Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among children in Rasht, northern Iran

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection usually occurs during childhood, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in primary schools of Rasht, a northern Iranian city. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 961 primary school students in Rasht. Samples were randomly selected and stored at -20°C until analysis. The stool assay was performed using the HP AgT kit. Overall 475 boys and 486 girls, aged 7 to 11 years were evaluated. A total of 384 [40%] children were diagnosed as H. pylori positive by the stool test. A higher prevalence of H. pylori was found in the stools of individuals who consumed well water and municipal tap water when compared to boiled water [p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between the rate of H. pylori infection and individuals' ages, gender or socioeconomic levels. The results of this study suggest that the source of drinking water may play a role in transmission of H. pylori. Transmission can be minimized with the use of boiled or mineral water

Pulmonary function test results in patients with ulcerative colitis

Pulmonary complication of IBD includes airway inflammation involving small and large airways, pulmonary paranchymal disease and serositis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Pulmonary Function Test [PFT] abnormality in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. During spring and summer of 2006, PFT [spirometry and body box plethysmography] of 50 UC patients were compared with 50 healthy persons matched for age and sex [control]. Data collection form including demographic specification and UC condition were filled. Mean age of patients was 37.2 years [SD=14.5]. Active UC was seen in 24% of patients while 18% of patients suffered from severe UC. PFT results included 42% air trapping [only increase in residual volume/total lung capacity], 20% small airway obstructive pattern [only decrease in maximal expiratory flow at 25-75% of vital capacity], 12% restrictive ventilation defect, 2% obstructive airway, 2% hyperinflation and 6% upper airway obstructive pattern. There was a significant relationship between small airway obstructive pattern and duration of UC and no relationship was noticed between other pulmonary disorders and severity, activity, duration of UC. According to high prevalence of air trapping, small airway disease may be the prominent feature of lung involvement in UC patients. Therefore a meticulous work up for respiratory diseases is necessary in UC patients