[ effect of Valerian on the anxiety and depression symptoms of the menopause in women referred to Shahrekord medical centers]

Background: Anxiety and depression as the most common psychological disorders are associated with gynecologic problems. Women, especially in this age usually increasingly tend to be treated with some herbal compounds and nutritional supplements

Objective: The present study aims to determine the effect of Valerian on anxiety and depressive symptoms in menopausal women referred to Shahrekord medical centers

Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was carried out on women referred to Shahrekord medical center. In present study, 48 eligible women aged 45 to 62 years have been divided randomly into two groups [29 in Valerian and 19 in placebo]. The information was completed via demographic questionnaire, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, and Beck depression inventory before and 2 months after treatment. The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney Tests and Wilcoxon tests using SPSS 11.5 software

Results: According to the findings of the present study, both groups were match regarding to depression and anxiety levels at the first stages of the study [P> 0.05]. After the intervention, anxiety level and depressive symptoms were decreased significantly in valerian group [P=0.001]

Conclusion: The results have shown that Valerian is effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression in menopausal women and could be considered as an alternative treatment

[Comparison of analgesic effect of valeriana officinalis and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea]

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common and frequently disabling condition among women in adolescence and reproductive age. Based on results of large epidemiological studies, it is estimated that over a half of the population of young women suffers from dysmenorrhea. Some people are now seeking alternatives to conventional medicine such as herbal drugs. Objective: This study was designed to compare the analgesic effect of Valeriana officinalis with Mefenamic acid in treatment of primary dysmenorrheal

Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was undertaken among 39 female aged 16 to 42 who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea referred to gynecology clinic in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Valeriana officinalis [n=18] and Mefenamicacid [n=21]. In intervention group, the patients took350mg Valerian three times a day, and in mefenamic group, the patients took 250 mg Mefenamic three times a day for three days[for three cycles], starting from the onset of bleeding or pain. Participants were followed for three cycles. Main outcome measures was the mean of pain severity at 3 months which recorded by Visual Analogue Scale

Results: There were no significant differences in age, menstural duration, menstural interval, and pain severity score at the beginning of the study in two groups [P>0.05]. After the intervention, findings of the study revealed statistically significant reductions in mean of pain score in Valeriana officinalis [P<0.001] and Mefenamic acid [P<0.001] groups, but this reduction had not significant differences between two groups [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Results shows that valerian has positive effect on treatment of primery dysmenorrheal. More clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis in primary dysmenorrheal

[Effects of eucalyptus camaldulensis exracts on trichimonas vaginalis growth in vitro]

Trichimonas vaginalis is a flagellate protozoa that cause trichomoniasis. Metronidazole which is drug of choice for treatment of this infection has many side effects so the patients are unsatisfied with its using, so it is necessary to seek for alternative drugs. Eucalyptus camaldulensis herb with strong anti-microbial affects is considered as an alternative drug. Investigating the effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as an alternative drug Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro. Eucalyptus camaldulensis extraction was prepared using perculasion method. In test tubes containing parasite culture medium different concentrations of the plant extract were added. In other test tubes metronidazole or extract solvent as controls were added. 100 live Trichomonas vaginalis added to each tube and all tubes kept in 37°C and tested for presence of the parasite every 24 hours up to 72 hours. For this purpose 10 microliter of each tube examined under microscope. in tubes with higher concentration of Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract and also in tube containing metronidazole no parasite was observed. In negative control tubes parasite had a normal growth. According to results of this study Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract had strong effects on Trichomonas vaginalis growth. Further investigation is recommended to use this plant as alternative drug for treatment of trichomoniasis

Evaluation of a simple belly-board device for reduction of small bowel inside rectal cancer radiotherapy fields

