Search Results

HIV/AIDS What is HIV/AIDS? The term AIDS refers to the most advanced stages of an infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The current definition of AIDS includes: All HIV-infected people who have fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells (also called T4 cells or just T

Atherosclerosis What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is thickening of the walls of the arteries. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol

Astrocytoma in Children What is an astrocytoma in children? An astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor. A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also includes the spinal cord. The main parts of the

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) in Children What is Down syndrome in children? Down syndrome is a genetic problem. It is also called trisomy 21. It includes certain birth defects, learning problems, and facial features. A child with Down syndrome also may have heart defects and

Neurocutaneous Syndromes in Children What are neurocutaneous syndromes in children? Neurocutaneous syndromes are disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and bones. The diseases are lifelong conditions that can cause tumors to grow in these areas. They can also

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome in Children What is 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in children? The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a genetic disorder. In children with this syndrome, a tiny piece of one of the copies of chromosome 22 is missing. This can cause many health problems

Ewing Sarcoma in Children What is Ewing sarcoma in children? Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer. It can affect a person of any age, but it's most common between ages 10 and 20. It often grows in bone, but it can also grow in soft tissue that's connected to the bone. This may

Osteosarcoma (Osteogenic Sarcoma) in Children What is osteosarcoma in children? Osteosarcoma is very rare, but it's the most common kind of bone cancer in children and teens. It's most common in teens and young adults. Osteosarcoma is cancer that starts in the bone. The cancer

Sickle Cell Disease in Children What is sickle cell disease in children? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder that a child is born with. It's passed down through a parent’s genes. Children with SCD make an abnormal type of hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood

Birth Defects in Children What is a birth defect in a child? A birth defect (congenital anomaly) is a health problem or abnormal physical change that is present when a baby is born. Birth defects can be very mild, where the baby looks and acts like any other baby. Or birth