Evaluation of diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases [6.6%]. The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement

[Effect of changing position and early ambulation on the bleeding, hematoma and urinary retention in patients with coronary angiography]

Coronary angiography is a routine and gold standard cardiac diagnostic procedure. Patients are restricted to bed rest after the procedure due to potential vascular complications using a femoral approach. Many patients are required to remain on bed rest for up to 24 hours after the procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of changing position and early ambulation on the amount of bleeding, hematoma and urinary retention in patients with coronary angiography. In this clinical trial study 140 patients, which referred to coronary angiography center in Dezfoul-Iran, were randomly divided into four 35-individual groups. The patients in the control group were in supine position for 6 hours without movement. Position change was applied to the first interventional group based on a specific protocol, early discharge was applied to the second interventional group and both early discharge and position changes were applied to the third interventional group. The level of bleeding, hematoma and urinary retention were measured at zero, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours after angiography. The findings were collected using the individual data questionnaire and Kristin Swain's checklist in order to evaluate the level of bleeding and hematoma. There were no significant differences between the four groups in terms of occurrence of vascular hematoma and bleeding. The incidence of urinary retention was non significantly higher in the control group in compare to others. Changing position following angiography speed up patient discharge from hospital

[Coronary artery lesions and some of its related factors in more than 5000 patients in Kosar angiography center [Golestan province] from 2007 to 2009]

Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in Iran and most parts of the world. Major factors are involved in severity and extension of arterial obstruction. There have been different reports about location and severity of coronary artery lesions. This study determines factors related to the severity of coronary artery obstruction in the patients in Kosar Angiography Center. This was a descriptive analytical study and included 5444 patients. The characteristics of every patient were recorded in a check list. After measurement of blood pressure of the patients and recording history of hypertension, diabetes and drug consumption, data were introduced into a special software and then SPSS [16.00] software. Data analysis was performed by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests. p

Comparison of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL] with serum creatinine in prediction of kidney recovery after renal transplantation

Because of some insult to kidney during transplantation, assessment of kidney function after the procedure is essential. It would be ideal to find a marker better than creatinine to early predict the acute kidney injury. To compare with creatinine the predictive value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL] in detecting kidney recovery after renal transplantation. We studied 33 patients who received kidney transplantation [deceased [n=20] and live [n=13]] during a 6-month period in 2010. Serum NGAL and creatinine, hemoglobin, and blood glucose were measured at 0,12, 24,48, and 72 hours after transplantation. The need for dialysis and kidney function in one week were studied. There were 16 men and 17 women with the meantSD age of 36.3 +/- 12.2 [range: 14-58] years. Of the studied patients, 6 had delayed graft function [DGF; hemodialysis within the first week of transplant]; 9 had slow graft function [SGF; serum creatinine reduction from transplantation to day 7 <70%], and 23 had immediate graft function [IGF; reduction in serum creatinine >70%]. At any time, serum NGAL, and creatinine levels were significantly higher among patients with DGF [p=0.024] and SGF [p=0.026] compared with those with IGF. However, in those who got IGF vs non-IGF, serum creatinine levels were not significantly different [p=0.59] but serum NGAL levels differed significantly[p=0.020]. Receiver-operating characteristic [ROC] curve and area under curves [AUCs] of serum NGAL and serum creatinine levels on the first post-transplantation day had similar significance in predicting the patient's need to dialysis in the first week. However, using AUC of serum creatinine was not helpful in predicting non-IGF, compared to serum NGAL. The AUCs of the serum NGAL were 0.70 [95% CI: 0.52-0.89] and 0.76 [95% CI: 0.59-0.93] after 12 and 24 hours, respectively [p<0.05]. The highest AUC [0.82] was attributed to serum NGAL of 24 hour [p=0.002]. Serum NGAL level especially 24 hours post-transplantation, seems to be an early accurate predictor of both the need to dialysis and slow graft function within the first week of kidney transplantation

[ comparative study on the myocardial infarction patients' quality of life and healthy people]

