guidebook. - Fanconi Anemia Research Fund

362
Fanconi Anemia: Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management
three digital bones in each finger and toe with the
exception of the thumb and big toe, which have only
two each. 1
Phlebotomy: The letting of blood for transfusion,
apheresis, diagnostic testing, or experimental procedures.
In the past, phlebotomy was widely used to treat
many types of disease but is now limited to the treatment
of only a few specific conditions (such as hemochromatosis).
1
Photophobia: Eye discomfort in bright light. Severe
photophobia may be associated with eye problems and
cause severe eye pain, even in relatively low light. 5
Pituitary: A small gland joined to the hypothalamus
(part of the brain). The pituitary produces many of
the hormones that indirectly or directly affect basic
bodily functions and include substances exerting a
controlling and regulating influence on other endocrine
organs, controlling growth and development, the body’s
response to stress, or modifying the contraction of
smooth muscle, renal function, and reproduction. 1,5
Plasma: A colorless fluid which contains water and
other components in which red cells, white cells, and
platelets are suspended. 2
Platelets: Blood cell fragments containing clotting factors
which prevent bleeding and bruising. 2
Pneumocystis: A genus of microorganisms of uncertain
affiliation that are usually considered protozoans
or sometimes fungi and that include one (P. carinii)
causing pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised
individuals. This organism is common in the environment
and does not cause illness in healthy people. 1
Transplant patients are typically given antibiotics to
prevent pneumocystis.