We evaluated the efficacy of a simple belly-board device [BED] designed and made in our department for reduction of small bowel inside the post-operative pelvic radiotherapy fields of rectal carcinomas. A very simple BBD was designed and manufactured in our department. It was made of acrylic glass, and was 128 cm long, 40 cm wide, and 9 cm high, with a 25x25 cm square opening, the lower border of which was set to be positioned about 3 cm above patients' iliac crest. Patients to be treated post-operatively for rectal cancers were simulated using oral contrast with and without the BBD for postero-anterior [PA] and lateral fields. The small bowel surface area [SBSA] inside the fields was measured and compared in the films with and without the BBD. Twenty-one patients, mean age 56 years, male-to-female ratio 2:1, 12 abdominoperineal [APR] and 9 low anterior resection [LAR], gave consent for this study. The mean SBSA were 7 and 13 cm[2] in the lateral fields and 29 and 60 cm[2] in the PA fields with and without the BBD, respectively [p = 0.001]. The mean reduction in SBSA was 61% in the lateral fields, 53% in the PA fields, and 57% in both lateral and PA fields [p<0.001]. The mean reduction in SBSA in lateral fields was 77% after LAR and 49% after APR [p=0.08]. This difference was not significant for PA fields. The only factor with a significant effect was operation type [LAR versus APR] for reduction of SBSA in lateral fields [p=0.05]. Gender, age, body mass index, and field sizes did not have a significant effect. The simple BBD could significantly reduce the SBSA inside the pelvic radiotherapy fields of rectal cancers. This reduction seems more pronounced after LAR in the lateral fields, compared to APR

Incidence of hypothyroidism after external radiation to thyroid region

In this study we evaluated the incidence of hypothyroidism in patients who received external beam radiation due to cancer, when radiation portals included thyroid gland. This prospective study was conducted from April 2004 to December 2005 among patients with head and neck or breast malignancies who referred to Radiation Oncology Department of Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini hospital, treated with external beam radiotherapy. All patients received radiation to the thyroid gland. Thyroid function was tested at the beginning of treatment, 3 months and 6 months after the completion of radiotherapy. In all 34 patients were included in the study. The median age of patients was 53 years. Eighteen patients were female and 16 were male. All patients received external radiotherapy. They received radiation ranging from 5000 cGY [14 patients 41.2%] to 7400 cGY [1 patient 2.9%] with median of 6000 cGY. Physical examination of thyroid at the beginning of treatment was normal and all of the patients were euthyroid. The results from TSH test showed significant difference at baseline, after 3 and 6 months follow-up [P =0.001]. The findings indicated that none of the patients developed hypothyroidism in a period of six months after completion of radiotherapy. However, it seems that 6 months fallow-up is early for judgment about evaluation of patients for hypothyroidism state and it needs further follow up for minimum of 12 months

Treatment results and epidemiologic factors in oral tongue cancer: analysis of 110 patients in cancer institute of Tehran

Tongue cancer is one of the most common cancers of the oral cavity, excluding lip, and the median age of the patients is approximately 60 years. Treatment results of a total of 110 patients with oral tongue cancer admitted to cancer Institute of Tehran University between 1999-2003 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were treated by surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy in a curative setting. The median age at the time of first visit was 67 years [range 27- 91years].51 patients [46.4%] were female and 59 [53.6%] were male. Primary treatment was surgery in 86 patients [78.2%], radiotherapy alone in 12 patients [10.9%], chemo radiation in 3 patients [2.7%] and chemotherapy [as neo adjuvant therapy] in 8 patients [7.3%]. Median dose of radiation in patients who received radiotherapy was 6000CGY in the range of [5000-7500 CGY]. Median of follow-up of patients was 10 months in range of [1-78] months. Local and loco-regional recurrence remains a major clinical problem in oral cavity tumors. Additional studies and detailed analysis of the selection criteria and treatment outcomes across trials are needed to define the best treatment modalities

[ effect of head and neck radiation therapy on salivary biochemical indicators]

Saliva plays a crucial role in preserving and maintaining oral health. Hyposalivation due to head and neck radiation therapy may induce changes to the biochemical properties of the saliva. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare saliva properties before and after radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancers. In this quasi experimental study, 18 patients [13 male, 5 female] with head and neck cancers were evaluated regarding the flow rate of saliva, buffering capacity, amylase, total protein, IgM, IgA, IgG and albumin concentration of saliva prior to and following radiotherapy by schirmer test, pH meter, biuret, turbidometry and spectrophotometry. The oral symptoms due to radiotherapy [xerostomia, loss of taste, difficulty in swallowing, eating and speaking] were evaluated according to the patients' complaints. S tatistical analysis of the results was performed with paired t test. There was statistically significant changes in flow rate [28.27 +/- 7.8 Vs 10.94 +/- 12.2], salivary buffering capacity [6.47 +/- 0.68 Vs 5.06 +/- 0.52], amylase [2536.5 +/- 707.9 Vs 1053.23 +/- 343.5] and IgM concentration [0.87 +/- 1.8 Vs 0.04 +/- 0.07] before and after radiation therapy [p

