The medieval Persian manuscript of Afyunieh: the first individual treatise on the opium and addiction in history / 中西医结合学报

According to historical evidence, the abuse of opium has been reported all over the globe-specifically throughout Eastern nations-since the sixteenth century. Before that, opium had mostly been applied as medication. Reference has been made in traditional Persian medical literature to the method of cultivation, properties, side effects and toxicity. In sixteenth century Iran, during the reign of the Safavids, opium abuse began. It was from then that prominent Persian scholars started to think of solutions to this societal problem. One of the most famous scholars was Imad al-Din Mahmud ibn Mas'ud Shirazi, who composed a book concerning addiction-Afyunieh, a comprehensive book on the topic of opium and all issues of opium. Furthermore, he recommended methods for reducing opium dose as well as substitution with other medications that had a narrower range of side effects, in order to eradicate dependency upon opium and opium-derived materials. This is most likely the first book that comprehensively addressed opium and discussed drug rehabilitation methodology, in traditional Persian medical literature. In this historical review, the authors have introduced the book Afyunieh, which presents methods for treating addiction to and giving up opium; the text comprises a synthesis of the author's opinions, professional experience and references to the work of other famous physicians.

effect of working memory training on auditory stream segregation in auditory processing disorders children

This study investigated the efficacy of working memory training for improving working memory capacity and related auditory stream segregation in auditory processing disorders children. Fifteen subjects [9-11 years], clinically diagnosed with auditory processing disorder participated in this non-randomized case-controlled trial. Working memory abilities and auditory stream segregation were evaluated prior to beginning and six weeks after completing the training program. Ten control subjects, who did not participate in training program, underwent the same battery of tests at time intervals equivalent to the trained subjects. Differences between the two groups were measured using a repeated measures analysis of variance. The results of this study indicated children who received auditory working memory training performed significantly better on working memory abilities and auditory stream segregation task than children do not received training program. Results from this case-control study support the benefits of working memory training for children with auditory processing disorders and indicate that training of auditory working memory is especially important for this population

Sexual functioning among married Iranian women with polycystic ovary syndrome

This study aimed to assess sexual functioning among women with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] in Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain factors related to sexual functioning in 300 PCOS patients attending to the private practice centers in Kashan, Isfahan Province, Iran, from May to October 2012. The Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] was used to measure sexual functioning. Moreover, the socio-demographic details and clinical information of PCOS including obesity, hirsutism, acne, menstrual cycle disturbances, infertility and endocrine profile were recorded for each patient. Overall the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction [FSD] was 16.6%. In particular patients indicated poorer sexual functioning for the desire [48.3%] and the arousal [44.7%] subscales. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested patients with lower educational level [OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.46-5.92] and irregular menstrual status [OR: 4.61; 95% CI: 1.93-11] were more likely to report sexual dysfunction. The findings suggest that desire and arousal were the most prevalent sexual disorders reported in this patient population. In addition, findings suggested that women with limited or no formal education and a history of menstrual irregularities were the most likely to report female sexual dysfunction. Further investigations are needed to examine female sexual functioning among women with PCOS, to educate their health care providers, and to develop therapeutic interventions

Relationship between levels of lipids and lipoprotein B-100 in maternal serum and umbilical cord serum and assessing their effects on newborn infants anthropometric indices

This study aimed to determine the relationship between lipid and apolipoprotein B-100 [apo B-100] levels in maternal and umbilical cord sera as well as the effects of these components on anthropometric measurements of newborn infants. This correlational study was performed on 85 appropriate for gestational age [AGA] newborns and their mothers. For analysis, 5 ml of maternal blood and 5 ml of umbilical venous cord blood were obtained during labor and immediately after delivery, respectively. Sera were separated by centrifugation and analyzed on the same day for estimation of lipid profile including total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and apolipoprotein B-100. Also, anthropometric indices of newborn infants were measured and recorded. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between variables. There was a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal serum TC levels [r=0.23, P=0.042]. Maternal LDL-C level was positively correlated with neonatal HDL-C [r=0.24, P=0.035], TC [r=0.29, P=0.01], and apolipoprotein B-100 levels [r=0.25, P=0.031]. A significant positive correlation was observed between maternal apolipoprotein B-100 level and neonatal TC [r=0.26, P=0.019], HDL-C [r=0.23, P=0.043], and apolipoprotein B-100 levels [r=0.24, P=0.038]. Maternal TG level was positively correlated with neonatal crown-heel length [r=0.27, P=0.018] and birth weight [r=0.23, P=0.039]. However, maternal HDL-C level was negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight [r=-0.29, P=0.01] and chest circumference [r=-0.27, P=0.019]. A significant negative correlation was found between cord blood TG level and newborn's head circumference [r=- 0.23 P=0.046]. Maternal lipid profile can affect neonatal lipid level and anthropometric measurements.

