ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Despite the significant improvement in the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), it is still regarded as the most common life-shortening genetic disease in Caucasian populations. This disease is the most important cause of chronic lung disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in infancy and childhood. The aim of our study was to assess the potential association between bacterial colonization detected by sputum cultures and pulmonary structural and functional changes in Iranian children with CF. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 76 CF children ≥6 years old registered in the CF Foundation of Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran, Iran, who underwent high resolution CT scan (HRCT), pulmonary function test, and sputum cultures within a month of each other during the study period were included. For each patient, demographic characteristics (age and sex), results of sputum cultures, forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), and chest HRCT findings based on the Bhalla scoring system were recorded in a check list. Results: Sixty seven percent of the patients had positive sputum cultures, with the most commonly isolated microorganism being Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid strain). Based on categorization of Bhalla scores, none of the patients had severe pulmonary involvement. FEV1 was mainly >70%. There was a statistically significant correlation between colonization with mucoid P. aeruginosa and lower Bhalla scores in children aged 14-16 years (P=0.001). Colonization with mucoid P. aeruginosa was also significantly associated with patient's age (P=0.020) and FEV-1 (P=0.001). Conclusion: Severity of lung involvement in CF children is clearly dependent to mucoid P. aeruginosa colonization in airways and this notorious bacterium is the most prevalent one in Iranian CF children. Prompt identification and eradication by proper nebulized and systemic antibiotics can have valueless effects on patients' quality of life and prevent lifelong destructive complications such as bronchiectasis. Timely lung CT scan wisely advised by expert CF treatment team can meticulously detect injuries and it seems to act more efficacious than -still helpful-clinical scores and pulmonary function tests.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on markers of endothelial function in patients with early stage of diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 32 participants with IDDM from January 2010 until May 2011 in Isfahan, Iran. The participants were candidate for receiving ARBs or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) to decrease microalbuminuria. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the age of onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)less than 15 years; normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR); normal blood pressure; normal cardiovascular examination; negative urine culture, receiving no medications except insulin. Microalbuminuria was measured in two fasting urine samples with a sampling interval of at least 1-2 months by ELISA method. Patients with two abnormal results were included. Microalbumin to creatinin ratio equal to or more than 30 mg/gm was considered abnormal. The fasting blood samples to determine serum nitric oxide (NO) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) were obtained at the time 0 (before starting the study), and after 2 months of receiving ARBmedication. Valsartan tablet (Diovan, Novartis Company) with a dose of 1 mg/kg/day up to 80 mg/day in a single dose was administered. RESULTS: Urine microalbumin to creatinin ratio after valsartan consumption was lower than microalbumin level before the medication, P < 0.05. After valsartan consumption, serum VCAM-1 level reduced and NO level increased significantly, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Angiotensin receptor blockers may reduce VCAM-1 and microalbuminuria and may increase NO levels in early stages of DN. Thus administration of ARBs might be considered even in early stages of DN.
