effects of topical chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin on con-junctival bacterial flora of healthy dogs

Normal bacterial flora of the conjunctiva, which inhibits growth of opportunistic organisms, has an important role in the prevention of ocular infections. If resident flora is inhibited by disease or long-term application of antibiotics, opportunistic pathogens overgrow, leading to disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ophthalmic chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin on bacterial conjunctival flora in healthy dogs. A total of 16 animals were divided into 2 equal groups which received either chloramphenicol [CHL] [0.5%] or ciprofloxacin [CIP] [0.3%]. In both groups, the right eye of each animal was treated with 2 drops of antibiotics every 8 and 6 hours, respectively, for 1 week and the left eye received artificial tear solution and served as control. Bacterial and fungal cultures were performed 8 hours before and after the treatment. Fisher's Exact test and SPSS software were used for statistical analyses [p<0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences between control and test eyes and bacterial isolates in both groups. In CHL group, after treatment Staphylococcus spp [62.5%], Bacillus spp [12.5%] from the right eyes and Staphylococcus spp [75%] and Bacillus spp [12.5%] from left eyes were isolated. In CIP group, after treatment the bacterial isolates of right eyes were Staphylococcus spp [87.5%], Aerococ-cus spp [37.5%], Viridans streptococcus [25%], Micrococcus spp [12.5%], Bacillus spp [12.5%]; Staphylococcus spp [75%], Micrococcus spp [25%] Bacillus spp [12.5%] were isolated from left eyes of dogs after 1 week administration of artificial tear. Topically applied chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin had no significant changes in or detrimental effects on normal bacterial flora of treated dogs

[Effect of Feijoa supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes]

Treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia in diabetic patients significantly decreases microvascular and coronary artery diseases. Feijoa is the fruit of an evergreen tree in tropical areas which contains high amounts of polyphenols with anti oxidant, antimicrobial and anti inflammatory activity. In view of its composition we evaluated its potential for reducing cardiovascular risk factors [control of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertension] in patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were 34 men and women, 40-75 years old with type 2 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to receive either Feijoa [150 mg daily] or placebo. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding age, height and body weight. Blood pressure, serum level of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin, were measured and compared at the beginning and after 12 weeks. Blood pressure decreased after 12 weeks in the Feijoa consumption group. Fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol and triglycerides also decreased in the feijoa group in comparison to controls. Feijoa improves control of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic patients and reduces the risk of coronary vascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes.

[Evaluation of response to treatment with polycitra-K in urolithiasis of children]

Development of stone depends on certain physicochemical factors. Several treatment methods including increased fluid intake and dietary modification, medical therapies such as potassium citrate and use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] and finally surgery methods are used for treatment of urolithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of response to medical therapy with polycitra-K in children with urolithiasis. The study population comprised all patients less than 14 years old with urolithiasis visited at Mofid and Labafi Nejad hospitals within the last five years. All patients with an initial ultrasonography showing stone in urinary tract. At the end of study, the complete resolution or passage or a decrease in the size of stone in later sonography was defined as response to treatment. From 109 patients, 91 cases continued medical therapy with polycitra-k and 51 patients [56%] responded to treatment. Hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria were found to be the etiological factors in 25% and 19% of patients, respectively. The stone analysis revealed that 50% were composed of ca-oxalate. Stone disease was more common between the ages 1-3 years and the most common complaint was hematuria [20%]. Calcium Oxalate stones were the most frequent stones which responded to polycitra. The response rate in girls and boys was similar and in different age groups it was almost equal. Based on the response rate of medical therapy with polycitra-k is recommended for treatment of urolithiasis in children

[Clinical and laboratory evaluation of cystinotic patients admitted at mofid and labafinejad hospitals [in Tehran] and Abuzar children's hospital in Ahvaz]

