Head and neck, and oesophageal cancers in Saudi Arabia

Cancer in Saudi Arabia is on the increase. This statement includes head, neck and oesophageal cancers which rank 3rd to 8th in frequency according to different studies. The Saudi literature consists of retrospective hospital-based studies and therefore does not present a clear and reliable picture. There is a need for a national tumour registry in order to formulate definitive preventive and therapeutic measures. King Faisal University in the Eastern Province has already instituted a regional tumour registry. Their results are awaited. With the increase in cancer cases there is a need to increase the treatment facilities. Public awareness and health education can contribute towards prevention, early detection and better follow-up results. This article reviews the available literature and emphasizes the points mentioned above

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorders

An open, non-comparative study was carried out on 30 patients [21 females and 9 males], their ages ranged from 18 to 60 years, their weights between 50 to 86 kgs. They were randomly selected from the psychiatric out-patient clinic at Manial University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo. The period of active treatment with sertraline continued for six weeks. The drug was administered in increasing doses from 50mg/day to a maximum of 200mg/day, according to the clinical response and the safety. Baseline assessment and assessment during therapy was carried out. Laboratory tests, Hamilton Rating Scale [HAM-D and HAM-A] and Clinical Global Impression Scale were done on six visits. All patients included in the study were suffering from major depressive disorder [DSM-III R] suitable for antidepressant therapy. Four cases discontinued treatment prematurely [3 males and one female], because of adverse side effects, and another female patient discontinued treatment after noticeable improvement in the first 3 weeks of the study. Results were statistically analysed using the paired-t-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Adverse side effects were mainly in the autonomic nervous system especially related to the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, sertraline is a well-tolerated antidepressant, and the results of this study support its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with major depression