Relation between nutritional status on clinical outcomes of critically ill patients: emphasizing nutritional screening tools in a prospective cohort investigation.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a significant concern reported in adult critically ill patients, yet there is no gold standard to assess nutritional status in this population. This study examines the association between nutritional status and clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients using nutritional risk assessment tools and aims to look for the best tool. METHOD: In a single-center prospective cohort study among 165 patients, the predictive performance of high or low malnutrition risk assessed by Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS), Modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (m-NUTRIC), Mini-Nutritional-Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), Controlling Nutritional status (CONUT), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) were evaluated and compared for mortality, organ failure, length of hospitalization, and mechanical ventilation (MV). RESULTS: Different assessment tools showed various nutritional statuses. m-NUTRIC and NRS-2002 were found to be associated more strongly relative to other tools with mortality (RR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.42-2.08) and (RR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.72), organ failure (RR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.44-1.96) and (RR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.99-1.48), MV (RR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27-1.65) and (RR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.39) respectively. There was no correlation between malnutrition levels assessed by mentioned tools except for NRS-2002 and length of hospitalization. In predicting mortality or illness severity, the cut points were different for some tools like NUTRIC-score and all assessed outcomes (3.5), MNA-SF and mortality (6.5), CONUT with mortality, and MV (6.5). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of patients admitted to the ICU are at high risk for malnutrition. Compared to other tools, m-NUTRIC and NRS-2002 proved superior in predicting clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Other tools overestimated the risk of malnutrition in the ICU so couldn't predict clinical outcomes correctly.

First Iranian guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hyperlipidemia in adults.

This guideline is the first Iranian guideline developed for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hyperlipidemia in adults. The members of the guideline developing group (GDG) selected 9 relevant clinical questions and provided recommendations or suggestions to answer them based on the latest scientific evidence. Recommendations include the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) threshold for starting drug treatment in adults lacking comorbidities was determined to be over 190 mg/dL and the triglyceride (TG) threshold had to be >500 mg/dl. In addition to perform fasting lipid profile tests at the beginning and continuation of treatment, while it was suggested to perform cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk assessment using valid Iranian models. Some recommendations were also provided on lifestyle modification as the first therapeutic intervention. Statins were recommended as the first line of drug treatment to reduce LDL-C, and if its level was high despite the maximum allowed or maximum tolerated drug treatment, combined treatment with ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, or bile acid sequestrants was suggested. In adults with hypertriglyceridemia, pharmacotherapy with statin or fibrate was recommended. The target of drug therapy in adults with increased LDL-C without comorbidities and risk factors was considered an LDL-C level of <130 mg/dl, and in adults with increased TG without comorbidities and risk factors, TG levels of <200 mg/dl. In this guideline, specific recommendations and suggestions were provided for the subgroups of the general population, such as those with CVD, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, elderly, and women.

Two-year incidence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcer: second phase report of Ahvaz diabetic foot cohort (ADFC) study.

AIM/INTRODUCTION: This study was designed as the second phase of a prospective cohort study to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a university hospital in Iran. Each participant was checked and followed up for two years in terms of developing newfound DFU as ultimate outcome. We investigated the variables using univariate analysis and then by backward elimination multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: We followed up 901 eligible patients with diabetes for two years. The mean age of the participants was 53.24 ± 11.46 years, and 58.53% of them were female. The two-year cumulative incidence of diabetic foot ulcer was 8% (95% CI 0.071, 0.089) [Incidence rate: 49.9 /1000 person-years]. However, the second-year incidence which was coincident with the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than the first-year incidence (4.18% and 1.8%, respectively). Based on our analysis, the following variables were the main risk factors for DFU incidence: former history of DFU or amputation [OR = 76.5, 95% CI(33.45,174.97), P value < 0.001], ill-fitting foot-wear [OR = 10.38, 95% CI(4.47,24.12), P value < 0.001], smoking [OR = 3.87,95%CI(1.28, 11.71),P value = 0.016], lack of preventive foot care [OR = 2.91%CI(1.02,8.29),P value = 0.045], and insufficient physical activity[OR = 2.25,95% CI(0.95,5.35),P value = 0.066]. CONCLUSION: Overall, the two-year cumulative incidence of diabetic foot ulcer was 8% [Incidence rate: 49.9 /1000 person-years]; however, the second-year incidence was higher than the first-year incidence which was coincident with the COVID-19 pandemic (4.18% and 1.8%, respectively). Independent risk factors of DFU occurrence were prior history of DFU or amputation, ill-fitting footwear, smoking, lack of preventive foot care, and insufficient physical activity.