[Comparison of the effect of Hoku point [LI4] acupressure with that of San-Yin-Jiao [SP6] acupressure on labor pain and the length of delivery time in primiparous women]

Labor pain is very severe. Unrelieved labor pain can increase catecholamine levels and have adverse effects on the mother and infant. Labor pain is usually accompanied by fear, which can cause slow progress of labor. Analgesic medications are not prescribed because of their adverse effects on women and their infants. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Hoku Point [LI4] acupressure and San-Yin-Jiao [SP6] acupressure on pain intensity in primiparous women during the active phase of labor in Iran Hospital in Iranshahr city in 2008-2009. This was a randomized controlled trial and included 90 primiparous women in Iran Hospital in Iranshahr. The subjects were randomly assigned into 3 equivalent groups [n=30]: Hoku, SanYinJiao and control groups. Data of each woman were recorded in a questionnaire. Labor pain was measured by means of a subjective labor pain scale [VAS], before and after the intervention at the stages of 4, 5, 8 and 10 cm cervical dilation. Length of delivery time was calculated in two stages: from 4 cm cervical dilation to 10 cm cervical dilation, and 10cm cervical dilatation to the delivery. The SanYinJiao group received acupressure at SanYinJiao point [four-finger widths patient's fingers above the tip of the inner malleous, just posterior to the border of tibia above the ankle], for 20 minutes on two feet during contractions. Hoku group received acupressure at Hoku Point [over the area of the web of skin between the thumb and the forefinger] in the same manner on both hands of the subjects. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the severity of the pain and post intervention at 4 cm dilatation, and post intervention at 4, 6 and 8 cervical dilation in the 3 groups [p<0/001]. There was not a significant difference at the stage of 10 cm cervical dilation between the groups [p=0.7]. There was a significant difference in the duration of the active phase of labor between 3 groups [p<0/001]. There was not a significant difference in the length of delivery time between the groups [p=0.7]. According to the results of this study, it seems that acupressure affects the intensity of labor pain and shortens the duration of the active phase of labor. Also acupressure may be useful for the women who prefer a nonpharmacological analgesia without side-effects

[Benzydamine for prophylaxis of radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancers; a double-blind clinical trial]

This study has been conducted to determine the effect of using oral rinse benzydamine in prevention of radiation induced mucositis. Patients with head and neck cancers, who referred to Cancer Institute between 2004 and 2005, were enrolled in a double blind clinical trail. They had to receive 15 cc of oral rinse benzydamine or placebo, four times a day, from the first day of radiotherapy up to the end of the course. The incidence of mucositis grade 3 or more was evaluated. From 100 patients who were randomized in this trail, 19patients were excluded of the analysis due to minor side-effects of drug, or stopping the radiotherapy. The incidence of mucositis grade 3 or more was 43.6% among 39 cases in treated group, whereas among 42 cases in placebo group this rate was 78.6%. The difference was, therefore, significant [P<0.005]. Mucositis grade 3 or more was 1.8 times more frequent in placebo group [Relative Risk=1.8]. Also, if the patients did not receive benzydamine the attributive risk of mucositis was 35%. After the third week of treatment, the mean grade of mucositis was more than 2 in the placebo group; but in the benzydamine group it was less than 2 up to the end of radiotherapy [P<0.001]. According to these results it seems that oral rinse benzydamine is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for prophylactic treatment of radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck tumors. There is a need to evaluate the efficacy of benzydamine in another large study in Iran

[ effect of occupational therapy on positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients]

