Post partum depression and thyroid function

Risk of depression is particularly high for women during the prenatal period. Various investigators have attempted to establish a link between thyroid function and post partum depression. This study aimed to investigate whether thyroid function differs in women with postpartum depression compared to a control group. In this case-control study, subjects were selected from Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychiatric clinics of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Forty eight patients suffering from postpartum depression according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition totally revised [DSM-IV-TR], and 65 normal controls underwent diagnostic evaluation by one trained psychiatrist using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR. Then, the demographic questionnaire and the Persian version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] were completed by the participants. Finally, their thyroid functions were assessed. Data analyses were done using the SPSS program 13. No statistically significant differences were observed between thyroid function tests and postpartum depression. According to multiple regression analysis with stepwise method, subjects with lower serum TSH, T3RU, T3 levels, younger age and longer period after delivery tended to have higher EPDS scores [P-value=0.008]. The present study reports that those women with postpartum depression had a no greater prevalence of thyroid dysfunction than the control subjects. It seems that thyroid dysfunction should be considered in women with postpartum depression individually, but the role of thyroid as an important cause of this condition is not yet established. This suggests that future studies should concentrate on this concept in postpartum depression

Effects of volar static splint on function and spasticity of upper extremity of hemiplegic adults

Stroke, despite recent advances in medical technology is a problem of public health systems. Stroke is a neurological dysfunction by vascular origin and its signs and symptoms corresponding to the damaged areas of the brain. Prevalence of spasticity after stroke has been reported in 39% of patients. The upper limb of 50% of patients with stroke remains without function due to spasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of volar static splint on function and spasticity of upper extremity in hemiplegic adults. The design of this study was experimental and repeated measurement. Fifteen patients with stroke aging 41-85 years old of both sexes were no randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics and hospitals of Tehran. The patients used a volar static splint [10 degree of wrist extension, full extension of fingers and abduction and opposition of thumb] two mounts [2 hours at day and 4 hours at night]. In this study Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. A Goniometre was used to measure passive range of motion. Upper extremity function was evaluated by Fugl-Meyer Test. The results of this study showed significant reduction in wrist and elbow spasticity [p<0.0001], significant increase in wrist and elbow passive range of motion [p<0.0001 and p<0.002, respectively] and upper limb function [p<0.0001]. This study shows that 2 months using of volar static splint in patients with chronic stroke has significant effects on reduction of wrist and elbow spasticity, increasing passive range of motion of these joints and upper limb function. It seems that application of this splint is useful for improvement of upper limb function in chronic hstroke patients