Comparison of oral prednisolone pulse therapy with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy in severe alopecia areata

To compare the efficacy of oral prednisolone pulse therapy in comparison to the intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy in treatment of severe alopecia areata. In this interventional study, all patients with alopecia areata having at least 30% involvement of scalp or more than 10 patches of alopecia in scalp and body, registered during 2006-2009 in dermatologic department of 5-Azar hospital, Gorgan, Northeast of Iran were included. Forty patients with severe alopecia areata were enrolled and divided into 2 groups. Group A was treated with 200 mg oral prednisolone in one dose, every week for 3 months and group B were treated with 500 mg intravenous methylprednisolone on 3 continuous days each month for 6 months. Recovery rate after 1, 3, 6 and 12[th] months after treatment was significantly higher in group B compared to group A. Side effects included: acne [5 in group A and 7 in group B], heartburn [4 in group A and 5 in B], striae [4 in group A and 6 in group B] and were more seen in group B but it was not significant statistically. The recovery and rate was not significantly different between two sexes. In this study, 500 mg intravenous methylprednisolone in 3 continuous days each month for 6 months showed a better recovery rate in severe alopecia areata. Patients must be warned about the side effects and outcomes

[Correlation between perceived social support and loneliness with life satisfaction Among Students of Golestan university of medical sciences]

Human being is embedded with a variety of relationships. Satisfactory social support is crucial for having physical and psychological wellbeing. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between perceived social support and loneliness with life satisfaction. In this cross-sectional study, 226 students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected. They were assessed using demographic questions, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Loneliness Scale. Using SPSS [16] software and Pearson correlation test, the data were analyzed. 120 male and 106 female students filled the questionnaires. 91% of the students were single and 95% were residents of university dormitories. There was a significant correlation between life satisfaction with loneliness in the subjects [p<0.05]. Higher social support from the family and friends was correlated with more life satisfaction and less loneliness [p<0.05]. Findings suggest that, appropriate social support can reduce loneliness and increase life satisfaction. It is also one of the wellbeing predictors. Therefore, the universities should provide strategies to facilitate social support from family and the significant others. Empowerment of the students by teaching social communication skills may also be helpful