Poor social, self-care, and vocational functioning are criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia in most diagnostic systems. Consequently, improving the social behaviors of persons with schizophrenia has been a key target of psychiatric rehabilitation. The occupational therapy is a non organic therapeutic that causes elevated self stem, foppishness and strengthening of occupational behaviour. The aim of this survey is the effect of occupational therapy on the positive and negative symptom's of schizophrenic patients with bear out their symptoms. This survey is an experimental study that, positive and negative symptom's of schizophrenic patients assessed with scale for the assessment of positive and negative symptoms. Then the samples consisted of schizophrenic patients divided randomly into case [30] and control [30] groups. Occupational therapy was performed in case group within a period 20 hours in week for 6 months, then patiants assessed repeatly with SAPS.SANS. Quantative analysis of data was undertaken by using paired and dependent t students tesats and Willcoxon test .Results demonestrated the mean of the total score of negative symptom 72.5 +/- 19.5 and posetive symptom 112 +/- 32.57. Also occupational therapy effected on the posetive and negative symptom's of schizophrenic patiants. In posetive symptom occupational therapy effected on the hallusination and bizzare behaviour [P<0.001], for all noeffected on dellusions and thought. In negative symptom occupational therapy effected on the apathy and involition, attention disorders, anhedonia and thought disorders [P<0.001], for all noeffected on inappropiate affect. The occupational therapy is a non organic therapuitic that causes elevated self steem, foppishness and strengthening of occupational behaviour

[ viewpoints of students and educators, in faculty of nursing and midwifery of Shahrekord university of medical sciences, about the effective factors in academic improvement of students, 2004]

The development of each community is influenced by its educated individuals. Therefore, recognition of influencing factors in academic improvement of students and attention to these factors are essential for persistent development. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effective factors and compare the viewpoints of the students and educators, in faculty of nursing and midwifery of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, about the effect of these factors. In this descriptive-analytical study which performed in 2004, a total of 232 students, from faculty of nursing and midwifery, educating in third semester or higher and 22 of their educators were examined based on census sampling. The viewpoints about influencing factors on academic improvement were collected by questionnaires including two sections: the first section included demographic questions and the second contained 47 questions in 6 fields. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistic [general linear model and multivariate analysis of variance]. The findings showed that there was significant relationship between gender, diploma grade-point average, semester or course and academic improvement [P<0.05]. Also from students' viewpoints about influencing factors on academic improvement the upper score belongs to educational content [4.46 +/- 0.63] and the lower score belongs to students' factors [3.85 +/- 0.63] although from educators' viewpoints the upper score belongs to educational content [4.33 +/- 0.68] and the lower score belongs to socioeconomic factors [3.67 +/- 0.71]. The most difference among viewpoints belongs to socioeconomic status [P<0.05] and educational environment domains [P<0.01]. Paying attention to educational quality by medical and science courses designers may have important effects on academic improvement in the students

[Effect of gamma irradiation sterilization on the osteoinductive capacity of demineralized bone matrix]

Gamma irradiation has been widely used for secondary sterilization of bone allograft before clinical use to reduce the risk of infection and associated complications. The current study evaluated the effect of gamma irradiation sterilization on the osteoinductive capability of human demineralized bone matrix using a rat model. Eighteen euthymic rats received two separate implants consisting of 30 mg sterile-harvest demineralized bone matrix and 30 mg gamma irradiation-sterilized demineralized bone matrix. The demineralized bone matrix from each group was placed into two separate muscle pouches created in the paravertebral muscles of each rat. All 18 rats were euthanized after 4 weeks and each implantation site was removed with 0, 5 cm normal tissue around the implant. Histological examination was performed to determine the presence or absence of new bone, cartilage and bone marrow elements, All except one of 18 [94.4%] sterile-harvest demineralized bone matrix sites histologically contained new bone elements and five of 18 [27.7%] ethylene oxide sterilized demineralized bone matrix sites showed evidence of new bone elements, which was statistically significant [p<0.05]. The results of this study indicate that demineralized bone matrix sterilized with gamma irradiation loses its osteoinductive capacity in a manner similar to that of steamsterilized demineralized bone matrix, making it unsuitable as a method of secondary sterilization of demineralized bone matrix

[Knowledge, attitude and practice about breast cancer screening and related factors among women referred to health care centers in Boroujen in 2005]

Breast cancer is common cancer in women and in the USA it is the forth cause of death. Breast cancer screening is the best method for early detection of this cancer. His study designed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice about breast cancer screening and dependent factors in women referred to health care centers in Boroujen city. This research was descriptive-analytic study in 400 women aged above 20 years. Data collected by a questionnaire and analized with SPSS. Deta analysis done using logistic regression and chi-square tests. Knowledge of records about breast self-exam, physical exam and mammography were 37.8%, 7.8%, 6%, respectively. 47.1% of records had tendency to BSE, 71.2% to physical exam and 68.9% to mammography. 4.5% of cases performed breast self-examination [BSE] monthly. In 16.3% physical exam performed for screening. 4.3% of women screened by mammography. The most important factor for performance of BSE was history of benign breast diseases in herself [p<0.05]. There was significant relation between history of benign breast disease, education level parity and clinical examination [p<0.05]. History of benign breast disease and history of using hormone were important factors on performance of mammography [p<0.05]. Because of low knowledge and poor practice, educational program to train women is most recommended

