosomes), and viruses. Dysentery can be fatal because it can cause severe dehydration. Treatment includes rapid rehydration, sometimes via IV, and…

dysentery, amebic See amebic dysentery.

dysfunction, erectile See erectile dysfunction.