Prognostic Alternative Splicing Signatures in Esophageal Carcinoma

Alternative splicing (AS) is a method of increasing the number of proteins that the genome is capable of coding for, by altering the pre-mRNA during its maturation. This process provides the ability of a broad range of proteins to arise from a single gene. AS events are known to occur in up to 94% of human genes. Cumulative data have shown that aberrant AS functionality is a major factor in human diseases. This review focuses on the contribution made by aberrant AS functionality in the development and progression of esophageal cancer. The changes in the pattern of expression of alternately spliced isoforms in esophageal cancer can be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Additionally, these can be used as targets for the development of new treatments for esophageal cancer.

Outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a resource constrained environment

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a common surgical procedure performed for symptomatic gallstones. There is a trend towards early cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis who present timeously. Local inflammation has been identified as a risk factor for bile duct injuries. This study sought to assess the outcomes of LC in patients managed within a resource constrained environment where late presentation is common.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed from January 2010 to June 2011. The mode of presentation, co-morbidities, timing of cholecystectomy and complications were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty seven patients were evaluated. The median age was 43 years with range (17-78) years and 93% were female and 7% male. There were 44%, 23%, 20% and 13% who presented with biliary colic, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis and obstructive jaundice respectively. Nine (5.4%) patients required conversion to an open cholecystectomy. Complications occurred in 16.2% and bile duct injuries and bile leaks in 1.2% and 1.8% respectively. One patient died.

CONCLUSION

Most patients had a delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was no difference in outcomes for the different presentations and the complications are similar to other reports.

The early management of pancreatitis associated with hypertriglyceridaemia

INTRODUCTION

In triglyceridaemia-associated pancreatitis, decreasing the serum triglyceride level below 5.65 mmol/l alleviates abdominal pain and is purported to improve outcome. We analysed hypertriglyceride level normalisation and outcome in a patient cohort of acute pancreatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients presenting with pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridaemia were assessed. All patients with presenting triglycerides levels >10 mmol/l were assessed for resolution to a level below 5.65 mmol/l at days 3 and 5. Patients with triglyceride levels in excess of 10 mmol/l were treated with either standard supportive therapy or an insulin dextrose infusion.

RESULTS

In the period June 2001 to April 2008, there were 503 admissions of 439 patients with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis; 26 (6%) had hypertriglyceridaemia >10 mmol/l at admission. Standard therapy was used in all patients; in 6 patients, it was the sole therapy. A dextrose and insulin infusion was used in 20 cases. On day 3, 7 (32%) of the measured triglyceride levels had fallen below 5.65 mmol/l and, on day 5, all but 4 (83%) were <5.65 mmol/l. Three patients died.

CONCLUSION

Standard therapy was equivalent to the use of dextrose and insulin in the resolution of hypertriglyceridaemia. Our methods to reduce triglyceride levels produce morbidity and mortality rates similar to those attained when alternate lipid-lowering strategies are employed.