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complication
Sign in to saveAlso known as medical complication, complication in medicine, complication (medicine), complications
unfavourable evolution of a disease, a health condition or a therapy, which may adversely affect the prognosis or outcome
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- NCI Thesaurus ID
- C2959
- Commons category
- Complications (medical)
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A complication in medicine, or medical complication, is an unfavorable result of a disease, health condition, or treatment. Complications may adversely affect the prognosis, or outcome, of a disease. Complications generally involve a worsening in the severity of the disease or the development of new signs, symptoms, or pathological changes that may become widespread throughout the body and affect other organ systems. Thus, complications may lead to the development of new diseases resulting from previously existing diseases. Complications may also arise as a result of various treatments.
The development of complications depends on a number of factors, including the degree of vulnerability, susceptibility, age, health status, and immune system condition. Knowledge of the most common and severe complications of a disease, procedure, or treatment allows for prevention and preparation for treatment if they should occur.