Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Volume:14 Issue: 1, 2010

Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most serious complications. Numerous reports have documented the unpredictable course of lupus nephritis and the role of renal biopsy in evaluation of individual patients. It is impossible to predict the types, severity and activity of renal lesions based only on combination of clinical and laboratory findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological findings, activity and chronicity scores, and also assessing the correlation between histology and other laboratory findings in patients with lupus nephritis. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 40 patients with diagnosis of lupus nephritis at Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad during 2003 to 2006. Renal biopsy was performed for all patients and correlation between laboratory and serologic parameters and the histological findings were investigated. Data were analyzed using t-test, Chi square test, and Fischer exact test. Activity score was 9.02 in 34 patients with proteinuria and 6.33 in 6 patients without proteinuria (p=0.018). There was a significant correlation between the activity score and serum C4 levels (p=0.031). Also, a significant correlation was shown between fibrous crescent (one of the chronicity criteria on biopsy) and nephrotic syndrome (p=0.047). No significant correlation between activity and chronicity scores and other laboratory and serologic findings was found. Based on our data, no exact correlation between histological findings and laboratory data in lupus nephritis was demonstrated therefore, emphasis on important role of renal biopsy in evaluation of these patients is suggested.

In recent years, troponin I has been a prognostic factor of myocardial cell injury. Also, regarding the importance of leptin measurement in coronary artery disease investigations are being performed. In addition, CK-MB has been a "gold standard" test for this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the biochemical markers Troponin I, Leptin and CK-MB in coronary artery diseases. This was a study on 100 patients who suffered from coronary artery disease. Following blood collection, the serum sample was tested to determine the concentration of troponin I, Leptin, and CK-MB. Troponin I level was measured by two-site immunoluminometric assay. Leptin and CK-MB levels were detected by ELISA. Statistical t-test was employed to analyze the data. The data obtained in the present study was indicative of a significant correlation between troponin I and Leptin among the patients (p=0.01). Also, a significant relationship was observed between troponin I and CK-MB in our study population (p=0.01). In addition, there was a significant relationship between both leptin and troponin 1 and the gender (p<0.001 p<0.016). Leptin was also found to have a significant association with age (p=0.018). Finally, a significant correlation between the history of myocardial infarction and gender was demonstrated (p<0.002). Our results showed that the measurement of troponin I in combination with CK-MB, as gold standard, could be considered as an appropriate diagnostic method for progress of myocardial infarction. Leptin and troponin I are also suitable biomarkers in diagnosis of coronary artery diseases. Due to lack of troponin I in other body tissues except for cardiac tissue, troponin I is proposed as an ideal marker for definite diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Regarding the higher risk of abdominal obesity versus generalized obesity, nowadays the combined measurement of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) is used for prediction of obesity health hazards among adults however such information is limited among children and adolescents. In this study, the individualized and combined influence of BMI and WC on risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in overweight children and adolescents was assessed. This study included 3432 overweight/obese children and adolescents referred to the Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Department (Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences) in whom six CVD risk factors were measured and registered. At the first step of analysis, BMI and WC were considered as continuous variables in predicting CVD risk factors. At the second step, the participants were initially categorized into overweight and obese, and later, the risk factors in each group were compared among those with WC lower and or higher than 75th percentile. When the BMI and WC in a regression model for predicting CVD risk factors were used, the increase in variance was found to have insignificant difference compared to those obtained for BMI and WC, individually. When the aforementioned categories were applied, WC was shown to be more informative about risk factors than that of BMI alone. The findings of present study emphasize on the role of abdominal obesity in increasing the risk of chronic diseases, notably CVD in children and adolescents hence, similar to adults, measurement of WC as well as BMI should be routinely considered among children and adolescents.

Marital relationship among some infertile women is subject to increased vulnerability affecting their quality of life. Investigating the relationship between psychosocial factors and marital satisfaction in infertile women In this cross-sectional study 125 women with primary infertility who entered an IUI program were selected using purposive sampling. All participants filled out a questionnaire containing personal information, diagnostic, and treatment history. They were also subjected to psychological tests including Spiel Berger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test, Marital Satisfaction Scale test, Self-esteem Inventory t test, and Cassidy Social Support Inventory test. Descriptive statistical test and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. The mean score of state and trait anxiety, marital satisfaction, and self-esteem were 45.1±9.8, 45.6±9.1, 63.56±10.6, and 5.76±2.5, respectively. Factors such as age, education, job, income, length of marriage, duration of diagnosis, treatment period, infertility factor and also “state” anxiety showed no significant relationship with marital satisfaction. However, there was a reverse relationship between “trait” anxiety and marital satisfaction (r=0.248, p=0.003). Moreover, a significant direct relationship was found between the self-esteem (r=0.328, p=0.0001), social support (r=0.283, p=0.001) and marital satisfaction. High trait anxiety, low self-esteem, and low social support, especially from spouse, can result in lower marital satisfaction which may be associated with specific dilemmas including disrupted sexual life and overall increased marital tensions.

