Validation of Persian version of pedsQL[TM] 4.0[TM] generic core scales in toddlers and children

To evaluate the reliability, validity and feasibility of the Persian version of the Pediatric Quality of Life inventory PedsQL[TM] 4.0 [TM] 4.0 Generic Core Scales in Iranian healthy students ages 7-15 and chronically ill children ages 2-18. We followed the translation methodology proposed by developer to validate Persian version of PedsQL[TM] 4.0TM 4.0 Generic Core Scales for children. Six hundred and sixty children and adolescents and their parents were enrolled. Sample of 160 healthy students were chosen by random cluster method between 4 regions of Isfahan education offices and 60 chronically ill children were recruited from St. Alzahra hospital private clinics. The questionnaires were fulfilled by the participants. The Persian version of PedsQL[TM] 4.0TM 4.0 Generic Core Scales discriminated between healthy and chronically ill children [healthy students mean score was 12.3 better than chronically ill children, P<0.001]. Cronbachs' alpha internal consistency values exceeded 0.7 for children self reports and proxy reports of children 5-7 years old and 13-18 years old. Reliability of proxy reports for 2-4 years old was much lower than 0.7. Although, proxy reports for chronically ill children 8-12 years old was more than 0.7, these reports for healthy children with same age group was slightly lower than 0.7. Constructive, criterion face and content validity were acceptable. In addition, the Persian version of PedsQL[TM] 4.0TM 4.0 Generic Core Scales was feasible and easy to complete. Results showed that Persian version of PedsQL[TM] 4.0[TM] 4.0 Generic Core Scales is valid and acceptable for pediatric health researches. It is necessary to alternate scoring for 2-4 years old questionnaire and to find a way to increase reliability for healthy children aged 8-12 years especially, according to Iranian culture

Late-onset multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran

Multiple sclerosis [MS] typically affects young adults; however, the first symptoms can occur after age 50 and is classified as late-onset MS [LOMS]. In this retrospective study, we extracted the records of 3522 MS patients [2716 females and 806 males] registered in the Isfahan MS Society [IMSS] from 2003 to 2010. Next, we searched for LOMS cases. We aimed to compare these cases with 1698 non-LOMS subjects also extracted from the IMSS database. We found 48 LOMS patients [28 females and 20 males], which gave a crude frequency of 1.36%. The frequency by sex of LOMS in males [2.4%] was significantly greater than in females [1.0%, P = 0.002]. The mean age at onset was 55.1 +/- 4.3 years. The female to male ratio of 1.4:1 in these patients was significantly lower than in non-LOMS subjects [3.37:1, P= 0.003]. The leading pattern of MS was relapsing-remitting [RR] in 62.5%, followed by primary progressive [PP] in 27.1%, and secondary progressive [SP] in 10.4%. Predominant presenting symptoms and signs were motor disturbances [35.4%], followed by brainstem [25%], optic neuritis [22.9%], and sensory related deficits [18.7%]. The mean progression index [PI] in LOMS patients [0.88 +/- 0.48] was significantly higher than in non-LOMS cases, 0.37 +/- 0.17 [P< 0.0001]. In comparing LOMS patients with the non-LOMS cohort, there was a higher frequency of the PP pattern and a higher PI in the LOMS group. In comparing other high-risk populations with the Isfahan cohort, LOMS formed a lower percentage of the total Isfahan MS population