The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
-
J Assoc Physicians India · Jan 2006
Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) in lymphoproliferative malignancies: Tata Memorial experience.
Rituximab has been used extensively in lymphoproliferative disorders. We evaluated the results of 64 consecutive patients treated between 2001 and 2004 at our institution. This included 54 males and 10 females. ⋯ One patient had stable disease and progressive disease was documented in 17 patients. A total of seven patients died, three due to progressive disease, three due to chemotherapy related toxicity and one due to an unrelated cause. We conclude that Rituximab is a valuable addition to the treatment armamentarium of lymphoproliferative disorders.
-
Fever is defined as a core body temperature of >38.3 degrees C or 101 degrees F. About 50% of fevers in the ICU are due to infectious causes. Absence of fever in patients with infection heralds a poor prognosis. ⋯ Fever should be distinguished from hyperthermia as antipyretics are ineffective in the latter. Inappropriate use of antibiotics selects resistant bacterial strains, but delay in treating infection could increase mortality. A structured approach is therefore required in order to correctly diagnose and treat fever in critically ill patients.
-
Plus minus lid syndrome is an ocular syndrome characterized by unilateral ptosis and contralateral lid retraction. Also when the ipsilateral lid is raised manually, the contralateral retracted lid does not revert. This patient presented with features of plus minus lid syndrome with ataxia due to a vascular mesencephalic lesion.
-
Suicidal hanging is an uncommon medical emergency with significant neurological morbidity. The aim of the study was to identify factors that have a bearing on the final outcome. ⋯ Suicidal hanging is an unusual medical emergency that is common among young individuals in developing countries. Our study indicates that a delayed presentation to a medical facility and a low GCS at presentation predict a poor outcome.