P-Pa P 50 see Oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve P value see Probability P wave Component of the ECG representing atrial depolarisation. Normally positive (i.e., upwards) in lead I, and best seen in leads II and V 1 ( see Fig. 60b…
Ob-Oc Obesity Usually defined according to body mass index ( see Table 13 ; Body mass index ). Approximately 40% of UK adults are obese and this number has doubled in the last 20 years, although the rate of increase…
Na-Nc Nabilone Cannabinoid antiemetic drug , acting on CB 1 and CB 2 cannabis receptors, used in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Has also been used in palliative care . Dosage: 1–2 mg orally bd Side effects: drowsiness, ataxia, visual disturbances, sleep…
Ma-Md MAC see Minimal alveolar concentration Macewen, William (1847–1924). Eminent Scottish surgeon; Professor at Glasgow University, knighted in 1902. Advocated and practised tracheal intubation, usually oral, for laryngeal obstruction, e.g. due to diphtheria ; he performed this by touch without…
La-Lb Labat, Gaston (1877–1934). Anaesthetist, born in the Seychelles; worked in Paris and at the Mayo Clinic and New York University, USA. Pioneer of regional anaesthesia, writing a classic text on the subject in 1922. Founded the American Society of…
Ka-Kc Kallikreins Serine protease enzymes in tissue and plasma, performing diverse physiological functions. Produce kinins from kininogens and may also catalyse formation of renin from prorenin. Plasma kallikrein is produced from prekallikrein by various activating substances, including part of activated…
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Ib-Ic Ibandronic acid see Bisphosphonates Ibsen, Bjørn (1915–2007). Danish anaesthetist, considered by many to be the founding father of intensive care. Created a dedicated respiratory care unit for patients with poliomyelitis during the Copenhagen outbreak in 1952. Drastically cut mortality…
H1-Ha H 2 receptor antagonists Competitive antagonists of H 2 histamine receptors. Used to reduce histamine-mediated gastric acid secretion in: peptic ulcer disease ; gastro-oesophageal reflux ; those at risk of aspiration of gastric contents ; and to reduce gastric/duodenal…
G-Ga G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Family of transmembrane receptors with a broad range of ligands, including neurotransmitters and hormones. The target receptors of many drugs, including adrenaline and other catecholamines , opioids and antihistamine drugs . Consist of seven membrane-spanning…