Study of Phonological Awareness of Preschool and School Aged Children with Cochlear Implant and Normal Hearing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether very early access to speech sounds provided by the cochlear implant enables children to develop age-appropriate phonological awareness abilities in their preschool and school years. A secondary purpose of this study was to examine whether children who had cochlear implantation before 18 months of age will develop better skills in phonological awareness than children who had cochlear implants in 18-36 months of age. A third purpose of this study was to examine whether some factors like the child's age or sex would have any effects on developing of age-appropriate phonological awareness abilities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 48 children with 70 to 95 months of age who had been utilizing their cochlear implant(s) before 36 months of age (CI group) and 30 normal hearing peers (NH group) were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Child's age had a significant effect on phonological awareness, but sex had absolutely no effect in each group. Children in the cochlear implanted group were outperformed by their normal hearing peers in the area of phonological awareness, especially in phonemic awareness. The age of implantation was another significant variable. CONCLUSIONS: Although children with a younger age at implantation got better scores in phonological awareness test, they were outperformed by their normal hearing peers in this area.

[ comparison of lipid and lipoprotein b-100 [apo b-100] levels in the umbilical cord blood of male and female newborns and the assessment of their impact on neonatal anthropometric indices]

Controversial findings exist regarding the association between neonate gender and umbilical cord blood lipid levels. This study aims to compare the levels of lipids and lipoprotein B-100 in the umbilical cord blood of male and female newborns and assess the impact of these factors on neonatal anthropometric measurements. This cross-sectional study was performed on 75 healthy, term [34 male and 41 female] newborns. A total of 5 ml of umbilical cord blood was obtained immediately after delivery and analyzed on the same day to estimate lipid concentrations and apolipoprotein B-100. Additionally, we measured and recorded neonatal anthropometric indicators. The independent sample t-test was used for comparison of mean values in the two groups. The relationship of cord blood lipid profile with anthropometric data was assessed by the Pearson correlation test and multiple linear regression. The cord blood from female newborns had higher levels of low density lipoprotein- cholesterol [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] and total cholesterol [TC] compared to male newborns, whereas levels of lipoprotein B-100 and triglyceride [TG] were higher in males compared to female newborns. These differences were not statistically significant. In female newborns there was a significant inverse correlation between TG level and head circumference [P=0.038]. In males, there was no statistically significant association between lipid levels and anthropometric parameters. Gender did not impact lipid and apolipoprotein B-100 levels in newborns. This study showed a significant inverse correlation between TG level and head circumference in female newborns.

[ effect of crocin and its mechanism of action on chronic pain induced by spinal cord contusion in a rat model]

Various approaches have been offered for resolution of pain resulting from spinal cord injuries. One approach is the use of herbal and natural products. In the present research, as a preliminary study, we investigate the effect of crocin on chronic pain induced by contusion in the rat spinal cord [SCI]. We randomly divided female Wistar rats into five groups. Groups I and II were contused at the L1 level and immediately treated with crocin [50 mg/kg]. These groups were sacrificed after 2 hours and 1 week, respectively. The remaining three groups consisted of group III [control group], group IV [treated with crocin and no contusion], and group V [the contused group that underwent no treatment]. Groups III-V were sacrificed after one week. The mechanical behavioral test that used Von Frey hairs; the thermal behavioral test that used a hot-plate and the locomotor recovery test with Basso, Beattie and Bresnahn [BBB] scoring were conducted daily to evaluate the extent of injury and recovery of the rats. The calcitonin-gene related peptide [CGRP] was determined in the animals' plasma by the ELISA kit. The results showed a significant increase in plasma CGRP of contused rats that significantly reduced following crocin treatment. The behavioral tests were not changed significantly due to this treatment. The present study shows the beneficial effects of crocin treatment that may occur by decreasing CGRP on chronic pain induced by SCI. This project is continuing using higher dose of crocin for longer time.

