Relationship between bone mineral density and maturity index in cervical smears, serum estradiol levels and body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease with a consequent increased risk of fracture, decreased quality of life and economic burdens for both the patients and health care system. While Dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry remains the gold standard for assessment of bone mineral density, it cannot be requested for all patients for obvious reasons. By determining other variables that may correlate with osteoporosis, we can identify individuals who may be at risk for osteoporosis earlier. Then, they can be treated at the earlier stages of the disease. In the present study, relationships between bone mineral density, maturity index in cervical smear, serum estradiol level and body mass index were examined. MATERIALS & METHODS: The present study performed on 128 women, who had been referred for bone mineral densitometry. Blood samples were obtained for determination of serum estradiol level. Cervical smear was taken for assessment of cell's maturity. Cervical smears were examined by a pathologist and were sorted as atrophic or mature. Body mass index was calculated too. Relationships among Body mass index, serum estradiol level, and maturity index and bone mineral densitometry were analyzed using proper statistical tests. RESULTS: Maturity index had significant relationship with T Score in the spine and femoral neck (P<0.001). Significant relationships were found between serum estradiol level and femoral neck T Score (P<0.004) and spine T Score (P<0.008). Also a significant relationship was found between body mass index and bone mineral density. CONCLUSION: Pap smear is a routine examination which is performed mainly for screening purposes in gynecology. It is non-invasive, simple and low-priced. Results of current study suggest that women with atrophic cervical smear should be examined more rigorously for osteoporosis. If any patient has atrophic maturity index in her cervical smear, she will be at much higher risk of osteoporosis.

Repetition of suicide-related behavior: a study of the characteristics, psychopathology, suicidality and negative life events in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Repetition of suicide-related behavior (SRB) is a risk factor for further suicidal behavior and death. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of patients with and without repeated episodes of SRB to determine whether characteristics of suicide attempt, psychopathology, and psychiatric comorbidity differ between groups, and if specific aspects of core suicidality may help guide screening of individuals at risk of further suicidal behaviors. METHODS: Thirty-five patient with repeated episodes of SRB and 49 with a single episode who came to the emergency room of two Qazvin referral hospitals after an episode of SRB were compared on demographic and background characteristics, the circumstances of the suicide attempts, levels of suicidality (i.e., ideation), and psychological characteristics. RESULTS: Patients with repeated episodes were more depressed, hopeless, and impulsive, had higher scores on factors associated with expected outcome and planning activities of the Suicide Intent Scale. They displayed greater suicidality, psychiatric comorbidity, and reported more negative life events, dissatisfaction with life, and poorer perceive social support. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the characteristics of patients with repeated suicide-related behavior propose major clinical challenges that should be addressed in an endeavor to reduce suicide risk.

Attempted suicide among Iranian population.

Predictors of suicide attempts in Iran, to distinguish any similarities and differences of these predictors between suicide attempts in Iran and other developed and developing countries and to investigate the relation between general psychiatric symptoms and repetition of suicidal attempts were assessed. The validated Farsi version of the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used to assess multiple dimensions of quality of life of suicide attempters as depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, and somatic symptoms. Pivotal differences emerged in the clinical profiles of suicide attempters living in a developing country versus developed countries. In developing countries, those who attempt suicides are more likely to have no psychiatric disorder and are less likely to have used alcohol as part of the suicide attempt, but are more likely to have been assaulted physically or verbally. The results on the GHQ-28 indicate that the process through which individuals move from suicidal thought to action may decrease multiple dimensions of quality of life.