[Assessment of organizational climate of libraries at Babol university of medical sciences in 2012]

Introduction: Organizational climate is a set of characteristics describing and distinguishing an organization from the other organizations. This climate is almost stable over time and may affect the prevailing behaviors in organizations. The purpose of this study was to assess organizational climate of libraries at Babol University of Medical Sciences

Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted in 2011. The population of the study included all full time, temporary and would be full time staff of Babol University of Medical Sciences [25]. A standard questionnaire for data collection as well as the questionnaire of Organizational Climate [OCDQ-RS], designed by Lille Sussman and Sam Deep, were used. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using T-test and ANOVA

Results: The results showed that of the maximum score of organizational climate[160]the average organizational score of the libraries under the study was 112.04. There was no significant difference in organizational climate of the libraries under study in school, hospital and central libraries. However, there was a significant difference in the males' and females' attitudes towards the prevailing organizational climate in the libraries [P = 0.012]. Among The eight indicators of organizational climate the highest average scores belonged to the indicators of disturbance or inhibition [16.52], intimacy [16.32] and team spirit [16.20] and the lowest average score was related to distance indicators with the average of 11.24

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, library management and authorities have an important role in improving the organizational climate of libraries. They could provide management strategies to raise interest, creativity and motivation among employees

[Assessment of anesthesia-surgery risk management at hospitals of Isfahan university of medical sciences, using ECRI institute standards in 2011]

Introduction: Up to the present, the most complaints are about medical malpractice in anesthesia - surgery wards. To identify defects and promot patient safety, an efficient and effective system of risk management is necessary. The aim of this study is to determine anesthesia- surgery risk management and root cause analysis of events in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences hospitals

Methods: A standard structured checklist that has been developed by ECRI institute was applied. The checklists were filled onsite through direct observation and interviews with anesthesia and surgical personnel in 46 operating rooms at 4 hospitals. Data were analyzed by SPSS, Excel and Minitab software. Root causes of events were plotted using Fish Bone diagram

Results: Total means score of anesthesia- surgery risk management status was 2.13 on the scale of 3 which is at the intermediate level. There was a significant difference between the four hospitals. These hospitals only met 45% of the predetermined standards. The highest compliance with standards [69%] was for "Anesthesia and surgical equipment" while the lowest with 11% was for "Training in risk management"

Conclusion: The results of this study developed a list of factors leading to risks and errors in anesthesia - surgical wards. The results can be used in benchmarking hospitals and performing educational and managerial interventions. Also, these results can lead to the development of a clinical guideline that could be mandated by policymakers to reach the final goal of health care systems, i.e. promotion of patient safety and provision of consumer satisfaction

[Frequency of group B capsular serotypes of Streptococcus using the multiplex PCR among the pregnant women in Kashan during 2011-2013]

Group B Streptococcus [GBS] has been described as an important pathogen in newborns and pregnant women. Maternal vaccination against GBS can reduce maternal GBS colonization and enhance antibody transfer to the fetus and also prevent the subsequent infections. Nine serotypes can be identified based on capsular polysaccharide: Ia, Ib, II-VIII. Due to the changes in serotypes' distribution pattern over time and also variation in different geographic areas, production of a universally optimal vaccine is impossible. This study aimed to evaluate the serotype distribution of GBS using the multiplex PCR among the pregnant women. This study was performed on 382 pregnant women. Vaginal swab samples were placed in the LIM selective medium and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Then the samples were cultured in blood Agar medium and the GBS was identified and confirmed using the standard tests and gene encoding dlts, respectively. Capsular typing was performed using the multiplex PCR method to identify the Ia, Ib, II-VIII serotypes. Thirty-six [9.4%] out of 382 pregnant women were carriers of GBS. The most common types were III [32.14%], V [21.43%], and IV [14.3%], respectively. Types II and VIII were not identified in this study. Considering the high prevalence of III, V and IV serotypes in this study, they are potential sources for the production of multivalent GBS vaccines in near future

[Prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in premarriage individuals referred to Babolsar, Iran [2006-09]]