[Elective induction of labor versus spontaneous labor in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord]

With attention to increasing of the early hospitalization of women, induction of labor and its complications, the present study designed to compare the elective induction and spontaneous labor considering the mother and infant outcome. In a prospective and analytical study using of questionnaire and check list, 50 nulliparous women who were hospitalized for elective induction were compared with 50 nulliparous women with spontaneous labor in terms of Bishop score of cervix, duration of labor stages, number of vaginal examinations, intensity of uterine contractions, fetal distress, mode of delivery, Apgar score and birth weight of infants. The exclusion criteria were, multifetal pregnancy, abnormal presentation, premature rupture of membrane, preterm labor and placenta abruption. Data analyzed by t, Chi square and Pearson correlation tests. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of age, job and gestational age, mean of duration of labor stages, number of vaginal examinations, birth weight and Apgar score. In 98% of women with induced labor, Bishop score was <5. In this study group tetanic contractions, fetal distresses and cesarean sections were more than those of women with spontaneous labor [p<0.001]. Elective induction of labor must be applied when there is a medical indication for termination of pregnancy. Onetime admission of women for delivery and change the women's attitude towards the benefits of spontaneous labor and complications of elective induction are suggestive ways until they decide with knowledge and select these methods

effect of valerian on hot flash in menopausal women

Menopause is accompanied by a number of complications, which affects the life quality and diminishes feeling of health. The most common of these complications is hot flash. Hormone therapy is commonly used for treatment of this symptom but it has a few side effects and thus is not used in some patients. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the effect of valerian on hot flash in a group of menopausal women. This double-blinded clinical trial was performed on 48 women aged 45-65 years complaining from hot flash. The women were randomly divided into two groups of experimental [taking valerian] and control [taking placebo]. The women were interviewed and a questionnaire consisting individual characteristics and hot flash severity [using Kupperman index] was filled. Hot flash severity was measured before and 30 and 60 days after treatment. The data was analyzed by SPSS using mann-whhitney and Wilkokson tests. Based on our results, 37.9% of the experimental group was suffered from severe hot flash. One month and two months after treatment, the rate decreased to 6.9% and 3.4%, respectively [p<0.001]. In the control group, the rate was 36.8%, before and 15% one and two months after the treatment [p<0.05]. Mann-Whitney test indicated that valerian was more effective than placebo in reducing the severity of hot flash during the menopausal period [p<0.01]. This drug reduced duration of hot flash, two months after the treatment [p<0.05] and decreased its frequency one [p<0.05] and two months [p<0.01] after treatment. The results of this study showed that valerian is effective for treatment of hot flash during menopausal period and it may be used as an alternative for hormone therapy

application level of the infection control methods in the operation wards of Shahrekord university hospitals compared to the standards in 2005

Nosocomial infection is an important health problem. The operation rooms of the hospitals are potentially favorite places for distribution of these diseases. It is now known that using standard control methods could prevent the infections. The aim of this study was to find the application level of these methods in Shahrekord university hospitals and to compare them with the present standards methods. This descriptive analytical study was performed in three operation wards including 7 operation rooms. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisted of 54 questions about facilities and equipments, 8 questions about personnel practice related to infection control, 12 questions about individual hygiene and scrub methods, 8 questions about disinfection and sterilization and 7 questions about using preventive measures. The data was analyzed using t-test. The findings showed that application of disinfecting and sterilizing methods [93.75%], individual health, scrub methods [79.2%], and the patient admission process [84%] were poor. In conclusion, the operation wards have to be reviewed and supervised regularly for personnel, equipments, buildings, and training of the personnel to use disinfection control methods

Hematological toxicities and treatment interruption due to craniospinal irradiation

