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Objective@#Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that may be negatively associated with the self-image. It might be associated with orthodontic treatment demand and outcome, and therefore is important. Thus, this study was conducted. @*Methods@#The Yale-Brown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD-YBOCS) questionnaire was used in 699 orthodontic patients above 12 years of age (222 males, 477 females), at seven clinics in two cities (2020–2021). BDD diagnosis and severity were calculated based on the first 3 items and all 12 items of the questionnaire. The dental health component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC) was assessed by orthodontists. Multivariable and bivariable statistical analyses were performed on ordinal and dichotomized BDD diagnoses to assess potentially associated factors (IOTN-DHC, age, sex, marital status, education level, and previous orthodontic consultation) (α = 0.05). @*Results@#IOTN-DHC scores 1–5 were seen in 13.0%, 39.9%, 29.8%, 12.4%, and 4.9% of patients. Age/sex/ marital status/education were not associated with IOTN-DHC (p > 0.05). Based on 3-item questionnaire, 17.02% of patients had BDD (14.02% mild). Based on 12-item questionnaire, 2.86% had BDD. BDD was more prevalent or severer in females, married patients, patients with a previous history of orthodontic consultation, and patients with milder IOTN-DHCs (p< 0.05). @*Conclusions@#IOTNDHC was negatively/slightly associated with BDD in orthodontic patients. Being female and married may increase BDD risk.
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OBJECTIVES:: Investigating the survival of patients with cancer is vitally necessary for controlling the disease and for assessing treatment methods. This study aimed to compare various statistical models of survival and to determine the survival rate and its related factors among patients suffering from lung cancer. METHODS:: In this retrospective cohort, the cumulative survival rate, median survival time, and factors associated with the survival of lung cancer patients were estimated using Cox, Weibull, exponential, and Gompertz regression models. Kaplan-Meier tables and the log-rank test were also used to analyze the survival of patients in different subgroups. RESULTS:: Of 102 patients with lung cancer, 74.5% were male. During the follow-up period, 80.4% died. The incidence rate of death among patients was estimated as 3.9 (95% confidence [CI], 3.1 to 4.8) per 100 person-months. The 5-year survival rate for all patients, males, females, patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) was 17%, 13%, 29%, 21%, and 0%, respectively. The median survival time for all patients, males, females, those with NSCLC, and those with SCLC was 12.7 months, 12.0 months, 16.0 months, 16.0 months, and 6.0 months, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that the hazard ratios (95% CIs) for male sex, age, and SCLC were 0.56 (0.33 to 0.93), 1.03 (1.01 to 1.05), and 2.91 (1.71 to 4.95), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: Our results showed that the exponential model was the most precise. This model identified age, sex, and type of cancer as factors that predicted survival in patients with lung cancer.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Cohort Studies , Follow-Up Studies , Incidence , Iran , Lung Neoplasms , Lung , Models, Statistical , Multivariate Analysis , Retrospective Studies , Small Cell Lung Carcinoma , Survival RateABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#: Investigating the survival of patients with cancer is vitally necessary for controlling the disease and for assessing treatment methods. This study aimed to compare various statistical models of survival and to determine the survival rate and its related factors among patients suffering from lung cancer.@*METHODS@#: In this retrospective cohort, the cumulative survival rate, median survival time, and factors associated with the survival of lung cancer patients were estimated using Cox, Weibull, exponential, and Gompertz regression models. Kaplan-Meier tables and the log-rank test were also used to analyze the survival of patients in different subgroups.@*RESULTS@#: Of 102 patients with lung cancer, 74.5% were male. During the follow-up period, 80.4% died. The incidence rate of death among patients was estimated as 3.9 (95% confidence [CI], 3.1 to 4.8) per 100 person-months. The 5-year survival rate for all patients, males, females, patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) was 17%, 13%, 29%, 21%, and 0%, respectively. The median survival time for all patients, males, females, those with NSCLC, and those with SCLC was 12.7 months, 12.0 months, 16.0 months, 16.0 months, and 6.0 months, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that the hazard ratios (95% CIs) for male sex, age, and SCLC were 0.56 (0.33 to 0.93), 1.03 (1.01 to 1.05), and 2.91 (1.71 to 4.95), respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#: Our results showed that the exponential model was the most precise. This model identified age, sex, and type of cancer as factors that predicted survival in patients with lung cancer.
