[Strategic educational planning of dermatology in Iran]

Strategic thinking is the most essential part of educational planning. The main purpose of the present study is developing the Strategic educational planning of dermatology in Iran from 2007 to 2010. A qualitative investigation using focused group discussion was implemented for developing educational strategy in dermatology. Six to ten academic members of dermatologic departments and other stakeholders participated in this study. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of dermatology education in Iran were analyzed. Strategic objectives in three domains, viz. education, research, and provision of health services were identified. Educational objectives included training personnel at different academic levels ranging from general practice and specialization to fellowship in dermatology in accordance with the needs of the general public. In the field of research, necessity for more national and international participation and scientific discourse was recognized. In the health services domain designing cost-effective techniques for optimal management of dermatological problems are needed. Results of this study underscore the necessity of support for decision makers in Iranian health system

[Evaluation of association between androgenic alopecia and coronary artery diseases in men]

Several stydies have indicated that compared to the men without baldness, bald ones have higher risk for development of coronary artery diseases [CAD], and androgen alopecia [AGA] is some how related to CAD. However, none of the previous reports has considered the coronary angiography as the gold standard for diagnosis of CAD. This study was performed to evaluate the validity of such conclusions from the dermatological and cardiological point of view. This Case-Control study was carried out on 400 men, who underwent angiography procedures for diagnosis of CAD. Sampled subjects were matched through their gender and age. Case group consisted of 200 male subjects who had positive results in their angiography and another 200 male subjects whom were found to have no pathological finding through their angiography were considered as control group. Subjects in both group were matched together as well as they were blindly assessed for scaling their baldness and in following, their data were analyzed by Chi-square test and their Odds ratio was calculated, as well. Androgenetic alopecia was found in 137 [68.5%] of patients in case group, whereas only 88 [44%] patients in control group had AGA. There was a statistically significant correlation between male's AGA and CAD [P=0.001]. [95% CI: 1.8-4.2]. Furthermore, patients with CAD were 2.8 times more than subjects in control group at risk of development of AGA. According to our findings, it seems that patients who have stage III of Vertex type of AGA [or above], have greater risk for developing CAD than patinets without AGA