[Comparison of serum ferritin level between patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis]

Systemic Lupus Erytematosus [SLE] is a chronic and relapsing disorder affecting several organs. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients with SLE [divided into two groups with low and high disease activity], 20 patients with osteoarthritis [OA], and 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. After having received informed consent, the blood and urine samples were collected from all patients to be tested for iron, TIBC, and serum ferritin levels and also to calculate the lupus disease activity. Patients with iron deficiency anemia were excluded. Data were analyzes by independent t-test, ANOVA, logistic regression and correlation tests. There was no significant difference between three study groups regarding the sex however, the age and duration of disease showed significant differences among 3 groups [p<0.001]. High serum ferritin level was seen in 61.7% of SLE, 15% of RA, and 5% of OA patients [p<0.001]. Increase in ESR levels demonstrated significant differences among study groups [p<0/001]. In patients with SLE, no significant correlation between serum ferritin and the decreased serum complement level and increased anti dsDNA titer was observed. Both serum ferritin and CRP levels increased in patients with serositis [p=0.019] and neurological complication [p=0.04]. Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in patients with SLE compared to those with OA and RA. There was no significant difference between serum ferritin level and SLE activity

[Effect of 10% lidocaine spray on postoperative sore throat]

Sore throat is a common complication after surgery. Application of 10% lidocaine spray on cuff of a tracheal tube maybe associated with decreased risk of postoperative sore throat. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 10% lidocaine spray on postoperative sore throat. This double-blind study was conducted at Rajaei Hospital in Qazvin during 2008-2009. Two hundred ASA I-III surgical patients [except the neck surgery] aged 9-81 years and without signs of common cold, were randomly divided into two groups. The subject group received aerosolized lidocaine [5 puffs] on cuff of the tracheal tube before tracheal intubation. The patients in control group received normal saline instead. Later, the patients underwent a standardized general anesthesia. These patients were interviewed when leaving the recovery room and re-questioned for the presence of sore throat the following day in the wards. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Findings: Sore throat was present in 29% of subject group and 22% of control group while in the recovery room. Sore throat decreased to 16% and 17% on the day after surgery. There was no significant difference in incidence of sore throat between two groups based on duration of surgery and the patient's sex when in the recovery room or wards. It seems that the application of aerosolized lidocaine on cuff of the tracheal tube before tracheal intubation fails to decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat

[Community-acquiured methicillin-resistart Staphylococcus aureus: prevalence and risk factors]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] is resistant to most antibiotics and is an important pathogen of nosocomial infections. Colonization with MRSA is no longer limited to hospitalized patients or persons with predisposing risk factors and at present there are several strains of community-acquired MRSA [CA-MRSA]. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and also the colonization-associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted through random sampling of 1083 patients admitted to Qazvin hospitals from 2004 to 2006. Nasal swabs were obtained at admission and cultured on mannitol salt agar. Oxacillin-screening plate was used to demonstrate methicillin-resistance strains of SA [according to NCCLS guidelines]. Demographic and specific information were collected by questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Chi square test. The participants' age group ranged between 2 to 94 years [mean 42.24] among those, 468 [43.2%] were males and 615 [56.8%] females with 613 [56.6%] living in urban areas. Of 1083 individuals, 56 [5.2%] were SA carrier, 51 [4.7%] colonized with MSSA and 5[0.5%] with MRSA strains. Several factors such as occupation, family size, previous hospitalization, history of antibiotic therapy within the previous 2 months, and also the presence of chronic diseases were assessed, however, no significant relationship with MRSA colonization was found [p > 0.05]. This study confirmed the presence of CA-MRSA in Qazvin. There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of CA-MRSA strains and the risk factors

[Screening of congenital hypothyroidism in Qazvin province [2006-2008]]

Congenital hypothyroidism [CH] is one of the most common endocrine disorders in children and a preventable cause of mental retardation. Treatment with thyroid hormones must be initiated before the fourth week after birth to avoid irreversible CH complications. Study conducted to determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns in Qazvin province in 2006 to 2008. This cross-sectional study was conducted based on data collected through the Neonatal CH Screening Project in Qazvin Province during two years between March 2006 and March 2008. All newborns in rural and urban areas were screened at the third to fifth days of their lives. TSH concentration was tested by filter paper and ELISA. A total of 33488 neonates were screened. The coverage rates of screening in the first and second years and also the recall rates during the same period were 84%, 95%, 2.6%, and 3.2%, respectively. The incidence rate of hypothyroidism was one per 446 newborns [0.22%] in the first year and one per 447 newborns [0.22%] in second year. Among the neonates with hypothyroidism, 40%, 26.7%, and 33.3% were found to have TSH levels of 5-9.9, 10-19.9 and values > 20 mU/L, respectively. The Neonatal Screening Program for CH was shown to have a high caliber to be implemented as the first screening test for newborns at a nationwide level. This could provide a basis for better understanding and timely detection of CH and other metabolic diseases in the country

[ use of non-prescribed antibiotic in diarrheal children by mothers in, Qods children hospital [Qazvin]]

The use of non-prescribed antibiotic in children with diarrhea causes higher microbial resistance, poor therapeutic effects and excessive costs for both family and the government. To determine the use of non-prescribed antibiotic in diarrheal children by mothers. Through a descriptive study at Qazvin Qods children hospital [2001], 301 diarrheal children were assessed. A questionnaire was used to collect the information based on replies given to questions made to mothers. The questionnaires contained demographic information and specific questions on history of antibiotic use, the reason for and also questions to evaluate the mother's general knowledge on antibiotic and so on. Mother's and children's mean age were 25.37 years and 24.48 months, respectively. Sixty percent of cases were from an urban setting. Most mothers [23.6%] were found to have primary education. Two hundred mothers [66.2%] had given antibiotic to their children prior to admission to the hospital and among those, 35 [17.5%] reported the use of non-prescribed antibiotics. The most common medicines given by others [37.1%] were pills and syrups routinely used in diarrhea treatment followed by co-trimoxazol [22.8%]. The reasons for use of non-prescribed antibiotic were based on a positive experience in previous diarrhea treatment in 40% of cases and lack of trust in doctors in 11.4% of cases. Ninety four mothers [33%] were found to be unfamiliar with antibiotics. However the use of non-prescribed antibiotics was less than our expectation. Programs for promoting the knowledge of mothers and also their education on drugs' contraindication are necessary