Short-term effect of dressing with Dermaheal ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background and Aims: Diabetic foot ulcers, a major cause of amputations in diabetics, could benefit from natural products as adjuncts to standard care, given the costs and adverse effects of typical therapies. This study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of dressing with Dermaheal ointment in the treatment of DFUs through a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 50 patients with Wagner's ulcer grade I or II, randomly assigned to Dermaheal and placebo groups (received standard treatment and placebo ointment). The ulcer site was dressed daily for four consecutive weeks with either Dermaheal or placebo ointment. Ulcer healing score (using DFU healing checklist), ulcer size with transparent ruler and largest dimension of ulcer, and pain severity using numerical pain rating score (were recorded at five-time points, including baseline, and on weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4). Also, ulcer healing status was investigated at the trial ended in November 2021. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in ulcer healing over 4 weeks (p time < 0.001), with more remarkable progress in the Dermaheal group (p group = 0.03). At the trial end, complete ulcer healing was also significantly higher in the Dermaheal group compared to the placebo group (56% vs. 12%, p = 0.002). Both groups exhibited a decrease in ulcer size (p time < 0.001). Considering the baseline ulcer size as a covariate, substantial changes in mean ulcer size were noted in the initial (p = 0.01), second (p = 0.001), third (p = 0.002), and fourth (p = 0.002) weeks of the intervention, showing a preference for the Dermaheal group. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in pain severity levels. Conclusion: Dressing with Dermaheal as a topical treatment shows promise in improving healing and reducing the size of diabetic foot ulcers. Further research is needed to confirm these findings' long-term efficacy.

Evaluation of foot self-care status and foot screening problems in patients with diabetes in Iran: a national multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The lack of timely foot care among individuals with diabetics often lead to ulceration followed by infection and amputation. This study aimed to evaluate the foot self-care status and foot screening practices among patients with type 2 diabetes in various cities across Iran. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on patients with type 2 diabetes in 10 main cities of Iran. The information about demographic and lifestyle factors, diabetes history, and diabetic foot self-care (DFSQ) was assessed. Additionally, the neurological and vascular condition of the foot were screened by Inlow's 60-Second Screen. RESULTS: The study included 1094 diabetic patients with, with a majority being female (64.8%) and married (92.5%). The average age of the participants was 57.6 ± 10.21 (mean ± SD), and the mean duration of diabetes was 11.56 ± 7.41 years. Based on Inlow's 60-Second Screen criteria, 58% of the patients should undergo yearly foot ulcer screening, 47% exhibited peripheral neuropathy, and 37% were found to have inappropriate footwear. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy observed in approximately half of the participants across different regions of Iran underscores the importance of continuous patient education regarding foot care and appropriate footwear. Furthermore, regular foot ulcer screenings, following the recommended intervals outlined in Inlow's screening protocol, should be implemented to effectively manage diabetic foot complications.

Evaluation of the effect of a gel made with amniotic fluid formulation on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A triple-blind clinical trial.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gel made with amniotic fluid (AF) formulation on wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 92 type 2 diabetic patients referring to the Diabetes Clinic of Golestan Hospital of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran in 2019-2020. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of intervention and one placebo group. The wounds of the three intervention groups were dressed with gauze impregnated with an AF formulation gel while wounds of the control group were dressed with plain gauze without any topical agent. Chi-square tests and generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a significance level of 0.05 were used to analyze the data. Results: At the end of the eighth week of intervention, there was a statistically significant difference among the four groups in terms of wound grade, wound color, condition of the tissues surrounding the wound, the overall condition of the wound, and the duration of wound healing (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on our experience with the patients in the present study, we believe that AF represents a useful and safe option for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Clinical trial registration: https://en.irct.ir/trial/51551, Identifier: IRCT20201010048985N1.

