Designing a minimum data set for breast cancer: a starting point for breast cancer registration in Iran

Due to the high incidence of deaths from breast cancer, high cost of treatment and limited resources, the need to formulate and implement effective programs in reducing the burden of disease is obvious. Care, control and creation of cancer information system having an infrastructure from collection of minimum data sets [MDS] are the top priorities of research in Iran's Ministry of Health. This is an applied descriptive research with comparative approach implemented in 2010. MDS for breast cancer on selected countries were searched and reviewed and proposed model based on the country's need was designed. Research data were implemented in 2 stages; assessment of MDS on selected countries and the validation of the proposed model through several meetings that has been carried out by the Undersecretary for Research and Technology and several oncologists and pathologists. The MDS is composed of 11 parameters in the form of fields in closed structured arrangements with consideration to coding responses. These parameters include: hospital data, demography, referral, physical examination and investigation, diagnostic information, pathology, treatment, palliative care, completion of primary treatment, clinical trials and follow-up. This form is available for use in the cancer registry database. MDS provides an opportunity to strengthen communication between performed researches and research results for the improvement of programs, policies and strategies and provides positive effect on equality in the health system. Although the stages of creating the MDS for breast cancer has been successful, but many challenges has been met until its completion

Developing data elements for research information system in health; a starting point for systems integration

This study defines necessary data elements required for the research information system in the domain of health, and its level of accountability to national health research indicators from the experts' perspective is being explored. This qualitative study was conducted based on comparative approach using the focus group method. Data were collected through 6 semi-structured group discussions held at the Undersecretary for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran. For this study, 48 researchers were selected for the group discussions. All interviews and group discussions were recorded and transcribed. The Data analysis was performed simultaneously using Strauss and Corbin method. Based on content analysis, the necessary data elements identified for the National Health Research Information System designed for all databases were the following: organizations, researchers, journals, articles, research projects and dissertations. Also, extracted from the focus group discussion were three main themes regarding data elements of these databases for the National Health Research Information System: 1] essential elements for each database 2] the system's data elements accountability to the national indicators in the domain of health research and 3] recommendations in the direction of optimizing the data. The results obtained from this study can serve as a valuable source in designing research information system in the domain of health within the country and in the region as well

[Assessment of the effect of 20% oral sucrose on pain relief from hepatitis B vaccine injection in full term infants]

Newborns often experience pain during routine invasive procedures. Although the pain caused by immunization injections could be controlled, but this procedure in infants is often done without pain relief. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 20%oral sucrose on the relief of pain from Hepatitis Bvaccine injection in full term infants. In this randomized clinical trial, 60 infant were selected and divided randomly into two groups. In the case group, 2 ml of 20% sucrose were given orally to the infants 2 minutes prior to the intramuscular injection of Hepatitis B vaccine. By contrast, the control group received 2 ml of sterile distilled water instead of sucrose. Infants' pain levels were assessed with the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale [NIPS] prior to the administration of the sucrose or water, as well as immediately after and 5 minute after the injection. Our findings show that there were no significant differences in the pain levels prior to the injection between the two groups regarding sex, gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, and postnatal age. There were also no significant differences in pain severity immediately after the injection between the two groups. However, 5 minute after the injection the average level of pain severity in the 20% sucrose group was significantly lower than the control group [P = 0.012]. Oral administration of 20% sucrose does not have an effect on the pain level immediately after intramuscular injection, but it relieves the pain 5 minute after the injection

Effects of homo-fermentative bacterial inoculants on fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of low dry matter corn silage

