ABSTRACT
Celiac disease [CD] is an autoimmune disorder characterized by gluten sensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals. There is no previous report on CD and Toxoplasma gondii infection and no previous assessments with regard to the association of these conditions on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed CD and T.gondii in the pregnant women. In this descriptive study, during the period of January-July 2007, 496 pregnant women with mean age of 26 +/- 5 years [SD 4.11] and mean pregnancy duration 5.2 months were referred to reproduction section of rural and urban health care centers in Lorestan province. They underwent a total IgA test and antihuman IgA class antitissue transglutaminase [tTGA] antibodies for detection of CD. Those with IgA deficiency were tested with IgG tTG. Also IgG and IgM-Toxoplasma level were measured for detection of total antibody against T.gondii. Of 496 pregnant women, 13 [2.6%] had a positive CD serology for tTGA [95% CI: 1.2%-4.3%]. 154/496 patients had IgG positive test and 35/154 patients had IgM positive for T.gondii indicating acute stage of T.gondii infection. It is well established that CD and T.gondii infection are both associated with a high incidence of unfavorable outcomes in pregnancy. Our data suggest that CD may predispose to the development of T.gondii infection
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of GERD base on population study in Tehran providence. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a common and chronic problem. Recent reports from developing counties indicate increment in the incidence and prevalence of the disease over the past. This study was a cross-sectional household survey conducted from May 2006 to December 2007 in Tehran province, Iran. Participants completed a valid gastro-esophageal reflux Questionnaire. The questionnaire included personal and family characteristics such as age, gender, and educational status. In addition, interviewers asked them regarding 10 GI symptoms. Altogether 18180 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. The mean +/- SD age of participant was 38.7 +/- 17.1 and 9072 [49.9%] were women. The prevalence of GERD was 8.85 [8.43-9.26]. There was significant relationship between age, sex, marital and educational status with GERD. GERD symptoms were more common in women, older people, individuals with low education and married people. There was overlap between GERD, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] and uninvestigated dyspepsia [UD]. According to our finding although the prevalence of GERD in our population is less than other studies, this prevalence is increasing in recent years