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Identical Twins
This is the result of one egg being fertilized and then splitting. These twins will always be the same sex and usually look identical, however there can be some significant variances.
Identity
Self knowledge about one's characteristics or personality. A sense of self.
Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis (IHSS)
Enlarged heart muscle that causes impeded blood flow. It is also known as asymmetrical septal hypertrophy (ASH), hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP)
A blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can result in easy bruising, bleeding gums and internal bleeding.
IgE Antibody
One of the antibodies made by the body found mostly in the skin, nose, lining of the airways and lungs. They are involved in allergic reactions.
Ileitis
A chronic illness that causes irritation in the digestive tract. It occurs most commonly in the ileum (lower small intestine) or in the colon (large intestine). It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It is also known as Crohn's disease or enteritis.
Ileum
The lower end of the small intestine.
Imaging (Radiology)
The branch of medicine that uses radioactive substances, electromagnetic radiation, and sound waves to create images of the body, its organs and structures for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment.
Imaging Studies
Methods used to produce a picture of internal body structures. Some imaging methods used to detect cancer include x-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
Immune Deficiencies
There are many different immune system deficiencies affecting children that require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Many of these diseases are treated in the Primary Immunodeficiency Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Also known as immunodeficiencies, primary immunodeficiencies, or primary immune deficiencies.
Immune Dysregulation
There are many different immune system deficiencies affecting children that require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Many of these diseases are treated in the Primary Immunodeficiency Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. They also are known as immunodeficiencies, immune deficiencies, primary immunodeficiencies, or primary immune deficiencies.
Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
A debilitating condition characterized by profound tiredness, regardless of bed rest. It is also known as chronic fatigue (CF) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Immune Hydrops
Severe, life-threatening problem of severe edema (swelling) in the fetus and newborn; results when the mother's immune system causes breakdown of red blood cells in the fetus. This is the most dangerous problem of blood group incompatibility between the mother and baby.
Immune System
A collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
A blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets, which results in internal bleeding. There are two forms of ITP: acute ITP and chronic ITP.
Immunizations
A set of shots given to children at different ages to help keep them from getting dangerous childhood diseases. It is also known as vaccine.
Immunodeficiencies
There are many different genetic disorders that can affect a child's immune system. Some include severed combined immunodeficiency, common variable immunodeficiency, DiGeorge syndrome and X-linked agammaglobulinemia. They all are treated in the Primary Immunodeficiency Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. It also is known as immune defciency, primary immune deficiency or primary immunodeficiency.
Immunodeficiency Program
The Primary Immunodeficiency Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin offers diagnosis and treatment of complex primary immune deficiencies (non-AIDS). Our goal is to make an accurate and early diagnosis, which is critical in patients with severe immunodeficiencies.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
A type of antibody which attaches to mast cells in the respiratory and intestinal tracts and may cause allergic rhinitis, asthma or eczema.
Immunoglobulin
Antibodies or proteins found in blood and tissue fluids produced by cells of the immune system to bind to substances in the body that are recognized as foreign antigens. Immunoglobulins sometimes bind to antigens that are not necessarily a threat to health and provoke an allergic reaction.
Immunosuppression
A state in which the ability of the body's immune system to respond is decreased. This condition may be present at birth, or it may be caused by certain infections (such as human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV), or by certain cancer therapies, such as cancer cell killing (cytotoxic) drugs, radiation and bone marrow transplantation.
Immunosuppressive Medications
Medications that suppress the body's immune system; used to minimize rejection of transplanted organs.
Immunotherapy
Treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom involving giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. It is also called desensitization, hyposensitization and allergy shots.
Impedance Audiometry
A test that can be performed in most physician offices to help determine how the middle ear is functioning. It does not tell if the child is hearing or not, but helps to detect any changes in pressure in the middle ear. It is also known as tympanostomy.
Imperforate Anus
Caused by improper development of the baby's rectum and anus during pregnancy. The opening at the end of the rectum or anus is absent, so stool cannot leave the body normally.
Impetigo
A bacterial skin infection characterized by microscopic pus-filled blisters.
Inborn Error Of Metabolism
A disorder caused by an inherited defect in an enzyme pathway which affects the body's metabolism.
Indigestion
Feeling of nausea, bloating, gas and/or heartburn caused by poor digestion. It is also known as heartburn.
Induction Of Labor
Refers to beginning labor before it occurs naturally with the use of medication that will cause labor contractions. Induction of labor is done when deemed medically necessary.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Is characterized by swollen lymph glands and fatigue. It is also known as glandular fever, "mono" or mononucleosis.
Infectious Disease Clinic
The HIV Program/Infectious Disease Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin was the first community-based program of its kind in the country. It welcomes children, adolescents, women and their families. Because of the prevention and education efforts of our staff, only two babies have been born in Wisconsin with HIV since January 1998.
Inferior Vena Cava
The large blood vessel (vein) that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.
Inflammation
Redness, swelling, heat and pain in a tissue due to chemical or physical injury, infection or allergic reaction.
