Results of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with rhinosinusitogenic orbital complications

Examination and treatment data are available for 20 patients with rhinosinusogenic inflammation of the orbit. All the patients underwent computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses and the orbit. Nonpurulent orbital complications were treated conservatively, purulent ones were treated surgically. The therapy also included novel antibacterial drugs, dysaggregants, intravenous immunoglobulins.     

Uterine leiomyomas in the infertile patient: preoperative localization with MR imaging versus US and hysterosalpingography

Eleven women with a history of infertility and uterine leiomyomas underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the pelvis prior to myomectomy. Nine also underwent preoperative pelvic ultrasonography (US), and ten underwent hysterosalpingography. All studies were interpreted prospectively by independent observers. With each imaging modality, the location (one of 11 anatomic segments), size, and appearance of detected uterine leiomyomas were determined and compared with surgical and histologic findings. Among the nine patients who underwent both MR and US, the sensitivity (85%) and accuracy (94%) of MR imaging for abnormal segments was significantly better than that of US (sensitivity = 69%, P = .015; accuracy = 87%, P = .043). For the ten patients who underwent both MR and hysterosalpingography, the sensitivity (91%) and accuracy (96%) of MR imaging was better than that of hysterosalpingography (sensitivity = 18%, P = .0005; accuracy = 72%, P = .0005). The specificities of the three modalities did not significantly differ (100%, 97%, and 98% for MR, US, and hysterosalpingography, respectively). These data suggest that MR imaging is superior to US or hysterosalpingography for preoperatively locating uterine leiomyomas.     

Domestic 1.44 mcm Nd:YAG laser in combined treatment of dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation

We have treated 12 patients with acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation. All the patients were examined by an ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist. The patients received intravenous antibiotics followed by Nd:YAG laser dacryocystorhinostomy via transcanalicular approach under the endonasal endoscopic control. The treatment resulted in resolution of symptoms and signs of acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation in all the patients. No recurrence of acute dacryocystitis occurred during the median follow-up period of 11 months. Ostium patency defined as the absence of epiphora and observation of irrigated lacrimal fluorescein at the ostium was achieved in 9 patients. Epiphora recurred in 3 cases. Use of Nd:YAG laser reduces the duration of the operation and provides maximal functional and cosmetic results.     

Secondary diseases in patients with HIV infection: 15-year follow-up

AIM: To analyse the results of a 15-year study of opportunistic diseases in AIDS patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The spectrum of opportunistic diseases were made in AIDS patients in respect to clinical, laboratory and autopsy data for the periods: 1987-1992 (n = 27, 25 deaths--92.6%), 1993-1997 (n = 95, 58 deaths--61.8%), 1998-1999 (n = 70, 28 deaths--40%), 2000-2001 (n = 126, 31 deaths--24.6%), 2002 (n = 80, 32 deaths--40%). RESULTS: The spectrum of opportunistic diseases in AIDS patients was determined for the above time periods and causes underlying these diseases have been determined. CONCLUSION: Among opportunistic diseases associated with HIV infections most prevalent were the following: tuberculosis, cytomegaloviral infections, cerebral toxoplasmosis. Leading modern trends were identified: increasing morbidity of AIDS, tuberculosis, new AIDS cases at late stages with severe opportunistic diseases (2/3 of deaths).     

Effect of Cryopreservation on Semen Sample

There are varied indications of preserving a semen sample for utilization at a later day. However, the freeze-thaw cycle is bound to impart deleterious effect on the fertilizing potential of the sample. 60 semen samples divided into three groups were preserved in this study. On subsequent thawing, after three months it was seen that the yield varied between 66% to 72%. The post thaw percent yield bears a linear relationship with the pre-freeze quality. 5 pregnancies were achieved in the study testifying the preservation of fertilizing ability of the thawed samples. Sub normal semen samples which might be otherwise acceptable in a therapeutic insemination, do not withstand freezing.Key Words: Cryopreservation, Semen     

Effect of short-term Psychiatric Intervention in Cancer Patients

A total of 50 patients undergoing cancer treatment at Malignant Disease Treatment Centre were included in the present study aimed at evaluating the psychological status of cancer patients. All patients filled a specially designed proforma and the following psychological questionnaires : General Health Questionnaire, Carroll Rating Scale for Depression, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, PGI General Well-being Scale and Quality of Life Scale. Analysis of the results showed that 22 (44%) of the cancer patients had psychiatric disorders and this number had reduced to 12 (24%) after therapy. The difference was statistically significant. Psychiatric treatment also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in level of depression as measured by Carroll Rating Scale for depression. Short term psychiatric treatment was found to be very useful in treating psychiatric morbidity and depression in cancer patients.Key Words: Cancer, Depression, Psychiatric morbidity