The British journal of surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Prospective randomized study of sulindac versus calcium and calciferol for upper gastrointestinal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis.
Eighteen patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) who had previously undergone colectomy but had upper gastrointestinal polyps were studied in a double-blind randomized crossover trial comparing sulindac with calcium and calciferol. Sulindac produced a reduction in the crypt proliferation index in the gastric epithelium of patients but did not significantly affect duodenal mucosa. Calcium with calciferol did not have any effects on crypt proliferation index in patients with FAP.
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Despite the increasing emphasis that is placed on both pH measurement and oesophageal manometry, there is little consensus about their usefulness in the clinical setting. These tests are far from infallible and it is difficult to support their universal application in patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease. Nevertheless, these imperfect tests are useful in certain situations and clinicians must strive to use them intelligently for those most likely to benefit.
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Quality of life following resection of oesophageal carcinoma was assessed by patients using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and by a psychologist using the Spitzer Index. Quality of life was evaluated in 119 patients on one occasion 12 months after operation and in 30 patients regularly, starting with a preoperative assessment. Self and external evaluation showed a significant correlation (r = 0.61), but quality of life was assessed as being higher by the external observer. ⋯ Of several factors analysed only tumour recurrence (P < 0.01) and anastomotic stricture (P < 0.05) lowered quality of life significantly. Compared with the preoperative assessment, quality of life had decreased on discharge from hospital but was restored within 6 months of operation in disease-free patients. Further studies are required to determine the impact of adjuvant therapy for quality of life in patients undergoing surgery for oesophageal cancer.
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Multiple bilateral fibroadenomas are uncommon. This finding in four women who had received renal transplants prompted further inquiry. A prospective study was performed on 39 women under the age of 55 years who had received a renal transplant at least 1 year earlier. ⋯ No abnormal breast findings were seen in 10 patients immunosuppressed with steroids and azathioprine alone (chi 2 = 7.30, 1 d.f., P < 0.01). Serum oestradiol concentration was raised in women with fibroadenomas compared with that in those with normal breasts (P < 0.05) and the level of FSH was lower (P < 0.01). Cyclosporin A may act on breast fibroblasts by humoral mechanisms and direct action.