[ effects of risk factor of pregnancy period on infant's weight]

Low birth weight [LBW] is one of the most important causes of mortality in newborns, therefore identifying the associated risk factors is of crucial necessity. To investigate the risk factors among women during the pregnancy leading to delivery of a LBW infants. This was a case-control study in which the data from 191 infants characteristic of LBW as cases [chosen out of a total of 203] and 199 normal infants as controls were compared. Controls were intentionally chosen to be the next live birth to the LBW infant. Statistical univariate analyses were performed using t-test and X2 test. Also, Multiple Logistic Regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with LBW. Univariate analysis showed that LBW was related to gestational age [p<0.001], mother's weight [p=0.004], mother's higth [p=0.001], mother's age [p=0.040], history of chronic desease in mother [p=0.026], bleeding during pregnancy [p=0.007], mother's education level [p =0.003], and birth order [p=0.047]. Logistic Regression [multivariable analysis] revealed that, in presence of all factors, LBW was only associated with gestational age, mother's higth, bleeding durring pregnancy, and the history of chronic desease in mother with odd ratios of 1.77, 1.90, 0.60, 0.66, respectively, Increased gestational age, appropriate management of bleeding durring pregnancy and also of mothers' chronic desease could reduce the chance of LBW

[Relation between chronic urticaria and thyroid autoimmunity]

Chronic urticaria is a tormenter and does not have a known etiology. Association between chronic urticaria and thyroid auto-immunity has shown different results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Levo-thyroxine on the chronic urticaria and association between chronic urticaria with thyroid auto-immunity. In a prospective case-control study, we compared the frequency of thyroid auto antibodies in 60 patients [all females, with exception of six males, ages 15 to 60 years] with chronic urticaria and compared with 60 mached age healthy volunteers. All cases with chronic urticaria and control group were normal CBC, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factors, complement, stool exam, liver function test [LFT], kidney function and skin prick test, prior to being referred to us. We performed thyroid auto antibodies, thyroid hormones and IgE antibodies before treating all subjects. Half of them with positive anti-thyroid antibody [n=11], received Levo-thyroxine [100 micro g] daily for 1 month and the remaining half [n=11] were control group. The frequency of thyroid auto antibodies was significantly higher in patients with chronic urticaria than in healthy control [36.6% vs. 9%; p<0.01]. All patients were euthyroid, however, one was found to have increased anti-thyroid antibody levels with sub clinical hypothyroidism [TSH increased, low T4]. Total serum IgE increased in ten cases of patients group [16.6%] compared with six control groups [10%]. Nine patients [40%] had complete response, five patients [30%] had partial response and five patients [30%] did not show any response to treatment compared with control group, in which complete and partial resolution was 30% and others with no resolution. Chronic urticaria may be associated with thyroid disorders [positive anti- thyroid antibodies] despite normal thyroid function test. For chronic urticaria despite increase serum IgE level with unknown origin, must be evaluated by a thyroid function test, along with anti -thyroid antibodies and treatment if necessary

Seroepidemiology of HTLV-1 in Neishabour

Human T cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I [HTLV-I] infection has been recognized as the causative agent of two diseases; HTLV-I- associated myelopathy tropical spastic paraparesis [HAM/TSP] and adult T- cell leukemia [ATL]. Approximately 15- 20 millions people are infected with HTLV-I all over the world. The North- East Iran [Mashhad] has been considered as a new endemic area for HTLV- I infection especially Neishaboor. The purpose of this study was the seroepidemiologic study of HTLV-I in Neishaboor. This cross-sectional study was done in Neishaboor in 2002. Neishaboor [without rural areas] is divided into 5 health sections. A total number of 1003 subjects were selected randomly proportional to the population of each region. 5cc of venous blood was obtained from each subject and assessed serologically by Eliza method at immunology laboratory of Ghaem hospital. A questionnaire was provided for data collection of each person. The collected data was analyzed with using of T, Mann Whitney and regression tests. 1- The seroprevalence of HTLV-I infection was 3.4% in Neishaboor [95% CI 2.3-4.5%].2- Male/female ratio was 33/67 in serum positive population. 3- HTLV-I infection was increased with age. 4- As expected the prevalence of infection did not show a uniform distribution throughout the city: a. The most ancient part [region 2] of the city had the highest prevalence [4.9%].b. The rate of infection was more prevalent in the center of city [region 1, 2] in comparison with the peripheral regions of the city [regions 3, 4]. 5- The main risk factors for acquisition of HTLV-I infection are breast feeding, blood transfusion, surgery and sexual transmission. Our results strongly suggest that screening of blood bank donors for HTLV-I infection and limiting of other routes of HTLV-I transmission such as breast feeding, surgery and sexual transmission should be considered to prevent of HTLV-I infection in Neishaboor and other endemic areas