To assess the frequency and severity of myelosuppression due to cranio-spinal irradiation to identify patients at high risk of haematological toxicity who may require supportive therapy. Between 1998 and 2002, 45 patients received craniospinal axis radiotherapy as part of the treatment of primary CNS tumours at departement of radiotherapeutic oncology of cancer Institute. The dose to the whole brain ranged from 30 to 40 Gy in 1.5-1.85 Gy/f. The usual dose to the posterior fossa or to the site of primary disease was 50- 55 Gy in 6-8 weeks for adults and was reduced to 45-50 Gy in 6-7 weeks for children aged, 3 years. Complete blood counts [CBC] were obtained during radiation therapy. Any interruption in treatment due hematologic toxicity [G3-4] lasting 2 days was defined as a significant treatment interruption. In 45 patients who received craniospinal irradiation [CSI] 19 patients had treatment interruption more than 2 days. The median dose at interruption was 21.6 +/- 8.7 Gy and the the frequency of grade 3,4 hematologic toxicity occurred with peack incidence in fourth week of CSI[median day of interruption was day 23,range 8-38]. The median WBC count was 1900[range 100-2140].The mean of interruption period was 7 +/- 8 days [one patient died from neutropenic fever then he didn't finish his treatment. In 19 patients who had treatment interruption,13 of them were under 12 years while 5 patients were greater than 12 years .With Mann-Whitney U test the median age of patients with treatment interruption was lower; 10.2 years and 16.2 years respectively[P=.059].].In 24 patients with dose/fraction =<1.6 Gy 12 patients [50%] had treatment interruption but in 21 patients with dose/fraction >1.6 Gy 7 [33%] had treatment interruption[P=.2] but interruption period was longer in patients with dose/ fraction >1.6 Gy .From 12 patients who had dose/fraction <=1.6Gy,7 patients had interruption period less than 5 days while in group with dose/fraction >1.6 Gy all patients had treatment interruption period more than 5 days[P=.016,CI 95% for interruption period difference =1.2-4.7]. In summary, in our study 42% of patients undergoing CSI had treatment interruption. The risk was higher in children and in patients who received higher spinal dose fraction the treatment interruption was longer, but the overall treatment-related morbidity was low. In a population at risk of hematological toxicity where further studies of HGFs should be targeted

Leiomyosarcoma of the tongue ; report of a case

Soft tissue sarcomas of the oral cavity are uncommon malignancies; those of smooth-muscle origin are extremely rare. Leiomyosarcomas of the tongue are very rare. Either surgery or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy are the treatment modalities which improve prognosis. We are presenting a 32-year-old man with leiomyosarcoma of the lateral aspect of the oral tongue with neck metastasis, who was referred to our radio therapeutic oncology department after glossectomy and radical modified neck dissection. The clinical and pathologic features together with his clinical course will be discussed. Six months after chemoradiotherapy, he developed a single metastasis in his right femur, and then by features of lung metastasis he died in a few weeks, unfortunately

Topical betamethasone for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients

Acute radiation dermatitis is a very common side effect of radiation therapy in large numbers of cancers including breast cancer. Despite high prevalence rate of acute radiation dermatitis and also wet desquamation, a few trials on prophylaxis of this complication using topical treatment have been conducted. Despite effectiveness of topical corticosteroids in treatment of acute radiation dermatitis which are focused in the literature, yet there are some controversy about their usage in this regard. For this reason we attempted to investigate this subject via conducting a clinical trial. Materials and This trial included 76 patients with pathologic diagnosis of breast cancer for whom radiotherapy has been planned. Patients were 27-70 years old. Patients with radical mastectomy received 5000 cGy within 5 weeks, and those with conservative surgery received 6000 cGy within 6 weeks divided in 200 centigray fractions. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, betamethasone and placebo, 38 patients in each group. In placebo group, 3 patients did not attend for weekly assessment. Additional one patient did not refer during follow-up period. Thus, they were excluded from the study. One group was given betamethasone 0.1% and other group was administered base of ointment as placebo.All patients consumed drug or placebo from the 1st day of treatment until one week after treatment completion as twice daily within tangential field. Patients were monitored for assessing dermatitis severity and its symptoms and also possible drug adverse effects one week after the therapy commenced and afterwards by one-week intervals as well as in an appointed day. Three weeks after termination of therapy, patients were also visited, and each examination provided information about dermatologic complications which were registered in the questionnaire. Mean times development of dermatitis in both betamethasone and placebo groups were 3.2500 and 2.2571 [weeks] respectively [t=-3.898, p