Nowadays, the incidence of Myocardial infarction is increasing day-to-day which in turn, it make s various functional, physical and emotional complications in daily living activities of patients after recovery of sever stages of disease. Consequently, the quality of life among these groups of patients is a main concern of all health care providers. Since, treatment results in medicine and nursing is depended on patients' points of view getting, this study was conducted to evaluate quality of life items between post myocardial infarction patients and peer healthy people in order to do necessary comparisons. Using a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, fifty post myocardial infarction patients after two months of recovery at 5-Azar hospital of Gorgan city, and fifty healthy people were adopted randomly with considering of matching criteria such as sex, age, social class, and educational level. Using SF-36 questionnaire, 8 items of quality of life were measured according to the respondents' perceptions. Data were analyzed statistically by using SPSS Version … according to parametric and nonparametric [Mann-Whitney U test]. Participants at each group consisted of 64 males and 36 females with a mean age of 57 year-of-old that the majority of them were low literacy, and the majority of women were housewife. The non-parametric analysis [Mann-Whitney U Test] indicated that seven items of quality of life such as Physical Functioning [PF], Role Physical [RP], General Health [GH], Vitality [VT], Social Functioning [SF], Role Emotional [RF], and Mental Health [MH] between these two groups of study were statistically significant [P<0.005]. In case, Bodily Pain [BP] was not significant statistically between two groups of study. The findings indicated despite of curing after myocardial infarction, there is a considerable decrease in the quality of life level of the patients which in turn call for effective follow-up and rehabilitative programs by all of the health care providers such as nurses and physicians

Association between ABO blood groups and cardiovascular risk factors in general population of Golestan province, Iran

Cardiovascular disease [CVD] is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The relationship between ABO blood groups and main risk factors of CVD is unknown. So this study was designed to investigate whether there is an association between ABO blood groups and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy population. In this cross-sectional study, risk factors screening for CVD on 2920 healthy individuals of Golestan province in 2005 were estimated by a questionnaire that aimed to extract information about age, sex, physical activity, smoking, blood group type, weight, height, blood pressure and family history of CVD. Data were analyzed with SPSS 13 and by using Chi Square and ANOVA tests. Out of the total number of 2920, 57.4% were male, 70% inactive, 14% smoker, 25% hypertensive, 23% obese, and 21% had family history of CVD with the mean age of 41.52 +/- 12.317. Blood groups O [32.9%], A [30.1%], B [23.3%] and AB [13.7%] were the most frequent ones, respectively. Amongst cardiac risk factors, it was only the frequency of family history of CVD that varies across different blood groups, and individuals with A blood group reported to have a more frequent family history of CVD as compared with other blood groups. These findings illustrate amongst cardiovascular risk factors only family history of CVD as having a significant correlation with ABO

[To compare dialysis adequacy in patient's that referred to Golestan province hemodialysis centers]

Hemodialysis has been used as a replacement therapy in patients with end-stage renal failure for several decades. Insufficient and low efficient hemodialysis increases the mortality rate in the patients. The aim of this study to compare the dialysis adequacy in patient's that referred to Golestan province hemodialysis centers. In this descriptive-comparative study 389 patients that have been underling permanent hemodialysis in eight hemodialysis centers of Golestan province were selected as census sampling method. Demographic date form [7 questions] patient registered dates in dossier according to study purpose [12 questions] were used as date gathering tools. Blood samples obtained before and after hemodialysis. Before starting hemodialysis and five minutes after pump stopping, arterial Blood urea nitrogen [BUN] was measured and then KT/V was calculated according to Daugirdas II formula. Statistical tests such chi-square, one way ANOVA and post hoc Analysis with Scheffe' test were used for data analyses in SPSS 13 environment. Mean of KT/V and URR in the eight hemodialysis centers of Golestan province were 1.33 and 63.22% respectively. Kalaleh hemodialysis center had highest level of KT/V [Mean=1.59] and Aghala hemodialysis center had lowest level of KT/V [Mean=1.03] and this difference was statistically significant [P<0.05]. There was statistically significant correlation between KT/V and hemodialysis time, venous and arterial needle distance, venoarterial needle direction and blood flow rate [P<0.05]. The study showed that, hemodialysis efficacy in this province is near to standard and it could be improved with some considerations such as increasing in hemodialysis time, venous and arterial needle distance and needle distance