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by accumulation of cystine in different organs. Infantile cystinosis characterized by Fanconi syndrome and growth retardation leading to renal failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings of cystinotic patients attending at Mofid, Labafinejad hospitals [in Tehran] and Abuzar children's hospital [in Ahvaz], Iran. During 1995-2010, all children with cystinosis hospitalized at the above three centers were enrolled. Patients with the following criteria were considered as cases of cystinosis: i] signs and symptoms of Fanconi syndrome ii] Presence of cystine crystals in cornea using slit lamp. Of all the subjeces, 44 children fulfilled the criteria of nephropathic cystinosis. There were 24 [54.05%] females and 20 [45.5%] males. Among them, 21 [47.7%] cases were Arabs. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 8 [range 3-18] months. The mean age at the initial presentation of chronic renal failure was 3 years. The most common clinical features in the patients were growth retardation [100%], presence of cystine crystal in cornea[100%], rickets[86%] and polyuria-polydipsia [83%]. The commonest laboratory data were glucosuria [100%], renal tubular acidosis [97%], proteinuria [88.5%] and hyposthenuria [82%]. Sixteen [36.3%] of the 44 patients received kidney transplant, of which 7 [43.7%] patients rejected their grafts. Finally, 13 [29.5%] of them were relatively good on medical treatment, 8 [18.1%] died, 2 [4.5%] on waiting list of kidney transplant and 21 [47.7%] missed follow up. Although cystinosis is a rare disease in the world, it seems to be a relatively common hereditary disease with unfavorable prognosis in Iranian Arabs

Prevalence and risk factors of acute renal failure after cardiac surgery in Southern Iran

Acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy after cardiac surgery is still a cause of major morbidity and mortality worldwide. A number of risk factors for the development of acute renal injury after cardiac surgery have been previously described and based on these variables; several scoring algorithms were proposed. Predictive value of these algorithms in Iran is not described. This study investigates these risk factors among our patients in southern Iran. Two hundred and forty patients with normal kidney function who were candidates for cardiac surgery were enrolled and their baseline data were collected. Diabetes mellitus and age were selected as more controversial preoperative risk factors. Clamp and pump time were also selected as intra-operative risk factors and the type of operation was also considered as an independent risk factor. The patients were categorized in two groups including group 1: Patients with post-operation normal kidney function and group 2: Patients with post-operation ARF. All patients were followed with serial measurement of serum creatinine post-operation. The incidence of acute renal failure was 11.25%. Mean age of the patients in group 1 was 54.24 +/- 15.88 and in group 2 was 52.85 +/- 18.20 years. There was not any significant correlation between duration of clamp time and post operation acute renal failure. Clamp time in group 1 was 51.49 +/- 11.88 and in group 2 was 53.48 +/- 13.40 min. Duration of pump time in group 1 was 63.31 +/- 12.56 min and in group 2 was 78.07 +/- 10.85 min. The difference was statistically significant. Forty two [20%] of the patients in group 1 and 13 [50%] in group 2 were diabetic. Although several scoring algorithms are available for prediction of post-cardiac surgery complications, these can also be matched with our patients' criteria enhancing their accuracy for our situation

[Spontaneous resolution of vesicoureteral reflux [VUR] in Iranian children, a single center experience in 533 cases]

Experience with vesicoureteral reflux [VUR] differs in different centers and there are lots of controversies surrounding this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate Spontaneous resolution and prognosis of the disease among Iranian children. In this case series study, 1278 children with urinary tract infection and visited at pediatric nephrology clinic in Tehran, Iran during 1999-2007 were studied. Primary VUR was found in 533 Patients. Following the diagnosis, the patients received prophylactic antibiotic and were annually followed with radionucleo cystography [RNC]. Patients underwent surgery in case the medical treatment failed [breakthrough infection] or new renal scar formation. 533 patients with VUR were studied. Patients' mean age with VUR was 3.7 +/- 2.4 years [range: 2 days to 18 years old]. During an average follow-up duration of 3.3 +/- 2.2 years, spontaneous resolution was observed in 40% of 279 patients who had follow-up RNCs. The mean interval between VUR diagnosis and spontaneous resolution was 1.5 +/- 1 years [range: 2 months to 6 years]. The resolution rate was decreased with increment of reflux grade so that for grades I to V, VUR was resolved in 63%, 57%, 27%, 22% and 10% of the cases, respectively. Anti reflux surgery was performed in 27[10%] of patients during follow-up. Based on the excellent results obtained from clinical therapy using low dose antibiotics, it is recommended that VUR grades 1 to 4 be managed medically with low-dose oral antibiotic prophylaxis and close follow-ups

[Pseudotumor cerebri after kidney transplantation]

