SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Prognostic role of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine in patients with solid tumors
Ma et al analyze the heterogeneous functions of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) from different origins and in different tumor. A total of 26 studies including 5,939 patients were enrolled in the present meta-analysis. Tumor-derived SPARC overexpression was significantly related with poor overall survival, and a similar tendency was also observed in disease-free survival. However, the hazard ratios for overall survival and disease-free survival did not present a statistical trend in stromal SPARC overexpression. For the majority of solid tumors, SPARC in cancer cells may be an unfavorable indicator for long-term survival for patients. As for stromal expression, SPARC indicates a poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer, but a better disease-free survival in colorectal cancer.
see page 755
Forest plot of the associations between tumoral secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine over expression and overall survival in the cancer cell group
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Survival of mechanically ventilated patients admitted to intensive care units
Ismaeil et al estimate the survival of adult and pediatric patients receiving mechanical ventilation. A total of 262 adults and 175 pediatric patients were admitted to intensive care units and received mechanical ventilation during the study period. The overall mortality for adult patients was 37%, with a median survival time of 11 days. While for the pediatric population, the mortality rate was 17%, with a median survival time of 16 days. Both patient age and the causes of the initiation of mechanical ventilation were influencing the survival of patients who required mechanical ventilation.
see page 781
Kaplan-Meier curves of the probability of survival over time for all mechanical ventilated patients (adult and pediatric) admitted to the intensive care unit.
Validity of maximal oxygen consumption prediction equations in young Saudi females
Almakhaita et al determine the applicability of Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman predictive equations for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in Saudi females. The difference between the mean and standard deviation (±SD) VO2max values of the direct measurement, and the Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman equations, was statistically significant (p<0.001). Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman equations for prediction of VO2max cannot be justified in the studied population. For the better prediction of VO2max, either these equations should be modified, or a new equation should be developed for the Saudi population.
see page 789
Bland-altman plot showing the difference between actual VO2max and VO2max predicted by Jones.
CASE REPORT
Unexpected extensive hemorrhage from a subcapsular hematoma of the liver during emergent laparotomy in a premature neonate
Park et al present a subcapsular hematoma of the liver is often found during autopsy in stillborn infants. Rupture of a subcapsular hematoma in a premature neonate causes massive intraabdominal hemorrhage, which is associated with high mortality. Thus, early recognition and treatment to avoid rupture are imperative. In view of the potential for life-threatening complications, timely detection and multidisciplinary collaboration for the establishment of treatment modalities to avoid rupture are essential to minimize morbidity and mortality.
see page 836
Preoperative abdominal sonography showed a subcapsular liver hematoma of 1.1cm x 0.5cm.
- Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal
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