Health-related quality of life and its relationship with clinical symptoms among Iranian patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] has been shown to cause a reduction in Health-related quality of life [HRQOL]. This study examines the extent of different clinical symptoms in PCOS patients on HRQOL. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to ascertain the factors related to HRQOL in 200 PCOS patients in Kashan, Iran. Main outcome measures were modified polycystic ovarian syndrome questionnaire [MPCOSQ] and clinical information of PCOS. Major clinical PCOS features including obesity [BMI], excessive body hair [hirsutism score], acne, menstrual cycle disturbances and infertility. Findings showed that the most common HRQOL concern was menstrual irregularities and infertility, followed in descending order by hirsutism, weight, emotion, and acne. Multivariate analysis revealed the menstrual irregularities as a significant predictor of menstruation [p=0.005], emotion [p=0.02] and infertility [p=0.02] subscales of the MPCOSQ. Having of infertility, predicted scores on the infertility subscale [p<0.0001]. Hirsutism score was a significant predictor of hirsutism [p<0.0001] and emotion [p<0.0001] subscales. Weight subscale concerns was predicted by BMI [p<0.0001], also, acne was found to be predicted score of acne subscale [p<0.0001]. Worsened HRQOL in women with PCOS was related to more menstrual irregularities and infertility than to obesity. The finding suggests a potential for poorer compliance with weight management protocols among affected PCOS patients.

Effects of diabetes mellitus type I with or without neuropathy on vestibular evoked myogenic potentials

Diabetes mellitus type I is a metabolic disorder that affects multiple systems including the inner ear. Patients with diabetes mellitus commonly complain about dizziness, floating sensation, tinnitus and sweating. The aim of this study was to compare vestibular evoked myogenic potentials [VEMPs] between diabetic patients with or without neuropathy. Subjects included 14 patients with diabetes mellitus type I with polyneuropathy, 10 patients with diabetes mellitus type I without polyneuropathy and 24 healthy volunteers. Range of age in participants was 15-40 years old. The VEMPs were recorded with 500 Hz tone bursts with intensity at 95 dB. There was statistically significant difference between the groups in P13 and N23 latencies [P<0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in absolute and relative amplitudes. Prolonged latencies of the VEMP suggest lesions in the retrolabyrinthine, especially in the vestibulospinal tract

Iranian version of modified polycystic ovary syndrome health-related quality of Life questionnaire: Discriminant and convergent validity

A preliminary report indicated that the Iranian version of modified polycystic ovary syndrome health-related quality of life questionnaire [MPCOSQ] is a valid measure of health-related quality of life [HRQOL] in PCOS patients. Accordingly, the Iranian version of MPCOSQ was subjected to further psychometric analyses among a different sample of patients with PCOS. To examine discriminant and convergent validity of the Iranian version of MPCOSQ. This was a cross sectional study of 200 women with PCOS that was carried out in two private gynecology clinics in Kashan, Iran. Discriminant validity was assessed using the known groups comparison. Convergent validity was evaluated by assessing the correlation between similar content on the MPCOSQ and the SF-36. The mean scores for the MPCOSQ showed that women rated lowest on the infertility and menstrual subscales indicating worst health in these dimensions. The results from the SF-36 questionnaire indicated that emotional and vitality domains were the areas of poorest health. Known groups comparison showed that the MPCOSQ differentiated well between sub-groups of women who differed in PCOS specific symptoms, lending support to its discriminant validity. Convergent validity was assessed and as expected a good positive correlation was found between related subscales of the two instruments. The MPCOSQ has now been extensively tested in Iran and can be considered for using as an outcome measure in future outcome studies in this population

