study of plasma concentration [Zinc and Copper] and their relation in rheumatoid arthritis ptarients in comparison to control group

The role of trace elements [Cu, Zn] in chronic inflammatory states has provided interest, as many of them are co-factors in metabolic processes, involving arthricular tissues and immune system function. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate zinc and copper plasma concentration in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients, who were referred to the Sari Outpatient Clinics and were compared with control group. We studied plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu in 40 patients with RA and compared them with sex and age matched of healthy subjects [N=40]. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by an analysis of 100 Perkin Elmer model flame atomic absorption spectrometer [FAAS]. The plasma Zn concentration in the patient group was statistically lower than control group. The plasma copper was not statistically different in comparison with control group. There was no correlation between Cu and Zn concentration in patient group. In contrast to Cu, there was a significantly positive correlation between Zn and Zn/Cu ratio. However, the decrease of Zn/Cu is more influenced by decreasing the Zn concentration. It appears the decrease of Zn plasma concentration in patients [comparison with control group] is more important than the differences in plasma Cu concentration, but the use of Zn supplement for RA patients needs more investigation

study of hospital bavage solution and calorie and protein in take. For patients needs from the special care unit at Imam Khomeini hospital, Sari, Iran during 2005-2006

Malnutrition is a major problem within intensive care units [ICU] affecting the outcome of patients. In Imam Khomeini Hospital, patients were fed with gavage solutions prepared in the kitchen of hospitals, however, its' nutritional value has not been studied at present time. The aim of this study was to analyze the gavage solution and to compare the calculated nutritional demand with the provided values. The amount of carbohydrate, lipid and protein of gavage solution has been determined with Leen ion, Gerber and Kejeldal methods, respectively. In this study, 30 patients with at least 5 days in the ICU were included. Daily metabolic needs were calculated with Harris-Benedict equation and then, calculated calorie and protein values were compared with the provided values. The carbohydrate, lipid, protein and energy contents of gavage solutions were 0.035 +/- 0.002 g/ml, 0.0225 +/- 0.017 g/ml, 0.012 +/- 0.002 g/ml, and 0.39 +/- 0.164 Kcal/ml. The calorie and protein provided by the hospital solution, in comparison to the standard enteral solutions, were 32.5% and 16% respectively. Total energy expenditure [TEE] at the time of admission to ICU was 2302 +/- 633 Kcal/ per day. During week 1, 2, and 3, TEE was 2301 +/- 634, 2283 +/- 661 and 2228 +/- 790 respectively. Maximum provided energy was 632 +/- 600 Kcal/ per day. Maximum protein was provided in week 3 and equal to 22.9% of patient's needs. The gavage solution provided by hospitals can not meet the calorie and protein needs of patients. It is necessary to prepare solutions with enough contents of carbohydrate, lipid and protein or to provide them with standard enteral nutritional solutions