Multi-Organ Transplant

A to Z Glossary - H

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This is not an exhaustive list, but includes some of the terminology commonly used in transplantation. To view this glossary simply click on the corresponding letter below:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Hemodialysis

A treatment for kidney failure where the patient's blood is passed through a filtering membrane (or artificial kidney) to remove excess fluid and wastes.

Hemodynamic

The study of the forces involved in the circulation of the blood.

Hepatic

Having to do with, or referring to, the liver.

Hepatitis

A viral infection or non-specific inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver failure. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver failure that leads to transplantation.

Hepatologist

A specialist who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.

Herpes

A family of viruses infecting humans and causing lip sores, genital sores and shingles.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

When the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels is higher than normal because the blood vessels have either become less elastic or have gotten smaller. High blood pressure causes the heart to pump harder to move blood through the body. High blood pressure can cause kidney failure and heart disease if not treated.

Hirsutism

An excessive increase in hair growth which is a side effect of corticosteroids and cyclosporine.

Histocompatibility

The examination of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in a patient often referred to as "tissue typing" or "cross matching." Tissue typing is routinely performed for all donors and recipients in kidney and pancreas transplantation to help match the donor with the most suitable recipients to help decrease the likelihood of rejecting the transplanted organ. See Human Leukocyte Antigen System (HLA System).

HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) System

A genetically determined series of markers (antigens) present on human white blood cells (leukocytes) and on tissues that are important in histocompatability.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The virus destroys cells in the immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections, toxins, poisons, or diseases. HIV causes AIDS, a late stage of the virus characterized by serious infections, malignancies and neurological dysfunctions.

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