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation of homo-fermentative lactic acid bacteria [LAB] on ensiling characteristics and nutritive value of low dry matter corn silage [LDMCS]. Corn forage was harvested at milk stage [22.8 +/- 0.9% DM], chopped at theoretical length of cut [TLC] 2.5 cm, and stored in eighteen 3.8 L mini silos for each treatment. The following treatments were used, 1] control [uninoculated], 2] ecosyl [treated with ecosylTM corn silage inoculants containing Lactobacillus plantarum], and 3] biotal [treated with biotalTM corn silage inoculants containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Propionibacter freudenreichii]. Triplicate silos for each treatment were opened and sampled for chemical analyses after 3, 6, 12, 16, 21 and 90 days of ensiling. Neither ecosyl nor biotal improved fermentation characteristics of LDMCS compared to the control silage. Neutral detergent fiber [NDF], acid detergent fiber [ADF], crude protein [CP], water soluble carbohydrate [WSC] contents and lactic acid [LA] concentration were not affected significantly by inoculants [P>0.05]. Acetic acid concentration of control silages was higher; however, ethanol concentration was lower than the other silages. Biotal treated silages had the highest ammonia-N [NH3-N] concentrations compared to the control [P<0.05]. In vitro dry matter disappearance [IVDMD] of control silage was higher than treated silages [P<0.05]. In conclusion, the results showed that homo-fermentative LAB inoculants used in this experiment did not improve the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of LDMCS

Survey of auditory discrimination skill in 4-6 years old children in Semnan city

Auditory discrimination is one component of central auditory processing skills or auditory perception, that has an important role in acquisition and production of speech sounds. Auditory discrimination test is a tool for screening or diagnosis of auditory discrimination. r The aim of this study is to investigate of auditory discrimination development process in 4-6 years old children in Semnan city. This cross-sectional survey was done on 200 normal 4-6 years old children in semnan city. Auditory discrimination skill was evaluated by Wepman auditory discrimination test [WADT]. The level of significancy in this study was 0.05. Auditory discrimination skills based on percentage of 5 and 95 for 4 years old children were 20 and 36, 21.85 and 38 for 5 years old, 23.30 and 39.35 for 6 years old children. There was significant differences between 4 years old children with 5 and 6 years old children In auditory discrimination skill [P=0.003], but there was no significant difference between 5 and 6 years old children[P=0.21]. In addition, auditory discrimination test scores between boys and girls were not significant [P=0.34]. Results of this study showed that children ability in discrimination of sounds was increased with age

effect of Swedish massage on knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis [OA] is the most common disease of the joints and also a main physical disorder in the elderly population. One third of people older than 65 years-old suffer from OA. It is predicted that by 2020, OA is the most frequently reported chronic condition among the elderly. The treatment includes drugs, physical therapy, and surgery. Massage therapy is an alternative treatment option to relieve the symptoms, which is not usually used for knee OA. As there are very few trials in the literature regarding knee OA treatment, this study is set to examine the effects of Swedish massage on knee OA. In a randomized clinical controlled trial on the effect of massage therapy of the knee OA, 46 female adults [at least 35 years of age] with knee OA were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized in one of the two groups: the experimental treatment group receiving the standard treatment [ultrasound, infrared and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation] with Swedish massage and the control group who received the standard treatment only. Before and after the intervention, the pain and the quality of life were evaluated using visual analogue scale [VAS] and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities [WOMAC] Osteoarthritis index. There were significant differences in the pain level and quality of life before and after the intervention [P<0.05]. The findings showed significant improvement in the mean WOMAC and VAS scores in the two groups [P<0.001]. The changes in VAS and WOMAC scores were compared between the two groups which demonstrated significant difference between the two groups [P<0.001]. Massage therapy is efficacious in the treatment of knee OA. It is recommended to combine this method with the other physiotherapy methods for knee OA

Effect of metoclopramide on nosocomial pneumonia in patients with nasogastric feeding in the intensive care unit

This study in the Islamic Republic of Iran aimed to determine whether metoclopramide can prevent nosocomial pneumonia in the intensive care unit [ICU]. Of 220 patients admitted to the surgical ICU who had a nasogastric tube for more than 24 hours, 68 case patients received oral metoclopramide [10 mg every 8 hours] and 152 control patients did not. Similar proportions of cases and controls developed nosocomial pneumonia [33.8% versus 33.6%]. Endotracheal intubation was a risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia [odds ratio 7.70]. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality rate or time of onset of nosocomial pneumonia. Metoclopramide appears to have no effect on the development of nosocomial pneumonia with nasogastric feeding

Prevalence of mold allergy in asthmatic patients of less than 18 years old in semnan

