ABSTRACT
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nodal irradiation with conventional three-field's technique. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with breast cancer were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography scans in the supine treatment position were imported into a treatment planning system. Levels I-III axillary and supraclavicular nodes were identified and their depths to the anterior skin surface were measured. Two tangential fields and one anterior- posterior supraclavicular field were developed to treat all of the patients. Dose -volum histogram was evaluated for quality measurement. Results: The mean depths of the level I, II and III axillary and supraclavicular nodes varied widely [4.6, 5.7, 6.1 and 5.9 cm, respectively]. Complete coverage of level II was not achieved by tangential fields. In some patients the optimal dose was not prescribed. The median dose administered to level I, II and III was 42.6 Gy [10 to 53 Gy], 41.9 Gy [8.3 to 54 Gy] and 41.3 Gy [5 to 52 Gy], respectively. The median dose to supraclavicular nodes was 46.9 Gy [from 38 to 51 Gy].The mean regional nodal volumes included in the 95% isodose were 47, 48, 45.7, and 65.1 percent for level I-III and supraclavicular, respectively. Conclusion: As the depth of regional nodes varies widely, thus using a fixed calculation depth for dose prescription is not optimal. Careful depth measurement for each patient is necessary. Moreover, the use of conventional three- field technique is not optimal for all patients. At least in some patients, adding posterior axillary boost field is necessary, to optimize axillary coverage
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Sickle Cell Disease, Hemoglobinopathy which often requires frequent blood transfusions, is an excessive deposition of iron in the tissues, often resulting in endocrine disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders in patients suffering from sickle cell anemia in Kerman
Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 patients, suffering from sickle cell anemia. An information form was completed for all patients and blood samples were obtained for laboratory tests such as fasting blood sugar, serum TSH level, free T4 level, serum LH and FSH levels, serum PTH, total Ca, P and serum prolactin levels. Serum testosterone- and serum estradiol levels were checked separately, based on gender. Results were compared with normal laboratory tests, and statistically analyzed
Results: In this study, sickle cell anemia patients, aged 14-59 were evaluated. None of the patients had diabetes mellitus. Hypothyroidism was observed in 24.2% of patients, hypoparathyroidism in 12.5%, hypogonadism in 21.2% and hyperprolactinemia in 53%. Overall, 65.1% were found to be suffering from endocrine disorders. Statistically significant differences were seen between endocrinopathies and age
Conclusion: Results showed age to be the important factor in endocrine disorders. Timely and appropriate treatments [including blood transfusion and receiving iron chelators] can evidently reduce iron overload in these patients and prevent its endocrine complications
ABSTRACT
Malaria is a major problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, with high morbidity and mortality. Splenectomy makes patients more susceptible to serious bacterial and parasitic infections. We report for the first time in Iran a fatal case of Plasmodium vivax malaria, confirmed by microscopic and molecular [Semi-nested multiplex PCR] tests in a patient who had undergone splenectomy due to hemolytic anemia