Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

agranulocytosis, infantile genetic
An inherited
condition characterized by a lack of granulocytes
(neutrophils), a type of white blood cell that is impor-
tant in fighting infection, and a predisposition to fre-
quent bacterial infections. Also known as Kostmann
disease or syndrome and genetic infantile agranulocy-
tosis. See also 
agranulocytosis; granulocytopenia;
severe congenital neutropenia.
agreement, arbitration
See 
arbitration agree-
ment.
Aicardis syndrome
A rare genetic disorder that
occurs only in females and is caused by congenital
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Aicardis syndrome
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absence of the corpus callosum, a large bundle of
nerves that connects the left and right sides of the
brain. Features include epilepsy that emerges in
infancy and is difficult to control, vision problems due
to maldeveloped retinas, developmental delay, and
sometimes physical deformities of the spine, face,
and/or heart. See also 
epilepsy; seizure disorders.
AID
Artificial insemination by donor.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a
syndrome caused by infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with ensuing com-
promise of the body’s immune system. Features
include deficiency of certain types of leukocytes,
especially T cells; infection with opportunistic infec-
tions that take advantage of the impaired immune
response, such as tuberculosis, bacterial pneumo-
nia, human herpes virus, or toxoplasmosis; certain
types of cancer, particularly Kaposi sarcoma; inabil-
ity to maintain body weight (wasting); and in
advanced cases, AIDS dementia complex. Treatment
for AIDS has advanced rapidly. Antiviral, antibacter-
ial, and immune-boosting medications, among other
treatments, are part of current treatment protocols.