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which is associated with the triad of cough, wheezing and dyspnea. Allergic asthma is often associated with a personal or family history of allergic diseases and mostly begins at early childhood. Mold is one of the most common irritants of asthma and allergic rhinitis. In the last 20 years there has been 30% increase in the prevalence of moldsrelated asthma. In this study the prevalence of mold allergy in asthmatic patients of less than 18 years old who refrred to Semnan allergy clinic during 2007-2008 was determined. Skin prick test with standard mold allergens was performed and sensitivity to the most prevalent molds like Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus, cladosporium and mucor was evaluated. From 220 studied subjects, 35% [95% Confidence Interval: 28.7-41.3%] were shown to be sensitive to at least one mold. The prevalence rates of sensitivity to molds were as follow: Alternaria14.5%, Aspergillus 12.7%, Cladosporium 13.2%, Penicilium 12.7% and Mucor 2.7%. There was a significant relationship between sensitivity to molds and the grade of asthma [P<0.05] and episodes of admissions [P<0.05], but mold sensitivity showed no significant relationship with age, gender, personal or family history of other allergic diseases and the duration of asthma. Association between grade of asthma and episodes of admissions with the number of sensitizing molds was significant [P<0.05]. Since asthma is the most common childhood disease and molds especially Alternaria and Cladpsporium are among the most important triggers of asthma and its progression, detection of this type of allergens and warning patients to avoid them could be an effeicient way to prevent and control the disease progress

Prevalence of hypertension among the adult population of Semnan province

A population based cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine prevalence of hypertension in the adult population of Semnan province. The study was conducted from September 2005 until February 2006, using a multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample. A total of 3799 adults, aged 30-70 years, were examined. Two blood pressure measurements were obtained by trained observers using a standard sphygmomanometer after a 5 minute seated rest. Information on history of hypertension and use of antihypertensive medication was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Body mass index [BMI] and waist to hip circumference were determined. Fasting blood sample was drawn for measurement of glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Prevalence's of hypertension in men and women were 24.1% and 24.7% respectively. In both sexes, prevalence of hypertension increased with age. No significant difference was found in prevalence of hypertension in rural [24.1%] and urban [24.8%] regions. Among hypertensive subjects, 40.6% were aware of their hypertension [men: 30% women: 49.7%, P < 0.001], only 25.5% were taking antihypertensive medication [men: 19.5% women: 30.6% P < 0.001] and 41.2% had their blood pressure controlled [men: 41% women: 42.3%]. In 93.7% of men and 97.2% of women with hypertension, at least one other cardiovascular risk factor was present and its prevalence was increased in both genders with age. Finally, gender [OR: 1.28 in men], diabetes [OR:1.86], obesity [OR:1.7], high triglycerides [OR:1.3], high cholesterol [OR: 1.3], and abdominal obesity [OR: 1.79] were positively associated with hypertension [P < 0.001]. Hypertension was present in one-fourth of the population. Majority of hypertensive subjects in this region still remain undetected and control of hypertension is also inadequate. This calls for urgent prevention and control measures for hypertension in Semnan province

Evidence of sperm storage in Myotis capaccinii [Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae] in western Iran

Several species of the family Vespertilionidae store spermatozoa for prolonged periods prior to ovulation, but the reproductive strategy used by Myotis capaccinii remains unknown. Reproductive cycle of Myotis capaccinii has been determined using macroscopic and microscopic examinations on two captured bats in spring and one male and one female reared in a flight cage during winter. Microscopic slides prepared from one male collected in late July showed spermatids indicating that spermatogenesis develops in summer. Estimation of the volume of testes and epididymis based on photographs taken on weekly intervals during late summer until late winter in male, M. capaccinii shows that the rate of epididymis to testes volume increases by more than one order of magnitude from late summer until late winter. Microscopic slides prepared from this bat indicate that decapacitated spermatozoa are packed in the tubules in the epididymis in late winter

[Survival rate following treatment of primary breast cancer in Semnan, Iran [1991-2002]]

Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer related mortality after lung cancer. Survival rate is an important index for evaluating the overall effectiveness of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The present study was performed to estimate survival rate in women with breast cancer diagnosed and treated by Modified Radical Mastectomy [MRM] at Emdad Hospital in Semnan. This study was rendered through 1991-2002 using extracting recorded data of patients, which had been treated by MRM at Emdad hospital in Semnan. The patients were subsequently followed up for their survival and further information. The mean age [ +/- SD] of patients was 51.5 +/- 14.0 years. The most common type of malignancy and stage of disease were invasive ductal carcinoma and stage III at the time of diagnosis. Increase of age [P=0.002] and the stage of disease [P=0.000] were associated with shorter survival. The 5-year and 10-year survival for stage I patients was 100%, for stage II 77% and 65%, for stage III, 23% and 12%, and taking overall, they were 58% and 47%, respectively. The survival for stages I and II was similar to other countries, but for stage III was poor in Semnan. In addition, the cumulative 5-year and 10-year survival was poor as well. Increase of age and stage at the time of diagnosis and lack of chemotherapy and radiotherapy site are some causes of shorter survival. Therefore, education to early diagnosis of breast cancer in women must be considered and followed seriously

[Non-parametric estimation of the pattern of the age at natural menopause in Garmsar]

Based on WHO, menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity which is recognized to have occurred after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea, for which there is no other obvious pathological or physiological cause. It is the beginning of a phase of women's' life with somatic and metabolic changes which leads to decrease in quality of life, osteoporosis and heart diseases. Because of increasing the number of women experiencing post-menopausal life, studying the pattern of age in onset of menopause seems necessary. Non-parametric method to estimation the pattern of the age at natural menopause was introduced. For applied purpuses, data from a survey in Garmsar that it is performed on 581 women aged 30 years or older. The pattern of age at menopause was estimated for them using prevalence of menopause in each age group. The mean and median of age at natural menopause were 51.9 +/- 3.6 and 52.2, respectively. Increasing of menopause was slow from age 30 to 43, but a speed-up in monopause was observed until 55 years old, and then it was decreased slowly. compared to the other regions of Iran, the mean of age at natural menopause in Garmsar seems greater

[Nitrite concentration in distributed sausage in semnan province]

To determining of sodium nitrite in susage and compasion with amount of standard and change of nitrite in the course of time. For sampling, took action in thirty different time production [P<0.05] from every one of eleven factory products that enter meat products to Semnan Province and samples transferred to laboratory. For determining of nitrite was used from standard number 923 that has been given by Iran standard office. After the determining of nitrite concentration in samples was taken action respect estimation of confidence space mean with P<0.05 in total samples and was analyzed meanings with amount of standard. In examination of nitrite in products gave in susags A 54.5 and 55.16, in B 33 and 26.33, in C 7.9 and 7.73, in D 32.1 and 31.33, in E 23.47 and 19.23, in F 54.9 and 48.77 and in C [Tehran] 36.17 and 25.7, in H 19.3 and 13.57, in L 20.43 and 22.9, in K 39.8 and 34, in M 36.6 and 14.63 milligram in kilogram that amounts of theirs with P < 0.05 had very meaning different with amount of standard. In examination A products for determining of time effect amount of nitrite gave in first, seventh, tenth, fourteenth day in manner 50, 43, 42, 39 and in F products in first, seventh, fourteenth in manner 52, 51, 42 milligram in kilogram. In products of A, D, F, B, E, G, C, H, K, L, M, amount of nitrite was lower than standard and was not problem in this products. Also with examination one sample of products two factories in different times was distinguished that amount of nitrite decreases in meat products in the course of time

[Study of motor skills in 5-years-old children [Semnan, 2006]]