[Correlation between insulin-like growth factor-I [Igf-1] levels and severity of liver involvement in patients afflicted with liver cirrhosis]

Insulin-like growth factor [IGF-1] is a polypeptide that 90% of it is secreted by liver. Cirrhosis of liver is a condition accompanied with decreased level of IGF-1, and with progression of the disease the level of IGF-1 may be further decreased. In this study the relation between the degree of IGF-1 and severity of liver disease on the basis of Child-Pugh and Model for end stage liver disease[MELD] score is investigated. In this cross sectional study, 100 cirrhotic patients who were diagnosed on the basis of liver biopsy or clinical criteria, referring to the gastroenterology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran during the years 2007-2008 were recruited. Laboratory investigations including IGF-1, CBC, liver Enzymes, Alkaline phosphates, serum Albumin, Creatinine, direct and total Bilirubin were carried out for all the patients. Similarly ultrasound for evaluation of ascites and endoscopy for varices were performed. 100 cirrhotic patients with male to female ratio of 63 to 37 and median age of 44.4 +/- 15 years were enrolled in the study. This study showed a mean IGF-1 level [ +/- standard deviation] equal to 92.95 +/- 91.51 ng/dl. Fourteen patients [14%] had IGF-1 within normal limits while 86 patients [86%] had abnormal IGF-1 level. In all patients the correlation coefficient between IGF-1 and MELD was -0.317 [p=0.001] and correlation coefficient between IGF-1 and Child-Pugh was equal to -0.478 [p<0.001]. The findings of this study showed that IGF-1 could be an index of severity of cirrhosis and can be used to determine the severity of the disease in patients, in particular, when liver biopsy is not possible

Maternal progesterone level in fetal growth restriction and its relationship with doppler velocimetry indices

To verify whether progesterone concentration is changed in the maternal serum of intra-uterine growth retardation [IUGR] pregnancies and to assess if there is a relationship between maternal progesterone and fetal Doppler velocimetry. Thirty-five patients with intrauterine growth retardation infants and thirty-seven pregnant women with appropriate for gestational age [AGA] fetuses were enrolled in the study. Maternal progesterone serum was determined. Doppler velocimetry of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries [MCA] were obtained in all fetuses. Maternal progesterone level in IUGR infants [58.49 +/- 7.06 ng/ml] had no significant difference with AGA fetuses [58.13 +/- 7.87 ng/ml] [p=0.96]. In the IUGR group, umbilical artery resistive index [RI], pulsatility index [PI] and systolic/ diastolic [S/D] ratio were higher than the normal group [p<0.001], and MCA RI [p value=0.014] and PI [p=0.012] were significantly less than the IUGR group. Besides, RI C/U in the IUGR group was significantly less than the normal group [p<0.001]. A negative significant correlation was detected between maternal progesterone level and MCA PI [r=-0.38] and RI [r=-0.38] in the AGA group. It seems that progesterone has no effect on fetal placental circulation and serum progesterone can not discriminate IUGR infants from AGA infants. Progesterone is a poor marker for placental dysfunction

Differential expression of e-cadherin in lobular and ductal carcinoma of breast in an Iranian Cancer Care Hospital

To determine the role of E-cadherin in differentiating Breast lobular carcinoma from Breast ductal carcinoma in Iranian patients. A total of 80 malignant breast samples were reviewed by two pathologists before undergoing E-cad immunohistochemistry [IHC] staining. The results from IHC were compared with the results from the morphological study of the samples and they were then analyzed statistically. The normal ductal cells had strong complete homogenous membrane E-cadherin reactivity in all cases. The complete absence of E-cadherin membrane staining occurred in 14 out of 16 cases of Lobular breast carcinoma. The mean score of E-cadherin expression in ductal carcinoma was 191.35 with a CVof 104.39. In lobular carcinoma, the mean score of E-cadherin was 9.36 with a CV of 25.68. Using the Mann-Whiteny test, the difference between E-cadherin expression score in ductal and lobular carcinoma was statistically significant [P=0.0009]. E-cadherin expression is a useful diagnostic tool in distinguishing ductal from lobular carcinoma of breast

