Glossary of terms: L

very sensitive, but not very specific test for rheumatoid factor in the serum

what abbreviations mean on your prescription

• a. c. = ante cibum (before food)  
• b. d. = bis die (twice daily)  
• o. d. = omni die (every day)  
• o. m. = omni mane (every morning)  
• o. n. = omni nocte (every night) 
• p. c. = post cibum (after food)  
• p. r. n. = pro re nata (when required)  
• q. d. s. = quater die sumendum (to be taken four times daily)  
• q. q. h. = quarta quaque hora (every four hours)  
• stat = immediately  
• t. d. s. = ter die sumendum (to be taken three times daily)  
• t.i.d. = ter in die (three times daily)

a wound or injury to the skin, for example, a patch of skin affected by psoriasis.

a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. White blood cells increased during infection. In psoriatic joint effusions leucocytes, rather than lymphocytes, show a particular increase in numbers. In rheumatoid arthritis lymphocytes usually predominate. In the blood lymphocytes are often found to be reduced in patients on immunosuppressive forms of treatment.

one of many white shiny flexible bands of fibrous tissue binding joints together and connecting various bones and cartilages

is usually based on 5 points or questions with 1 = the best and 5 = the worst.
A common example is:

• 1 = Strongly agree
• 2 = Agree
• 3 = Neither agree or disagree
• 4 = Disagree
• 5 = Strongly disagree

Sometimes a 4 point scale is used which is called a ‘forced choice’ and misses the middle point, therefore giving either agreement of disagreement.

a very itchy rash with annular grouped vesicles. Histology shows a subepidermal blister and immuniofluorescene shows a linear band of IgA at the basement membrane

are liquids that are easier to use on large areas of skin, especially where there is hair. Lotions also have a cooling effect.

a generalised term used to describe ailments affecting the muscles of the lower back.

a rare complication of treatment with methotrexate predominantly in elderly women.