Clinical investigation of hospitalized human cases of West Nile virus infection in Houston, Texas, 2002-2004.

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features of cases hospitalized with West Nile virus (WNV) infections and identify clinical parameters that could potentially predict poor outcome (death). Retrospective medical chart reviews were completed for 172 confirmed cases of WNV infection hospitalized in the Houston, Texas, metropolitan area between 2002 and 2004. Of the 172 patients, 113 had encephalitis which resulted in 17 deaths, 47 had meningitis, and 12 had uncomplicated fever.

Risk factors for encephalitis and death from West Nile virus infection.

We conducted a nested case-control study to determine potential risk factors for developing encephalitis from West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Retrospective medical chart reviews were completed for 172 confirmed WNV cases hospitalized in Houston between 2002 and 2004. Of these cases, 113 had encephalitis, including 17 deaths, 47 had meningitis, and 12 were fever cases; 67% were male.

Breast cancer in the elderly.

Objective/methods: To determine the clinical behavior and outcome of breast cancer in the elderly, a series of 184 women older than age 69 years who received treatment for locoregional breast cancer at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1976 and 1985 were studied for a median of 80 months.

Factors influencing management of breast cancer in the elderly woman.

Elderly women have the same right as their younger counterparts to be a part of the decision-making process of their health care. Women with breast cancer should be informed of treatment options and the advantages and disadvantages of each choice as it applies to their individual circumstance. Clinical judgment should be used in patients with poor performance status and known limited life expectancy as to the optimal approach that will provide the best quality of life for the maximum duration but with acceptable risks to the patient.

The prognosis of breast cancer in males. A report of 335 cases.

Background: Because of the relative rarity of breast cancer in males, data have not been sufficient to support a definitive analysis of pertinent prognostic factors. Remarkably, no studies of male patients with breast cancer have presented survival information based on the number of histologically positive axillary nodes, the most sensitive single indicator of prognosis in women with breast cancer.

Methods: In this study, the clinical course of breast cancer was documented for 335 male patients registered from 1965 through 1986.