Surveillance for brain metastases in patients receiving systemic therapy for advanced melanoma.

The objectives of this study were to determine the cumulative incidence and timing of new brain metastases over the course of systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma and to identify prognostic factors for brain metastases. Chemo-naive patients underwent computed tomography or MRI of the brain every 6 weeks. The cumulative incidence of confirmed brain metastases was calculated at 12-week intervals.

Risk of intracranial hemorrhage with anticoagulation therapy in melanoma patients with brain metastases.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in melanoma patients with brain metastases (BM). The management of these patients is challenging because of the high risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and the limited data available on the safety of anticoagulation in this scenario. We reviewed the treatments and outcomes among melanoma patients with BM and VTE at our institution to determine the safety of anticoagulation in these patients.

Comparison of two dosing schedules of palonosetron for the prevention of nausea and vomiting due to interleukin-2-based biochemotherapy.

Background: Treatment of metastatic melanoma with interleukin-2-based biochemotherapy involves administration of a combination of moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapies over 5 days. Corticosteroids for the prevention of biochemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are contraindicated because they cause lysis of LAK cells produced in response to interleukin-2. Palonosetron is a long-acting, highly potent, second-generation serotonin receptor antagonist.

Cirrhosis in Werner's syndrome: an unusual presentation of premature aging.

Background: Werner's syndrome (WS) is an rare autosomal recessive, hereditary systemic disease with progeroid features, usually presenting in adolescence. It is associated with increased genetic instability and elevated risk of neoplasia. Clinical manifestations include sinall stature, scleroderma-like changes in the skin,juvenile cataracts, and premature aging.

Womens' beliefs and practices regarding food restrictions during pregnancy and lactation: a hospital based study.

Background: Maternal diet is an important determinant of outcomes of pregnancy. Malnutrition during pregnancy and its consequences maximally affect the health and long-term outcomes of the population. Low birth weight accounts for almost 30% of all births; with maternal malnutrition as a dominant risk factor.

Women s perception about food properties in a tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To understand the existing food beliefs regarding hot, cold and badi (gas-producing) properties of different food items and also to assess whether there is any relationship with education of women and these beliefs.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Community Health Center (CHC), The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from July to September 2000.

Women's beliefs regarding food restrictions during common childhood illnesses: a hospital based study.

Background: Malnutrition continues to be a major problem in Pakistan. Inadequate nutrition contributes substantially to childhood death and disease. Restriction of diet during common childhood illnesses further compromises the nutritional status of the child.