Obviously, decreasing the work-related musculoskeletal disorders is well achieved through the application of ergonomic design principles however, there are occasions in which the existence of some barriers (technical and economical) can preclude ergonomic improvement and therefore, some organizations rely on correct task performance methods. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of educational intervention on worker’s knowledge increase, attitude change, and ergonomic habits promotion. In this interventional study, workers were randomly assigned to one of the two study groups: a case group receiving the ergonomic training (n=75), and a control group (n=75). Ergonomic training program composed of five sessions of 30–45 minutes duration containing issues such as ergonomic science, human body mechanic, upright and awkward postures, pros and cons of upright posture maintenance, and solutions for removal of obstacles, stretch exercise for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, and workstation adjustment. Data were gathered before and 3 months after intervention by self- reporting questionnaire and checklist. Reliability was assessed by test-retest method and the internal consistency evaluated by Cronbach's Alpha. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 test, McNemar test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Worker’s knowledge significantly increased from 7.97±2.91 to 14.07±1.98 and the attitude change from 14.29±6.5 to 21.63±4.7 three months after educational intervention (p> 0.05). No significant change was observed in control group. Regarding the ergonomic risk factors, our findings were indicative of significant change in general body and feet posture, trunk, neck, and wrist and hands postures while other ergonomic risk factors remained unchanged Results from this study emphasize on necessity of integrated educational-managerial and engineering approach to promote the workplace ergonomic condition as well as considering the substantial role of psychosocial factors such as knowledge and attitude and focusing on personal skills for improving ergonomic habits to achieve a higher level of health promotion among human power.

Hypertension is one of the causes of early death and a risk factor for many diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and renal failure. To determine the prevalence of hypertension in women aged 30 and over in Qazvin. This was a cross-sectional study in which, using a simple random sampling, the blood pressure of 328 women aged 30 and over in Minoodar region of Qazvin was measured. Measurement of blood pressure was performed twice while in sitting position. In addition, the height and weight of women was also measured to determine the BMI. Data were gathered using a questionnaire containing background and essential questions towards HTN (age, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive pill, salt, and medical history of HTN and treatment). Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 12 using descriptive indices and chi square test while p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. The mean age of participants was 47.3± 1.1 years. The overall frequency of HTN was 32% among those 59.2% aware of their high blood pressure, 48.1% under treatment for HTN, and 21.3% with their blood pressure under control. Of total participant, 9.1% were found to have low salt consumption in their diet, 63.7% with intermediate and 27.1% with high levels of salt consumption. Among the participants, 71.6% were found to have no physical exercise, 12.8% with less than 2 hours a week, and 15.5% over 2 hours a week. Oral contraceptive pills were taken by 8.8% of participants and no alcohol consumption was mentioned. Overweight and obesity were revealed in 38.7% and 40.8% of participants, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the age, systolic, and diastolic pressure (p=0.001). Also a significant association between the salt consumption and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was established (p=0.02) Based on our data, a high percentage of participants were unaware of their disease and therefore no medical intervention was sought. Physical exercise was low among the women.

The role of inflammatory markers in diagnosis of acute appendicitis has not been clearly defined. To determine the diagnostic value of WBC count and C-reactive protein in diagnosis or rejection of acute appendicitis in children. In a prospective study, 100 child with probable diagnosis of acute appendicitis (Alvarado score ≤5) referred to Tabriz Pediatric Hospital during 14 months from April 2007 to May 2008 were studied. Serum CRP, WBC count, and neutrophil percentage were compared in patients with and without definite diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Out of 100 patients, 54 were males and 46 females with a mean age of 9.6±2.7 years. The number of patients with definite diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 48. Children with final diagnosis of acute appendicitis had significantly higher value of inflammatory markers. Elevated CRP showed the greatest sensitivity (85%) and negative predictive value (83%). None of the children with normal markers had acute appendicitis. This study showed that despite elevation of these inflammatory markers in patients with acute appendicitis, it is unwise to completely rely on results of such tests in confirming or rejecting the disease. Normal values obtained for all three markers are unlikely to be associated with pathologically confirmed appendicitis in children.

Dotage is an important period of human life and considering the problems and needs of this period is regarded as a social necessity. Considering the specific needs of this period, it is of vital importance to pay proper attention to family based empowerment and the quality of life among elderly, an issue that is mostly ignored.

This study was performed to assess the effect of family centered empowerment model on quality of life among Charmahal-Bakhtiari elderly people.

This was a quasi-experimental study conducted on 60 aged people in 2007-2008. The study population was randomly (Stratified Sampling) divided into two experimental (30) and control (30) groups. Family centered empowerment model was administrated to the individual of experimental group for 3months and later the level of quality of life was measured in two groups at the beginning and the end of the study using SF-36 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square and nonparametric tests.

