[Cancer of the jaw and oral cavity in the Syrian Arab Republic: an epidemiological study]

Oral cancer ranks sixth globally among cancers in terms of prevalence. It is a challenge to physicians, a serious problem to patients and a human and financial loss to the community. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiological factors relating to oral cancer in the Syrian Arab Republic in line with the International Dental Federation recommendations which emphasize the need to focus efforts on oral cancer. The study, conducted between 1996 and 2001, involved outpatients with oral and jaw cancer at several government hospitals. Data were collected from the hospital archives, recorded on special forms and analysed. Recommendations are presented

Co-morbidity and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Saudi Arabia

To review the experience of a child psychiatric clinic regarding co-morbidity and treatment characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], a retrospective study was done on patients under 19 years who were attending the clinic and were diagnosed with ADHD. Co-morbidity and treatment characteristics were also studied. ADHD was diagnosed in 25.5% of the patients. Of these, 28.3% had coexistent expressive language disorder and 38.7% coexistent mild mental retardation. A psychostimulant [methylphenidate] was prescribed to 23.6% while antidepressants [primarily imipramine] were prescribed to 35.9%. Behavioural therapy was the most commonly offered psychotherapy. Antidepressants were used more than psychostimulants. Psychotropics had a more beneficial effect than psychotherapy

Breast cancer in Egypt: a review of disease presentation and detection strategies

Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent cancer among Egyptian women and constitutes 29% of National Cancer Institute cases. Median age at diagnosis is one decade younger than in countries of Europe and North America and most patients are premenopausal. Tumours are relatively advanced at presentation. The majority of tumours are invasive duct subtype and the profile of hormone receptors is positive for estrogen receptors and /or progesterone receptors in less than half of cases. This overview examines genetic changes, potential and established predictive and prognostic markers and end results of surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy for early, locally advanced and metastatic disease stages. Disease presentations common to the region and early detection strategies are presented

Bone infection

Osteomyelitis, or bone infection, affects all age groups and develops from various sources including haematogenously from distant infection foci, from external sources such as post-operative or post-traumatic wound infections and from adjoining soft tissue infections. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae are the most common pathogens of haematogenous osteomyelitis. Aerobic and facultative gram-negative bacteria have emerged as significant pathogens in some types of osteomyelitis while anaerobic bacteria are increasingly recognized as potential pathogens in non-haematogenous osteomyelitis. The emergence of antibiotic resistance is of increasing concern, although improvements in radiologic imaging, antibiotic treatment and heightened awareness have led to earlier detection such that long-term sequelae and morbidity are now primarily due to delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment

The role of vitamin A in enhancing humoral immunity produced by antirabies vaccine

We tested the effects of vitamin A supplementation on the antibody titre of 40 healthy volunteers [age range: 10-35 years], who had received a complete course of antirabies vaccine [5 injections over 30 days]. After determining the baseline serum vitamin A status of 80 volunteers, 20 pairs were matched for serum vitamin A level, body mass index, age, sex and socioeconomic status. One person from each pair was randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group received vitamin A and antirabies vaccine. Controls received only the vaccine. The experimental group had significantly greater [2.1 times] serum antirabies titre than controls. This finding is an important step towards improving the economy of dosage of antirabies vaccines