[Coronary arteries angiography findings of subjects referring to Kosar angiography center in Golestan province, Iran [2008-09]]

Cardiovascular diseases is the first cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. This study was done to determine findings of coronary arteries angiography of subjects referring to Kosar angiography center in Golestan province, Iran. In this descriptive study 5444 patients whome referred to the Kosar angiography center in Golestan province, Northern Iran undervent in this study during 2008-09. Gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index [BMI], cigarette smoking, opium, hypertension and coronary arteries angiography findings were completed for each subjects. Coronary arteries angiography was performed on 5400 of subjects. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-13, ANOVA, Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In this study 52% of subjects were men. 72% of patients were Native Fars. 49.5% of subjects were found to be illiterate. While 92.6% of clients did not reported any history of smoking, 22.5% of subjects were addicted to different opium. The mean BMI was 27.48 and 38.2% of clients reported a history of hypertension. Coronary arteries angiography was performed on 5400 of subjects. Coronary arteries disorders were determined in 3142 of subjects [58.8% males, 41.2% females]. Left anterior descending, right coronary artery, circumflex and obtuse marginal were the most involved coronary arterial branches in positive angiograms, respectively.The most severe failure [47.7%] has been found in left anterior descending artery. Due to high incidence of coronary arteries disease in this region of Iran, it is suggested to design a project to investigate the preventive mearsures of cardiovascular disorders

[Evaluation of urinary tract infections following Neonatal hyper-bilirubinemia]

Urinary tract infection [UTI] is a common and serious clinical problem in newborns. Previous studies have suggested that jaundice may be one of the signs of a UTI in infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, age presentation, severity of jaundice, signs and complications of UTI in newborns with asymptomatic, unexplained indirect hyperbilirubinemia in the first month of life. This case-control study was conducted at the Neonatal intensive care unit, Ghaem Hospital, in Mashhad from May 2004 to April 2009. We evaluated asymptomatic, jaundiced infants for the evidence of having UTI. Some laboratory tests such as a serum fractionated bilirubin level, as well as urinanalysis and a urine culture were performed in all patients. Renal ultrasound was performed in almost all the cases with UTI. Detailed questionnaires, which were included demographic information, prenatal, intrapartum, postnatal events and risk factors were filled. The control group was jaundiced-infants with unknown etiology. A total of 1487 patients were enrolled in this study. From these patients 1061 infants were evaluated for UTI. There was a statistically significant difference [P<0.05] between the two groups regarding age presentation, age admitted to hospital, age improved jaundice, serum bilirubin level and hospital stay. UTI was diagnosed in seventy four [6.97%]. Renal ultrasound showed urinary tract abnormalities in thirty two [32%] patients. Six infants had unilateral grade 1-3 reflux in voiding cystourethrogram. In our study UTI was found in 7% of asymptomatic, jaundiced infants. Therefore, we recommend that a UTI test should be included in asymptomatic, jaundiced infants presenting after five day of life as part of their evaluation.These infants should be evaluated for urinary tract abnormalities by renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram

[ correlation between age, gender and education with obesity in urban population of Golestan province]