Evaluation of skin absorption of the Citrullus colocynthis in treatment of type II diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nowadays, among the herbal medicines utilized to treat diabetes, Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) is highly noticeable as it reduces blood glucose (BG) and stimulating insulin secretion. However, long-term oral consumption of this herbal medicine has often associated with digestive complications. In this study, skin absorption of CCT as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of type II diabetic patients has been surveyed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients with type II diabetic (aged 45-65) were selected. Participants were asked for placing their metatarsus daily in a decoction containing 2% CCT solution for 40-60 min each day and continuing that for 10 days. Blood and urine samples of patients collected at the beginning and the end of the study. The samples were examined for the BG levels, serum insulin content, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, urea, creatinine, and microalbuminuria, The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß) and disposition index (DI) indicators were also calculated. RESULTS: Local treatment of CCT could significantly decrease BG levels, stimulate insulin secretion and improve the function of pancreatic beta cells. It also decreased serum urea levels comparing to pre-treatment levels (p < 0.05) but there was no significant change in creatinine levels, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, micro-albuminuria, and other insulin sensitivity indexes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the CCT plant can also have systemic therapeutic effects on type II diabetic patients through dermal absorption.

Prevalence and Correlated Factors for Obesity, Overweight and Central Obesity in Southwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the prevalence of obesity, overweight, central obesity and their associated risk factors in an urban population in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed via random cluster sampling method in 6 health centers in Iran in 2015. A questionnaire was completed by each individual. RESULTS: Of 2575 participants, 1187 (46%) were men. Nearly 50% of the participants' level of education was high school or higher. About 82% of the population was married and about one-third had positive family history of parental obesity. The total prevalence of obesity, overweight, and central obesity were 26.5%, 38.7%, and 28.6%, respectively. The rate of obesity in men was lower than in women (P<0.001). The prevalence of obesity increased until the age of 60 yr in both genders and decreased thereafter except for central obesity in women, which increased without any lag. Low level of education, marriage, positive history of parental obesity and parity ≥five were associated with increased odds of obesity (OR=2.14(1.52, 3.00), OR=2.4(1.75, 2.99), OR=2.7(1.71, 3.2) and 4.16(2.17, 7.65), respectively). CONCLUSION: Obesity and overweight have a high prevalence in southwest of the country, increasing with age. Although several risk factors are associated with obesity, the prevalence of obesity and overweight can be reduced by controlling the risk factors in the community.

Frequency of type I and II diabetes in newly diagnosed diabetic patients: Measuring C-Peptide level.

AIMS: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that manifested as hyperglycemia due to the defect in secretion or function of insulin. This study aimed was to survey about frequency type I and II diabetes in newly diagnosed diabetic patients base on c-peptide and anti-glutamate acid decarboxylase (GAD) tests. MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective study on 70 diabetic patients aged 15-45 years old who referred to diabetes clinics in Ahvaz city during 2012-2014 and their diabetes was diagnosed for the first time, but their type of diabetes was not clinically definitive. Patients with anti-GAD positive and fasting C-peptide level of less than 0.65 were diagnosed as type I diabetes. Patients with anti-GAD negative fasting C-peptide level of greater than or equal to 0.65 were considered as type II diabetes. RESULTS: Eighty two patients (49 males and 33 females) with a mean age of 21.64 ±â€¯4.36 years (range 15-34) and a mean BMI of 22.05 ±â€¯4.41 kg/m2 (range 14-18) were studied. Twenty three patients (28.5%) had type I diabetes and 59 patients (71.95%) had type II diabetes. In patients with type I diabetes, the mean BMI was 24.86 ±â€¯2.36 kg/m2 and the number of patients with family history (56.22%) was higher. In type II diabetic patients, the number of women (62.71%) was higher than that of men. CONCLUSION: Anti-GAD test can be used as a predictive test for early diagnosis of disease and screening of people with a diagnosis of diabetes based on the type of diabetes.

Risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer-free survival in patients with diabetes.

AIMS: This study was done to assess the risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer-free survival in patients with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a prospective cohort study, ADFC (Ahvaz Diabetic Foot Cohort) study, carried out in a university hospital, all of the patients with diabetes were followed up for new diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The time of ulcer development was final outcome during two years in the present study. To analyze the data, the variables were first evaluated by univariate analysis. Subsequently variables with P value <0.2 were tested in multivariate analysis, using backward elimination multiple Cox regression. RESULTS: From among 605 eligible patients of ADFC study, 566 patients without foot ulcer were included for a 2- years follow-up. Thirty subjects (5.3%) developed DFU during the study course none of whom underwent amputation. The DFU-free survival rate was 0.945 over two years of follow-up. In final multivariate Cox regression analysis, the variables which remained in the model and had a statistically significant relationship with time to develop foot ulcer were: dyslipidemia, history of DFU or amputation, nephropathy callus formation in the feet and diabetes duration. Foot deformity and patients' training about self-care of their feet were statistically borderline significant. CONCLUSIONS: The DFU-free survival rate was 0.945 over two years of follow-up. In this study, independent risk factors associated with ulcer-free survival in diabetic foot patients were dyslipidemia, prior history of DFU or amputation, diabetic nephropathy, callus formation in the feet and diabetes duration.

Evaluation of psychological resistance to insulin treatment in type II diabetic patients.

AIMS: Various studies have demonstrated that the majority of the factors affecting the reluctance of individuals to insulin injections are rooted in psychological factors. Present study aimed to determine relationships between main causes of refusal to insulin injection in diabetic patients and factors such as age, gender, and educational degree of patients. MATERIAL & METHODS: This was a descriptive study which was conducted on diabetic patients (n = 505) who need insulin therapy. The data were collected with a questionnaire in following steps. First, the most important causes of patients' reluctance, in the patients' opinion, to insulin therapy were determined using the data of the previous studies. In the second step, the patients were asked to express their opinion on each of these factors and the recorded responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that fear of ampoules, fear of pain caused by insulin and the embarrassment of patients from injections in public significantly depended on the gender of the patients, so that these factors were much lower in men than women. In addition, these factors in the patients with higher degrees of education led to lower level of refusal to insulin injections. Another factor influencing the reluctance to insulin injections was the forming of a sense of addiction due to daily insulin injections, which was significantly lower among the patients with higher education, but did not have a significant relationship with sex of the patients. In this regard, another factor was fear of hypoglycemia and insulin side effects, which did not have a significant relationship with gender and educational degree. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the patient's age and any of the factors effective in patients' reluctance to insulin injections. CONCLUSION: Psychological factors seem to be effective in the emergence of the sense of reluctance to insulin injections. Therefore, not only patients but also the entire society need to receive training and appropriate services to improve their attitude to this issue with a psychological approach and help to solve this problem.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Population-Based Diabetic Foot Cohort (ADFC Study)-Two-Year Follow-Up Study.

AIM/INTRODUCTION: This study was carried out to assess the incidence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study in a university hospital, all the participants were examined and followed up for new DFU as final outcome for two years. To analyze the data, the variables were first evaluated with a univariate analysis. Then variables with P value < 0.2 were tested with a multivariate analysis, using backward-elimination multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 605 patients, 39 cases had DFU, so we followed up the remaining 566 patients without any present or history of DFU. A two-year cumulative incidence of diabetic foot ulcer was 5.62% (95% CI 3.89-8.02). After analysis, previous history of DFU or amputation [OR = 9.65, 95% CI (2.13-43.78), P value = 0.003], insulin usage [OR = 5.78, 95% CI (2.37-14.07), P value < 0.01], gender [OR = 3.23, 95% CI (1.33-7.83), P value = 0.01], distal neuropathy [OR = 3.37, 95% CI (1.40-8.09), P value = 0.007], and foot deformity [OR = 3.02, 95% CI (1.10-8.29), P value = 0.032] had a statistically significant relationship with DFU incidence. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the average annual DFU incidence is about 2.8%. Independent risk factors of DFU development were previous history of DFU or amputation, insulin consumption, gender, distal neuropathy, and foot deformity. These findings provide support for a multifactorial etiology for DFU.

