فهرست مطالب

Journal of Analytical Research in Clinical Medicine
Volume:8 Issue: 1, Winter 2020

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1398/12/26
  • تعداد عناوین: 50
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  • Hassan Soleimanpour* Page 1
  • Samad Shams Vahdati* Page 2
  • Amir Ghaffarzad, Mahboub Pouraghaei, Zahra Parsian, Neda Ghilani, Mustafa cicek, Farzad Salman nezhad Khorami* Page 3
    Introduction

    Head trauma is the third leading cause of death and one of the most common causes of referral to the emergency department. Prognosis in these patients identifies individuals at higher risk and provides them with faster and more complete treatment, so it is of particular importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and coagulation tests in the outcome of patients with blunt head trauma.

    Methods

    In this retrospective study, 91 patients referred to the emergency department of Imam Reza hospital of Tabriz, with a complaint of DAI type of blunt head trauma, were enrolled in a complete and sequential study during the first six months of the year 2017. The patients were divided into two groups according to good or poor prognosis and their association with leukocytosis status and other paraclinical factors at the baseline.

    Results

    The final outcome in high consciousness group was 13.3% need for intubation, 26.7% need for surgery, 50% improvement without complications, and 10% mortality. In the low consciousness group, 16.7% required intubation, 20.0% required surgery, 10% had no complications, and 53.3% experienced mortality. The significance level of the chi-square test was 0.001. Independent t test results showed that the WBC and ESR values in the low consciousness group were significantly higher than the high consciousness group. But the international normalized ratio (INR) in the high consciousness group was significantly higher than the low consciousness group (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    There is a significant relationship between severity of injury and leukocytosis, ESR elevation, and related coagulopathy after major trauma.

    Keywords: Coagulopathy, Erythrocyte sedimentationrate, Leukocytosis, Trauma
  • Amir Eftekhari Milani, Mohamad Reza Niyousha, Ali Kiavar*, Hanieh Sakha, Ali Mahdavi Fard, Zahra Abdollahi Page 4
    Introduction

    Because of increasing the population of premature infants due to improvingneonatal care we try to find other independent criteria in addition to birth weight,gestationalage to reduce the number of infants who need a retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screeningexamination.

    Methods

    This is a retrospective cross-sectional study,included 150 preterm infants withgestational age of ≤ 32 weeks or birth weight ≤ 1500 g or receives oxygen therapy for more than2 days,who were examined from the fourth week of life for ROP in Tabriz Al-Zahra hospital’sneonatal intensive care unit (NICU),from March 2017 to January 2018. All infants with otherrisk factors such as multi gestational pregnancy,blood transfusion or exchange,phototherapy,underlying disease,cerebral hemorrhage,chronic lung disease,sepsis were excludedfrom the study. Infants divided to two group ROP (n,47),non-ROP (n,133),their5-minute Apgar score was Apgar score was compared as an independent risk factor. Exploratorydata analysis was performed using descriptive measures with independent samples t tests.Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to test the normality of data distribution.

    Results

    The mean 5-minute Apgar scores were statistically lower in ROP group (5.4±2.3) thannon-ROP group 6.2±2.1 (P value,0.041).

    Conclusion

    Apgar score was statistically significant,but in light of the very close resultsobtained,it seems prudent to consider an independent risk factor.

    Keywords: Apgar score, Prematurity, Retinopathy
  • Aysa Rezabakhsh*, Alireza Ala, Sepideh Hassanpour Khodaie Page 5

    Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with high-transmission power, is spreading rapidly, and researchers are endeavoring to discover eligible medications for its efficacious prevention and treatment globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, several multicenter clinical trials are launched to determine effective treatment protocols against COVID19-associated pneumonia. In this article, we aimed to discuss some critical issues concerning novel coronavirus.

    Keywords: 2019-nCoV, COVID-19, Novel CoronavirusPneumonia, SARS-CoV-2
  • Vahideh Toopchizadeh, Dawood Aghamohammadi, Neda Dolatkhah*, Saeede Asef, Mohammad Rahbar, Maryam Hashemian Page 6
    Introduction

    Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common degenerative joint disease resulting in bone pain and disability. The aim of current study is to determine diet quality by healthy eating index (HEI)-2015 in association with pain and functional status among a sample of participants with primary knee OA.