Pseudotumor cerebri is defined by the increase of intracranial pressure. It has different atiologies but, many of its causes are idiopathic and typically present on young obese females. Cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] analysis was normal in this case study and there was no evidence of intracranial mass, venous sinus thrombosis, or obstruction in CSF stream. In this study, we have reported a case of Pseudotumor cerebri presented 7 years after a successful kidney transplant, under treatment by Cyclosporine, Methylprednisolon and Azathioprine[AZT]. The patient was a 17-year old obese female with a body mass index of 30kg/m2 having Pseudotumor cerebri 7 years after a successful kidney transplant. Brain imaging like CT scan and MRA [Magnetic Resonance Angiography] were normal. CSF analysis was normal, but the increase in CSF pressure had been detected. Repetitive lumber punctures were performed with simultaneous Acetazolamid administration. But her headaches were treated even after the continuation of Cyclosporine and Methylprednisolon, anemia, and renal failure. For patients with kidney transplant and headaches, it is necessary to rule out Pseudotumor cerebri as a differential diagnosis. Neurotoxicity of Cyclosporine is not rare and we have to pay close attention to neurologic side effect of this drug as well. After diagnosing Pseudotumor cerebri in such patients, it is necessary to limit the progression of symptoms and avoid the decrease in patient's visual acuity

effects of adenotonsillectomy on pulmonary arterial pressure by doppler echocardiography in children

Increeased upper-air way resistance resulting from hypertrophic tonsils and adenoids can cause intermittent airway obstruction, chronic alveolar hypoventilation, and even severe cardiopulmonary complications like pulmonary hypertension and corpulmonale. The aim of this study is to clarify whether tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy have any effect on mean pulmonary arterial pressure. This prospective study was approved by ethic committee. Thirty two randomly selected children [16 male, 16 female] aged between 3.5 and 13 [mean 7.06 +/- 1] with a diagnosis of upper airway obstruction or chronic infections from hypertrophied tonsils and adenoids were included in our study. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure [MPAP] was measured using Doppler echocardiography preoperatively and mean 4.25 +/- 0.46 months postoperatively in all subjects. Comparing preoperative and postoperative mean pulmonary arterial pressure showed a statistically significant decrease in mean pulmonary arterial pressure in these children [Preoperative mean PAP=19.37 +/- 0.82, postoperative mean PAP= 18.10 +/- 0.6]. [p=0.004]. 10 of the 32 subjects in the study group were pulmonary hypertensive preoperatively. MPAPs of 9 of these children decreased to normal range. [P=0.004]. This study showed that obstructive adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy causes higher MPAP values in children that would be reversible by performing early adenotonsillectomy

Urinary interleukin 6 and 8 concentrations in children with acute pyelonephritis, before and after treatment

Urinary tract infections [UTI] are common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in young children around the world. Pyelonephritis can lead to scar formation, and subsequent hypertension and renal failure. Interleukins play a major role in renal scar formation following febrile pyelonephritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of urinary interleukin-6 [UIL-6] and UIL-8 concentrations during the acute phase of pyelonephritis and after two kinds of treatment. UIL-6 and UIL-8 concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay in 34 children with acute pyelonephritis who were treated with Ceftriaxone plus steroids [case group] and in 20 patients treated with antibiotic alone [control group]. Cases and controls were age and sex matched. Urine samples were obtained at the time of presentation prior to drug administration and at follow-up 72 hours after initiation of medication. Creatinine concentrations were also determined, and cytokine/creatinine ratios were calculated. The differences between the cytokine/creatinine ratios in the initial urine samples and the follow-up samples were significant in the case group [p < 0.001], but not for the controls. In addition, combined antibiotic and steroids significantly decreased UIL-6 and UIL-8 concentrations compared with antibiotic alone [p < 0.05]. We conclude that steroids combined with antibiothics significantly decrease UIL-6 and UIL-8 levels in patients with acute pyelonephritis. This result can suggest that the clinical use of corticosteroids may prevent scar formation following pyelonephritis

[Renal transplantation in children with cystinosis]

