[Oxidative stress-related parameters and antioxidant status in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is a denomination that encompasses clinical and pathological spectrums, ranging from simple steatosis to Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], fibrosis and cirrhosis. Considering the importance of obesity as a risk factor of this disease and oxidative stress, as an effective factor in pathogenesis, coupled with inflamation and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, this study was conducted to investigate the rate of overweight and obesity and oxidative stress status in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In this case-control study, 50 NAFLD patients and 48 healthy controls were enrolled. Antropometric measurements were taken, according to standard protocol. Serum hepatic enzymes, lipid profile and total antioxidant capacity [TAG] were determined by the auto analyzer and Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] was measured by the feluorimetry method. Data was analyzed by SPSS [version 11.5], and statistical tests such as T-test and Chi-square were used. Correlations were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Mean BMI was significantly higher in NAFLD patients, compared to controls. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to mean serum levels of MDA [p=0.1]. In contrast, the mean serum levels of TAC was significantly lower in patients than in controls [p=0.02]. Based on this study, combating overweight and obesity seems to be a preventive strategy for healthy people, thereby forestalling the progression of this disease. Furthermore, considering the lower level of TAC in NAFLD patients, the use of antioxidant-rich foods and supplements can be therapeutically valuable

[Evaluation of food intake in ulcerative colitis patients]

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon of unknown cause that is associated with important nutrition deficiencies such as protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Because no study has been carried out to date in Iran, the aim of this pilot study was the assessment of dietary intake of these patients. In this pilot study, 41 UC patients whose disease severity was mild or moderate were selected. Data about diet restrictions were collected via a questionnaire and dietary intake was assessed 3 times during a 2 month period with 30 days interval and 3-day food-recall [9days in general]. Subjects were 26 men and 15 women and 65.9% patients avoided completely or limited milk intake. Dietary limitation about fruits and vegetables was 24.4 and 43.9 percent, respectively and legumes intake was 58.5%. Mean calorie intake in 41 patients was 2125.14 +/- 60.83 calories/day and in two groups, calcium and fiber intake was significantly less than the standard dietary recommendation. Dietary intake examination showed some deficiencies such as calcium and iron deficiency and fiber intake was low because the intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes was limited

Are the medical records of high quality in teaching hospitals?

Background: documentation of medical data in patient records is needed to improve the quality of healthcare and medical knowledge progress. Documentation of patient history, clinical problems, treatment, and follow-up care are needed to improve practice and research

Objective: to determine documentation of patient records at the internal medicine ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tabriz, Iran

Method: the study was descriptive and 100 patient records were selected through random sampling. Records were related to the patients who had been discharged from the general internal ward during April to June 2000. Data was collected using the questionnaire including 30 closed questions, and 5 open ones. The results were reported in ratios [%] averages and standard deviation. T-test was used to examine the association of length of stay and records data adequacy scores. Data was analysed by the SPSS software

Results: completeness of the patient records was moderately acceptable [68.7%]. The difference between performance of residents, interns and students in documentation of primary diagnoses and differential diagnoses was significant [P<0.001] and performance of residents was more efficient [59.6%], [69.7%]. Of the records, 22.2% were without summary sheet

Conclusion: patient records had many deficiencies. Instructions for documentation are necessary. Regular monitoring and evaluation by the attending physicians and writing skills education could be effective in accurate documentation