According to world health organization statistics, at least 5.2% of world population is carrier for a main hemoglobin disorder. Previous reports showed that more than 10% of people are carrier for beta-thalassemia Northern Iran. This study was done to determine the prevalance of hemoglobinopathies in premarriage individuals referred to Babolsar, Iran. This descriptive study was carried out on 8500 individuals [4200 women and 4300 men] whome were attended the thalassemia counseling program in Babolsar, North of Iran during 2006-09. After performing the CBC test, for those MCV and MCH were less than 80 and 27 respectively, Hemoglobin A2 was evaluated. Subjects whome were volunteers for more comprehensive tests, basic and acidic electrophoresis and genetic tests were applied, subsequently. 1200 [14.11%] subjects had low hematological indexes. 474 [5.57%] subjects had high HbA2 and were classified as beta-thalassemia carriers and 726 [8.54%] had normal HbA2 level and were classified as alpha-thalassemia carriers. 6 [1.2%] subjects were identified with HbF level more than 10 and were identified as carriers for beta-gene cluster deletion carrier. Also, 16 [3.2%] individuals had HbE, 16 [3.2%] had HbS, 4 had HbD and 4 had HbH [0.33% in 1200 and 0.047% in 8500 subjects]. Genetic study of 317 individuals for beta carriers and 145 subjects for alpha-carriers showed IVSII-1G>A [74.5%] in beta-globin and single gene deletion of 3.7 [47.5%] in alpha-globin genes were the most frequent mutations. This study showed that carriers for alpha-thalassemia [8.5%] are more frequent compared with beta-thalassemia [5.57%]. Also other hemoglobin variants included HbS, HbE, HbD or different beta-gene cluster deletions in the region are considerable and should be screened

[Identification of mutation for drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease and one of the health problems world wide. The pentavalent antimonial drugs [e.g. pentostam and Glucantime] are the first line treatment for leishmaniasis, and resistance to these drugs is a serious problem. Using PCR method, this study was carried out to identify the mutation for sodium stibogluconate resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis cases referred to different health centers during 2006-8. This descriptive study was conducted on 150 isolates of leishmania major and leishmania tropica to identify the mutation in drug resistance gene. Promastigote clones were cultured in enriched RPMI 1640 medium and then the genomic DNA was isolated and using a pair of primers, a 400 bp of the gene was amplified. Finally, the PCR products were screened by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis [CSGE] method and then the mutation was confirmed using RFLP with Sdu1 enzyme. Screening using CSGE and RFLP methods showed that 6.3% of the samples carried a mutation for drug resistance gene. Results showed a resistance for cutaneous leishmania against sodium stibogluconate. Further studies are required to determine the biochemical mechanism of this resistance

[Investigating the structure of central libraries' websites based on meta tags in medical science universities in Iran]

One of the recommended ways in organizing the information in the websites is the application of Meta Tags. The application of a variety of Meta Tags can affect the precision rate of search engines retrieval. They can also promote the rank of a website. The purpose of the study was to investigate the structure of libraries websites based on Meta Tags in medical science universities in Iran. This descriptive survey was carried out on 31 websites that included 342 web pages. Data was collected by a checklist and analyzed by SPSS. Title meta tags [98.53%] and Charset meta tags [89.47%] among 15 meta tag types had the most usage and refresh meta tag had the least usage. Usage of keyword and descriptive meta tags were 55.6% and 55.2%, respectively. Generally, 100% websites under investigation used one type of meta tags. Title, Charest, Robot, Keyword and Descriptive meta tags received more attention from the designers of central libraries. But Googlebot, Refresh, Expire and cache Meta Tags received less attention. Librarians' participation in creating library websites and the application of meta tags will play important role in electronic information retrieval

[Comparing the effects of Indomethacin and magnesium-sulfate in the treatment of preterm labor]