Body image satisfaction and self-esteem status among the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Most previous research has focused on polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] characteristics and their association with psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In the present study, our aim was to study whether PCOS characteristics are associated with several aspects of psychological well-being namely self-esteem and body satisfaction. This was a cross-sectional study of 300 women with PCOS that was carried out in Kashan, Iran. Main outcome measures were the Body Image Concern Inventory [BICI] and the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and clinical information of PCOS. Major clinical PCOS features including obesity [BMI], excessive body hair [hirsutism score], acne, menstrual cycle disturbances and infertility. The findings of regression analysis indicated that infertile women had lower levels of self-esteem [beta=-0.11, p=0.049] and poorer body satisfaction [=0.121, p=0.036] compared with PCOS women without infertility. Furthermore, hirsute women experienced poorer self-esteem than women without hirsutism [beta=-0.124, p=0.032]. Women with menstrual irregularities had higher body dissatisfaction [beta=0.159, p=0.005]. Moreover, women with higher body mass index scores had poorer body satisfaction [beta =0.151, p=0.009] but were not associated with self-esteem. The emotional well-being of the patients presenting with the syndrome needs to be recognized more fully, particularly in relation to the low self-esteem, poor body image, and struggles with weight, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and infertility. The results of this study raise implications for clinical practice and suggest that a multidisciplinary approach to the management of women with PCOS

[Sexual dysfunction and predisposing factors in women with multiple sclerosis]

Objective [s]: Sexual dysfunction [SD] in patients with multiple sclerosis [MS] is common, but often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its predisposing factors in women with multiple sclerosis

Method: This was a cross sectional study. Participants were recruited from two MS clinics in Tehran. Sexual function and disability status were quantified by the Female Sexual Function Index-FSFI and Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] respectively. Clinical characteristics and the extent of physical disability were examined by a neurologist. Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression

Results: In all 226 MS patients were studied. The mean age of participants was 35.77 years [SD = 8.07]. Sexual dysfunction were diagnosed in 125[55/3%] of participants. The most common sexual problem in women was arousal dysfunction [44/2%] and the lowest frequency of the dysfunction was sexual pain [12/8%]. Results obtained from multiple logistic regression analysis showed that MS patients with sexual dysfunction had lower educational status [Odds ratio=1.95 CI 95%= 1.957-0.998], insufficiency low [Odds ratio=3.94 CI 95%= 1.614-90619], more than 3 children [Odds ratio=4.659 CI 95%= 1.517-14.314] and Secondary Progressive MS-[SPMS] [Odds ratio=3.034 CI 95%= 1.447-6.362]

Conclusion: Awareness of sexual problems and related factors for the management and treatment of women with MS is necessary. It is suggested that sexual rehabilitation programs compiled as part of the comprehensive care of patients with MS

Evaluation of zinc supplementation effect on fetal outcomes in pregnant women with lower-than-median serum zinc concentration

Zinc is the second main element in the body after iron. Its importance in pregnancy is related to role in DNA and protein synthesis and consequently the necessity of its availability for the appropriate growth and development of the fetus and neonate. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of zinc supplement on fetal outcomes [height, weight, head and chest circumference of the fetus, low birth weight, and pre-term birth] in pregnant women with lower-than-median serum zinc. Participants of this experimental double-blind clinical trial study were 263 healthy singleton pregnant women with a mean age of 26.46 [+/- 4.52] years and gestational age of 14.52 [+/- 4.51] weeks whose [non-fasting] serum zinc levels were lower than median of the study population. All eligible individuals were randomly divided into two groups of zinc supplement and placebo. Individuals in the zinc supplement group [128 participants] took one zinc supplement capsule including 25 mg elemental zinc and participants in the placebo group [135 people] took one placebo capsule per day until the end of pregnancy. All women were under control and supervision until the end of the pregnancy and their information about labor, delivery, and neonate measures were collected through their obstetric records and then compared. Findings of this study showed no significant difference in fetal measures at birth [weight, height, head and chest circumference], pre-term delivery, and low birth weight between zinc supplement and placebo groups. According to our findings, administration of 25mg elemental zinc per day does not improve fetal measures in pregnant women with lower-than-median serum zinc concentration; however, more in-depth studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to achieve more reliable results