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Background: sulfur compounds must be removed from petroleum because they contribute to environmental pollution. A strong alkaline solution such as caustic soda is used to remove these compounds. This spent caustic has high values for chemical oxygen demand [COD] concentration, pH and total sulfur. In this study, the regeneration and treatment methodology of sulfidic spent caustic was investigated by applying the analytic hierarchy process [AHP]
Methods: the evaluation index system developed was based on group decision-improved AHP. Expert Choice software was used to simplify decision-making when choosing a practical method and prioritizing treatment of spent caustic. Cost, environmental considerations, availability and scale-up were chosen as criteria and wet air oxidation and biological and catalytic methods were selected as alternative methods. The treatment and regeneration of spent caustic was carried out in a batch bubble column reactor loaded with IVKAZ catalyst and the effluent was treated in a precipitation-stirred tank reactor
Results: evaluation indicated that cost ranked first among criteria at 40.9%. The results showed that the proposed process produced about 13% [wt] of caustic, 50 g/L of COD and 36 g/L of S[2-]
Conclusion: the results indicate that the catalytic method was more effective [0.45] than wet air oxidation and the biological method. This process regenerated more than 85% of initial caustic and the economy of the process improved by the recycling of the stream of caustic
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Different radiological methods can be used for visualization of cystic duct and its variations. It can be optimally and directly visualized with cholangiography. Unrecognized abnormality of the biliary aparatus may cause confusion on imaging studies and complicate subsequent surgical treatment. Malignancy or inflammatory processes can be secondarily involving the cystic duct. The cystic duct may be primarily involved by calculous disease, neoplasia, fistula, biliary obstruction and sclerosing cholangitis. If a portion of cystic duct is left behind during cholecystectomy many complications may be seen postoperatively. These complications include leakage and stones in cystic duct. Redundant cystic duct, impacted cystic duct stone or a tortuous cystic duct may confuse with a mass or tumor. So accurate diagnosis can familiarize the physicians and surgeon with the imaging appearance of anatomical variation of cystic duct and its related disease processes.
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The effects of dietary fish oil on semen quality and sperm fatty acid profiles during consumption of n-3 fatty acids as well as the persistency of fatty acids in ram's sperm after removing dietary oil from the diet were investigated. In this experimental study, we randomly assigned 9 Zandi rams to two groups [isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets]: control [CTR; n=5] and fish oil [FO; n=4] for 70 days with a constant level of vitamin E in both groups. Semen was collected at the first week and at the last week of the feeding period [phase 1]. After the feeding period, all rams were fed a conventional diet and semen samples were collected one and two months after removal of FO [phase 2]. The sperm parameters and fatty acid profiles were measured by computer assisted semen analyzer [CASA] and gas chromatography [GC], respectively. The completely randomized design was used and data were analyzed with SPSS version 16. Dietary FO had significant positive effects on all sperm quality and quantity parameters compared with the CTR during the feeding period [p<0.05]. The positive effects of FO on sperm concentration and total sperm output were observed at one and two months after removal of FO [p<0.05], whereas other sperm parameters were unaffected. Before feeding, C14 [myristic acid], C16 [palmitic acid], C18 [stearic acid], C18:1 [oleic acid] and C22:6 [docosahexaenoic acid: DHA] were the primary sperm FA. FO in the diet increased sperm DHA, C14:0 and C18:0 during the feeding period [p<0.05]. The present study showed not only manipulation of ram sperm fatty acid profiles by dietary FO and sperm parameters during the feeding period, but also the persistency of unique effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids up to two months following its removal from the diet. Also, we recommend that sperm fatty acid profiles should be comprehensively analyzed and monitored
Subject(s)
Animals , Spermatozoa , Fatty AcidsABSTRACT
Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. In spite of the relatively high rate of negative appendectomy, as a result of miss diagnosis, uncertainty of diagnosis still continues to challenge physicians. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the role of [99m]Tc-Ubiquicidin [UBI] scintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and to compare [99m]Tc-UBI scintigraphy with [99m]Tc-IgG scintigraphy. Twelve patients with right lower quadrant pain and suspicious of acute appendicitis were referred to the nuclear medicine imaging center. Radionuclide imaging was performed with [99m]Tc-UBI in 8 and [99m]Tc-IgG in 4 patients. Ultrasonography, Alvarado scoring and histopathological examinations were also performed as additional diagnostic tests. Reports from [99m]Tc-IgG and [99m]Tc-UBI scintigraphies of all patients were negative. This study may conclude that [99m]Tc-IgG scintigraphy and [99m]Tc-UBI scintigraphy in the detection of appendicitis do not have adequate efficacy. However, in order to better evaluate [99m]Tc-IgG and [99m]Tc-UBI scintigraphy, a comprehensive study on a large number of patients with clinical suspicious of acute appendicitis would be more helpful
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Clonidine is an alpha2-agonist which is used as a sedative premedication in children. There are conflicting results in the published literature about the effect of clonidine on the incidence of post operative nausea and vomiting [PONV]. We therefore decided to evaluate the effect of oral clonidine given preoperatively on the incidence of PONV in children after appendectomy. Sixty children, 5-12 years old, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, who were scheduled for appendicectomy were enrolled in this randomized double blinded clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 patients. Patients in clonidine group were given 4 micro g/kg-1 clonidine in 20 cc of apple juice and patients in control group were given only 20 cc of apple juice 1 hour before transporting to operating room. The protocol of general anesthesia and postoperative analgesia was the same for two groups. Incidence of PONV and antiemetic usage of patients were assessed during 0-24 hours after anesthesia. The patients' characteristics were similar in two groups. Patients who had received clonidine had significantly less episodes of PONV and also less rescue antiemetic usage than patients in control group. We showed that oral clonidine at a dose of 4 microg.kg -1 administered preoperatively is associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative vomiting in children who have undergone appendectomy
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Background: Mammalian spermatozoa are characterized by a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs], but reliable data concerning dietary effects on fatty acid [FA] profile in ram's sperm and the persistency of FA in the ration to the FA in sperm has not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the stability of saturated and unsaturated FAs in ram's sperm despite removing FA sources from their diet
Materials and Methods: Nine Kalkoohi rams were used in a completely randomized design and they were assigned to 3 groups. The treatments were diet supplemented [35 g/d/ram] by C16:0 [RP-10[registered]], C18: 2 [Sunflower oil; SO] and n-3 [Fish oil; FO] with Vitamin E. Fifteen weeks after the start of the supplemented diet, rams were offered a basal diet without any supplementary FA source for 35 days when the sperm's FA ratio was determined. The data were analyzed by ANOVA [Analysis of variance] using the General Linear Model [GLM] procedure of SAS Institute
Results: Thirty five days after removing the fat supplement from the diet, major FA in sperm consisted of: C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 cis, C18:2 cis and C22:6 n-3 docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]. The percentage of C14:0 [p=0.8] and C18:1 cis [P=0.4] were similar among all the treatments. Interestingly, 35 days after the removal of fatty acid source, the percentage of C22:6 was highest in the FO treated group
Conclusion: The different sperm FA profile among various groups suggests that dietary FA had significant direct or indirect impacts on sperm FA profile after 35 days which might lead to physical and chemical changes in sperm characteristics
Subject(s)
Animals , Spermatozoa/metabolism , SheepABSTRACT
Headache at altitudes has had an incidence of 25-62% through many related studies. Many reasons are identified concerning headache at altitudes such as acute mountain sickness [AMS], sinus headache, migraine, tension type headache, and frontal tension headache. This study tried to compare different types of headache among trekkers on Mount Damavand, a 5671m mountain, Iran, to find their incidence and related symptoms and signs. Through a cross-sectional study, we evaluated headache incidence and its correlation to AMS among people who climbed Mount Damavand. Lake Louise Score, a self-report questionnaire, was applied to make AMS diagnosis through three separate stages of trekking program. Chi-square test was employed as the main mean of analysis. Totally, 459 between 13-71 years old participated in the study among which females were 148 [32.1%] and males 311 [67.8%]. Headache was found in 398 [86.7%] among whom 279 [70%] were proved as AMS. Investigating the types of headache in the cases of AMS showed 64.5% steady, 31% throbbing, and 4.5% stabbing characters which had significant differences with a P value = 0.003. The majority of headaches were stated as frontal [38.9%] and the least prevalence belonged to parietal area [4.4%], while global headache was reported 27%. This study specifies the exact location of headaches at altitude in cases of AMS and non-AMS headaches. Many cases of high altitude non-AMS headache are resulted by tension and light reflection at altitude