Prevalence and related risk factors of diabetic foot ulcer in Ahvaz, south west of Iran.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer and its related risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 605 patients with diabetes were evaluated in July 2014. A checklist was used to obtain demographic data, diabetes related data, past medical history, and physical examination data. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 6.4% (95% CI: 4.64-8.73). Seventeen cases of them were female (4.9%). In univariate analysis, the following variables had statistically significant relationship with DFU prevalence: diabetes duration, educational level, 10 g monofilament sensation, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Patients' age, glycemic control and smoking did not show any significant relationship with DFU. After logistic regression analysis, the patients with decreased 10 g monofilament sensation had DFU more than patients with normal sensation (OR = 8.84, 95% CI: 3.5-22.3). Abnormal ABI increased the odds of DFU (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.3-24.18). The DFU prevalence in patients with diabetes duration of 11-20 years, was more than patients with ≤5 years (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.33-10.8).The odds of DFU development in educated patients compared with illiterate patients was 0.27(95% CI: 0.12-0.57). BMI had a significant relationship with DFU prevalence. The odds in overweight patients was 0.259(95% CI: 0.108-0.623) and in obese patients was 0.263 (95% CI: 0.1-0.687). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DFU was 6.4% in this study. Final associated risk factors of DFU were decreased 10 g monofilament sensation, abnormal ABI, diabetes duration, educational level and BMI.

The relationship between different diet quality indices and severity of airflow obstruction among COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Smoking is the number one cause of COPD; however, genetic, environmental and dietary factors contribute to the etiology of this disease. In this study, we assessed the association between three diet quality indices -the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005), the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), and Mediterranean Diet Score (MED)- and the severity of disease in COPD patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at Rasul-e-Akram Hospital in Tehran on 121 COPD patients with the mean age of (SD) of 66.1(10.9) years. A pulmonary specialist diagnosed all participants based on a spirometry test. They were categorized into four groups (1, 2, 3, 4 stages of disease). Three diet quality indices, spirometry test and determination of disease severity were performed for all the participants. ANCOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess the relationship between dietary quality indices and severity of the disease. The relationship between HEI-2010, HEI-2005, MED score, their components and lung function was assessed using a multiple linear regression analysis. All analyses were done using SPSS 18. RESULTS: Reduction of the Healthy Eating Index-2010 and MED score were observed along with the increase in disease severity, but they were not significant. The relationship between the three diet quality indices and lung function showed a significant association between MED score and Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), The Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (ß=2.9, 95% CI (1.1, 4.8), p=0.002), (ß=2.8, 95% CI (0.9, 4.8), p=0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: Mediterranean dietary pattern and obtaining a better score on HEI-2010 diet were associated with a better lung function test.

Dermatological and musculoskeletal assessment of diabetic foot: A narrative review.

AIMS: Diabetic Foot Syndrome (DFS) is the most costly and devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which early effective assessment can reduce the severity of complications including ulceration and amputations. This study aimed to review dermatological and musculoskeletal assessment of diabetic foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this review article, we searched for articles published between March 1, 1980 and July 28, 2015 in PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, for both English and non-English language articles with the following keywords: "Diabetic foot syndrome", "Ulceration", "Amputation", "Foot assessment", "Skin disorders" and "Musculoskeletal deformities". RESULTS: In dermatological dimension, most studies focused on elucidated changes in skin temperature, color, hardiness and turgor as well as common skin disorders such as Diabetic Dermopathy (DD), Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD) and Diabetic Bullae (DB), which are common in diabetic patients and have high potential for leading to limb-threatening problems such as ulceration and infection. In musculoskeletal dimension, most studies focused on range of motion and muscle strength, gait patterns and as well as foot deformities especially Charcot osteoarthropathy (COA), which is the most destructive musculoskeletal complication of diabetes. CONCLUSION: DFS as a common condition in DM patients lead to ulceration and lower limb amputation frequently unless a prompt and comprehensive assessment was taken. So that dermatological and musculoskeletal assessments are usually neglected in primary health care, these assessments should be done frequently to reduce the high risk of serious complications.

