Irish journal of medical science
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Numerous studies have demonstrated that elevated serum uric acid concentration (SUA) is correlated with lipid profile in hypertensive or obese patients. However, the relationship between serum uric acid levels and lipid profile in non-obese late adolescent population was not examined before. ⋯ In summary, the results of our study confirm higher prevalence of hyperuricemia in males when compared to females and a stronger association of HU with BMI-Z-score and lipid profile in male adolescents. Nevertheless, multiple regression does not confirm the independent association of SUA with lipid profile.
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Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for malignant melanoma. Despite previous studies examining the surgical interval (SI) between the diagnostic excision biopsy (DEB) and definitive surgical management there remains few guidelines regarding an optimal time interval. The aim of this study was to determine the SI between DEB and definitive surgery and elucidate factors associated with delays in management of malignant melanoma. ⋯ Significant variations were noted in the SI predominantly accounted for by mode of referral and location of the malignant melanoma. Further investigation is required to elucidate factors affecting the SI and its subsequent effect on patient outcomes.
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The MAGIC/UK Medical Research Council (MRC) trial set the standard of care for treatment of resectable gastric and junctional adenocarcinoma, demonstrating that perioperative chemotherapy with epirubicin, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (ECF) confers a survival benefit over surgery alone. The randomized ECF for advanced and locally advanced esophagogastric cancer (REAL-2) trial showed that, in the metastatic setting, the EOX regimen (epirubicin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine) is as effective as ECF, with a favourable toxicity profile. ⋯ This study in a high-volume centre demonstrates that EOX in resectable gastric and junctional adenocarcinoma is associated with a reasonable safety profile, and efficacy consistent with that reported for ECF.
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In patients with large gland volume, open prostatectomy/adenoma enucleation remains a valuable surgical option in treating large obstructing prostates. We report our series of open prostatectomies spanning 32 years from a single institution. ⋯ Open Millin's prostatectomy popularized over half a century ago continues to be a valuable option for the surgical treatment of high-volume prostate glands with excellent outcomes for patients.
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The incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in the Republic of Ireland is unknown. It has been shown by previous Irish studies that effective screening methods for DDH are not widely practiced. The effect of this on treatment outcomes is unknown. ⋯ Our overall incidence rate of 6.73 per 1,000 live births in 2009 is similar to other international studies. Worryingly our incidence of 2.77 per 1,000 having late diagnosis and 1.08 per 1,000 live births requiring open surgery was higher. Despite screening with clinical examination, the percentage of late diagnosis remains high. There is a need for the development of a national screening policy with greater use of ultrasound screening to improve current practices.