Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

intrathecal chemotherapy
Treatment with
drugs that are injected into the cerebrospinal fluid,
which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, to kill
cancer cells. For example, intrathecal chemother-
apy is used to treat cancer that has spread to the
spinal cord. See also 
chemotherapy.
intrauterine
In the uterus.
intrauterine device
A prescription contracep-
tive device that is inserted into the uterus by a 
physician to prevent conception or pregnancy.
Abbreviated IUD. Some IUDs contain and release
hormones. IUDs remain in place until they are
removed by a physician and have one of the lowest
failure rates of any contraceptive method.
intrauterine growth retardation
Abnormally
slow growth of a fetus. When the baby is born, it
appears small for its actual age. Intrauterine growth
retardation is associated with an increased risk of
illness and death in the newborn period.
intravenous 1
Into a vein. For example, intra-
venous antibiotics are antibiotics in a solution that
is administered directly into the venous circulation
via a syringe or an intravenous catheter (tube).
Abbreviated IV.
2
A solution that is administered
intravenously.
3
The device that is used to admin-
ister an IV solution.
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intravenous
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intravenous gamma globulin
See 
intravenous
immunoglobulin.
intravenous immunoglobulin
A sterile solu-
tion of concentrated antibodies extracted from
healthy people that is administered directly into a
vein. Abbreviated IVIG. IVIG is used to treat disor-
ders of the immune system or to boost the immune
response to serious illness. Also known as intra-
venous gamma globulin (IGG).