Comparison of the effects of consuming olive and sunflower oils on the fasting and postprandial blood glucose level and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic female patients

In type 2 diabetic patients, high fasting and postprandial triglyceride and decreased HDL-C levels are very common, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This problem can be managed by dietary modifications, such as the reduction of saturated fatty acids [SFAs] intake and their substitution with monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFAs] or polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]. This study was conducted to compare the effects of consuming olive and sunflower oils as a substitute for a portion of daily dietary fat on fasting and postprandial blood glucose level and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic female patients. This randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted on 15 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes [51.7 +/- 1.2 years old]. Using a 3day 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire showed that their average daily intake of hydrogenated oil was 16.1 +/- 2.3g, 40% of total fat intake. The patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups, consuming either olive oil or sunflower oil [substituted for hydrogenated oil] for 3 weeks. After a washout period of 3 weeks, the subjects in each group switched to the other oil for the following 3 weeks. In all cases the subjects took their usual breakfast. Anthropometric measurements were made, physical activity was determined, and biochemical tests [fasting and postprandial blood sugar] were done at the beginning of the study and at the end of weeks 3, 6, and 9. Food intake was measured using the 24-h dietary recall technique and Nutritionist IV software at the same time points. As compared to sunflower oil, olive oil resulted in reductions in fasting blood glucose [p<0.01], triglycerides [p<0.01], postprandial blood triglyceride [p<0.05], and TG/HDL-C [p<0.05]. There were no significant changes in anthropometric measurements, physical activity, or dietary intake of the patients during the study. As expected, substitution of hydrogenated fat with the 2 oils resulted in significant increases in the intakes of MUFA and PUFA and decreases in the intake of SFA [P<0.01]. Considering the beneficial effects of olive oil on blood glucose and lipid profile, it can be concluded that partial substitution of dietary fat with olive oil, in preference to sunflower oil, can help reduce CVD risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients

[Evaluation of hepatitis in children]

The causes of hepatitis or increased liver enzymes which follow liver cells [hepatocytes] are numerous. They vary from a temporary asymptomatic viral disease to a serious chronic liver disease that needs more attention and follow up. In a child with hepatitis, primary lab data including CBC, U/A, ALT, AST and PT are needed. According to the early clinical and paraclinical evaluation, hepatitis can be divided to cytotoxic and cholestatic types. In this paper, we suggest the appropriate approach for diagnosis and treatment of each type of hepatitis. Paying attention to this suggested approach will help physicians to do best in the management of their patients

Heart involvement in Kala Azar

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease. About 30 species of sandflies are proven vectors of leishmania, the usual reservoir host includes human and domestic/wild animals. In addition, acquisition of visceral leishmaniasis as a result of blood transfusion has been documented. Visceral leishmaniasis presents in various forms. We report a three year old girl with visceral leishmaniasis and pericardial effusion. Meglumine antimoniate was prescribed for her and all her signs and symptoms plus her pericardial effusion were resolved

case of gastroenteritis ends in convulsion?

Gastroenteritis has a diverse etiology; many pathogens can cause this condition. Of the extraintestinal manifestations, one is convulsions, which may be attributable to fever, type of bacteria, or electrolyte imbalance. To assess the risk of occurrence of convulsions, in this study we investigated the association between the paraclinical and clinical findings of children with gastroenteritis and the risk of occurrence of convulsions. In this prospective study, conducted between March 2004 and February 2005, we studied 50 patients admitted to the Mofid Childrens' Hospital, with gastroenteritis and convulsions. They were matched with the case group in terms of age, sex, and month of admission and number. Data was collected using a specific checklist. Stool samples were obtained for investigations of electrolyte imbalances and type of gastroenteritis. A control group consisting of patients admitted simultaneously with gastroenteritis but no convulsions was selected as well. The stool exam [SE] showed 31 cases [62%] had inflammatory diarrhea and 19 [38%] had the non-inflammatory type. In the control group, 21 cases [42%] had inflammatory and 29 [58%] had non-inflammatory diarrhea. Stool culture [SC] results showed 11 [22%] subjects had Shigella, 27 [54%] revealed no organism, and 12 [24%] did not have SCs in their medical records. In the control group SC results revealed Shigella in 2 cases [4%], 38 patients [76%] showed no organism, and 10[20%] did not have SCs. Six cases [12%] had hyponatremia ranging between 125-130meq/lit. In the control group, 4 [8%] had electrolyte imbalances, 3 had hyponatremia ranging between 125-130meq/lit, and 1 had hypokalemia. No significant relation was found between inflammatory gastroenteritis and the incidence of convulsion [P value=0.0716]. Although a significant relation was found between Shigella and convulsion [P value=0.0113], no significant relation existed between electrolyte imbalance and the incidence of convulsion [P value=0.7389]