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Altitude , Altitude Sickness , Incidence , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] is an important structural component of the outer cell membrane complex of gram negative microorganisms. Its causative role in gram negative bacteria-induced diseases and broad applications in different kinds of cell stimulation experiments provided a conceptual basis for studies directed at the isolation, purification, and detailed chemical characterization of LPS. The main problem with LPS purification protocols is the contamination of the end product with nucleic acids and proteins in variable proportions which could potentially interfere with downstream applications. In this study, a simple procedure for purification of LPS from Escherichia coli [E.coli] and Salmonella typhi [S.typhi] with high purity and very low contaminating nucleic acids and proteins based on the hot phenol-water extraction protocol has been introduced. The purity of extracted LPS was evaluated by silver and coomassie blue staining of SDS-PAGE gels and HPLC analysis. Limulus Amebocyte Lysate [LAL] coagulation activity and rabbit pyrogen assay were exploited to monitor the functionality of purified LPS. The results showed that DNase and RNase treatment of the sample is essential after the sonication step to eliminate nucleic acid contamination in the LPS fraction. Silver staining demonstrated ladder pattern which is characteristic of LPS. No contaminating protein was found as assessed by coomassie blue staining. HPLC fractionation revealed high degree of purity comparable with commercial LPS. Parenteral administration of purified LPS resulted in substantial increase of rabbits' body temperature [mean: 1.45°C]. LAL coagulation assay confirmed the functional activity of the purified LPS. In conclusion, the protocol presented here could be employed for isolation of LPS with high purity and functional activity
Subject(s)
Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhiABSTRACT
Pregnancy is associated with a hypercoagulable state, therefore the optimal anticoagulants for potential use in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves are controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of anticoagulants on pregnancy outcomes and their potential risks in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. In this prospective cohort study, we followed 44 women with 49 pregnancies who had mechanical heart valves from September 2002 to September 2007. A total of 38 patients took warfarin throughout their pregnancies [group A]. In 11 patients, warfarin was changed to heparin during the first trimester and then again to warfarin during 12[th] to 36[th] weeks of gestational age [group B]. All women took warfarin from 36[th] weeks of gestational age until deliver. In group A, there were 22 live births [57.9%], 15 abortions [39.5%] and 1 maternal death [2.6%]. In group B, there were seven live births [63.6%], three spontaneous abortions [27.3%] and one intra-uterine fetal death [9.1%]. There was no significant difference in live birth rate between the two groups [p=0.24]. Thirty-three pregnancies [86.8%] in group A and five pregnancies [45.4%] in group B had no maternal complications [p=0.004]. The difference in pregnancy complications between both groups was significant [p<0.001]. The present study shows that low dose warfarin [5 mg/day or less] may be safe during the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal adverse events are low when pregnant women with mechanical heart valves remain on a warfarin regimen. The risk of embryopathy doe not necessarily increase
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Anticoagulants , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation , Pregnancy Outcome , Warfarin , Warfarin/adverse effects , Heparin , Heparin/adverse effects , Prospective Studies , Cohort StudiesABSTRACT
Mannose-binding lectin [MBL] is a part of the innate immune system. Many studies showed an association of low serum MBL levels with decreased host defense against various infectious agents. Considering paradoxical reports about the serum level of MBL in hemodialysis patients, this study aimed to measure and compare serum MBL levels in hemodialysis patients and healthy individuals. In a cross-sectional study, 70 hemodialysis patients and 70 volunteers with normal routine laboratory tests and physical examination were assessed for serum MBL level [measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay]. In addition, serum C-reactive protein levels in hemodialysis patients were measured to rule out correlation of increased serum MBL level with inflammation. In hemodialysis patients, 32 [45.7%] were men and 38 [54.3%] were women. In the control group, 34 [48.6%] were men and 36 [51.4%] were women [P = .87]. The mean age showed no significant difference in hemodialysis [44.5 +/- 13.5 year] and control [46.4 +/- 12.4 years] groups. Serum level of MBL was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients [2.12 +/- 1.49 microg/mL] than that in the controls [1.49 +/- 2.12] microg/mL; P < .001]. No significant correlation was found between serum MBL and C-reactive protein levels [r = 0.002, P = .98] among the hemodialysis patients. Serum MBL level in hemodialysis patients was significantly higher than that in the control group of healthy individuals. This may have some implications in management of patients and prediction of kidney allograft survival
