roseola infantumA common infectious
disease, probably viral, that mainly
affects children aged 6 months to 2 years.
There is an abrupt onset of irritability and
fever. The temperature drops to normal
after 4 or 5 days. About the same time, a
rash appears on the trunk, often spread-
ing to the neck, face, and limbs, before
clearing up within 1–2 days. Other symp-
toms may include a sore throat and
enlargement of lymph nodesin the neck.
Convulsions (see convulsion, febrile)may
occur during thefever, but there are no
serious effects. The only treatment is to
keep the child cool and give paracetamol.
rosiglitazoneAn oral hypoglycaemicdrug
used in combination with other oral
hypoglycaemics (either metforminor a
sulphonylurea) in the treatment of type 2
diabetes mellitus. Rosiglitazone acts by
reducing peripheral insulin resistance.
Side effects may include gastrointestinal
disturbances, weight gain, and anaemia.
rotator cuffA reinforcing structure
around the shoulder joint, composed of
4 muscle tendons that merge with the
fibrous capsule enclosing the joint.
rotavirusA type of virus that is one of
the causes of gastroenteritis, especially
in young children.
roughageSeefibre, dietary.
roundwormsAlso known as nematodes,
a class of elongated, cylindrical worms.
Some are human parasitesand usually
inhabit the intestines. The only common
roundworm disease in the UK is thread-
worm infestation; occasionally, ascariasis,
whipworm infestation, atrichinoisis, and
toxocariasisoccur. Some people return
from abroad with hookworm infestation.
Most infestations are treated with
anthelmintic drugs.
RSIThe abbreviation for repetitive strain
injury, a type of overuse injury.
rubber damA rubber sheet used to iso-
late 1 or more teeth during certain
dental procedures. The dam acts as a
barrier against saliva and prevents the
inhalation of debris.
rubefacient A substance that causes red-
ness of the skin by increasing blood flow
to it. Rubefacients are sometimes includ-
ed in ointments used to relieve muscular
aches and pains and work by producing
counter-irritation: they stimulate nerve
endings to create a superficialfeeling of
heat or cold, and distract the brain from
the deeper muscular pain. Examples
include methyl salicylate and menthol.
rubellaA viral infection, also known as
German measles. It is serious only if it
affects a nonimmune woman in the early
months of pregnancy, when there is a risk
that the virus will cause severe birth
defects in the fetus.
The rubella virus is spread by mother-
to-baby transmission and in airborne
droplets; it has an incubation periodof
2–3 weeks. Infection usually occurs in
children aged 6–12. A rash appears on
the face, spreads to the trunk and limbs,
then disappears after a few days. There
may be slight fever and enlarged lymph
nodesat the back of the neck.
The virus may be transmitted from a
few days before symptoms appear until
one day after they disappear. An unborn
baby is at risk if the mother is infected
during the first 4 months of pregnancy.
The earlier the infection occurs, the more
likely the infant is to be affected, and the
more serious the abnormalities tend to
be. The most common abnormalities are
deafness, congenital heart disease, learn-
ing difficulties, cataracts, purpura, cerebral
palsy, and bone abnormalities. About 1
in 5 affected babies dies in early infancy.
There is no specific treatment, apart
from paracetamolfor fever. Treatment of
rubella syndrome depends on the
defects. Rubella vaccine provides long-
lasting immunity to the disease; it is
given in the MMR vaccineto babies aged
12–15 months, with a booster at school
entry. Rubella infection also provides
immunity. If a nonimmune pregnant
woman comes into contact with a person
who has rubella, passive immunization
by immunoglobulin injectionmay help
prevent infection of the fetus.
rubeolaAnother name formeasles.
running injuriesDisorders resulting
from the effects on the body of jogging or
running. Common injuries include ten-
dinitis, stress fractures, plantarfasciitis,
torn hamstring muscles, back pain, tibial
compartment syndrome, and shin splints.
ruptureA common term for a hernia.
The term also refers to a complete break
in a structure, as in rupture of a tendon.ROSEOLA INFANTUM RUPTURE
R