DefinitionComorbidity is the situation in which two or

more health conditions cluster within the same

person. It can result from a random process

where the conditions appear together by chance

alone, or from a systematic process inwhich the

conditions involved are causally related (e.g.,

share the same risk factors, are complications

of other conditions, or are joint side effects of a

treatment). These are independent and depen-

dent comorbidity, respectively.

Compensated Liver Cirrhosis

DefinitionLiver cirrhosis without development of

ascites, variceal bleeding, and/or hepatic

encephalopathy.

Complementary andAlternative Medicine

DefinitionA group of diverse medical and health care

systems, practices, and products that are not

presently considered to be part of conven-

tional medicine.

Complete Blood Cell Countwith Differential

DefinitionA test of the formed elements of the blood –

red cells, hemoglobin, white cells and platelets.

Complete Response

SynonymsComplete Remission

DefinitionThe disappearance of the tumor in response

to treatment. The size of tumor has shrunk

from the initial assessment to the extent that

it is no longer evaluable.

Completeness

DefinitionPercent of total number of deaths that are

recorded in a source.

ComprehensivePsychopathological RatingScale

DefinitionThe CPRSwas developed to assess the present

psychiatric state, severity of symptoms, and

change in symptoms over time. It consists of

65 items covering psychotic, mood and neu-

rotic disorders.

Compulsions

DefinitionRepetitive behaviors or mental acts that the

person feels driven to perform in response

to obsessions. Compulsions usually reduce

anxiety or are aimed at preventing feared

consequences. Compulsions are repetitive,

intentional, and oriented behaviors. Exam-

ples are washing, checking, ordering compul-

sions etc.

Computed Tomography

SynonymsCT

DefinitionComputed Tomography scanning is a valu-

able diagnostic tool that provides physicians

with views of internal body structures.

4174 Glossary