Serum soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 and placental growth factor concentration as predictors of preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women.

Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) contribute in the development of preeclampsia and are suggested as prediction markers in healthy pregnant women but limited data is available in women with major preeclampsia risk factors. This study aimed to determine the role of sFlt-1 and PlGF in predicting preeclampsia among high risk pregnant women. This was a prospective study and samples were collected for a period of ten months.

Lymphangioma: Is intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy effective?

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy in the treatment of lymphangioma in children and to determine the incidence of complications in the treatment.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 24 children diagnosed with lymphangioma and treated with intralesional injection of bleomycin aqueous solution from January 1999 to December 2004.

Results: Complete resolution was seen in 63% (15/24) of lesions, 21% (5/24) had good response and 16% (4/24) had poor response.

Correlation of serum insulin like growth factor-I with retinopathy in Malaysian pregnant diabetics.

Aim: To study the association of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: Serum IGF-1 levels were measured in 25 pregnant diabetic patients and 25 pregnant non-diabetic patients who were matched for age, ethnicity, parity and period of gestation. Fundus examination was performed in both groups at 28, 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Piper sarmentosum as an antioxidant on oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Endothelial cell death due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to the initial endothelial injury, which promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation. Piper sarmentosum (PS), a natural product, has been shown to have an antioxidant property, which is hypothesized to inhibit production of ROS and prevent cell injury. Thus, the present study was designed to determine the effects of PS on the hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced oxidative cell damage in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Invasive aspergillosis in paediatric oncology patients.

Invasive aspergillosis predominantly occurs in immunocompromised patients and is often resistant to different therapeutically strategies. However, mortality significantly increases if the central nervous system is affected. In this report we describe two cases of invasive aspergilosis, one with kidney involvement with a successful treatment while the other with pulmonary and cerebral involvement with a grave outcome.

Perioperative mortality review in relation to pregnancy-related deaths.

Pregnancy-related deaths in four published perioperative mortality review reports were analysed. The aim is to look at the quality of surgical and anaesthetic services along with the perioperative care provided. The audit identified shortfalls in the logistic and support services and recommended remedial strategies.

The treatment of neck lymphangioma with intralesional injection of bleomycin.

We report our experience with intralesional injection of bleomycin in the treatment of neck lymphangioma. From May 1995 to April 1998, 11 patients aged between 6 to 22 months were treated with intralesional bleomycin injection. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were used to assess and select the cases suitable for sclerotherapy.

Tumoral cystitis in children.

Three children aged 3-11 years had ultrasonography of the urinary tract for the investigation of dysuria and haematuria. A bladder mass was seen in these 3 children. One child had computed tomography scan, cystoscopy and bladder biopsy because rhabdomyosarcoma was considered.