Assessment of nutritional status in patients with Parkinson's disease and its relationship with severity of the disease.

Background: Malnutrition, loss of body weight, muscle and fat mass wasting are common in patients with Parkinson's disease, and are associated with disability, longer length of hospital stay, impaired immune system and increased risk of mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status in patients with Parkinson's disease and its relation to the severity of the disease. Methods: This cross- sectional study was conducted on 130 patients with Parkinson's disease, with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (12.9) years in disease stages of 1 to 4. In this study, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire was used along with anthropometric measurements (Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid-arm circumference (MAC), Calf Circumference (CC)) to evaluate the nutritional status, and they were applied by a trained nutritionist. Hoehn and Yahr Scale were used to determine the severity of the disease. One-way ANOVA test was used to assess the relationship between anthropometric indices, nutritional status and severity of disease. Assessment of the relationship between age, duration of disease and nutritional status was categorized according to MNA score, and was performed, using one-way ANOVA. Chi - Square test was utilized to assess the relationship between education level and nutritional status. SPSS Version 18 was used for data analysis. Results: In this study, 30% (n=39) of the participants were diagnosed with normal nutritional status, 58.5% (n=76) were at risk of malnutrition and 11.5% (n=15) were malnourished according to MNA. Reduction of weight, and muscle mass wasting was observed in different disease stages. Muscle mass wasting and worsening nutritional status, based on MNA score, showed a significant increase as the disease progressed, MAC (p=0.009), MNA score (p<0.001). After assessing the relationship between education level, age, duration of disease with nutritional status, the results revealed a significant relationship between age (p=0.008), education level (p<0.001) with nutritional status according to MNA score. Conclusion: Reduction of BMI, depletion of muscle mass, and worsening of nutritional status according to MNA, was observed in many patients along with an increase in the severity of the disease. Assessing nutritional status in those with Parkinson's disease to provide information to identify necessary nutritional intervention is highly recommended.

The Relationship between Metabolic Control and Growth in Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus in Southwest of Iran.

Background. Metabolic control is an important factor in growth of children with type I diabetes. This study assessed the relationship between growth and metabolic control in such children. Materials and Methods. 83 children with diabetes were studied. They were examined for weight and height gain and HbA1C was quantified every 3 months for one year. The growth process was studied in patients who were divided into 3 groups according to their HbA1C amounts, consisting of good, intermediate, and poor metabolic control. Results. Mean age of cases was 7.6 ± 2. The presenting sign at the onset of disease was diabetic ketoacidosis in 44.6%. The average HbA1C amount was 8.89%. The average weight SDS at diagnosis was -0.18 and at the end of the study was 0.45 (P<0.001). The average height SDS at diagnosis was -0.04 and at the end of the study was -0.07 (P=0.64). A significant difference in weight SDS changes was only seen between patients with good and poor metabolic control (P=0.04). Conclusion. Poor metabolic control can decrease height growth but has minimal influence on weight. Metabolic control was not the only predictive factor of physical growth in children with diabetes.

