narrative review of acute adult poisoning in Iran

Poisoning is a frequent cause of referral to medical emergencies and a major health problem around the world, especially in developing countries. We aimed to review the epidemiology and pattern of adult poisoning in Iran in order to facilitate the early diagnosis and management of poisoning. The pattern of poisoning is different in various parts of Iran. Pharmaceutical compounds were the most common cause of poisoning in most parts of Iran. Pesticide-related toxicities were more common in northern agricultural regions, whereas bites and stings were seen more commonly in southern Iran. Carbon monoxide poisoning was common in cities with many motor vehicles such as Tehran and in colder climates such as in northern and western regions due to inadequately vented gas appliances such as stoves and heaters. Majoon Birjandi [containing cannabis] is a unique substance used in eastern Iran. Poisoning by opioids, tramadol, and pesticides [organophosphate and aluminum phosphide] has remained a common hazard in Iran. Poisoning-associated morbidity and mortality rates vary by region and have changed over time due to the introduction of new drugs and chemicals. Early diagnosis and proper treatment may be lifesaving; thus, understanding the general pattern of poisoning in different regions is important

Development of country-wide strategies to reduce the alcohol abuse

Evidence shows that in Iran alcohol abuse rate may be of concern, especially among the youth. The mental and social health and addiction Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education has designed a plan to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate the patients abusing alcohol in a time period of 2011-2015. In a 6-month period, three guiding committees of experts in the field of alcohol abuse reviewed the literature. The meetings of the steering committee were held in order to collect the comments of the policy-makers in recognition of the problem, orientation, and administration procedures for the suggested strategies. The first input was discussed in the committee meeting. In the orientation phase, intervention strategies were suggested whose base was the evaluation of the previous international guidelines. In the final phase, the suggested strategies and challenges and their possible solutions were criticized. Finally, using these strategies, appropriate interventions were defined. Preventing alcohol supply, school- and community-based prevention efforts, monitoring and vigilance were defined as primary prevention. While secondary and tertiary prevention are defined to be the treating and rehabilitating services for the alcohol abusers. We hope by using this strategy we will be able to control alcohol abuse in our country. The first step to reach this aim is done by breaking the taboo of giving alcohol-related information and news using media and educational programs especially to the young population

Comparing poisonous effects of thioacetamide and silver nanoparticles on enzymic changes and liver tissue in mice

Nanoparticles are small particles which can destroy many diseases resulting from microorganisms. Due to very small size, these particles can penetrate various tissues easily like liver and many side effects. This study has compared poisonous effects of thioacetamide with silver nanoparticles on amino transferase enzymes and liver tissue in male syrian mice. In this study, mice were divided to four groups. First group or control was received food and water, second group received thioacetamide 50 mg/kg, third group received 3000 ppm silver nanoparticles and fourth group received a compound of silver nanoparticles 3000 ppm and thioacetamide [50 mg/kg]. Then, blood from mice hearts was collected and liver tissue was separated for measuring, SGPT and SGOT enzymes, and also for tissue studies. Injection thioacetamide increased SGOT and SGPT enzymes in second group more significantly than group. However, nanosilver injection only increased SGPT enzyme significantly [p=0.02]. According to the results of this study, silver nanoparticles and thioacetamide can damage liver cells. But destruction of hepatocytes resulting from oxidative pressure of combination silver nanoparticles and thioacetamide was more than the other groups

Letter to the Editor: A Case of Optic Nerve Atrophy with Severe Disc Cupping after Methanol Poisoning

No abstract available.

Correlation between size of renal cell carcinoma and its grade, stage, and histological subtype

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between histological subtype, size, grade, and stage of the kidney tumors and to investigate whether a correlation exists between the size of the kidney tumor and its behavior. Between 1996 and 2004, we had 212 patients with radical or partial nephrectomy due to a kidney tumor at Shaheed Labbafmejad Medical Center. Their pathologic blocks were re-evaluated with consideration of their tumor size and pathologic features. Of 212 pathologic blocks, 17 [8%] were benign and 195 [92%] were malignant masses including 179 renal cell carcinoma [RCC] tumors. Malignant tumors were slightly greater compared with the benign ones [P = .10]. There was no significant relation between the size of tumor and the histological subtype. Significant relations between the size of the kidney tumor and the nuclear grade [P = .007], clinical symptoms [P = .02], and extracapsular extension [P < .001] were observed. In smaller RCC tumors [< 4 cm], extracapsular extension [stages T3 and T4] was rare [1 in 29]. However, smaller RCC tumors were not significantly different from those larger than 4 cm regarding the nuclear grade, symptoms, and histological subtypes. Tumor size is not an independent predictor for the histological subtype of the tumors; however, larger malignant tumors may have higher grades, higher stages, and clinical symptoms