OBJECTIVE: To determine normal Filipino values of globe positioning in the orbit using Computed Tomography.

METHODS: 58 individuals were divided into age groups below 20 and 20 and above. CT images with constant settings were obtained. The distance between the lateral orbital rims (A), the shortest distance between line A and the corneal center (B), medial and lateral orbital rims (C),and the distance between line C and the corneal apex crossing the center of the lens (D) were measured, and the BIA and D/C ratios calculated. The mean, median, and range in millimeters were grouped in terms of age, sex,and laterality.

RESULTS: Between the age groups, there was a significant difference in the average values of A, B,and C, but not the B/A and D/C ratios. Gender comparison for group 2 showed statistical difference in the average values of Band C,but not the A, D, BIA and D/C ratios. All the parameters in both groups showed no significant difference when the right and left eyes were compared.

CONCLUSION: Age group comparison showed statistically significant difference in the average values of A, B,and C which may be attributable to growth changes. Gender comparison in group 2 showed significant difference in Band C. Males had a greater degree of protrusion than females. The right and left eye showed no significant difference in any of the measured parameters. Throughout the study, both BIA and D/C ratios showed no significant difference among gender and age suggesting that such ratios may be used as an index for setting normal globe positioning in the orbit.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Orbit ; Cornea ; Lens, Crystalline ; Rbbp8 Protein, Human ; Nuclear Proteins ; Tomography, X-ray Computed ; Tomography.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of patients treated with a short course (<10 fractions) of palliative radiotherapy during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another aim of the study is to compare patients treated with short-course and long-course palliative radiotherapy in terms of the site and volume irradiated. Methods: An ambispective study comprised 23 patients treated with short-course palliative radiotherapy from March 2020 to February 2021. The retrospective aspect of this study included a review of medical records and radiotherapy plans, while the prospective part involved communication with patients or legally authorized representatives via phone call. Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related information were gathered. Results: Of 92 patients receiving palliative radiotherapy, 23 were treated with a short course, while 69 were planned for at least ten fractions. Of the 23 patients receiving short-course radiotherapy, most had colorectal (35%) and head and neck (26%) primary malignancies. The most commonly treated sites were the pelvis (24%), vertebral bones (21%), and head and neck masses (21%), and the most common indications were pain (45%) and bleeding (32%). The majority were treated with 20 Gy in 5 fractions (42%) and 25 Gy in 5 fractions (38%). Complete resolution of symptoms was observed in 43% of cases, and more than half reported no side effects (58%). Median survival was 71 days. All patients treated in the lung, stomach, and brain underwent a long course of palliative radiotherapy. Patients with a long course also had higher mean irradiated volumes (1871 cm3 vs. 2150 cm3). Conclusion In this single institution review, a short course of palliative radiotherapy was proven to provide good symptom control with few side effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its use should be strongly considered, especially in patients with poor performance status, transportation difficulties, and limited life expectancy.
COVID-19

Background: The global economy has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which proved to be more than a public health crisis. Volume and gross income have also declined in the health service sector including the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy divisions of the radiology departments in other countries. Objective: This study determined the change in volume and gross income of the Radiology Department of a tertiary hospital which was designated as a COVID-19 referral center in the Philippines. Methodology: Monthly records of the profit centers of the Radiology Department were reviewed noting the volume and gross income one year before and during the first year of the pandemic. Results: Records were successfully retrieved for the volume of procedures and revenue for each profit center from one year before the pandemic (from March 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020) and the first year of the pandemic (from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021). There was a total reduction of 120,046 procedures conducted and Php 84,837,614.16 in revenues generated between the two periods. This is equivalent to a 61.98% (range: 47.92% to 83.37%) decrease in the volume of procedures and a 45.02% (range: 31.08% to 77.86%) decrease in revenue. These changes were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline of all profit centers in the Radiology Department. The decline was associated with changes in quarantine restrictions. Data from this study may help the administration of the institution or other institutions to conduct their own studies and cope with future pandemics of similar magnitude or further surges of the current pandemic on decisions regarding budget and resource allocation.
COVID-19

Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of patients treated with a short course (<10 fractions) of palliative radiotherapy during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another aim of the study is to compare patients treated with short-course and long-course palliative radiotherapy in terms of the site and volume irradiated. Methods: An ambispective study comprised 23 patients treated with short-course palliative radiotherapy from March 2020 to February 2021. The retrospective aspect of this study included a review of medical records and radiotherapy plans, while the prospective part involved communication with patients or legally authorized representatives via phone call. Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related information were gathered. Results: Of 92 patients receiving palliative radiotherapy, 23 were treated with a short course, while 69 were planned for at least ten fractions. Of the 23 patients receiving short-course radiotherapy, most had colorectal (35%) and head and neck (26%) primary malignancies. The most commonly treated sites were the pelvis (24%), vertebral bones (21%), and head and neck masses (21%), and the most common indications were pain (45%) and bleeding (32%). The majority were treated with 20 Gy in 5 fractions (42%) and 25 Gy in 5 fractions (38%). Complete resolution of symptoms was observed in 43% of cases, and more than half reported no side effects (58%). Median survival was 71 days. All patients treated in the lung, stomach, and brain underwent a long course of palliative radiotherapy. Patients with a long course also had higher mean irradiated volumes (1871 cm3 vs. 2150 cm3). Conclusion In this single institution review, a short course of palliative radiotherapy was proven to provide good symptom control with few side effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its use should be strongly considered, especially in patients with poor performance status, transportation difficulties, and limited life expectancy.
COVID-19 pandemic ; short course

OBJECTIVE: Measurement of kidney size by ultrasonography is an important parameter in the renal evaluation of patients. This study aims to establish the average size of kidneys of healthy adult Filipinos and examine the factors that influence it.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study
SETTING: Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Department of Radiology, UP-PGH Medical Center, a tertiary government hospital
PARTICIPANTS: 264 healthy Filipino adults underwent kidney ultrasound after preliminary screening by history, physical examination, urinalysis, and serum creatinine
RESULTS: Renal sizes and volume were measured by ultrasound in 105 males and 159 females, with ages ranging from 18 to 75 years old. The left kidney was significantly larger than the right for mean length but not for width or thickness. Except for cortical thickness, renal length (L=98 mm, R=96mm vs. L=95mm, R=93mm), width (L=48mm, R=49mmvs. L=46mm,R=46mm), and thickness (L=43mm, R=42 mm vs. L=39 mm, R=39 mm) were significantly larger in males compared to females. While the gender differences persisted when corrected for age and body mass index, this disappeared when corrected for total body area. With advancing age, there was minimal shortening but significant increases in width and thickness (renal shape index)
CONCLUSION: Our study provides estimates of the average kidney size for normal adult Filipinos. The average kidney size of Filipinos is smaller than that of Caucasians for length (L=96mm vs. 112 mm, R=94mm vs. 109mm) and for width (L=47mm vs. 58mm, R=48mm vs. 57mm). Males have larger kidneys than females but the gender difference disappeared when corrected for total body area. Height but not weight has a significant influence on kidney size. With advancing age, kidneys tend to increase in width and thickness with no significant decrease in length or volume.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Kidney ; Radiology ; Adult ; Ultrasonography ; Patients