The mean score obtained for the quality of life in control group was 41.71. The pair test analysis showed that using the family centered empowerment model caused an increase in mean level of quality of life (75.46) in experimental group and the difference between two groups was found to be significant, statically (p<0.01).

According to the data found in present study, using a family centered empowerment model can increase the level of quality of life in older adult.

Fungal air Spores can play a significant role in several allergic manifestations. Respiratory allergy to environmental molds is relatively common. Allergy to airborne fungi can cause rhinitis and severe asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate airborne fungal spores at Qazvin. This descriptive study was conducted by Petri - dish trapping technique. 25 different locations selected. The data were analyzed by the chi-square and t-tests. Totally, 2652 fungus colonies were counted from 150 Petri dish. The most common fungi were CLadosporium spp, Penicillium spp, Aspergillus spp. Alternaria spp. Our results seem to confirm that fungal air spores, because of its quantity and variety, can represent a serious problem for human health. Reducing these indoor fungi is necessary to improve the health of individuals with fungal-induced diseases like asthma.

This study aims at knowing old age problems especially for those living at elderly sanatorium and extending counseling services to the vast and new field of geriatrics in Iran. In this study, 120 old people who lived at governmental and private elderly sanatorium in Tehran, Iran were randomly enrolled and studied using SCL90-R. The results showed that signs of depression and somatization disorders were the most common ones among the elderly in elderly sanatorium. In all studied clinical scales, the rate of psychological symptoms was more among women than men. The most important worries of the elderly were economic status, social relations, dissatisfaction with old age, lack of favorite activities and their family members’ treatment. Since living at an elderly sanatorium means staying away from family support and that it is considered reproachable, attending to psychological and emotional needs of the elderly sanatorium is essential.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a cholesterol-rich particle with atherothrombogenic properties. Plasma level of Lp(a) is mainly determined genetically, but other factors may also affect it. There is little available data on normal range and biological variations of Lp(a) among Iranian population. To evaluate the biological variations of Lp(a) and other serum lipids in 30 college students during a six-month period. This was a descriptive analytical study in which the fasting serum levels of Lp(a), lipids, and lipoproteins of 30 college students (20 females, 10 males, age ranged between 22 to 26 years, who were clinically health, and coming from various regions of Iran) were measured once a month over a 6-month period. Intra-individual standard deviations, variances and coefficients of variations (CV) were determined for Lp(a), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Plasma Lp(a) with a mean of 14.7±12.7 mg/dl showed an intra-individual CV ranged from 5.4 to 53.4% with a mean of 11%. The Lp(a) variations were negatively correlated with Lp(a) concentration and changes in TC, and LDL-C levels. Total intra-individual CV for other lipids ranged from 11% for TC to 24.5% for TG. Plasma Lp(a) showed intermediate mean concentration and relatively high intra-individual variations in our study population. This variation was similar to that of total cholesterol, but hardly lower than triglycerides. Plasma Lp(a) variations was negatively related to cholesterol variations and Lp(a) concentration.

Esophageal perforation is a true emergency caused by instrumentation, spontaneous rupture known as Boerhaave syndrome, foreign bodies, and trauma. For patients with an early diagnosis (less than 24 hours), the primary repair is performed and in case of delayed diagnosis the end esophagostomy with thoracic drainage and tube jujunostomy is the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical technique of lateral esophagostomy with thoracic drainage in treatment of esophageal perforation. This cross-sectional study was performed based on information derived from three patients admitted to the emergency ward of Shahid Rajaei hospital in Qazvin with the diagnosis of esophageal perforation who underwent lateral esophagostomy with thoracic drainage and tube jujunostomy. Three patients with esophageal perforation caused by foreign bodies or Boerhaave syndrome underwent surgery with lateral esophagostomy, thoracic drainage, and tube jujunostomy technique. Following surgery, the patients were transferred to ICU and all recovered. This study confirms that patients with esophageal perforation, who undergo lateral esophagostomy, thoracic drainage, and tube jujunostomy, make a good recovery soon after a simple and short duration surgery without invasive surgical procedure.

With respect to increased number of pediatrics operations by pediatric surgeons, the identification of epidemiological patterns of these surgeries is a matter of important consideration. In this study, 644 children who were operated by pediatric surgeons at Qods Children Hospital in Qazvin during a two-year period evaluated. Results were analyzed by statistical method. The most common operative surgeries were routine (35%), important (29%), and neonatal (8.3%) surgeries. Review of educational programs associated with the area of pediatric surgery is recommended.

Statistical surveys indicate that the rate of dental decay among primary school goers in Qazvin province is about 82.2% for permanent teeth and 83.3% for milk teeth. This was a semi-experimental interventional study to improve the knowledge and practice of 80 children (31 boys and 49 girls) aged 9-11 years. Educational planning was delivered through indirect new methods of education including role playing and painting. Data were collected before and after intervention by a fixed questioner and further analyzed by means of two statistical tests including t-test and chi-square test. The results of this study was indicative of a significant difference between the knowledge and practice of children before and after the intervention (p<0.05).