[Effect of lactobacillus acidophilus on adults habitual constipation in gastrointestinal clinic of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad: a pilot study]

Constipation is a common problem in elderly subjects. Probiotics have been suggested to improve intestinal motility and to reduce fecal enzyme activity. In this study, the effect of lactobacillus acidophilus tablets on elderly subjects was compared with placebo. Elderly subjects [n = 48] with chief complaint of constipation were enrolled in a randomly double-blind study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: control group, receiving placebo every 8 hours for one month, and study group, receiving lactobacillus acidophilus tablet every 8 hours for one month. Subjects with lactose intolerance and other pathologic conditions were omitted. At the end of 4 weeks, all subjects were questioned on the relief of constipation and other symptoms. Response to treatment and complications were compared between the two groups. In subjects receiving lactobacillus acidophilus, 50%[13 subjects] responded well and had relief of constipation, 23.1%[6 subjects] showed relative response and 26.9%[7 subjects] did not respond. In subjects receiving placebo, 40% [6 subjects] had relief of constipation, 13.3% [2 subjects] responded relatively well and in 46.7% [7 subjects] no response was seen [p=0.388]. New signs were observed in 5 subjects [19.2%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo. After 4 weeks, 2 subjects [7.7%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo re-experienced constipation. Some relief of constipation could be observed with lactobacillus acidophilus tablets, but there was no significant difference between the two groups

[Anemia in patients with hypothyroidism]

In hypothyroidism reduction of oxygen demand and supply can reduce the synthesis of erythropoietin and cause anemia. Autoimmune mechanisms causing hypothyroidism can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency and related anemias. Furthermore absorption of iron and other elements are disturbed and further accelerates anemia. Menorrhagia, is another cause of iron loss. Changes in WBC are not significant and platelet function may change which is not clinically important. We studied 30 new cases of hypothyroidism. Control group [32 person] was chosen among individuals having simple goiter and normal thyroid function tests. We compared hematological parameters in patients and control group. Comparison was made between patients with severe [TSH>70] and mild [TSH<70] hypothyroidism and relationship between severity and duration of hypothyroidism with these parameters. 1-anemia was found in 56.7% of patients [10% macrocytic, 16.7% normochrome normocytic and 30% hypochromic microcytic]. In control group 40.625% were anemic [6.25% macrocytic, 3.125% normochromic normocytic and 31.25% hypochromic microcytic].2- Hemoglobin, hematocrit and number of RBCs had statistically significant difference between patients and control group. 3- MCH, MCHC and MCV had no statistically significant difference between patients and control group. 4- There was no significant difference in the number of WBC and platelets between patients and control group. 5- No relationship was found between blood parameters and duration of the disease. 6- There was no correlation between severity of disease and hemoglobin and hematocrit values but MCHC was significantly lower in patients with severe hypothyroidism. Erythroid lineage showed the most important changes in hypothyroidism. All 3 types of anemia were found. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and number of RBC showed marked decrease in patients compared with controls. White blood cells and platelets had no changes in hypothyroid patients