Cystinosis is an inherited metabolic disease in which transfer of cystine out of lysosome is impaired. This phenomenon leads to accumulation of cystine in different organs and causes organ dysfunction. Growth retardation is seen in these patients and later they go on to develop renal failure needing dialysis or renal transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and complications of renal transplantation in patients with cystinosis. In this case series study in years 1996-2006 all patients with renal failure due to cystinosis who received renal transplantation, were followed for 43 +/- 1/1 months, Before operation, all patients were examined to determine if they are appropriate candidate for renal transplantation and after operation DPTA scan was performed to evaluate graft function and in later follow up necessary lab tests were done. All patients received triple immunosuppressive therapy including cyclosporine, prednisolone and Mycophenolate Mofetil. In the presence of rejection symptoms such as fever and a rise in creatinine, graft rejection was confirmed by DPTA scan and sonography of transplanted kidney. Patient survival was 100% and 4 years graft survival was 86.7%. Mean creatinine level before operation was 5.44 +/- 2.58 and post operation was 0.86 +/- 1.03 and at the last follow-up was 1.51 +/- 1.45 mg/dl, mean GFR at the last follow-up was 54.1 +/- 31.2 ml/min/1.73m2. Six [40%] patients were on dialysis before operation, 5 [33%] had acute rejection and 5 [33%] suffered from UTI after the operation. Growth retardation was seen in all of patients. Thirteen patients [86%] were affected by CMV infection and 6 [40%] by CMV disease; that were treated successfully by Ganciclovir for 2 weeks. One patient was affected by vessel thrombosis in post operation period and one patient had graft loss due to kink of vessel after operation. Renal transplantation in patients with cystinosis has favorable outcome. It is the treatment of choice for patients with cystinosis and End Stage Renal Failure [ESRF]

[Urinary tract Complications in 94 Patients with spinal dysraphisms]

Congenital neurospinal dysraphism is the most common cause of neurogenic bladder among children. Myelomeningocele, which is the most common type of these lesions, is associated with neurogenic bladder in more than 90 percent of cases. Due to critical consequences of this disorder and high worldwide prevalence of urinary complications in these patients and because of no previous studies in our country, we evaluated patients with various types of spinal dysraphism refered to Labbafinejad and Mofid hospital between 1999 and 2005. In this study which was carried out on existing data, we evaluated 94 patients with various types of spinal dysraphisms. Type of spinal dysraphism, history of pyelonephritis, vesicoureteral reflux, renal damage, urinary incontinence, paraclinic findings, type of treatment and outcome of disease were reviewed in the patients records and these data were entered into a data sheet and reported by descriptive-analytic statistics. Sixty eight patients [72.3%] had at least one episode of pyelonephritis. Hydronephrosis was reported in 34.1% of patients as well as vesicoureteral reflux in 35.1%, renal atrophy in 13.9% and end stage renal failure in 3.2% of them. Among 61 patients aged 4 years or older, 47 [77%] had urinary incontinence. Urodynamic studies were performed in 17% of patients to evaluate lower urinary tract function. Seventy six cases [80.9%] had paraclinic findings in favour of neurogenic bladder, from whom 59.2% had recieved medical treatments [CIC, anticholinergic agents, or both] to improve complications of this disorder; the mean age of these patients was 4.8 +/- 4.4 years at the onset of medical treatments. Cystoplasty was performed in 35.1% of cases. Antireflux surgery was also performed in 9 patients [9.6%]. 7 cases out of them underwent surgery without having any treatment for the underlying cause of reflux; in later follow-up, vesicoureteral reflux had relapsed in 6 cases of these latter group. It seems that urodynamic studies are the most accurate means in evaluation of lower urinary tract function and performing these studies in patients with spinal dysraphisms [in newborn period or early infancy] is necessary for diagnosis of urinary tract dysfunction and planning up the most appropriate management for these patients. Failure to treat the underlying cause of secondary vesicoureteral reflux would significantly jeopardize the success rate of any surgery that might inadvertently be done in an attempt to correct the problem

Hypertensive encephalopathy induced by mercury poisoning; A report of 3 cases [in one iranian family]

