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Biomedical subjects

R A Persad

Publications and source records attributed to R A Persad.

40 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Erythrocyte stearic to oleic acid ratio in prostatic carcinoma.

The red cell membrane stearic acid to oleic acid ratio was analysed in 34 men with histologically proven carcinoma of the prostate and distant metastases. This ratio was expressed as the saturation index (SI). A mean SI of 0.97 was found in control patients without evidence of any malignancy whereas all patients with advanced prostatic cancer showed a reduced stearic to oleic acid ratio (mean SI 0.466). Untreated patients had a significantly lower SI (mean 0.36) than those who had responded to hormonal therapy (mean 0.547; P less than 0.0001). A drop in SI correlated well with more advanced disease as judged by radiological findings and serum PSA. It is suggested that red cell membrane SI correlates well with radiological and biochemical markers of advanced prostatic carcinoma and may be used as a marker to assess progress and response to treatment.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Appendicitis and occult carcinoma of the caecum.

Appendicitis can occur rarely in association with carcinoma of the caecum, particularly in the elderly. If this possibility is not appreciated and thorough laparotomy is not carried out at the time of initial surgery, an early malignant lesion may go unrecognised. In this situation, if appendicectomy is performed, it will need to be revised to a right hemicolectomy at a later date. Survival chances are then affected adversely due to the possibility of early dissemination of malignant disease through the breaching of intestinal integrity and tumour cell spillage. Two cases are reported where carcinomatous recurrence occurred in the appendicectomy wound, probably as a result of initial appendicectomy at which the co-existent caecal neoplasm was missed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Imaging assessment of uncomplicated bladder outflow obstruction.

To assess the impact of the use of plain X-ray films and ultrasound examinations on clinical decision-making in patients referred with symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction. Patients with symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction were recruited prospectively. After clinical assessment they underwent standard investigations of plain X-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and upper and lower urinary tract ultrasound. A management decision was made on the basis of all results. These decisions were then reviewed with specific reference to radiological findings to assess the role of imaging in the decision-making process. A total of 320 men were recruited for the study. X-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder detected 10 upper tract calculi, none of which has required active intervention to date. Four bladder calculi were detected. Two of these were also seen on ultrasound scan: one was small and insignificant, the other had caused microscopic haematuria, necessitating cystoscopy regardless of the X-ray findings. Upper tract ultrasound revealed abnormalities and anatomical variants which did not affect management. Four patients had upper tract dilatation but these had already had surgery planned on the basis of other investigations, including residual urine volume determination by lower tract ultrasound. Lower urinary tract ultrasound should be the only routine imaging used in the initial assessment of patients with bladder outflow obstruction, with consequent implications of reduced patient stress and reduced investigation cost.

Aged↗