The best fitted equation for AFP, b-hCG and uE3 are as follows: predicted median = 2.675 10((0.153 x GA in week)), r = 0.979; 10((-0.717 + 57.487/GA in week)), r = 0.991; and 10((5.678-69.346/GA in week)), r = 0.997, respectively. The models were properly applied

to another group of 302 Thai women, signifying that they were reliable models. The weight-adjusted gestation-specific medians derived from Caucasian models were significantly higher than those based on Thai models and the false positive rate could be reduced from 10 to 7.1% when Thai models were applied.

Conclusion: Thai reference ranges of triple screen markers as a function of gestational age as well as weight correction models have been established. The Caucasian reference range, even after weight correction, gives a positive BEZ235 rate that is much higher than that it should be, strongly suggesting the need for ethnicity-specific medians.”
“OBJECTIVE: Delirium is a common and critical clinical syndrome

in older patients. We examined whether abnormalities in the brain that could be assessed by magnetic resonance imaging predisposed patients to develop delirium Selleckchem ATM/ATR inhibitor after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We also analysed the association between delirium and cognitive dysfunction after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on 153 patients aged 60 years or older who consecutively underwent elective isolated coronary

artery bypass graft surgery. All patients selleck inhibitor were assessed for prior cerebral infarctions and craniocervical artery stenosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography of their brains. Atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta was examined by epiaortic ultrasound at the time of surgery. Individual cognitive status was measured using four tests in all the patients before surgery and on the seventh postoperative day. A single psychiatrist diagnosed delirium using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition IV criteria.

RESULTS: Postoperative delirium occurred in 16 patients (10.5%). Compared with patients who did not develop postoperative delirium, delirious patients had significantly higher rates of peripheral artery disease, preoperative decline in global cognitive function and pre-existing multiple cerebral infarctions on MRI. In addition, 9 (56%) of the delirious patients suffered postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Stepwise logistic regression analysis found significant independent predictors of postoperative delirium to be preoperative cerebral infarcts on MRI (odds ratio [OR], 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-4.78), preoperative decline in global cognitive function (OR 4.54; 95% CI 1.21-16.51) and atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.03-5.62).