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BACKGROUND: Uveal melanoma and its treatment can influence the physical and psychological well-being of patients in a way that differs from other cancers. Factors influencing quality of life (QOL) include visual impairment, changes in appearance, day-to-day functioning, ocular discomfort, and worry regarding disease recurrence. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study both general and disease-specific QOL in uveal melanoma patients in Ireland and compare QOL between a plaque radiotherapy group and an enucleation treatment group. This information was sought to enhance our understanding of QOL issues for uveal melanoma patients, in the context of improving care and providing appropriate psychosocial support. METHOD: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OPT30 were completed by patients with uveal melanoma treated by enucleation or brachytherapy. RESULTS: 138 of 206 patients completed the questionnaires. There was no significant difference in QOL scores between treatment groups. Thirty-two percent of patients reported concerns about tumour recurrence elsewhere in the body. The brachytherapy group had a significantly higher "role functioning" score (p = 0.030). Enucleation patients were more likely to have problems with appearance (p < 0.0005). Younger patients (12-54 years of age) were more likely to report headaches (p < 0.0005) and problems with reading (p = 0.042), and they had a lower cognitive functioning score (p = 0.003) than those aged ≥55 years. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in reported QOL between treatment groups. Our data identified a number of vulnerable patient subgroups. By anticipating which patients are more likely to suffer in terms of certain aspects of their QOL, we are better able to provide appropriate and timely psychosocial support.
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Anthropometric measurements of neonates are an important clinical tool for diagnosis of abnormally small or large neonates. This study aimed at finding the means of the anthropometric measurements among newborn babies in Khartoum state and to relate the tendency of the anthropometric parameters to maternal and paternal factors. This observational hospital-based study was carried out in 3 hospitals in Khartoum. Birth weights, crown-heel length and head circumference were taken from term neonates and questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with the mothers. Means of the sample and their associations with maternal and paternal factors were calculated using SPSS. In addition, the means were compared to WHO- MGRS (World health organization-multi growth reference standards). It was found that the average male newborn weighed 3.16kg with a range of 2.4kg to 4.1kg, measured 48.91cm in length with a range of 46.1cm to 51.4cm and measured 34.74cm in head circumference with a range of 32.3cm to 36.9cm. As for the females, the average newborn weighed 3.11kg with a range of 2.1kg to 4.2kg, measured 48.49cm in length with a range of 45.1cm to 51.7cm and measured 34.16cm in head circumference with a range of 32.3 to 36.4. These values were found to be statistically significant when compared with the WHO- MGR. We conclude that there was a difference observed in relation to Sudanese neonate's anthropometric parameters compared to WHO-MGR standards. Growth charts specific for Sudanese neonates are urgently needed.
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of pre-pregnancy counselling (PPC) on the health of diabetic women in early pregnancy as compared to their health at the time of PPC. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study involving all the diabetic women who attended PPC and subsequently become pregnant in the decade 1997-2007. The proforma had two sections: one for the PPC visit and one for the booking visit. Details on demographic factors, control and complications of diabetes, folic acid, current medication, weight, contraception, smoking and alcohol consumption were documented. RESULTS: Fifty-seven women who became pregnant after PPC were studied. There was optimisation of diabetic control with a significant reduction in HbA1c levels at booking as compared to PPC (7.5% vs 8.8%, p<0.0001). Diabetic surveillance (retinopathy and nephropathy screening) was up to date at the time of booking in >80% of the cases. Alteration of insulin regimes was undertaken in â¼ 1 in 5 women. Folic acid was taken by most patients (48/54) at booking. There was no significant reduction in the number of women who smoked at booking compared to PPC. CONCLUSION: The effect of PPC was evident in the improvements in the markers of health of diabetic women in early pregnancy compared to at the time of PPC.