The current study was performed to assay motor skills [rapid naming, word and phrase repetition] in 5 years old children that these skills are in close relationship with speech and reading development. The aim of this study was to identify the mean and 95% confidence interval of these developmental aspects in normal 5 years old children in order to finding the normal range of these skills, which are the basis of reading and speaking. Performing a screening test in order to diagnosis, training and treatment of abnormal motor skills in 5-year-old children was another aim of the present study. This study was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. All nursery schools affiliated to education and welfare office in Semnan were included in this study. In each nursery school, children with auditory, visual and speech disorders were excluded and 20% of those whose mother tongue was farsi or semnani were selected randomly [a total number of 2256 persons]. Statistical analysis was carried out using independent t test and Chi-square test. The means were as follows: rapid picture naming 72 words in 100 seconds, word repetition 4.97, unfamiliar phrase repetition 4.31. There was no significant difference between girls and boys with regard to the above skills. The mean of word repetition in Semnanian 5-year-old children was greater than mean of unfamiliar phrase repetition. Semnanian 5-year-old children's mean of rapid picture naming and word repetition was lower than that of 5-year-old children in Tehran, but in unfamiliar phrase repetition Semnanian 5- year-old children's scores were greater

[ mental health status of employees in Semnan University of Medical Sciences [1385]]

The main goal for every university is to educate professionals in order to improve the quality of well being of body and mind of the society's members. To approach this important issue, universities needs healthy employees to enable them to educate healthy, qualified, well trained, and sensitive individuals for societies. Therefore, investigation about the health situation of the employee has a prime importance. This study was carried out to evaluate the status of mental health of employees in the Semnan University of Medical Sciences. The present study was a descriptive-analytical and cross- sectional study. 414 employees of the Semnan University of Medical Ssciences were included in the study. Data were collected using a self-reporting questionnaire [GHQ-28]. Then, data were analyzed by SPSS software and also mean, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequency were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient at the level of 5% and logistic regression analysis. Totally, 28.6% of employees suffered from mental diseases. The most cases were observed among the employees who working in treatment setting [41%] and the least ones observed among the employees who working in office setting. The rate of mental disorders was greater in individuals aged 40-49 [29.3%], women [37.4%], undergraduates [40.7%], singles [60%], as well as the individual who working for 20 or more years [35.2%] in the university. Interpretation logistic regression showed that index of gender, the level of education, and occupation has a significant influence over mental disorder. The rate of mental disorder was 2.5 times more than those reported by WHO, but was similar with those reported in Iran. More investigations are needed for better understanding of the reasons for higher prevalence of mental disorder among women, undergraduates government employees and those individuals who working in treatment setting. The result of these studies can lead to find a solution for this problem

[Comparison between bobath inhibitory technique with electrical stimulation and bobath inhibitory technique alone on spastic patients]

Spasticity is one the signs of upper motor neuron injuries. Spasticity is as inter ventional factor result in gait, posture and function difficulties. There are different methods to reduce spasticity such as drug therapy, physical therapy, etc. The physical therapists use bobath inhibitory technipues for decreasing spasticity. The relatively new method in treatment of patients with spasticity is electrical stimulation. There are a controversy in results of studies that evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation on spasticity. The purpose of present study is a comparison between bobath technique with electrical stimulation and bobath technique alone on spastic patients. Fourty patients with upper motor lesion who had spasticity in lower extremities participated in the study. The subjects divided into two groups. Group A was received bobath technique with electrical stimulation and group B received only bobath technique. Before and after intervension, the spasticity assessment was performed by measurement of passive dorsiflexion range of motion, Tibialis anterior strength and Gastrocneminus tone with Ashworth scale and H-reflex. The results of this study indicated that the improvement induced by both methods were statistically significant for all parameters measured [p=0.000]. In group A, increasing passive dorsi flexion range of motion and decreasing Gastrocnemius tone was greater than group B. These differentes were statiscally significant [p=0/001]. However, there was no significant difference between two groups with respect to tibialis anterior strength increase and H-reflex activity decrease. To decrease Gastrocnemius tonicity and increase passive dorsi flexion range of motion, bobath inhibitory with electrical stimulation was more effective than inhibitory technique alone

[Analyzing the methodologies to estimate age at natural menopause and its effective factors]