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Renal Dialysis , Immunity, Innate , Immune System , Cross-Sectional Studies , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , C-Reactive ProteinABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine the ultrasonographic [US] bladder wall thickness [BWT] in normal children. In 106 children [54 boys and 52 girls, aged 8 months to 15 years] without any history and laboratory findings of bladder dysfunction or infection, US measurement of bladder points was performed with bladder filled to at least 50% of its expected capacity. The mean thickness of four bladder wall points was 1.79 +/- 0.28 mm. The mean anterior wall thickness was 1.5 +/- 0.31 mm [range 0.9-2.2 mm], posterior 2 +/- 0.36 mm [range 1.2-3.1 mm], right lateral 1.8 +/- 0.34 mm [ranges 0.8-3mm] and left lateral 1.8 +/- 0.36mm [range 1-3mm]. There was a significant difference between bladder sites [P<0.05] except between lateral sites. We recommend after measurement of four points, to compare these values with normal +/- 2SD curves according to age
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
There is shortage of knowledge about medical problems in adolescents skiers. This study aimed to determine frequency of medical signs and symptoms during or after ski among adolescents skiers. This cross sectional study was performed in 1 2 consecutive weekends in winter 2005 at Dizin ski piste in Iran. All adolescents skiers [<16years] who had entered the piste during this time period were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire including demographics, duration of transport to the piste, wearing glasses and contact lenses for medical and non medical applications, duration and frequency of skiing and development of signs and symptoms of ski sickness during or after skiing was filled for each participant. In addition to determination of frequency of medical problems, association of mentioned variables with medical problems was investigated. Of 162 skiers, 111 subjects [68.5%] were males. The mean age of the participants was 14.7 +/- 2.1 years. Of them, 127 skiers wore glasses or lens during skiing. Visual disorders including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were found in 24 [14.8%] skiers. Our study showed that the frequency of main ski-related signs and symptoms varies from 0 to 10.5%. There was significant association between occurrence of signs and symptoms and presence of visual disorder [P=0.015]. Our results showed that development of ski-related signs and symptoms is relatively frequent. These signs and symptoms have association with minor ophthalmologic problems such as myopia or astigmatism
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases , Adolescent , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vision DisordersABSTRACT
Hypoxia and hypocapnia can cause broncho-constriction in human subjects, and this could have a bearing on performance at high altitude. The object of this study was to examine how pulmonary ventilatory functions during high-altitude trekking. This study is a cohort study on spirometric parameters at different altitudes. Fifty six healthy male volunteers from a university student population were enrolled in the study [ages 22.9 +/- 5.3 years]. Pulmonary function was assessed with a Spirolab II in all participants before ascending at baseline [1150 meter], after ascending at different altitudes [2850, 4150 meter], and after descending at sea level during a 3-day trek in Sialan Mount. This study indicates that in an actual trek, ascending results in significant decrease in forced vital capacity [FVC]. FVC significantly decreased with increasing altitude from baseline level and at the sea level it was significantly less than baseline level. Peak flow increased with increasing altitude from baseline [1150 m] to 2850 m and decreased with decreasing altitude [p < 0.01]. Maximal midexpiratory flow rate [FEF 25-75%] and forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced expiratory volume ratio [FEV1.0%] significantly increased with increasing and decreasing altitude from baseline level [p < 0.001]. There was no significant change in FEV1. It could be concluded that changes in some pulmonary ventilatory parameters were proportional to the magnitude of change in altitude during a high-altitude trek. These changes are significant at the beginning of ascending
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Respiratory Function Tests , Mountaineering , Spirometry , Forced Expiratory Volume , Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate , Cohort Studies , SportsABSTRACT
