Diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss among non-elderly people

One of the known complications of diabetes is hearing impairment. This comparative study in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, aimed to evaluate the association of diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL] among a non-elderly population. Among 160 subjects aged < 60 years with no history of occupational noise exposure [80 diabetics and 80 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls], 45% of diabetic patients and 20% of controls had SNHL [OR 3.5, 95% CI: 1.6-6.6]. Age at onset and duration of diabetes were associated with SNHL. Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor for hearing loss regardless of age and smoking. Determining the cause of SNHL in diabetic patients may lead to development of better treatment options

[Comparative study of topiramate versus sodium valproate in the prevention of migraine headaches]

Migraine prevention is a major step in control and decreasing frequency of this severe and disabling type of headache. Current study was performed to determine the comparative efficacy of topiramate and sodium valproate in the management of migraine headache. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, among patients attending to Amir-al-momenin hospital between 2006 and 2007, 285 patients [50.1%] received sodium valproate with a dose of 200 mg/day and 284 subjects [49.9%] received topiramate with a dose of 100 mg/day for one month. 262 patients [91.9%] in sodium valproate group and 266 subjects [93.7%] in topiramate group had good response to treatment [NS]. In sodium valproate group, 40 patients [14%] and in topiramate group, 41 subjects [14.4%] experienced drug adverse effects [NS]. According to lack of statistically significant differences between therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of sodium valproate and topiramate, both modalities may be indicated upon with patient's conditions and physician's opinion

[Knowledge and beliefs of couples attending marriage counseling centers toward correct sexual relationships]

Inter-partner relationships as part of a somatic-affective interaction have important role in supporting of familial relations. In this regard, knowledge of couples about their specific role against their spouses and the ways of having correct sexual relationship is essential. This correct knowledge might help spouses to understand their husband/wife and would promote family's cultural status and would be transmitted to next generations. This study carried out to determine the knowledge level and beliefs of couples attending marriage counseling centers toward correct sexual relationships. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 300 individuals [150 couples], attending marriage counseling centers in the north and east of Tehran recruited for the study using random selection method. Data were collected using a questionnaire including knowledge and beliefs assessment questions. Mean knowledge score for men and women were 12.3 +/- 2.5 and 10.1 +/- 1.8, respectively [P=0.23]. Knowledge level of participants with higher education [P=0.00]; and those aged 25-29 years [P=0.65] were higher than others. 11.3% of women and 13.1% of men did not have appropriate attitudes toward correct sexual relationships [P=0.35]. Although knowledge level of respondents was just above the half of the complete score, the overall beliefs toward sexual relationships were positive

Correlation between red blood cell membrane fatty acids and plasma lipids with clinical severity of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa [RP] is an inherited retinal dystrophy caused by the loss of photoreceptors and characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination. Low red blood cell membrane fatty acid content e.g. docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] in retinitis pigmentosa may influence retinal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate red blood cell membrane fatty acid content and plasma lipid levels and determine their associated effects on the severity of disease. In a comparative cross-sectional study, 35 males and 16 females with RP [mean age= 35.7 years] were evaluated. Red blood cell membrane fatty acid content [DHA] and plasma lipid levels were measured as well as visual acuity and field. Both visual acuity and visual field were significantly associated with red blood cell membrane fatty acid content [DHA] [P<0.05]. However, the plasma lipid levels, except of total cholesterol, were not associated with visual acuity and visual field of RP patients [NS]. Current survey showed a significant association between severity of RP and fatty acid content [DHA]

Evaluation of post intubation tracheal stenosis in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital during 1999-2006

Tracheal stenosis is one of the most important complications of intra tracheal intubation, resulting in heavy economic burden and several somatic problems in patients. Therefore, its prevention and treatment are important issues. Current study was performed to evaluate this complication in a series of patients. This was an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital [Tehran, Iran] during 1999-2006. A total of 197 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age of the patients was 24.8 years. 74.1% were male and 25.9% female. The most common reasons for intubation were trauma and drug suicide. Mean duration of intubation was 17.76 days and stenosis was developed 32.8 days later on average. Therapeutic method was endoscopic resection and dilatation of the involved region in 98%, and laser-therapy in 2% of patients. In-hospital mortality rate was only 0.5%.Despite many difficulties that post intubation tracheal stenosis cause, it is a preventable complication. Role of intensive care personnel is very important in this regard

[Comparison of efficacy of topical tretinoin 0.05% cream with placebo in treatment of melasma]

Background: Melasma is a common disorder of macular hyperpigmentation, which involves mostly in sun-exposed areas of face and neck. Women are more affected. Multiple factors have been postulated to involve in the etiology and pathogenesis of melasma including pregnancy, oral contraceptives, genetics, sun exposure, cosmetics and race

Materials and methods: Fifty women completed a randomized, double blind vehicle controlled clinical trial, in which they applied 0.05% tretinoin [n=25] or vehicle cream [n=25] once daily on the face for 12 weeks

Results: 2 weeks after treatment 6 out of 25[24%] tretinoin-treated patients [group 1 ] were clinically improved, compared with O out of 25 [0%] in the vehicle group [group2][p=0.022]. 4 weeks after treatment 14[56%] of group1 and 5[20%] of group 2 improved [p=0.006]. After 12 weeks, 21 [84%] of group 1 and 6[24%] of group2 were improved [p=0.0001] which demonstrated significant improvement in the tretinoin-treated patients compared with the vehicle group

Conclusions: This controlled study demonstrates that topical 0.05 % tretinoin alone is considered to be effective in the treatment of melasma patients

Comparison of efficacy of topical tretinoin 0.05% cream with placebo in treatment of melasma

Melasma is a common disorder of macular hyperpigmentation, which involves mostly in sun-exposed areas of face and neck. Women are more affected. Multiple factors have been postulated to involve in the etiology and pathogenesis of melasma including pregnancy, oral contraceptives, genetics, sun exposure, cosmetics and race. Fifty women completed a randomized, double blind vehicle controlled clinical trial, in which they applied 0.05% tretinoin [n=25] or vehicle cream [n=25] once daily on the face for 12 weeks. 2 weeks after treatment 6 out of 25[24%] tretinoin-treated patients [group 1] were clinically improved, compared with 0 out of 25[0%] in the vehicle group [group2][p=0.022]. 4 weeks after treatment 14[56%] of groupl and 5[20%] of group2 improved [p=0.006]. After 12 weeks, 21 [84%] of groupl and 6[24%] ofgroup2 were improved [p=0.0001] which demonstrated significant improvement in the tretinoin-treated patients compared with the vehicle group. This controlled study demonstrates that topical 0.05% tretinoin alone is considered to be effective in the treatment of melasma patients