effect of selenase on the disease process of patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit: a clinical trial in Tehran

Despite discovering new antibiotics, mortality due to septic shock has remained high. This research has examined the effect of selenase in patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit [ICU] of a hospital in Tehran. This double-blind clinical trial was done on 80 participants [40 case and 40 control] who were admitted to the ICU with septic shock. Every participant in the case group was administered 500 micro g selenase twice daily for 10 days. In contrast, each participant of the control group was treated with placebo [normal saline]. Data were collected by observation and recorded in a questionnaire. Chi-square and Student's t-test were used for data analysis. In this study 34 participants [42.5%] were men and 46 [57.5%] were women. The duration stay in the ICU in treatment group was less than in the observation group which was statistically significant [P =.01]. There was also a significant difference regarding the frequency of morbidity and mortality rates between the two groups [P =.03 and P =.02, respectively]. Selenium at a dosage of 500 micro g [twice daily] is effective in those who have suffered from septic shock. Still, more studies are needed to determine the best dosage and administration method of this drug

Epidemiologic profile of shigellosis among Iranian military personnel: a retrospective study in the army

To assess the epidemiologic features of shigellosis in Iranian military personnel of the Army. The data was gathered from archived reports of Iran's Army at AJA University of Medical Sciences. All military personnel with confirmed diagnosis of shigellosis reported by the Army physicians were included in the study. Data analysis was done by appropriate statistical functions using STATA software. In a 7-year period [2005-2011] the total number of cases was 1710 from 25 provinces of Iran. A large difference was found out in the incidence rates of different provinces. 69% of all cases were from the five provinces of Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Sistan-Baluchistan, Bushehr and Guilan. Although the majority [55%] of the cases had occurred in spring, the association between season and incidence rate was not significant [P = .08]. Among the three studied forces 45% of reported patients were from Navy. The overall occurrence of shigellosis has decreased among Iranian army personnel from 2005 to 2011, but the incidence is still high enough to be considered as a major problem. Army healthcare commanders are expected to improve necessary facilities, especially in the Navy and in endemic provinces, to decrease the transmission of this infection.