[Validation study of IgG antibodies by ELISA for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in comparison with pathologic findings in hemodialysis patients with dyspepsia]

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of chronic gastritis in hemodialysis patients. There are various methods for diagnosis of infections with this organism. This study compared two methods of histology and serology for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in hemodialysis patients

Materials and methods: This study has been done on 75 hemodialysis patients with dyspepsia referred to Imam Hossain Hospital of Shahroud, Iran in 2014. Endoscopy with standard biopsy and serology test were done for all patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were evaluated for serology test

Results: From 75 patients with dyspepsia, 49 patients [65.3%] had positive serology test, and 64 [85.3%] patients were positive by histologic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 70.3%, 63.6%, 91.8% and 26.9%, respectively

Conclusion: Due to the relative high sensitivity and specificity of serological tests in comparison with other diagnostic methods, as well as its simplicity, speed and low cost, it is recommended to use this test for screening of hemodialysis patients

[Effects of niasine on serum phosphorus, PTH and lipid profile in the hemodialysis patients in Shahroud city]

Control of the phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and serum lipids in dialysis' patients is very important and can be done in many ways. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of niacin on the serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and lipid profile among hemodialysis patients. This double blind controlled randomized study was done on 120 dialysis patients whom were divided into two groups: 60 patients [taking niacin] and 60 patients as control groups [taking placebo]. Niacin was prescribed as increasing dose from 200 mg to 600 mg monthly in three steps. Phosphorus, PTH and lipid profile were measured in the both groups. P-value<0.05 was considered as significant. 40 patients of case group [66.7%] and 37 patients [61.7%] of control group were male. Niacin significantly decreased serum levels of phosphorus [p<0.001] and parathyroid hormone [PTH] [p<0.001], also it significantly increased serum levels of HDL [p<0.01]. Nicotinic acid can decrease serum phosphorous and PTH level, and increase HDL cholesterol level. However, it needs a well design and larger trial study for determining the most effective doses of the nicotinic acid