The prevalence of preterm labor in Iran is 6-10%, accounting for 80% of neonatal morbidity. The most effective tocolytic agents to delay the preterm labor have not yet been known. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of Indomethacin [ICN] and Magnesium-Sulfate [Mgs] in delaying preterm labor and also to assess the maternal complications associated with the two drugs. This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 24-32 week pregnant women [n=60] at risk for preterm labor referred to Shabih-Khani maternity hospital in Kashan. The women were divided into two equal groups: intravenous Mg sulfate [control] or ICN rectal suppository [intervention] groups. Then, the delaying of preterm labor and also the maternal morbidity were assessed in both groups. No significant difference was seen in maternal and sociodemographic variables between the two groups. The delaying of preterm labor was the same for both groups and no case of preterm labor was seen in women during the first 48 hours of hospitalization. Moreover, there was no significant difference in variables [e.g. the maternal age, the number of gravida, gestational age, symptoms on admission, the number of prior preterm labors and a history of preterm labor] between the two groups. The most common complication in both groups was nausea. There was no case of oligohydramnios in the indomethacin group. Although the delaying of preterm labor was the same in both groups, Mg sulfate administration requires permanent nursing care. It seems that ICN can be used as one of primary tocolytic treatments in preterm labor

[ study on the variations of temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio in producing compost by stack method]

Background: Considering the importance of chemical and physical parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen [C:N] ratio in producing compost, the purpose of this study was to evaluate these parameters in producing compost by stack method

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on municipal solid waste generated in Kashan during a 63-day period from Oct 3 to Dec 4, 2010. Compost samples were taken from the top one-third, the center and also the bottom of the compost pile and mixed; the compost pile was aerated [if necessary]. Thereafter, samples were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen content using Fourti method

Results: The initial temperature of the compost pile was 38[degree]C and then increased to 65[degree]C at the 9[th] day, and reached to 26[degree]C at the last day of composting. The moisture at the beginning of the process was 67.5%, increased to 73% at the 5[th] day and decreased to 38% at the last day. The initial pH of the compost was 5.5, increased during the compost process, and reached an optimal value of 7.7 at the end of the process. The C:N ratio at the beginning of the process was 35:1 and in mature compost decreased to 12.5:1

Conclusion: Presence of actinomycetes and the dark-brown color of the prepared compost on the 63rd day of composting indicate that the compost meets the required standards. Consequently, the implementation of this method is suitable for tropical cities like Kashan

[Job stress among the nursing staff of Kashan hospitals]

Background: Job stress, the most important factor in reducing organizational productivity and the cause of psychosomatic disorders, today is more prevalent among the healthcare staff. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the level of job stress among the nursing staff of Kashan hospitals during 2009

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 190 nurses of Kashan hospitals using the Osipow questionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic data and six stress-inducing work roles [role overload, role insufficiency, role ambiguity, role boundary, responsibility and physical environment]. In addition, job stress was divided into four [subnormal, normal, moderate and severe] levels

Results: Results indicated that the 95.3% of nursing staff were found to have a normal level of job stress. No significant relationship was seen between the job stress and gender; however, there was a significant relation between the role insufficiency, role boundary, responsibility and physical environment and gender. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between the job stress and some factors [e.g. age, education, marital status, income and type of hospital]. The most frequent job stressors among the men and women were responsibility [90.2%] and role ambiguity [40.9%], respectively

Conclusion: Role ambiguity, responsibility and workload are the major sources of stress among the nursing staff

Molecular characterization and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA] in tertiary care hospital, Kashan

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], which is the most common cause of nosocomial infection, has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. This study was carried out to find out the resistance pattern and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec [SCCmec] typing among MRSA. This descriptive work was done on 87 Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates which were collected from the patients with infections in a teaching hospital in Kashan, Iran, during the period of 2009. The isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance by the disc-diffusion method, covering 10 antimicrobials. The genotypes of SCCmec subtypes were determined by multiplex PCR. Amomg 87 MRSA isolated tested; the highest resistance was shown against erythromycin, clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and tetracycline respectively. By contrast, the highest sensitivity was shown to amikacin. All of the isolates were resistant to Beta-lactams. All of the isolates were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics, and all of the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. Three [3.4%] MRSA strains were SCCmec type I, 12 [13.8%] were type II, 8 [9.2%] were type IV-b, 4 [4.6%] were type IV-d, and 3 [3.4%] were typeV. Overall, 57 [65.5%] MRSA strains could not be typed. The rising trend of multi-resistance to antibiotics poses an alarming threat to treatment of MRSA infections. Our findings show that clinical isolates of MRSA in our hospital carrying various kinds of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec [SCCmec] types. SCCmec typse II and IV were the predominant strain of MRSA identified

