Association between height and malignancy among children in the north of Iran.

BACKGROUND: This study aim to determine the association between height and cancer in the children aged 14 years at the time of diagnosis in Rasht, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, height of patients with a malignancy (≤14) at the time of diagnosis measured in the standard charts of United States National Center for the Health Statistics (NCHS). Data were reported by descriptive statistics and analyzed by Regression tests in SPSS version 19. RESULTS: Overall, 78 male (38.6%) and 124 female (61.4%) patients with various kinds of malignancies were evaluated for their heights. Leukemia was the most common type of cancer. The median height of the patients was more than 20(th) percentile and under 50(th) percentile of the NCHS. No significant association was found between height and leukemia. CONCLUSION: Previously, the median height of Iranian girls and boys (≤15) reported under 20(th) percentile of the NCHS. In this study, the median height of the patients at the time of diagnosis was more than 20(th) percentile of the NCHS. There was a correlation between height and cancer among our patients, although, this correlation can be assessed by further cohort study.

Is there any relation between Duration of breastfeeding and anemia?

BACKGROUND: In the early months of life, Breastfeeding increases chance of survival, reduces recovery time after disease and mortality due to infections such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. However, infants who are exclusively breast-fed for more than 6 months in developing countries may be at increased risk of anemia. Therefore, the aim of study was to assess the relation between duration of breastfeeding and anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 400 neonates registered in primary health care system since birth time. Complete blood count and serum ferritin were obtained. Data were analyzed by chi- square test and regression analysis. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant and 95% confidence interval was noted. RESULTS: Results of this study showed that 199 infants were anemic (Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration <11 mg/dl). Ten percent of anemic patients reported Ferritin< 12ng/dl and %25 of anemic children had iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In Binominal logistic regression, merely kind of delivery and duration of breastfeeding were effective factors. Binominal logistic regression also showed that natural vaginal delivery and exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months had a significant influence on anemia. Exclusive breast feeding for 6 months or more increased the likelihood of anemia. In addition, 4 months exclusive breastfeeding decreased 0.686 fold the likelihood of anemia. CONCLUSION: According to the results, it seems that revision of health program recommendations for iron supplementation can be constructive. National planning to promote the level of knowledge regarding natural vaginal delivery and appropriate period for clamping can be recommended.

The Association of Mean Platelet Volume with Intra Ventricular Hemorrhage and Broncho Pulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: Interventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and Broncho pulmonary dysplasia(BPD) commonly occur in premature infants and they associate with platelet dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of MPV and occurrence of IVH and BPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 3 groups including IVH, BPD and control were compared. All participants were preterm neonates with <35 weeks of gestation. MPV was recorded during the first 48 hours of life for all cases. Data were reported by descriptive statistics and analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, spearman correlation coefficient, paired T test and multinomial regression analysis in SPSS version 17. RESULTS: Higher MPV level was noted in BPD and IVH groups versus control group (9.79±0.73 fl and 10±1.04 fl versus 8.33±0,91 fl p<0.0001). Also, most participants in BPD (93.3%) and IVH (73.3%) groups had MPV >9 fl compared to controls (16.7%) (p<0.0001). Regression analysis showed that only MPV related to the occurrence of IVH (OR=2.200 95%CI p=0.013) and elevated MPV significantly increased duration of O2 therapy (p<0.0001) and mechanical ventilation (p=0.0010). CONCLUSION: MPV value at first 48 hours of life can be noted as a simple biomarker for occurrence of BPD and specially IVH in preterm infants.

Quality of life in patients with thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND: With modern medical management, thalassemia major is now extending into adulthood and it is expected to have a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life in patients with thalassemia major. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an analytic case control study. Two hundred and fifty patients and 51 participants as controls were assessed using WHOQOL- BREF (Farsi version) questionnaire. All questions were answered based on the self-evaluated status in the past 2 weeks before enrollment and were rated on a five-point Likert scale. Therefore, the raw item score ranged from 1 to 5 and scaled in a positive direction and 6 dimensions including overall QOL, overall health, physical, psychological, social, and environmental relationship were assessed. RESULTS: Results showed that the QOL in all 6 dimensions was lower in patients compared to the controls (P< 0.05).Also age, higher education level, lower ferritin level and using oral iron chelator were associated with better QOL scores. On the other hand, cardiac disease, hepatitis C and history of psychiatric disorders were associated with impaired QOL scores. CONCLUSION: These findings were important for future refinement of national thalassemia program. So, we recommended regular screening for psychiatric disorders and facilitated access to oral iron chelators. Regular monitoring and treatment of complications especially cardiac disease and hepatitis along with strict quality control of blood products were also mandatory. Also, higher education of the patients may improve quality of life.