This Glossary defines terms and abbreviations I have used in Katie's diary. The definitions are brief. For more detailed information, go to the links page where you can find source information from qualified people.

If anyone wants to correct a definition, or add a term, please contact us.

Apnea
	A pause in breathing that lasts more than 15-20 seconds, is associated with the baby's color changing to pale, purplish or blue, or is associated with bradycardia or a slowing of the heart rate. Usually improves or disappears by the child's due date. See also Bradycardia.
Bilirubin
	A reddish, yellow pigment C33H34N4O6 produced when red blood cells get old and are broken down by the body. Normally processed in the liver and deposited in the intestine so it can come out in the stool.
Bradycardia
	Slowing of the heart rate. See also Apnea.
Cisapride
	See Prepulsid.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
	Oxygen delivered under a small amount of pressure, usually through tubes that fit into the nostrils of the nose. Helps keep the air sacs open.
CPAP
	See Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
CRP
	See C-Reactive Protein.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
	An acute phase protein present in low concentrations in healthy individuals. Any pathological condition associated with invasive bacteria, postoperative infection, or tissue damage is accompanied by an increase in CRP in the patient's serum. For Katie, a score of 2 is usually expected. With an infection, her score has been in the 20s. As the infection goes away, so the CRP score goes down.
Edema
	Accumulation of excess fluid in, in Katie's cases, the lungs caused by back pressure in the lung veins.
Fibrosis
	Scarring and thickening of the deep lung tissues, leading to shortness of breath.
Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB)
	Technique to provide short-term or intermittent mechanical ventilation to augment lung expansion, deliver aerosol medication, or assist ventilation.
IPPB
	See Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing.
Intraventricular Haemorrhage (IVH)
	Bleeding into the normal fluid spaces (ventricles) within the brain. Four grades, of which Grades III and IV are more serious.
IVH
	See Intraventricular Haemorrhage.
Jaundice
	Yellowing of the skin caused by the deposition of bile products. See also Bilirubin.
NICU
	Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In the U.K., also known as the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
	The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the main vessel that leads to the lungs (pulmonary artery) to the main vessel of the body (aorta). During pregnancy, the duct is open because the mother provides all the oxygen to the baby. After birth, the duct closes naturally, allowing the air in the lungs to oxygenate the blood. Premature babies often have an open duct which needs medication to close it. In the last resort, surgery might be required.
PDA
	See Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
	Shortage of blood supply to the ventricles in the brain can cause softening of the surrounding tissue because the tissue has died. This, in turn, can lead to motor and / or sensory problems. For more information, go to the FAQ.
Pethadine
	An opiate. Used as a relaxant.
Phototherapy
	Use of special lights to break down the bilirubin in the skin.
Prepulsid
	Helps improve digestion and empties the stomach. Used for Katie when whe was retaining milk. For more information, go to the Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
PVL
	See Preventricular Leukomalacia.
RDS
	See Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
	Lung disease, common in premature babies, caused by insufficient surfactant.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
	Abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye.
ROP
	See Retinopathy of Prematurity.
Surfactant
	A material normally produced by the lung that spreads like a film over the tiny air sacs allowing them to stay open.
Theophylline
	A bronchodilator. Opens airways by relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of the airways. Strengthens right heart function and diaphragm movement.