Obesity is an undesirable outcome of changes in life style and behavior. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors in population in Urban of Golestan province Iran to facilitate control of obesity related diseases. In this cross-sectional study, 2500 males and 2500 females residents of 17 different cities were selected, using cluster random sampling techniques. Anthropometric measures [height, weight] were obtained with standard methods and the data on social, demographics exercise, smoking and blood group were collected during interviews, using a specifically designed questionnaire. In assessment of obesity, a standard recommended WHO method, based on BMI distribution was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 11.5, and the logistic regression model was used to estimate the age adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval, P-value <0.05 being considered significant. Overall prevalences of obesity and overweight were 25.5% and 38.6% respectively [20.3%, 42.3% for men and 30.7% and 35% for women]. Mean BMI in, female and male subjects was 27.05 +/- 5.05, 27.63 +/- 5.54, and 26.48 +/- 4.44 respectively. In addition, WHR of all subjects was [0.92 +/- 0.1], [females] [0.91 +/- 0.9], males[0.93% +/- 0.11]. The pattern of obesity differed significantly with age in both genders. The results of logistic regression model showed that the odds ratio of obesity was greater, roughly 1.7 times in women, compared with men. The adjusted odds ratio decreased with increasing the levels of education and non smoking [P<0.0001]. The adjusted odds ratio showed no significant difference with occupation, race, blood group and or physical activity duration. The results of this study indicate an increased rate of obesity and overweight in an urban population, obesity in women being 10% higher than in men: Findings, showed that low levels of physical activity and education, gender, and smoking and aging were responsible for obesity

[Studying the effect of nanosilver painting on control of air-transmitted fungi]

Microorganisms including Fungi, are among air-transmitted infectious agents at hospitals and patient care settings, which in addition to patients, can afflict Health Care Workers [HCWs] and visitors, and may results in extravagant economic burden and impact on human health. Use of nanotechnology and especially nanosilver particles is one of the methods which are used in infection control. This article is the result of a research project investigating nanosilver painting effect on bioburden of indoor hospital air. The study was aimed to assess antifungal effects of nanosilver painting. Three rooms were selected at the infectious diseases ward of Imam Khomeini hospital complex. Two of the rooms were painted with two brands of nanosilver paints provided from two separate companies [as cases], and the third room with non-nanosilver paint brand [as control]. Air sampling was carried out using a portable air pump [Quick Take 30] at pre-planned schedule Each Sampling was done in two minutes with the rate of 28.3 Liter per minute. Samples were transferred on Sabourauds Dextrose Agar culture, to count the colonies of fungal based on Colony Forming Unite [CFU/m[3]]. Results were analyzed by ANOVA method. Active sampling method was not able to show statistically significant reduction in the total fungal bioburden between the control and case rooms. In evaluating the time trend of the nanosilver paints effect, sampling measures revealed that nanosilver paints had statistically significant effect in fungal bioburden reduction in the first third [i.e. first month] of the study period

ABO blood groups distribution and cardiovascular major risk factors in healthy population

This study was designed to investigate whether there was an association between ABO blood groups and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy population. In this cross-sectional study, risk factors screening for cardiovascular disease [CVD] on 5000 healthy persons of Golestan Province, northern Iran, in 2005 was estimated by a questionnaire that included age, sex, physical activity, smoking status, blood group type [if they had blood laboratory tests], weight, height, blood pressure and family history of coronary artery disease [CAD]. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 11.5 and by using Chi Square and ANOVA tests. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Amongst 5000 subjects, 2920 had blood laboratory tests and their types of blood group were known. Of the total of 2920, 57.4% were male, 70% were inactive, 14% were smoker, 25% were hypertensive, 23% obese, 21% had family history of CAD and mean age was 41.52 +/- 12.317. Blood group O[32.9%], A[30.1%], B[23.3%] and AB [13.7%], respectively had most frequency. Amongst cardiac risk factors, only frequency of family history of CAD in individual with different blood groups was different [P<0.01] and individual with A blood group reported more family history of CVD versus other blood groups. Amongst cardiovascular risk factors, only family history of CAD had significant relation with ABO

[ prevalence of colorectal tumors in two medical centers in Tehran between 2004 and 2007]

Colorectal carcinoma is the most common malignant disease of the gastrointestinal tract and causes approximately 500000 deaths in the world annually. Previous studies indicated that the epidemiology of this disease in the eastern countries is different from European countries and USA. Therefore we decided to evaluate the incidence of colorectal tumors in the capital city of Tehran, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed pathology reports of 144 patients with colorectal tumors between 2004 and 2007. The prevalence of colorectal tumors according to type of tumor [polyp or cancer], age, sex, tumor site and tumor grade were evaluated. Forty-seven and Fifty-three percent of tumors were cancer and polyp, respectively. The most prevalent site for colorectal carcinoma was rectum [41%], followed by sigmoid colon [21%], caecum and ascending colon [18%], and transverse and descending colon [each 10%]. The prevalence of carcinomas of rectum, sigmoid and descending colon were higher in men than women, and cancers of transverse colon, caecum and ascending colon [right colon] were higher in women than men, grade of malignancies were increased from distal colon to proximal colon. In higher ages, the probability of finding malignant tumors was significantly higher than benign tumors. The remarkable prevalence of right colon cancer in this Iranian population showed the importance of colorectal cancer screening, especially total colonoscopy which can be useful for early detection of right colon cancers