Comparison of qualitative PCR and pp65 antigenemia for the diagnosis of CMV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplanted patients

Human cytomegalovirus [CMV] is a major life-threatening pathogen for hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Specific tests are used for the diagnosis and monitoring of CMV infection in transplant patients. This study evaluates the performance of pp65 antigenemia and qualitative PCR assays for monitoring CMV in such patients. We analyzed 179 clinical samples from 41 patients by using a validated home-brewed qualitative PCR and a commercial antigenemia assay. The obtained results were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR as the gold standard. CMV was observed in 26.8% of samples analyzed by the antigenemia assay and in 42.6% of the samples by qualitative PCR. Among 179 clinical samples, 50.8% were negative and 21.2% were positive by both assays. On the other hand, 26.3% were only positive by qualitative PCR whereas 1.7% were positive by the antigenemia assay. A comparison of the results with real-time PCR showed that qualitative PCR has a higher sensitivity than the antigenemia assay [98.7% vs. 45.7%]. The specificity of both assays was equal [96.8%]. Quantitative results of the antigenemia assay showed good correlation with real-time PCR [r=0.715; p<0.001] Both the qualitative PCR and antigenemia assays have special deficiencies for efficient diagnosis of CMV infection. Therefore, effective management of CMV infection in transplant patients requires the use of other sensitive quantitative methods such as qPCR

[Comparison of masking level difference in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy control group Ghassem Mohamadkhani]

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is a neurological disorder that involves central nervous system. Studies have showed that multiple sclerosis affects behavioral central auditory tests, such as masking release or masking level difference [MLD]. The purpose of this study is to compare the masking level difference between multiple sclerosis patients and normal subjects. This cross sectional and non-interventional study was conducted on 32 multiple sclerosis patients aged between 20-50 years and 32 controls matched for age and gender in Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. masking level difference test was performed on each subject. The mean masking level difference in the two groups was significantly different [p<0.01] however, gender did not prove to play a role in this difference. As part of the multiple sclerosis diagnosis panel, masking level difference test is an efficient modality for evaluation of hearing impairment and monitoring of rehabilitation progress

[Comparison of gap in noise test results between congenital blind and slighted subjects with normal hearing

Main feature of auditory processing abilities is temporal processing including temporal resolution, temporal ordering, temporal integration and temporal masking. Many studies have shown the superiority of blinds in temporal discrimination over sighted subjects. In this study, temporal processing was compared in congenital blind subjects with sighted controls via gap in noise test [GIN]. This analytic -prescriptive non-invasive cohort study was conducted on 22 congenital blinds [11 males and 11 females] with a mean age of 26.22 years and 22 sighted control subjects [11 males and 11 females] with a mean age of 24.04 years with normal hearing in faculty of Rehabilitation Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Gap in noise test results, approximate threshold and percent of corrected answers, were obtained and then, were analyzed by Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical test. There was a significant difference in the approximate threshold and the percent of corrected answers between congenital blinds and sighted control subjects [p<0.05]. However, there was no significant difference between males and females in this regard [p>0.05]. Auditory temporal resolution ability, the lower approximate threshold and the more corrected answers in gap in noise, in blind subjects is better than the sighted control group and it might be related to the compensative neuroplasticity after visual deprivation

[Evaluation of thrombophilic factors in women with PCOS]

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is associated with insulin-induced elevations of plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI-1], the most potent inhibitor of fibrinolysis. Hypofibrinolysis due to increased PAI-1 levels in PCOS patients bears a high risk for miscarriage and some other pregnancy complications which are probably due to increased thrombophilic states. In this study we compared thrombophilic factors in women with PCOS with those of healthy women. This analytical study was performed on 123 infertile women with PCOS as the case group, and 73 women non-PCOS women with male factor infertility as the control group. All the individuals attended Rouin Tan Arsh Hospital for receiving fertility treatment in Tehran, Iran during 2008. Blood samples were taken from both groups on the third day of menstrual cycle for the evaluation of protein S, activated protein C resistance [APC-R], hemocysteine, FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone, FBS and 2-hr GTT. The mean protein S and APC-R values were lower in the case group compared to the controls, but the differences were not statistically significant [p=0.752 and p=0.603, respectively]. The mean hemocysteine value was higher in the control than the case groups [13.25 mmol/l vs. 12.49 mmol/l, respectively] but this difference was not significant either [p=0.157]. PCOS and older age tended to elevate hemocysteine [p<0.05]. Comparison of thrombophilic factors in women with PCOS and women without the disease showed no significant statistical differences. PCOS and older age seemed to raise the risk for abnormal changes in hemocysteine levels

