statin A class of drugs that lower blood cholesterol. The major effect of the statins is that they lower LDL cholesterol levels; in fact, they lower LDL cholesterol more than any other type of drugs. Statins inhibit an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This slows the production…
STAT A common medical abbreviation for urgent or rush. From the Latin word statum, meaning “immediately.”
stasis A stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood or other body fluid, such as lymph. For example, a stasis ulcer is an ulcer that develops in an area in which the circulation is sluggish and the venous return (the return of venous blood toward the heart) is poor. A common location for stasis…
startle reflex A reflex seen in normal infants in response to a loud noise. The infant makes a sudden body movement, bringing the legs and arms toward the chest.
startle disease See hyperexplexia.
staphylococcus, antibiotic-resistant A form of staphylococcus bacteria that is unaffected by certain antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus is a growing problem, particularly in hospitals, where staph infections can run rampant. Treatment involves using “super-antibiotics” when possible, although this type of infection can prove to be untreatable and deadly.
staphylococcus A group of bacteria that cause a multitude of diseases. Under a microscope, staphylococcus bacteria are round and bunched together. They can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly through products they make, such as the toxins responsible for food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. The best-known member of the staphylococcus family is Staphylococcus…
staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome An infection of the skin with group II Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria release toxins, causing inflamed, scaling skin that looks as though it has been burned. Abbreviated SSSS. SSSS is more common in children than in adults, but it is more likely to cause death when it does occur in…
staphylococcal infection Infection with one of the staphylococcus bacteria. Staphylococcal infection can cause pus-filled abscesses on the skin or internal organs and can migrate through the blood to infect the heart, meninges, and other areas. Treatment involves use of antibiotics and drainage of abscesses, as necessary. Also known as staph infection. See also staphylococcal scalded…
staph infection See staphylococcal infection.
staph See staphylococcus.
Stage IV Cancer cells are found throughout the organ or area and in nearby lymph nodes and/or have spread to other parts of the body.