[Protective effect of delayed ischemic postconditioning on embolic stroke complications in female rat]

Background and Aims: Ischemic postconditioning, conducted by a series of brief occlusion and release of the bilateral common carotid arteries, has neuroprotective properties in permanent or transient models of middle cerebral artery [MCA] occlusion but its delayed neuroprotective effects in the embolic model of stroke, especially in female rat, have not yet been reported and were investigated in the current study

Methods: In this experimental study, 24 female Wistar rats [200 to 250 g] were divided into three groups of sham, stroke and postconditioning. All animals were similar in reproductive cycle, and after that, stroke was induced by clot injection into the right middle cerebral artery. For postconditioning, common carotid arteries [CCA] were occluded for 30 seconds and reopened for 30 seconds, for 5 cycles. The postconditioning was induced at 6.5 hours after the stroke. Infarction volume, brain edema and neurological deficits were measured two days later

Results: Postconditioning at 6.5 hours after stroke decreased infarction volume [P< 0.001], brain edema [P<0.050] and norologic deficit [P<0.050] significantly compared to the stroke group

Conclusion: Late postconditioning improved ischemic injury, brain edema and neurological functions after the embolic model of stroke in female rat

Hepatocellular carcinoma in the world and the Middle East

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is a major worldwide public health concern. Despite recent advances, there has been little success in improving the survival of HCC patients. Due to advances in diagnostic modalities and the increasing incidence of chronic viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD], both of which are well known risk factors of HCC, the prevalence of HCC is increasing in developed countries and it is expected that this trend will continue in the future. In Middle Eastern countries the prevalence of this cancer is lower compared to sub-Saharan Africa and some Far East countries; however it is documented that the prevalence of this cancer in some parts of the Middle East is also increasing. In the current review, the prevalence and burden of this disease worldwide, particularly in Middle Eastern countries, and risk factors for HCC are discussed

[Clinical signs, symptoms, diagnosis and outcomes of patients with complicated lung hydatid cysts]

Hydatid cysts caused by the Echinococcus Granulosus and Multilocularis. Liver and them lungs are the most common sites of lodgment of it. Because the clinical symptoms, diagnosis and outcome of treatment are not well discussed, we want to discussion this problem. Survey of the clinical signs, symptoms, diagnosis and outcomes of patients with complicated lung hydatid cysts. We retrospectively examined 54 records of patients with ruptured lung hydatid cyst in 152 patients who were hospitalized in Rasht hospitals, since 1993 to 2005, and were surgically treated. Data collection tools were a predetermined review form; and findings are presented in relative frequencies tables. 54 cases 38[70.3%] were male. Age rang of patients was 4-63 years. Chief complaints of the patients were cough in 47 cases [87%], dyspnea in 42[77.8%], sputum in 37[68.5%], chest pain in 31[57.5%], and hemoptysis in 13[24%]. Most common lodgment of cysts in the lungs was right lower lobe in 38[57.5%]. Ruptures occurred in tracheobronchial tree in 39[73%], and in pleural space in 10[23%]. Complication after surgery occurred in 15 patients. Three patients [5.5%] were needed reoperation for treatment: bronchopleural fistula treatment in two cases and bilio-pleural fistula in one case. After surgical treatment, 53 patients [98.1%] were completely cured; recurrence occurred in one patient [1.9%] who treated with Albendazol. There was no hospital mortality. In endemic area all cystic lesions of lung must be ruled out for hydatid cysts; because some patients with lung hydatid cysts present complications: the cause of complication are, lately referring to physician and delay in diagnosis. Early treatment with medical and surgical approach recommended

Evaluation of post intubation tracheal stenosis in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital during 1999-2006

Tracheal stenosis is one of the most important complications of intra tracheal intubation, resulting in heavy economic burden and several somatic problems in patients. Therefore, its prevention and treatment are important issues. Current study was performed to evaluate this complication in a series of patients. This was an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital [Tehran, Iran] during 1999-2006. A total of 197 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age of the patients was 24.8 years. 74.1% were male and 25.9% female. The most common reasons for intubation were trauma and drug suicide. Mean duration of intubation was 17.76 days and stenosis was developed 32.8 days later on average. Therapeutic method was endoscopic resection and dilatation of the involved region in 98%, and laser-therapy in 2% of patients. In-hospital mortality rate was only 0.5%.Despite many difficulties that post intubation tracheal stenosis cause, it is a preventable complication. Role of intensive care personnel is very important in this regard