Inflammatory And Infectious Disorders
There are many types of inflammations and infectious disorders affecting the digestive system that require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)
Diseases that cause irritation and ulcers in the intestinal tract. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common inflammatory bowel diseases.
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder Clinic
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a nationally recognized center for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD program provides family-centered care and consultation for children and adolescents with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Influenza
A viral respiratory tract infection. The influenza viruses are divided into three types: A, B and C. It is also known as flu.
Injection of Clot-Lysing Agents
Clot-lysing agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), are injected into the body to dissolve blood clots, thereby increasing blood flow to the heart or brain.
Inguinal Hernia
Part of the small intestine that pushes through an opening in the abdominal muscle, causing a bulge underneath the skin in the groin area.
Inheritance
Used to describe the manner in which a trait or gene is passed from one generation to the next.
Inner Ear
Part of the ear that contains both the organ of hearing (cochlea) and the organ of balance (labyrinth).
Inpatient Behavioral Feeding Program
The Inpatient Behavioral Feeding Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin provides intensive behavioral assessment and intervention for children with feeding disorders.
Inpatient Surgery
Surgery which requires the patient to be admitted and stay in the hospital.
Insect-Borne Transmission
Transmission of an infection through insects, such as mosquitoes, which draw blood from an infected person and then bite a healthy person.
Insect Sting Allergy
Avoiding insect stings may not always be possible. However, knowing how to respond should your child experience an allergic reaction from an insect sting, could provide more peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
Inspiration
Inhaling; taking in oxygen.
Insufficiency
A valve deformity that allows the blood to leak backwards when the valve is closed.
Insulin
A hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of sugar in the blood.
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)
An autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age. It is also known as type 1 diabetes.
Intake
An accurate record of all fluids that go into the baby including IV, blood products, oral intake, etc.
Intensive Care
The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a state-of-the-art, 41-bed unit. About 400 infants with various health problems are cared for in this unit each year. Their needs range from prematurity to defects needing medical and surgical interventions. In addition, the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is one of the best equipped and staffed units in the Midwest. Nurses, critical care physicians, anesthesiologists, surgeons, respiratory therapists and pharmacists are just a few of the pediatric specialists who staff the 24-bed unit.
Internal Fetal Monitoring
Involves inserting an electrode through the dilated cervix and attaching the electrode to the scalp of the fetus, called a fetal scalp electrode. Your bag of waters (amniotic fluid) must be broken and your cervix must be partially dilated to use internal monitoring.
International Adoption Clinic
The International Adoption Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a unique resource for families who are adopting children from international settings, many of whom may have medical or developmental needs.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)
A nurse or other health care provider specially trained to help women with breastfeeding. Has expertise related to breastfeeding, all aspects. They are also known as lactation consultants.
International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Interventional Radiology
An area of specialty within the field of radiology which uses various radiology techniques (such as x-ray, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds) to place wires, tubes or other instruments inside a patient to diagnose or treat an array of conditions.
Intestine
Digestive organs found in the abdomen, also known as either the large or small bowel. The small intestine removes nutrients from food to be used for energy, while the large intestine absorbs water from the digested food and processes it into stool.
Intestinal Flora
The normal bacteria, yeast and fungi found in the intestines that aid in digestion.
Intestinal Mucosa
The lining of the intestines, through which nutrients and water are absorbed into the body.
Intolerance
Allergy to a food or other substance.
Intracranial
Within the brain.
Intrauterine Infection
An infection within the uterus, which may have serious consequences on the fetus.
Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
The pressure inside the skull.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring
Measures the pressure inside the skull.
Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump
A surgically implanted pump that releases the medicine baclofen into the spinal cord to help control spasticity. It is one of many treatments available in the Tone Management and Mobility Program.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
A term for inadequate fetal growth during pregnancy.
Intravascular Ultrasound
The use of ultrasound inside a blood vessel to better visualize the interior of the vessel in order to detect problems inside the blood vessel.
Intravenous (IV)
May refer to the route fluids, medications or nutrients are given. Refers to the bloodstream.
Intravenous Catheter Or Line (IV)
A small tube is inserted into a vein by using a needle that is removed once the tube is in place. Fluids, medications and/or nutrients may be given through an IV.
Intravenous Gamma Globulin (IVGG)
A protein that contains many antibodies and slows destruction of platelets; used in the treatment of ITP.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
A series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters and bladder with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein - to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.
Intravenous Urography
A series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein - to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow. It is also known as intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Bleeding inside the ventricles (hollow chambers) in the brain.
Intrinsic Asthma
Asthma that has no apparent external cause.
Intubation
Insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT).
Intussusception
A disorder in which the intestine folds into itself in a telescope fashion, causing obstruction (blockage).
Iris
The colored part of the eye. The iris is partly responsible for regulating the amount of light permitted to enter the eye.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
The most common type of anemia. It is the lack of iron in the blood, which is necessary to make hemoglobin.
Ischemia
Decreased flow of oxygenated blood to an organ due to obstruction in an artery.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries and decreased blood flow to the heart.
Isthmus
Tissue that connects the two lobes of the thyroid.