Prevalence, awareness and risk factors of hypertension in southwest of Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is an important cause of stroke, heart and kidney disease and these diseases are the cause for about two-thirds of all mortalities around the world. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, awareness and risk factors of hypertension in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, 944 participants older than 20 years were enrolled. Systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg or the use of antihypertensive medication was considered as hypertension. Systolic BP = 140-159 mm Hg or diastolic BP = 90-99 mm Hg were defined as stage 1, and systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥100 mm Hg were considered as stage 2 of hypertension. Systolic BP = 120-139 mm Hg and diastolic BP= 80-89 mm Hg were considered as prehypertensive state. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in Ahvaz was 17.58% (95% CI: 15.28-20.14) (males; 45.8%, females; 54.2%). Age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 8.6%; age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 3.7%. Seventy-two cases (7.7%) were prehypertensive. The frequency of stage 1 hypertension was 10.8% and stage 2 was 5.7%. Among them, 53.6% were not aware of their disease and 22% of hypertensive cases were controlled. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, metabolic syndrome and family history of hypertension had significant relationship with hypertension. CONCLUSION: This study showed that, age, metabolic syndrome and family history of disease are risk factors of hypertension in Ahvaz population. About half of patients were unaware of their disease and about 20% had controlled BP.

The effect of topical olive oil on the healing of foot ulcer in patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind randomized clinical trial study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is the most costly and devastating complication of diabetes mellitus which can lead to infection, gangrene, amputation, and even death if the necessary care is not provided. Nowadays, some herbal products have shown therapeutic effects on healing of DFU. So, this study aimed to assess the effects of topical olive oil on the healing of DFU. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Diabetes Clinic of Ahvaz Golestan hospital, Iran, in 2014. Thirty-four patients with DFU of Wagner's ulcer grade 1 or 2 were enrolled in this study. Patients who were randomly assigned to intervention group (n = 17) received topical olive oil in addition to routine cares, whereas patients in control group (n = 17) just received routine cares. Intervention was done once a day for 4 weeks in both groups, and in the end of each week; the ulcers were assessed and scored. Data was collected by demographic and clinical characteristics checklists as well as diabetic foot ulcer healing checklist, and was analyzed by SPSS version 19 software using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and analytic (student's sample t-test, chi-square and repeated-measures analysis of variance) statistics. RESULTS: At the end of 4(th) week, there was a significant differences between two groups regarding to 3 parameters of ulcer including degree (P = 0.03), color (P = 0.04) and surrounding tissues (P < 0.001) as well as total status of ulcer (P = 0.001), while related to ulcer drainages no significant difference was seen between the two groups (P = 0.072). At the end of the follow up, olive oil significantly decreased ulcer area (P = 0.01) and depth (P = 0.02) compared with control group. Complete ulcer healing in the intervention group was significantly greater than control group (73.3% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.003) at the end of follow up. Also, there were no adverse effects to report during the study in intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that olive oil in combination with routine cares is more effective than routine cares alone, and is without any side effect. However, further studies are required in the future to confirm these results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2014083014251N2.

Anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients in the final stages of renal failure have accelerated inflammation conditions. Inflammation causes progressive kidney damage, faster progression of atherogenesis, chronic malnutrition and increased anemia, resulting in lower life expectancy of patients under dialysis. Statins have pleiotropic effects, because the drug has effects more than just decreasing lipids such as antioxidant effects, changes in endothelial dysfunction, stabilizing the plaque and immune system regulator. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin (one of the statins) in patients under hemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 40 patients under hemodialysis were studied for 12 weeks. Patients were divided into treatment (25 cases) and control groups (15 cases). The treatment group received a daily dosage of 20 mg of simvastatin, while the control group received no medication. The serum amounts of hs-CRP, IL6, Hb and WBC count were measured and compared at baseline and after 12 weeks. In addition, probable hepatic and muscular complications were studied in patients. RESULTS: At baseline, each of treatment and control groups had similar characteristics. During the study, the average level of CRP decreased in the treatment group (P = 0.04), while it was increased in the control group. The amount of serum IL-6 dropped in the treatment group (P = 0.01); however, it was increased in the control group. In both groups, the level of Hb increased significantly at the end of study in the treatment group (P = 0.007) and the control group (P = 0.016). The average WBC count decreased significantly in the treatment group and the control group (P = 0.003). There was no significant change in hepatic and muscular enzymes in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: End stage renal disease (ESRD) have accelerated inflammatory conditions. Simvastatin clearly lowers the serum levels of CRP and IL-6, and the white blood cell count in dialysis patients. Administering Simvastatin to dialysis patients is safe.