[ Rare Variation of Right Subclavian Artery Origin from Posterior Surface of Aortic Arch]

Several variations of aortic arch have been reported yet. In present study another variation of aoictic arch was reported. Right subclavian artery arises from posterior surface of the distal end of the aortic arch we present a variation of an aorticarch in which right subclavian artery arises from posterior surface of the distal end of the aortic arch and passing behind esophagus to reach right side of neck. Conclusion: Review of literature showed that regarding origin of the artery this variation was reported for tile first time by the authors It seems that the artery narrowed the position the esophagus However there were not any other sign of side effect on anatomical structure and of their blood supply

[Prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight or low gestational age infants]

To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] and to evaluate the possible neonatal risk factors for ROP. This cross-sectional study included all premature infants born at hospitals affiliated to Tehran Medical University, Tehran-Iran who were referred within 4-6 weeks after delivery to Farabi Eye Hospital from 2004 to 2005. Inclusion criteria were birth weight [BW] < 1500 g or gestational age [GA] 32 wk who may be at high risk for ROP should also be screened

[Efficacy of AIDS prevention training program on knowledge, attitude and practice of chabahar sailors, Iran]

AIDS is one of the epidemic diseases around the world and in the developing countries in particular. To define the pattern of transmission of AIDS in the southern regions of Sistan-va-Baluchestan province namely Chabahar this research was done on Chabahar sailors traveling regularly between Chabahar and overseas. This research is a Quasi-Experimental study carried out with 130 participants. Questionnaires were used as the data collection tool. Questionnaires were completed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the sailors about AIDS. Then training programs including the educational materials, lectures, face to face discussions, and educational films were presented. Knowledge, attitude and practice of the sailors were evaluated for the second time two months after the educational programs. The data were analyzed according to suitable statistical methods. 21% of sailors had history of sexual intercourse while residing in abroad; and our health educational programs promoted knowledge [27.74 vs. 36.33], attitude [29.45 vs. 42.48] and practice [23.91 vs. 30.45] significantly. Use different educational methods for improvement of knowledge, attitude, and practice of sailors [as a high risk group] have to be considered seriously and by health managers

[ evaluation of social functions of NGOs: with emphasis on the environmental organizations in Iran]

The formation and expansion of NGOs inside and among different countries has been the center of pondering and consideration of thinkers, with the aim of support and protection the rights of human being and nature, real and organized participation of people in determining their own destiny for improving the social life conditions. This article evaluates the theoretical functions of NGOs with emphasis on NGOs in Iran and an specific attention on environmental NGOs. This is a descriptive study and its data has been gathered by documents and interview with 50 active members of the environmental NGOs. The data has been coded in order to analyze the main social, economic, political and legal problems facing these organizations. The findings show the growth of NGOs in Iran. Although this growth in quantitative regard is admirable, but the necessary data for the evaluation of their operation and function is not available. Concentration on the functions of the environmental NGOs indicates the structural and organizational problems in social, economic, political and legal dimensions of these organizations. Ambiguity in laws and regulations of these organizations, weakness in managerial skills controling them, government and politically interest groups interference in their activities are among the most important problems of these organizations. Along with the theoretical grounds governing the behavior of NGOs in the world, this article tried to evaluate the position and function of NGOs in Iran. The recognition of structural and organizational limitations governing the environmental NGOs in Iran as an example of these kinds of studies and the manner of expert removal of these limitations can lead to positive functioning of these NGOs and provide suitable conditions in the social system in order to support these NGOs in general