Low- Versus High-dose Cyclophosphamide in Class III/IV Lupus Nephritis: A Retrospective Study from South Asia.

Introduction: The comparative efficacy of low-dose cyclophosphamide (LD-CYC) and high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-CYC) for treatment of lupus in South Asians is not well established. We aimed to compare treatment outcomes in South Asian patients with class III and IV lupus nephritis treated with either regimen.

Method: This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted in Sri Lanka.

Secondary Membranous Nephropathy Due to Benign Tumors in 2 Young Women: A Case Report.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome. We describe the cases of 2 young women in their 20s presenting with nephrotic syndrome due to antiphospholipase A receptor (anti-PLAR)-negative MN, that was found to be associated with benign tumors. Both women had no extrarenal symptoms of a connective tissue disease, infection, or malignancy.

Star fruit nephrotoxicity: a case series and literature review.

Background: Star fruit is a popular medicinal fruit in the tropics. Its hypoglycaemic properties are considered useful in achieving glycaemic control in diabetes. Star fruit induced nephrotoxicity is a rare cause of acute kidney injury in individuals with both normal and reduced baseline renal function.

Hemodialysis Catheter-Related Central Venous Thrombosis: Clinical Approach to Evaluation and Management.

Central venous catheter (CVC) use is common among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Catheter-related vascular thrombosis is a frequent complication, which results in catheter dysfunction. This may eliminate the affected vein as a potential route of vascular access and leads to significant morbidity of the limbs involved.

Acromegaly presenting with low insulin-like growth factor-1 levels and diabetes: a case report.

Introduction: Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder arising from excessive serum growth hormone levels in adulthood and is characterized by progressive somatic enlargement. Biochemical confirmation is achieved by demonstration of elevated baseline serum growth hormone levels which are not suppressed during an oral glucose tolerance test, and by increased levels of serum insulin-like growth factor-1. The serum insulin-like growth factor-1 level provides an assessment of integrated growth hormone secretion and is recommended for diagnosis, monitoring, and screening of acromegaly.

Lead toxicity among traffic wardens: a high risk group exposed to atmospheric lead, is it still a cause for concern?

Background: Traffic policemen are identified to be at a higher risk of exposure to air pollution and its contaminants such as lead. A study done prior to the introduction of unleaded petroleum in Sri Lanka revealed a mean blood lead level of 53.07 μg/dL, which was well above the Center for Disease Control defined acceptable safe levels.

Final-year medical students' perceptions regarding the curriculum in public health.

Background: The Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, has an integrated curriculum in which teaching of public health takes place through a series of modules which span the full five-year study programme.

Aim: To assess final year medical student perceptions regarding the public health curriculum and to identify factors which influence this.

Materials And Methods: The study was cross sectional.