Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
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To explore the relevance of cerebrospinal fluid to serum glucose ratio in non-hypoglycorrhachic conditions. ⋯ A lowered cerebrospinal fluid to serum glucose ratio is often seen in the absence of an appropriate disorder, especially when simultaneous serum glucose concentration is elevated. This may be explained by the saturation kinetics of glucose transportation in hyperglycaemia, and the time lag for cerebrospinal fluid and glucose to equilibrate when the blood level fluctuates.
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To determine the anti-tumour efficacy and safety profile of temozolomide in local Chinese patients with recurrent malignant glioma. DESIGN. Open-label trial. ⋯ Twenty-two patients with recurrent malignant glioma were recruited between January 2001 and July 2004. Progression-free survival at 6 months was 54.5%. The mean progression-free survival for all patients was 7.2 months. The objective response rate, determined by gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging, was 9% for patients demonstrating a complete or partial response and a further 45% for patients demonstrating stable disease. Temozolomide was well tolerated orally with minimal adverse events. CONCLUSION. Preliminary results showed that temozolomide had an acceptable safety profile and anti-tumour activity in recurrent malignant glioma in local Chinese population. The results were comparable with those of western studies.
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To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition in geriatric patients admitted to a convalescent and rehabilitation hospital. ⋯ Malnutrition was common in the geriatric patients studied and was associated with an increased mortality. The Chinese Mini Nutritional Assessment was a useful screening tool to exclude malnutrition. Significant risk factors of malnutrition were total dependence, living in a home for the elderly, and being chair- or bed-bound.