Prevalence of permanent congenital hypothyroidism in Isfahan-Iran

Considering the importance to determine the reasons for the higher occurrence of congenital hypothyroidism [CH] in Iran, in this study we report the prevalence of permanent CH [PCH] in Isfahan province 7 years after initiation of CH screening program in Isfahan. In this cross sectional study, children with a primary diagnosis of CH studied. They clinically examined and their medical files were reviewed by a pediatric endocrinologist. Considering screening and follow-up lab data, radiologic findings and the decision of pediatric endocrinologists the final diagnosis of PCH was determined. A total of 464,648 neonates screened in Isfahan province. The coverage percent of the CH screening and recall rate was 98.9% and 2.1%, respectively. A total of 1990 neonates were diagnosed with primary CH. PCH was diagnosed in 410 neonates. The prevalence of PCH and transient CH [TCH] was 1 in 1133 and 1 in 294 live births. The most common etiology of CH was thyroid dyshormonogenesis. Though the prevalence of PCH is high, but the higher prevalence of CH in Isfahan is commonly due to cases with TCH. Hence, the necessity of determining new strategies for earlier diagnosis of patients with TCH is recommended

historical cohort study assessing the effect of diabetes on the quality of life of patients

In view of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, and the absence of a previous survey in the study population, the present study was done to assess the quality of life in diabetic patients. Two groups of diabetic [n=101] and healthy [n=123] subjects matched according to age, gender, educational status, social class, occupation and marital status were recruited for this historical cohort study. The level of quality of life was measured using SF-36 scale. Data was collected by- trained expert through face-to-face interview carried out in uninterrupted and peaceful surroundings. Parametric [t-test] and non-parametric [Mann-Whitney U] tests were used to compare groups. The cohort under study consisting of 224 people in two different groups of patients and healthy people was statistically similar in the baseline variables including age, gender, educational status, social class, occupation and marital status. Proportion of people with undesirable quality of life among the patients group was significantly greater than controls. Relative risk for reporting undesirable quality of life was significantly increased, [7.1 times, 95%CI= 3.8-13.4] in diabetic patients as compared to healthy subjects. Our findings show that diabetes has an adverse effect on the quality of life. These findings underscore the need for goal-directed interventions to improve the quality of life in diabetic patients