To study the effect of fine powder of ginger on lipid level in volunteer patients. This is a double blind controlled clinical trial study in 2 cardiac clinics Cardiac Disease Clinic, Babol, north of Iran, between April to May 2004. We randomly divided the patients with hyperlipidemia into 2 groups, treatment group [receiving ginger capsules 3 g/day in 3 divided doses] and placebo group [lactose capsule 3 g/day in 3 divided doses] for 45 days. All subjects with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and alcohol drinking, pregnancy and peptic ulcer were excluded. Lipid concentrations profile before and after treatment was measured by enzymatic assay. Forty-five patients in the treatment group and 40 patients in placebo group participated in this study. There was a significant reduce in triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL], levels of before and after study separately in each group [p<0.05]. Mean changes in triglyceride and cholesterol levels of ginger group were significantly higher than placebo group [p<0.05]. Mean reduction in LDL level and increase in high density lipoprotein level of ginger group were higher than the placebo group, but in VLDL level of placebo was higher than ginger [p>0.05]. The results show that ginger has a significant lipid lowering effect compared to placebo
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hyperlipidemias/therapy , Double-Blind Method , Lipids/bloodABSTRACT
Asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema as a common chronic disorder in childhood, has many epidemiologic variations in different geographic areas. Uniform and standard epidemiologic researches are able to clear and modify scientific questions in this field. We carried out this study to determine the prevalence and intensity of pediatric allergic disease in our region. This analytical-cross sectional study was performed on 2 groups of children; the first group aged 6-7 years [n=3240] and the second group aged 12-14 years [n=3254] during 2002-03. According to ISAAC programming, sample size consisted of 3000 children in each group. From all students 99.3% of primary students and 88.8% of guidance students entered into study. Data was gathered by ISAAC first phase questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 10 and Chi square test. The 12-month prevalence rates of symptoms were as follow: wheezing 16.8% and 21.7%, allergic rhinitis symptoms 14.5% and 19.9% and atopic dermatitis symptoms 4.5% and 8.2%, for younger and older age group, respectively. The prevalence of wheezing and current wheeze did not show differences according to sex [P > 0.05] but it was significantly higher in students of guidance school [P < 0.05]. The prevalence of previous history of asthma, speech disorders, wheezing after physical exercises and dry cough at night, rhinoconjuntivitis, recurrent rhinitis, eczema with pruritus, recurrent lesions and history of eczema was significantly higher in boys and in students of guidance school [P < 0.05]. The prevalence of flexor lesion did not show a significant difference according to age [P > 0.05] but in boys it was higher than in the girls [P < 0.05]. According to our findings asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema have a moderate prevalence in this region of our country
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/epidemiology , Allergy and Immunology , Eczema/epidemiology , Child , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Students , Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology , Sex Factors , Age Factors , PruritusABSTRACT
Pneumonia causes about three million deaths a year in young children; nearly all of them are in developing countries. Most of pneumonias are caused by microorganisms but a number of non-infectious agents could be the etiologic agent. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients admitted to Amirkola Children's Hospital, Babol/Iran because of pneumonia. This cross-sectional study was done on pediatric patients, aged 1 month to 12 years who were hospitalized with a final diagnosis of pneumonia. From 2003 to 2005 a total of 404 cases with a diagnosis of pneumonia were recorded. The diagnosis was based on physical examination, result of chest radiography and laboratory findings. The epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded and analyzed by SPSS 10 software. Sex distribution showed male 58.6%, female 41.4%. The mean age of boys was significantly less than girls [P=0.02]. Admissions more than once because of pneumonia were seen in 10% of the patients. The most common clinical signs and symptoms were positive pulmonary auscultation, cough and increased respiratory rate. ESR and CRP were elevated in 66% and 65.8% respectively. The blood culture was positive in 3.5% of cases and the predominant bacteria isolated was Haemophilus influenzae type b. The mortality rate of pneumonia in this study was 1.2%. Although cases of positive culture for bacterial infection in our study population seem to be low, the predominance of Haemophilus influenzae type b in comparison to the similar studies in developed countries necessitates the vaccination of target population against this microorganism