Mercury poisoning is one of the important recent causes of mortality and mortality in children worldwide, particularly in industrial environments; mercury is a poisonous metal, especially harmful to the nervous and immune systems and the kidneys and can even be fatal. Elemental mercury is present in thermometers, barometer batteries, sphygmomanometers and latex paints. Inorganic mercury salts are found in antiseptics, pesticides, pigments and explosives and are used as preservatives in medicine. Mercury was once used to stop fever, and this worked because the immune system was so weakened that it could no longer sustain the attack for which the fever was created. Some medical drugs still contain mercury chloride and mercurous chloride and certain forms of mercury are still used in some laxatives. Mercury toxicity of the nervous system causes anorexia, ataxia, lack of ability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements, dementia, depression, dizziness, emotional instability, erethism. [abnormal irritability in response to stimulation], incoordination, insomnia, irritability, loss of ability to speak, memory impairment, numbness, saresthesias [sensation of prickling, tingling or creeping on the skin], psychosis, tremors, drowsiness, fatigue and weakness. Other organ damages include kidney failure, headaches, hearing impairment, visual impairment, hypertension, dermatitis, digestive tract problems, colitis, diarrhea, stomatitis and excessive salivation, loss of teeth, metallic taste, chromosomal damage, birth defects and ensuing organ failure. Chronic mercury poisoning can cause Acrodynia [Pink disease]. Mercury poisoning is a rare cause of hypertension in children. Herein we report 3 cases, the first a child with hypertensive encephalopathy due to severe mercury poisoning and his two siblings with moderate symptoms

[Diagnostic value of urinary N-Acetyl Glucose Aminidase in pyelonephritic patients]

Urinary tract infection [UTI] is one of the most common bacterial infections among children and its prevalence is between 5-7% in females and 1-1.6% in males.Urosepsis, febrile seizure, renal insufficiency and hypertension are common complications of acute pyelonephritis in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urinary NAG in pyelonephritic patients. This is a Quasi Experimental study conducted between April 2005 and May 2006 on 72 children admitted in Mofid Hospital due to pyelonephritis. The first sample [fresh random urine] was obtained and its levels NAG and Creatinin were measured. The second one was obtained on 48th hour of after-treatment period. We examined pyelonephritic children [75% female] with mean age of 43 +/- 39 months. Post-treatment urinary NAG lavel was significantly higher than pre-treatment. Urinary NAG revealed to have a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 72% in diagnosis of pyelonephritis. There was no significant correlation between urinary NAG level and CBC, ESR, CRP, Urinary WBC, Ultrasonography, DMSA scan and VCUG. We concluded that Urinary NAG is a sensitive and specific test in diagnosis of pyelonephritis

Relationship between antimicrobial therapy and scar formation in urinary tract infection in children

Urinary infection is known as one of the most common bacterial infection in children. Punctual diagnosis and treatment along with the diagnosis of risk factors and long-term follow-up of the patients suffering from urinary infection are the most important factors in order to prevent scar formation in kidneys. This study was carried out in order to analyze time difference among symptoms onset and the start of urinary infection treatment and it has relation with scar formation in kidneys. This study was done by [Historical cohort] method on 120 patients they were divided into 2 groups of 60. The treatment was started on time for the first group but for the second with delay. All of the patient suffered from urinary infection and they were DMSA scaned after six months. The scar formation amount in kidneys was compared in two groups and the results were analyzed by SPSS software. The result showed that 75% of the girls and 25% of the boys out of 120 infected children, suffered from urinary infection. No obvious relation between the scar formation appearance, parents social level and children genders was found. A meaningful relation was found between treatment delay and scar formation in kidney due to urinary infection [RR= 3, CI = 1.4 - 6.5]. The Minimum And Maximum delay time in this treatment were 1 and 21 days respectively. The average of delay time between symptoms onset and treatment start has been 4.8 days. Based on this research, the delay time in treatment more than 6 days may cause kidney scar formation twice as much [RR=2.15, CI=1.1- 4.6]. Scar formation risk increase with delay in antimicrobial therapy in UTI. It is strongly recommended to diagnose and begin the treatment as soon as possible to prevent kidney damage properly

[Social capital as a complex system]

Most researches carried out in the field of Social Capital have weighed each of the variables of social capital with various measuring models [especially trust and social networks] neglecting the inter relation of the forming variable and consequently, have introduced the degree of each of the forming variables as the total measure of Social Capital itself. In this paper, effort has been put into describing the current measuring methods and outlining the criticisms applied to each of them. The main focus of the article is on the assessment of the synergic interaction among the forming variables of social capital as a totality. Therefore, correlation of forming variables is the research method used. With regard to the complex relationship between the forming variables of social capital, complexity has been used as the major appropriate model. In this models with a functional definition basis and statement of the reciprocal and non-reduction relation between the variables, social capital has formed a complex function. Thus, estimating the phase space of each variable of the social capital and solving the partial differentiation equations system are introduced as the useful and efficient tools of evaluating Social Capital function. Exploiting the complexity mathematics is suggested to be the suitable method for measuring Social Capital