    Methods

    In this cross-sectional study, 220 patients with knee OA were recruited via convenience sampling in the outpatient clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between April and September 2018. The HEI-2015 score was calculated from dietary data collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Visual analogue scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the SF36 quality of life (QoL) questionnaire were applied to measure the pain intensity, functional status and QoL in the participants, respectively. Participants were categorized based on the quintile cutoff points of HEI score including 42-62, 63-69, 70-75, 76-78 and 79-100.

    Results

    The mean score of HEI was 70.62±10.18 (range: 42–89). Participants with greater HEI2015 scores had higher total energy intake (P=0.008) and greater dietary intake of carbohydrates (P=0.01), protein (P=0.009), monounsaturated fatty acids (P=0.01), polyunsaturated fatty acids (P=0.007) and fiber (P=0.009) and lower intake of saturated fatty acids (P=0.005). Participants in higher quintiles of HEI had significantly lower pain intensity (P=0.001) and higher scores of physical function (P=0.001), pain (P=0.001) and role limitation due to physical problems (P=0.005) subscales of SF-36 QoL questionnaire in comparison with participants in lower quintiles of HEI-2015.

    Conclusion

    The HEI-2015 score is associated with pain intensity and two domain of QoL in patients with knee OA.

    Keywords: Diet quality, Healthy eating index, Knee osteoarthritis, Quality of life• Visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario andMcMaster UniversitiesOsteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)
  • Haleh Bodagh, Seyedeh Zeinab Seyedi, Naser Aslan Abadi, Afsaneh Azhari, Ali Heidari-Sarvestani * Page 7
  • Sayyid Ali Mousavi Jam, Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi, Maedeh Alipour, Beitollah Alipour * Page 8
    Introduction

    There are many different therapeutic approaches to control colorectal cancer (CRC) which is recognized as one of the deadliest diseases in the world today. One of the most recent of which is the probiotic interventions to change the gut microbiome. Probiotics can be related to the control of gastrointestinal cancers in a variety of ways. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between supplement use with macroscopic and physiological changes of tumor in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) -induced rats.

    Methods

    The male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Lactobacillus paracasei X12 was administrated (40 weeks) to the DMH-induced rats. DMH injection (30 mg/kg BW) was used for 12 weeks to induce CRC. The "AgNOR method" was applied for the evaluation of cell proliferation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the gene expression of apoptotic markers.

    Results

    The findings of this study indicated that L. paracasei X12 intake prevented weight loss caused by CRC (P=001), and probiotic consumption could significantly prevent tumor growth. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between apoptosis markers and weight of animals, and a strong negative correlation (P=000) between apoptosis parameters and tumor characteristics (incidence, volume, and multiplicity of adenomas). A close association between cell proliferation and tumor characteristics was illuminated as well (P<001).

    Conclusion

    This study revealed a strong correlation between tumor incidence and growth and probiotic intake in CRC. Moreover, it could be believed that cancer prevention is a far more essential and cost-effective way than its cure.

    Keywords: Apoptosis, Colorectal Cancer, Lactobacillus, Probiotics, Cell Proliferation
  • Majid Montazer, Sama Rahnemayan * Page 9

    Hydatid cyst disease is one of the zoonoses caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus,mostly involving the liver and the lungs; but its complications can be seen in every site andorgan. Sometimes it can cause suspicious and complicated cases that mimic malignancy. Forinstance, axillary involvement of hydatid cyst is very rare. It is important to differentiate hydatidcyst disease from cancer, since it may show malignant features when pulmonary or other distantorgan involvement takes place. In this study, we present a case of multiple masses in the lungsand the axillary region in a 48-year-old woman. The ultrasonography was unable to detecthydatid cysts. Biological values were normal except for serum sodium (Na) and potassium (K);and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was negative. Hydatid cyst was diagnosedwhile taking a biopsy from the axillary tumor.

    Keywords: Hydatid Disease, Axillary region, Lung metastasis
  • Farzad Rahmani, Zahra Parsian, Haniyeh Ebrahimi Bakhtavar, Shiva Salmasi*, Tahereh Hashemi Page 10
    Introduction

    Trauma has been recognized as the leading cause of mortality and morbidityamong children in developed countries. Therefore, it is highly desirable to have a controlprogram in this area. The aim of this study was determining epidemiologic feature and diagnosticoutcome of traumatic pediatric patients referred to emergency department in 2016-2017.