Menopause, cessation of menstruation, is a public event for all women that occur between the ages of 45-55 [or even sooner]. A variety of researches done in Iran and the rest of the world show age at menopause can depend on numerous factors such as race and genetics, socioeconomics, history of fertility, physical activity, nutrition, sexual behaviors, diseases and etc. However, there are inconsistencies between results from different researches which can be related to methodology and methods of analysis. Present research has been done to analyze methodologies which estimate age at natural menopause and its associated factors by considering their power and weakness points. The cohort and cross-sectional methodologies to estimate age at natural menopause are introduced as well as appropriate statistical techniques to determine effective factors. Iranian and the some foreign papers, which their main object or one of the principle objects was estimating age at menopause, are introduced and analyzed. The results show that prediction and estimation of age at menopause are more complicated than it seems. Nearly all Iranian and some foreign surveys are poor in methodology and methods of analysis which decreases the efficacy and correctness of their findings

[Association between Helicobacter Pylori infection and first miscarriage]

Miscarriage is the most common problem in pregnancy. Major mechanisms responsible for abortion are not always clear. Some underlying factors have been proved. Hence, efforts are being done to determine the new factors; like chronic infection. In this study, we investigated relationship between helicobacter pylori [HP] infection and first miscarriage. In this study, 70 women with first miscarriage [case group] and 67 with normal [control group] delivery, aged 20-29 years old were studied. Interviews along with 5cc blood were taken from each case to test the specific IgG titer with ELISA method. A questionnaire was filled for each subject. Mean [ +/- SD] age of cases was 23.0 +/- 2.6 and control group was 23.8 +/- 2.7. This difference was not significant [P=0.076]. 45.7% of cases with the first miscarriage and 25.4% control group suffered from HP. Relationship between HP infection and miscarriage was significant [OR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.13-5.46, P=0.013. According to this study, it seems that there is an association between HP infection and first miscarriage. For determining the effect of HP infection on causing the first miscarriage, more studies are required

[Epidemiological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Damghan [2000-2006]]

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is endemic in many parts of Iran. Numerous recognized focuses of Anthroponotic and Zoonotic forms of the disease exist in our country. Damghan is one of the endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. An outbreak of the disease occurred in 1378 in this city. To determine epidemiological characteristics of the disease during 1378- 1384, we planed this study. In this descriptive research 3460 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis studied. Data were collected by using of patients records available at public health department of Damghan County. Demographic and clinical features such as age, sex, resident place, season and year of diagnosis, migration history, and involvement of organs evaluated. Incidence rate in 2000-2006 was 1168.7, 558.8, 538.1, 525.2, 587.8, 548/5 and 312 per 100000 population respectively. Incidence rate in the village was higher than city, and in men higher than women. Most involved organs were hands [55%] and foot [43%]. Most new observed cases of disease were in autumn. These findings indicate the Zoonotic type of the disease rather than Anthroponotic type of it. Damghan is one of focuses of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Surveillance and appropriate interventions in control of disease are very important. Trend of incidence of the disease during 1378-1384 indicates that 1378 epidemic is under control

[Prevalence of Goiter and its relationship with thyroid function test in primary school children aged 6-12 years in Semnan [2006]]

Goiter is the enlargement of thyroid gland and is the most common disorder of the thyroid. Patients with goiter are usually euthyroid [simple goiter], but they may be hyperthyroid or hypothyroid. Since, proper diagnosis and treatment of goiter can prevent the morbidity of the disorder; the current study was performed to determine the prevalence of different types of goiter in school children in Semnan following 16 years of the production and providing iodized salt. In this survey, 9708 school children, aged 6-12 years old, were studied. Firstly, children with goiter were identified and then their thyroid function tests including T4 and TSH carried out, and the different types of goiter were determined according to the tests results. The prevalence of goiter was 3.5% in school children, aged 6-12 years old; 4.1% and 3% in girls and boys, respectively. The prevalence of hyperthyroid, hypothyroid and euthyroid was respectively 8.9%, 28.9% and 62.1% amongs girlsr, whilst those were 9.2%, 25.7% and 65.1% in boys. The greatest number of children who suffered from goiter was the 8 years old students. The greatest number of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was observed in 10 years old and in 8 years old children, respectively. These finding revelaed that that the campaign launched to prevent iodine deficiency by iodinating table salt has been highly effective after 16 years from the beginning of this campaign and the international standards for preventing disorders resulted from iodine deficiency have been achieved in the city of Semnan