RESUMEN
In a health system, after finding a sputum positive TB, the closed contacts of the patient are followed-up to detect new cases. The aim of this survey was to assess the effectiveness of the surveillance system in Shahrekord and Broojen. During a 5 year period, 56 files [16 from Broojen and 40 from Shahrekord] of sputum positive TB were selected, and detection of new cases during the next five years was checked. The registered follow-up items included gender, age, vaccination, scar of BCG, smear of sputum, culture of sputum and chest x ray. In Broojen there were 16 patients with 122 closed contacts, from whom 74 persons were close relatives and 23 of them were under 6 years old. In most of the closed contacts the follow-up items were registered. One out of 11 cases of TB patients of the second period was from the closed contacts of first period TB patients. In Shahrekord there were 40 TB and 212 closed contacts with 165 persons at risk. Follow-up items were registered in less than 10% of cases. Eight TB positive cases were reported in closed contacts 10 days to 3 years after the index cases, but there was no follow-up activity for them. Follow-up in Broojen was more regular than in Shahrekord. Unfortunately the follow-up activities in Shahrekord did not end up to case finding. Based on this survey, 9% to 21% of new cases of TB may be due to failure of health system. Performing similar surveys in other health care systems of the country may help to find the probable faults
RESUMEN
Background and aim: the main items which are evaluated in a GI disorder or diarrheal state are frequency of defecation, stool weight, stool consistency and presence of inflammatory cells in the stool. The aim of this study was to find the normal range of the mentioned variables so that could help to differentiate between healthy persons and patients
Methods: the sample consisted of 1000 healthy persons among attendants of Shahrekord health centers. After explaining the method, they were requested to collect a 24-48 hours stool specimen in special containers. Carmen was used as beginning marker and activated charcoal used as end of the period marker. The variables of each stool were written down in a questionnaire. The SSPS software was used for analyzing the data by regression and t-test
Results: the mean daily stool weight of the sample was found to be 349+/-131 gr. On average the frequency of defecation was 1.5 times a day and the intestinal transit time was estimated to be about 12.5 hours. Stool weight had a significant correlation with gender, body weight, age, amount of bread consumed daily and defecation frequency [P<0.005]
Conclusion: based on the results the diarrheal criteria for Iranian population are different from what mentioned in the reference books for western population. This is significant, especially for stool weight. More studies are necessary to find out definitive criteria of diarrhea for Iranian population