Combining data to perform population-based observational studies: know your sources. The case of thyroid cancer in Belgium.

Background: Large scale observational studies are crucial to study thyroid cancer incidence and management, known to vary in time and place. Combining cancer registry data with other data sources enables execution of population-based studies, provided data sources are accurate. The objective was to compare thyroid tumour and treatment information between the available data sources in Belgium.

miRNA expression in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most lethal form of thyroid neoplasia and represents an end stage of thyroid tumor progression. No effective treatment exists so far. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles of 11 ATC by microarrays and their relationship with the mRNA expression profiles of the same 11 ATC samples.

[Diabetic retinopathy in Lubumbashi].

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency of diabetic retinopathy in Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Methods: Descriptive survey including 369 diabetic patients examined in our department of Ophthalmology of Lubumbashi from May 2006 to March 2008. Rates of glycaemia and blood pressure were noted.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis after low-dose intravitreous triamcinolone acetonide in an immunocompetent patient: a warning for the widespread use of intravitreous corticosteroids.

We report the case of an immunocompetent 78-year-old woman who developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis after a single intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). Review of medical records. The patient with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion developed peripheral retinitis with hemorrhagic and inflammatory vascular sheathing 3 months after IVTA.