Term Glossary
All the key terms you need to know.
Infusion Therapy & Rheumatology Glossary
Use this alphabetical glossary to understand common terms associated with rheumatology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis, biologic medications, and infusion therapy.
A
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints and may cause persistent pain and stiffness.
Autoimmune Disease
An autoimmune disease develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs, potentially causing chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
B
Biologic Medication
A biologic medication is produced using living cells or biological processes and can target specific parts of the immune or inflammatory response; some biologics are administered by IV infusion.
Bone Mineral Density
Bone mineral density describes the amount of mineral contained in bone and is commonly measured to help evaluate osteoporosis and fracture risk.
C
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged inflammatory response that can contribute to ongoing tissue or organ damage in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other immune-mediated diseases.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
D
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
A DMARD is a medication used to reduce disease activity and help limit progression of certain inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
DXA/DEXA Scan
A DXA or DEXA scan is a low-dose X-ray test used to measure bone mineral density and help diagnose osteoporosis or assess fracture risk.
G
Gout
Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis associated with urate crystal deposits in joints and can cause sudden episodes of severe joint pain, redness, warmth, and swelling.
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (GPA)
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a form of vasculitis involving inflammation of blood vessels and is the current medical name for the condition historically called Wegener’s granulomatosis.
I
Immune-Mediated Disease
An immune-mediated disease occurs when abnormal immune-system activity contributes to inflammation or tissue damage.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic conditions characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two major forms.
Infusion Center
An infusion center is a clinical setting where prescribed medications and other appropriate therapies can be administered intravenously while patients are monitored during treatment.
Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy is the administration of prescribed medication or treatment through an intravenous line, allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly.
Intravenous (IV)
Intravenous means “within a vein” and describes medications or fluids delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
L
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which abnormal immune-system activity can cause inflammation and affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, and other organs.
O
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone strength that makes bones more susceptible to fractures.
P
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated condition that causes accelerated skin-cell turnover and commonly produces raised, scaly areas of skin.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis associated with psoriasis and can affect joints, the spine, tendons, and other musculoskeletal structures.
R
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily affects joints and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and progressive joint damage.
Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and managing arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions affecting joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues.
U
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the colon and rectum.
Uric Acid
Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines; persistently elevated levels can contribute to urate crystal formation and gout.