[Alanin aminotransferase activity in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard]

Until now, few studies have focused on late effect of sulfur mustard on the liver; at present there is no data published on liver enzymes in sulfur mustard exposed veterans. The current study was conducted with the aim of determining alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard. In this cross-sectional study, 263 sulfur mustard exposed veterans were selected from among individuals referring to the respiratory clinic in Bagiyatallah hospital in 2005. ALT was determined in all subjects. Demographic data, exposure related variables, respiratory status and Body Mass Index [BMI] were collected. ALT over 40 unit/liter was considered as abnormal. From a total of 263 sulfur mustard exposed veterans, 43 [16.3%] patients had an elevated ALT level. Range of ALT was 3-94 with a mean [SD] of 26.43 +/- 15.22 unit/liter. ALT was correlated with the BMI [r=0.153, p=0.013]. ALT was not significantly correlated with age, grading of chemical and overall disability. Mean ALT levels in patients with BMI > 25 [28.81 +/- 15.05] were significantly higher than those with BMI less than 25 [21.93 +/- 14.58] [p=0.001]. Mean ALT level was higher in those with FEV1/FVC, in comparison to others [p<0.05]. ALT was not significantly correlated with other study variables [p>0.05]. Although any conclusion of the impact of mustard gas on ALT needs a controlled study, we mean while suggest serial measurement of the activity of this enzyme and other measures of liver status

[Correlation between sexual dysfunction and marital dissatisfaction among diabetics]

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and marital dyssatisfaction is reported to be higher among diabetics than in the general population. Correlation between marital satisfaction and sexual dysfunction in these patients is controversial. This study assesses the correlation between marital satisfaction and sexual dysfunction in diabetic subjects. In this cross-sectional study, 100 diabetics from a diabetes clinic in Shahrekord were selected. Presence of decreased libido and arousal sexual dysfunction were assessed in subjects, using the Laumann et al questionnaire. Golombok Rust Iinventory of Marital Satisfaction [GRIMS] was used to measure marital satisfaction. The mean score of the marital satisfaction was compared in subjects with and without each type of sexual dysfunction. Decreased libido and arousal sexual dysfunction was seen in 76 [76%] and 32 [32%] subjects, respectively. Marital satisfaction was lower in those diabetics with decreased libido or arousal sexual dysfunction [p>0.05]. According to this study, marital satisfaction is expected to be worse in diabetics with sexual dysfunction. It is therefore recommended that more attention be paid to diabetics with sexual dysfunction

[Frequency and pattern of diabetes insipidus following hypophyseal adenectomy in Baqyiatallah hospital, 1991-2001]

Adenoma is one of the most common pituitary tumors, with diabetes Insipidus [DI] being one of the most common complications. This study was conducted with the following aims: a] determination of relative frequency of DI following hyphophyseal adenectomy, b] assessment of correlation between DI and some variables, c] study the clinical course of DI development after surgery of hyphophyseal adenoma. Matherials and This prospective study was conducted between 1991-2001 in Baqyiatallah Hospital, Tehran, 50 Patients with pituitary adenoma without diabetes underwent trans-Sphenoidal [n = 35] or trans-cranial adenectomy [n = 15]. Development, time of onset, duration of DI, and need to use Minirin was assessed in patients. DI was categorized to Immediate DI [IDI, day 10]. DI occurred in 15 cases [30%], of which, 10 had IDI [67%] and 5 cases had DDI [33%]. DI developed in 5 [33.3%], 7 [46.6%], and 1 [6.6%] subjects, on days 1, 2 and 7 following their operation, respectively. DI was not correlated with sex, age and kind of surgery [p>0.05]. DDI was seen more after trans-Cranial surgery than after trans-Sphenoid surgery [26.6% vs 2.8%, p=0.024]. Of 15 cases of DI, 5 [33%] did not need Minirin, 5 [33%] needed it just for one day, and 5 [33%] received it for 4-180 days [4, 11, 15, 62 and over 180 days]. This study reported the relative frequency of hypophyseal adenectomy to be 33%. According to this study, one third of patients have self-limited DI and do not need drug therapy. However, we recommend that in patients with DI after these surgeries, early and routine prescription of Minirin should be avoided and treatment should be based on fluid replacement. This study also reported trans-Sphenoid surgery to be less frequently accompanied by DI, which seems to be an important factor in the selection of operation techniques for these surgeries