[Comparison of the prevalence and latency of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in normal participants and symptomatic and asymptomatic Meniere's disease patients]

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials [VEMP] originate from the saccule and the inferior vestibular nerve. In this study, the prevalence of VEMP and latency of the p13 and n 23 were compared between three groups of individuals, including symptomatic and asymptomatic Meniere's disease cases and normal participants. This study was conducted on 42 cases with the mean age of 40.48 years; thirty were Meniere's disease patients, of which 19 were symptomatic and 11 were asymptomatic; twelve were normal participants. The VEMP were recorded with 500 Hz tone bursts at 120 dBpeSPL. Then the prevalence and latency of the waves were analyzed and compared in the three above mentioned groups. The prevalence of VEMP in symptomatic Meniere's disease patients [52.6%] was significantly less than asymptomatic individuals [90.9%] and also normal subjects [100%] [p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between latencies of the waves in these three groups [p>0.05]. The latency of p13 for symptomatic, asymptomatic and normal participants was 16.41, 15.20 and 14.14 ms, respectively and the latency of n23 for these groups was 20.25, 18.77 and 18.50 ms, respectively. In Meniere's disease, after medical management, the succule probably regains normal function resulting in re-existence of VEMP. It seems that there is no change in the latency of the waves, most likely in re-existence of VEMP. It seems that there is no change in the latency of the waves, most likely due to involvement of the inner ear and intactness of the nerve. VEMP may be a useful test for diagnosis of Meniere's disease and additionally for monitoring the trend of medical management

[Application of the PRECEDE model for increasing coping behaviors against anxiety in Tehrans' firemen]

To determine application of the PRECEDE model for increasing coping behaviors against anxiety in Tehran firemen. This was a quasi experimental study. 118 firemen [59 in experimental group and 59 in control group] from Tehran fire stations were selected as the subjects of the study through a multistage sampling. Data collection tool was a questionnaire developed by author including demographic characteristics and PRECEDE model components. Comparing to the control group, after educational intervention in the study group, the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, self efficacy [predisposing factors], skill of the relaxation [enabling factor], behavior increased significantly [P<0.0001] and use of 3 educational resources [enabling factor] in area of relaxation increased significantly [P<0.03]. Also, verbal persuasion and positive experiences after doing relaxation [reinforcing factors] were reported by experimental group. The finding of the study illustrate effective application of PRECEDE model in increasing predisposing, enabling, reinforcing factors and coping behaviors against anxiety in Tehran firemen

Auditory brainstem responses in autisnc children in comparison with normal children

One of the most important problems of children who suffer from autism is abnormality in receiving and integrating sensory inputs, especially hearing input. It has been shown that brainstem has a key role in receiving, encoding and integrating hearing input. Auditory brainstem response [ABR] is a tool by which we can evaluate this function. The purpose of this study was to assess and to compare autistic and normal children brainstem hearing function. This case-control study was conducted on thirty [58 ears] autistic and thirty [57 ears] normal 6-12 years old children. The children with autism were divided into slight and severe subgroups according to Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised questionnaire. Clickevoked ABR was recorded and compared between groups. There was significant difference between two groups V and III wave latencies and I-III and I-V interpeak latencies [p < 0.05]. In fact, comparison of the results of autism subgroups with normal children indicated that the latencies of the severe subgroup significantly prolonged. Increasing latencies of ABR waves in severe subgroup maybe due to abnormality in low level of brainstem. Brainstem abnormality may result in exacerbating the symptom of autism. It is therefore suggested that ABR is included in diagnostic test batteries for these patients