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P Sebastian

Publications and source records attributed to P Sebastian.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Influence of plasma GSH level on acute radiation mucositis of the oral cavity.

PURPOSE: To see how pretreatment plasma GSH level influences the severity of acute radiation mucositis of the oral cavity during therapeutic irradiation in patients with oral cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity form the subject material. Radical radiotherapy (60 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks) was given using telecobalt. Pretreatment plasma GSH level was measured by Beutler's method. The normal tissue reaction during radiotherapy was monitored and graded. RESULTS: The GSH levels ranged from 10.6-90.5 microM/L (mean 30.6 microM/L). Those who had higher GSH levels developed less severe mucositis. The mean GSH levels in the groups with different severity of reactions were: Grade 2 (four patients) = 50.7 microM/L; Grade 3 (five patients) = 26.1 microM/L; Grade 4 (two patients) = 20.4 microM/L and Grade 5 (two patients) = 26.1 microM/L; Grade 4 (two patients) = 20.4 microM/L and Grade 5 (two patients) = 13.6 microM/L. CONCLUSION: Plasma GSH estimation has the potential to predict individual sensitivity to acute radiation mucositis and may particularly be useful in hyperfractionated regimes. The study also affirms the radioprotective role of GSH and suggests that this effect is either due to protection against membrane lipid peroxidation (since GSH does not enter the cell freely) or DNA damage (fractionated radiotherapy may permit freer entry of GSH into cell).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

The sternomastoid island myocutaneous flap for oral cancer reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the sternomastoid island myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of defects after excision of oral cancer. PATIENTS: One hundred eleven superiorly based sternomastoid island myocutaneous flaps were used for one-stage primary reconstruction in 110 consecutive patients with oral cancer during a 53-month period from June 1985 to November 1989. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients had radiation therapy before surgery. One hundred six flaps were used for mucosal lining of the mouth and six flaps were used for providing skin cover. Flap-related complication developed in 38 patients (34.5%). Total flap loss occurred in eight patients (7.3%). Radical irradiation before surgery significantly increased flap-related complications. Low-molecular-weight dextran did not improve flap survival. After a minimum follow-up of 24 months, nine patients (8.2%) had recurrences in the ipsilateral neck. The flap could easily reach the oral cavity without producing tension on the suture line. The flap also did not produce excessive bulk in the mouth or on the face. CONCLUSION: In a selected group of patients with a clinically N0 neck, the sternomastoid island myocutaneous flap is oncologically safe and it gives satisfactory cosmetic and functional results with no lasting morbidity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of symptomatology in planning palliative care.

Cross-sectional surveys are a useful tool in planning health care, both in the community and in hospitals. We found that a review of routine case records did not yield sufficient information for planning palliative care services in the hospital environment, and therefore decided to conduct a cross-sectional survey involving random patients attending the outpatient division of the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, India. Three hundred and twelve patients were interviewed, and pain and weight loss were found to be the most prominent symptoms (> 90%). This study indicates that symptomatology has to be addressed in detail while planning palliative care services in a hospital setting. Even with its selection bias, the study provides valuable clues for the adequate organization and continuation of palliative care services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Unusual multiple metastases from malignant pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

A case of malignant pleomorphic adenoma of the left parotid gland which metastasized to the kidney and multiple subcutaneous sites is presented. The patient presented as an acute emergency due to spontaneous rupture of the kidney containing metastasis. All the distant metastatic lesions were confined to the right side of the body.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1991

Evaluation of salvage surgery in heavily irradiated cancer of the buccal mucosa.

This report describes the authors' experience with salvage surgery in 78 patients with carcinoma of the buccal mucosa who failed after high-dose radical radiation therapy at Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, India. Forty-four patients (56%) required a hemimandibulectomy for adequate tumor clearance. Fifty-four patients (69%) required a primary reconstructive procedure for wound closure. Follow-up periods ranged from 28 months to 63 months (median follow-up, 41 months). Thirteen patients (17%) developed nonfatal postoperative complications. Thirty-one patients recurred after surgery, five of whom were again salvaged by further surgery. Overall, the recurrence rate was 36%. Most of the recurrences (26/31) were at the primary site. The overall 5-year actuarial disease-free survival after salvage surgery was 59.7%. T stage of the recurrent tumor and its skin infiltration emerged as factors which significantly influenced disease-free survival (P less than 0.05).

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A simple test of cocaine craving and related responses.

This study evaluated a self-rated instrument for assessing perceived craving, mood, energy, and health levels in patients who are withdrawing from cocaine addiction. The instrument consisted of four 20-centimeter line scales. Twenty-five patients in a 28-day inpatient addictions treatment unit were chosen at random points in their treatment and given a chance to rate themselves on each scale by making a mark on a line that corresponded to their self-perception. Each patient performed two self-assessment, one day apart. The scores for each scale were correlated and found to be highly reliable. Surprisingly, none of the other three scale scores had a strong relationship with craving, and possible reasons for this result are discussed.

Affect↗
PubMed1980

Medical correlates and diabetic retinopathy screening.

A systematic ophthalmological, medical, and biochemical screening of a rural population of diabetics in Western Australia is being carried out. A team of ophthalmologists, physicians, and paramedical personnel establish regional screening centres on a voluntary basis at weekends. Every attempt is made to locate and examine all known diabetics. All patients are given a thorough ophthalmic examination including standard multiple field colour fundus photography. Thorough physical examination includes assessment of cardiovascular and neurological status. Biochemical parameters include random blood sugar, urine analysis, serum creatinine, glycosylated haemoglobin, cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein. A detailed questionnaire and interview is carried out to assess the historical degree of control and the patient's knowledge of the control and management of diabetes. The sample now comprises an unselected population of 400 diabetics living in rural areas and allows comparison of areas which have scarce medical services with centres that are well supplied with medical practitioners. Incidence of retinopathy varies from 25 to 36 per cent of the diabetic population. Positive correlations of retinopathy have been found with duration, age, hypertension, level of control assessed biochemically at the time of examination, presence of ischaemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, and renal disease. Smoking also correlates positively. The data provide a baseline by which attempts to alter diabetic knowledge, management, and control may be measured in follow-up studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Recent results of oral cancer research in Kerala, India.

Findings from a research program in oral cancer at Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India are reviewed. There is evidence of immune impairment in oral cancer patients. Plant lectins are being investigated for specific binding characteristics in various oral precancers and different histological subtypes of oral cancer. Tobacco and alcohol have been identified as the major risk factors for oral cancer. The chemopreventive potential of carotenoids and retinoids have been evaluated in oral leucoplakias. Beta-carotene and vitamin A in heavier doses induced remission of oral leukoplakias in 25%-50% of trial participants who continued with their tobacco and alcohol habits during the trial. The remission could be maintained with lower doses. Less than 20% of our patients with oral cancer were initially seen in localized stages. Various community-oriented programs for prevention of primary and secondary oral cancers are being evaluated. These include antitobacco health education, oral self-examination, and oral examination by trained volunteers. The results of radical radiotherapy and surgical salvage of radiation failure are also discussed. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of 34% is a reflection of the advanced stages of the disease when initially seen. Salvage rates with surgery for radiation failures were encouraging.

Humans↗