[ effect of lavender essence via inhalation method on labor pain]

Studies have shown that half of the mothers complain severe or intolerable labor pain. Because of the side effects of pharmacological pain killers on mothers and neonates, those medications are used lower than non pharmacological methods in these days. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lavender essence inhalation on labor pain. In this randomized clinical trial study, 120 pregnant women were selected by convenient sampling method and divided in two groups of 60. Conducted cool vapor of essential oil of lavender was used in case group and the control group used only cool water vapor. Written consent was obtained and pain was estimated once before and 3 times after intervention. Analytical statistics such as t-test and X2 were used. The results showed that difference in the labor pain before and after intervention in lavender group was 0.81 +/- 2.48 and in control group was 0.90 +/- 1.90 and the difference was significant [P=0.03]. This study showed that aromatherapy could be a suitable alternative complementary medicine for labor pain

Risk management status of waste anesthetic gases Using ECRI institute standards

The aim of this study was assessment the risk management status of waste anesthetic gases in academicals hospitals in Iran to prevent from harmful effects of these gases on employees' health. A descriptive-analytic study was designed in 2011. Standard structured checklist developed by ECRI institute [Emergency Care Research Institute] was applied. Checklists were filled onsite through direct observation and interviews with anesthesia personnel in 46 operating rooms at 4 hospitals from all of the hospitals under affiliation of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. These hospitals were selected based on the number of surgical beds. Total means score of WAGs risk management status was 1.72 from the scale of 3. In the studied operating rooms, only 28% complied with predetermined standards, 16% needed improvement and 56% had no compliance. Total mean scores of compliance in planning, training and evaluation and monitoring of waste anesthetic gases were weak and equipment and work activity was at medium level. The risk management status of waste anesthetic gases in the hospitals to be weak, therefore operating room personnel are exposed to medium to high level of these gases. The hospital mangers should prepare and apply scavenging equipment, development of control program, quality improvement, risk management and maintenance of anesthesia equipment. Finally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, education to personnel and modification of policy and procedures and improvement of work activities should be considered

[Accordance between serum beta-hCG and vaginal ultrasonography in confirming a complete abortion]

Considering that there is no general agreement on use of misoprostol as the best method for the termination of pregnancy in first trimester, this study aimed to compare the vaginal ultrasonography and serum beta-hCG in the confirming of a complete abortion. This study was performed on 133 patients with a missed abortion or the blighted ovum diagnosed by vaginal ultrasonography, and a 12 week gestational sac admitted to Shabih-Khani hospital of Kashan in 2010. The patients' serum beta-hCG levels were measured. They were assessed for the tissue discharge [abortion] after taking one or two doses of vaginal misoprostol suppositories and the oral contraceptive pills prescribed after confirming the abortion. Then vaginal ultrasonography and the serum beta-hCG measurement were performed to diagnose the complete abortion in the second and fourth weeks of pregnancy. Among 133 patients, a complete abortion was diagnosed for 116 [87.2%] and 80 cases [60.15%] based on beta-hCG level and vaginal ultrasonography, respectively in the second week of pregnancy. In other cases, a complete abortion was diagnosed using both beta-hCG level and vaginal ultrasonography in the fourth week. Therefore, beta-hCG level was more effective [98.75%] than the vaginal ultrasonography to diagnose a complete abortion in the second week of pregnancy. The accordance between the two methods was 0.327 at the end of the second week of pregnancy. The measurement of beta-hCG level and vaginal ultrasonography are equally effective to confirm a complete abortion. Hence, to diagnose the complete abortion, determining the beta-hCG level followed by clinical examination is recommended

[ comparison between advanced O3/UV and H2O2/UV oxidation processes for the treatment of municipal solid waste leachate]

