Prednisolone as a new approach for treatment of HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy

We have previously shown the implication of HTLV-1 in polyneuropathy in a HTLV-1 endemic area in Mashhad. Treatment with corticosteroids [prednisolone and methylprednisolone] have been recommended for HTLV-1 associated diseases. In the current study we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of prednisolone in HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy. All recognized cases of HTLV-1 polyneuropathy admitted to Imam Reza Hospital [between 1999-2004] were selected for the study. The other common causes of polyneuropathy were excluded using biochemical, hematological, and neurologic examination. Anti-HTLV1 IgG assays were carried out and positive anti-HTLV-1 results were then confirmed by Western Blot Analyzing. All of the HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients were given prednisolone, 1mg/ kg and tapering 5mg/ per week, for three month. Muscle force and paresthesia of all cases were returned to normal pattern. This therapeutic regimen led to reduction of disease severity. Muscle force increased to V/V and paresthesia of all cases were severely decreased. The results of present study suggest that immunosuppressive treatment is very effective for HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients

Reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices of Iranian and Afghan men in Tehran province

This study was carried out in south- west Tehran province to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men, Iranians and Afghan refugees, regarding reproductive health. A questionnaire was used for the assessment. Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices for Iranians were 4.38/30, 13.89/20 and 12.99/31 respectively; for Afghans the scores were 3.79/30, 11.66/20 and 11.88/31. Although the scores in both groups were low, Afghans showed significantly lower scores for attitudes and practices. Access to reproductive health services was the same for both groups. Further scrutiny of men's role in reproductive health, particularly social and cultural factors, is strongly recomended

Assessment of urine iodine in school children from urban and rural areas of Tehran in 2001

Following the national survey for Iodine Deficiency Disorder [IDD] in 1989 which manifested endemic goiter in Iran, the iodination program was implemented. By 1998, Iran has managed to become an IDD-free country. This study is a part of continuous assessment to monitor the effectiveness of this program. The prevalence of iodine deficiency was studied by assessment of urine iodine concentration among a random sample of schoolchildren, in the South Tehran. The extent of salt iodination in the public was assessed meanwhile. Most cases [52.19%] showed a urine iodine concentration between 10-30 micro g/dl. As well, 5.85% of pupils had mild iodine deficiency according to world standards, 1.45% of pupils showed moderate and none had severe IDD. Examination of consumed salt in public areas showed 98.8% iodination. Total mean iodine excretion was obviously above the state survey in 1996. The risk of exceeding the allowed limits [<30 micro g/dl] should be attentively studied