Siriraj Medical Journal

4-6

Authors: Tanawan Kummalue, M.D., Penporn Sujiwatanarat, M.S., Pattara Wongcharoen, M.S., Paisal Parichatikanond, M.D., Jutamanee Ngernmeesri, M.S., Sathien Sukpanichnant, M.D.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to elucidate the genotype of K-ras gene in Thailand colorectal cancer tissue samples, especially in exon 2, which has never before been reported. Methods: 106 patientsั samples in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks were investigated in this study. DNA was extracted and PCR was performed by using primers specific for the K-ras gene at exon 2. Direct sequencing was performed in a Genetic Analyser ABI3130 with specific software. Results: The mutation of K-ras exon 2 gene in Thailand colorectal cancer samples accounted for 37.7% of the total. The most common mutation found in this series was the G➞A transition which accounted for 70%. Conclusion: The incidence of K-ras exon 2 mutation in Thailand colorectal cancer samples was remarkedly similar to previous reports.

12-16

Authors: Tanita Thaweethamcharoen, M.Pharm, Rungpetch Sakulbumrungsil, Ph.D., Somkiat Vasuvattakul, M.D., Cherdchai Nopmaneejumruslers, M.D.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of the quality of life (QOL), and hemoglobin (Hb) level of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews using a Kidney Disease Quality of Life - Short Form (KDQOL-SF™1.3) questionnaire (which consisted of SF-36 and kidney disease questionnaires) were conducted during November-December 2009 with 152 patients receiving hemodialysis at Siriraj hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. QOL measures were compared in stepwise Hb levels of ≤9, >9 to 10, >10 to 11, >11 to 12, and >12 g/dl. Scores of QOL and Hb level were examined for the relationship and statistical significance by using ANOVA. Results: The increasing Hb levels are statistically significant increases in kidney disease domain scores on the kidney disease component of the questionnaire (p=0.042). About the SF36 component, the difference between 5 groups of Hb levels were significant in the general health (p=0.023), role emotion (p=0.015), social functioning (p=0.008), and mental component summary scores (p=0.039). Conclusion: The difference of the Hb levels were statistically significant differences in the effects of kidney disease, general health, role emotion, and social function scores, and mental component summary scores of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire. However, a long-term assessment should be considered. These findings have implications for the care of hemodialysis patients in terms of the initiation of the Hb target of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy.

20-24

Authors: Nittaya Phanuphak, M.D.*, Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, M.D.**, Sarawut Boonsuk, M.D.***, Surasith Chaithongwongwatthana, M.D., Tanate Jadwattanakul, M.D., Sorakij Bhakeecheep, M.D., Praphan Phanuphak, M.D., Ph.D.

No abstract available.

32-37

Authors: Sirinthorn Tabtimsuwan, R.N., Bunpot Sitthinamsuwan, M.D., M.Sc., Ekawut Chankaew, M.D.

No abstract available.