The solid-waste leachate is a type of wastewater with high concentration of mineral and organic compounds. There is little information about the effect of the advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of municipal solid-waste leachate. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of processing advanced oxidation method as a biological pre-treatment for municipal solid waste. This bench-scale experimental study was conducted in a closed batch system on leachate samples of Kahrizak landfill [Tehran]. After obtaining the optimal conditions for the O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes, the effect of each process on 20 leachate samples was assessed and for each sample, 4 different reaction times were studied for the removal of BOD5, COD, TS and color. The results were compared using the mixed-design ANOVA model. The BOD5, COD and TS in raw leachate were 2500, 21910 and 29347 mg/l, respectively. The O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes removed 87% and 73% of COD, respectively. The BOD5/COD ratio in the O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes increased from 0.11 to 0.33 and 0.11 to 0.12, respectively. Moreover, the color in the O3/UV and H2O2/UV processes decreased from 82 to 67.25% and 81.65%, respectively. The O3/UV process can be used as a biological pre-treatment. The optimum pH for this process is 8.5, the optimum ozone concentration is 60.1 g/kg of decreased COD and the best reaction time which increases the BOD5/COD ratio more than 0.25 and less expensive than other reaction times, is 10 minutes

[Prevalence of postpartum depression and its relation to some psychosocial factors in mothers referred to health centers of Kashan during 2007-8]

Postpartum depression is a serious problem that may have negative effects on mother and family mental health. Considering that several theories have been proposed to explain the epidemiologic and demographic factors associated with the postpartum depression, the aim of this study was to identify the factors related to postpartum depression in Kashan. In this cross-sectional study, 50% of all health centers in Kashan were randomly selected during 2007-8. All of 204 mothers referred during 2-3 months of postpartum with minimum literacy [primary education] showed willingness to complete the questionnaire which included two parts: demographic and psychosocial questions and BDI [Beck Depression Inventory]. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, CI, OR, and logistic regression. Seventy-seven [37.7%] out of 204 mothers referred to Kashan health centers experienced postpartum depression [0.31-0.44]. There was a statistically significant relationship between seven demographic and psychosocial factors and postpartum depression, in logistic regression [P<0.001], three factors [husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family, and no prior history of depression] were remained in the model. The findings indicated that the mentioned factors can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. According to the results, factors including husband's appropriate behavior, intimate relationship with family and no prior history of depression may reduce the incidence of postpartum depression

[Epidemiological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Aran and Bidgol city from April to September 2009]

Leishmaniasis caused by leishmania protozoa can be considered as a zoonotic disease. This disease caused major health problems in some parts of Iran. Aran and Bidgol city [Isfahan province, Iran] is considered as one of the endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis [Salak]. For success in controlling the disease and to provide the necessary training for high-risk groups, the epidemiological data of disease in the region is required. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 94 patients admitted to the health center of Aran and Bidgol from April to September 2009. The demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. Thirty percent [30.8%] of patients were in the age group of 1-9 years. The number of patients in urban areas was more than that of rural areas and in men more than women. Most of these cases were seen in Aran and Bidgol city [52.1%] and then in Abuzeydabad city [22.3%], respectively. Moreover, most cases of disease were found in July [37.2%] and 54.3% and 45.7% of cases were dry and wet cutaneous sores, respectively. It seems that the high incidence of disease in age group of 1-9 years is due to the susceptibility of this age group to leishmaniasis. Therefore, regulating the control training programs in this group is suggested

[Amount of baking soda and salt in bakeries of Mehrdasht city [Najafabad] during 2009-10]

Bread is a valuable source of proteins, minerals and calories. Baking soda prevents the absorption of bread and more salt used in the production of bread causes different diseases. This study aimed to determine the amount of soda and salt used in bakeries of Mehrdasht. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 50 bakeries of Mehrdasht city during 2009-10. A total number of 400 samples were randomly collected from all bakeries in four steps [two loaves from first batch]. The measurement of PH and salt was done in accordance with the standard method of Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran [ISIRI, 1999]. The PH less than 6.2 was seen in 91.5% of samples and the most PH values above 6.2 were in Lavash bread [12.5%]. In 64.5% of samples, the amount of salt was more than the standard. A significant difference was seen between the amount of baking soda and the season while no significant difference was seen between the type of bread and the salt consumption [P=0.042].The amount of baking soda used in the bakeries of this city is not high; either bakers had no enough knowledge about the amount of salt used for production of bread or had more other reasons to use more or less salt than the standard. Therefore, drastic measures to control the amounts of baking soda and salt in bakeries are recommended

[Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on blocking potentiation of noise induced hearing loss by carbon monoxide in rabbits]

Noise induced hearing loss [NIHL] is one of the most important occupational diseases worldwide. NIHL has been found to be potentiated by simultaneous carbon monoxide [CO] exposure. This study was performed to evaluate the protective effect of Nacetylcysteine [NAC] administration on potentiating effect of CO on NIHL in rabbits. In this experimental study forty-two male adult white rabbits were divided into seven groups [n=6 for each group]. Group 1, as control [no exposure to noise or CO and no injection]; Group 2, noise exposure [100 dB for 40 h]; Group 3, noise+CO exposure; Group 4, noise exposure+NAC administration [325 mg/kg]; Group 5, noise+CO exposure+NAC administration, Group 6, NAC administration alone and Group 7, CO exposure [700 ppm for 40h]. Audiometric test of rabbits was assessed by Auditory Brain stem Response [ABR] test in three stages: before exposure, 1 hour and 14 days post exposure at 1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz frequency. The administration of NAC attenuated temporary and permanent ABR threshold shift caused by noise exposure and simultaneous exposure to noise plus CO. NAC administration blocked the potentiating of temporary threshold shift by CO at 1, 2, and 4 KHz frequency and also blocked potentiating of permanent threshold shift by CO at all frequencies. NAC as an antioxidant agent can attenuate temporary and permanent noise induced ABR threshold shifts and provides protective effect against potentiating of NIHL by CO in rabbits

[Efficacy of stool antigen test for the non-invasive diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients referred to GI clinic of Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2007-8]

Dyspepsia is one of the most common ailments today and Helicobacter pylori infection is known as one of the common causes of dyspepsia in adults and children. Histopathologic diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori is a standard method and biopsy samples can be obtained by invasive endoscopy method. The current study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of stool antigen test of Helicobacter pylori as a non-invasive method. In this study all dyspeptic patients referred to GI clinic of Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital from 2007 to 2008 were involved in this study. In upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, mucosal biopsy was taken from antrum and corpus; simultaneous examination of the stool antigen sample for diagnosing of Helicobacter pylori was evaluated using ELISA method [positive titer>1/1]. Data were collected and analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Among the 100 dyspeptic patients 50 were men and the remaining 50 women with a mean age of 43.3 +/- 17.13. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in stool antigen test were%83.3,%79.4, 88.7% and 71.7%, respectively. There was a direct correlation between the severity of Helicobacter pylori infection and stool antigen titer in biopsy samples. The stool antigen test as a noninvasive method of diagnosing Helicobacter pylori can be regarded as an affordable alternative to the invasive biopsy procedure

[ correlation between neonatal phototherapy and risk of childhood asthma in children referred to pediatric clinic of Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2009-10]

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Several factors have been considered as the disease risk factors. The neonatal phototherapy has recently been recognized as the main childhood risk factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the neonatal phototherapy and childhood asthma. This analytical case-control study was conducted on the asthmatic children with a history of neonatal icterus as the case group and those with no history of neonatal icterus as the control group with similar characteristics [age, gender, type of delivery and birth weight]. Twenty-eight out of 200 subjects in the case and 34 in the control group had the inclusion criteria. Phototherapy and its duration were compared in the case and control groups. Data were analyzed using chi-square and t-test. Twenty-six [92.8%] subjects in the case group and 20 [58.8%] subjects in the control group had a past history of phototherapy [P=0.002]. The mean number of days for neonatal phototherapy in the case and control groups was 4.9 and 3.2, respectively [P=0.001]. This study shows that neonatal phototherapy, as well as its duration, is an effective factor affecting childhood asthma. So, the phototherapy must be avoided except in rare situations with the least duration