[Impact of delayed treatment on renal injuries in pediatric urinary tract infections]

Urinary tract infection [UTI] is a common health problem among children that may lead to irreversible renal injuries. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the delay in treatment of urinary tract infection and risk of renal damage. For this retrospective study 100 children aged 1 month to 14 years who were admitted with urinary tract infection in Mofid Children's Hospital from March 2000 to September 2004 were included. The lag time between the onset of disease and treatment, DMSA scan results prior to treatment and 6 months later, urine analysis, and patient's clinical manifestations were all recorded. UTI was diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, culture, and pylonephritis detected in DMSA scan. The study population included 77 girls and 23 boys with the mean age of 3 years and 3 months [range 1 month to 14 years]. The mean lag time between disease onset and treatment was 4.6 days. Kidney damages were reported to be least among those with mean lag time of2.6 days and worst among those with the mean lag time of 6.6 days. Irreversible renal scars were shown in one third of patients who had a mean lag time of 6 days. Efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of renal scarring should be directed towards rapid diagnosis and effective early management of urinary tract infections in infancy and childhood

Conorenal syndrome: report of a case

Conorenal syndrome or Saldino Mainzer is a rare hereditary disease characterized by cone-shaped epiphyses of the phalanges, retinitis pigmentosa and renal manifestations [nephropathy]. Herein we report an eight years old girl with a collection of signs and symptoms compatible with conorenal syndrome. She first presented with dactylitis, dysuria, frequency, discolored urine and progressive generalized edema. Renal biopsy revealed tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. This constellation of signs and symptoms is compatible with conorenal syndrome

[Sensory neural hearing loss in congienital hypothyroidism]

Thyroidal hormones influence the inner ear development. Hearing is one of the most important senses in human. Normal hearing in early stage of life, especially in first six months, is essential for speech and education and I communication. So diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss in young children is very critical and important. Therefore, high risk finding and hearing loss screening in these groups is essential. Method and Material: This study was performed upon 50 patients who referred to Imam Reza Hospital with congenital hypothyroidism; the patient was studied according their sex, age at diagnosis, familial history, etiology, clinical presentation, and other ENT abnormalities. Hearing threshold was evaluated by ABR. Result: 38% of patients were male and 62% were female. Mean of age at initial management was 10.96 months. 32% had positive familial history. Etiology was dysgenesy in 64%, dyshormonogenes in 26%, unknown in 24% and transient in 4%. The most common presentation was prolonged jaundice 18% had purulent PND and Rhinorrhea. Prevalence of hearing loss was 22% and speech abnormality 16% there was no relationship between hearing loss and sex, age at the time of diagnosis, and thyroidal hormone level. Prevalence of hearing loss was 22% in this study, and it was fairly high. Most of our patients were detected before 6 months age. When it was most important for diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing loss. We believe that it is essential to screen all congenital hypothyroid patients for hearing loss and treat them as soon as diagnosed

alteration of liver function indices in rat infected with Toxoplasma gondii [RH strain]

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The migration of the parasite in blood as well as some organs like liver may cause some changes in physiological and biochemical indices in infected individuals. These may change the level of some indices like urea, total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin. The present investigation was conducted to study alteration of some liver functional indices of rats which were experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii. 80 non-infected rats and 60 non-infected mice were selected. Rats were divided into two groups of 60 test and 20 control rats. The test group was infected intraperitoneally with 5xl0[4] tachyzoites. Every 3 days for 60 days, three rats from test group and one rat from control group were bled. Standard techniques were used for urea, bilirubin, total protein and albumin tests. In addition, the livers of infected rats were searched biologically for presence of the parasite using intrapritoneal injection in mice method. The results indicated that, Toxoplasma cyst was present in the liver of infected rats within 6 to 27 days post infection. The parasite disappeared in liver after 28 days of infection. Biochemical results indicated that, urea from 6[th] to 60[th] day, total bilirubin from 6[th] to 27[th] day, albumin and total protein from 6[th] to 12[th] day post infection were increased but decreased to normal values afterward. Generally, temporary alteration of some biochemical indices during experimental infection of rat with toxoplasmosis may occur. The alteration mainly is due to the parasite migration to various tissues of the animal and it shifts to the normal condition following cyst formation in brain or muscles