    Methods

    This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at emergency department,Imam-Reza hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2016-2017 on a total of 518traumatic children. Variables of interest were age, gender, location of trauma, mechanism oftrauma, type of transfer to emergency department, time of trauma, and outcome of the incident.

    Results

    Among 518 traumatic children involved in the study, the most common age for traumawas 3-6 years, and 66.4% and 33.6% of the studied population were boys and girls, respectively.Falling (42.5%) was the most common mechanism of trauma, and the most of traumas occurredduring evening (56.9%) and spring (38.8%) time. In additions, 75.5% of traumatic children weretransferred to the emergency department by their family, and among them, only for two casessafety instructions had been considered.

    Conclusion

    In general, the results of this study demonstrated that boys with the age of 3-6 yearsare the most vulnerable group against trauma. Falling and traffic accidents are the main causesof trauma in children, whereas safety devices were not used in the majority of accident cases.Thus, it is highly recommended to use safety equipment for children inside vehicles.

    Keywords: Epidemiology, Multiple Trauma, Pediatrics
  • Seyed Pouya Paknezhad, Hamid Reza Morteza Bagi, Farnam Shokrzadeh, Sahel Vahdati, Sama Rahnemayan * Page 11
    Introduction

    Trauma is the leading cause of mortality and disability in the countries. How to deal with a traumatic patient is one of the most important things and the individuals need to learn about it. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of problem-based education on improving the performance of medical trainees in the management of trauma patients,and identify students’ skills status in order to advance educational goals; and thus increase community health.

    Methods

    In this randomized clinical trial, 76 Medical students were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. Student performances were evaluated using standard checklists as a pre-test and post-test assigned. descriptive and statistical analysis of the acquired data was done using SPSS 20 software; and the parametric and non- parametric tests were used for thestatistical analysis.

    Results

    There was no statistically significant difference in age at 23 years (P = 0.422). In terms of sex distribution, there was also no statistical difference (P = 0.212). The scores in the intervention group were higher than in the control group, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups.

    Conclusion

    The results show that student-centered and cooperative methods have a greater impact on students’ learning than lecturing. On the other hand, one should know that learning problem-solving itself has many limitations and problems with implementation.

    Keywords: Trauma, Education, Problem-based Learning, Emergency Medical Services
  • Abbas Dadashzadeh, Nima Garaje Alamdari *, Alireza Ala, Javad Dehghannejad, Faranak Jabbarzadeh Nasib Babaie Page 12

    The recent emergence of corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19), demonstrates the pandemic potential of COVID-19, the rapid spread of this virus across the world in only a few months highlights the transmissibility of this disease and the significant morbidity and mortality that it can cause, And these reasons make the importance of triage even more colorful at this point.Thus, we designed the principles for better emergency department triage of these patients and reducing the possible risks of transmitting this disease. We hope that with this study, we will be able to partially solve the triage problems of these patients and the problems of the health care staff.

    Keywords: Triage, Guideline, COVID-19, Coronavirus
  • Mona Zamanpour, Hamideh Ebrahimibakhtavar, Zahra Parsian, Fariba Abdollahi, Farzad Rahmani * Page 13
    Introduction

    We investigated the effect of education on the knowledge and decision-making of medical interns, based on emergency severity index (ESI) triage.

    Methods

    In this pre and post-interventional study, 155 medical students who were passing their internship course of the emergency ward were enrolled with convenience sampling from July 2018 to June 2019. The students were randomly classified into two groups (103 cases and 52 controls). The questionnaire was administered twice in the control group (before initiating the educational class and 1 month after completion of the educational course). In the case group, the test was conducted at three times (before the educational class, immediately after completion of classes, and one month after completion of the educational course). The data were analyzed by using t test and ANOVA.

    Results

    The total score of the students in the case group in the pre- and post-training stage (posttest 1) was 17.13±4.26 and 24.93±3.20 respectively, which had a significant difference (P<0.001). The total score of the students in the posttest 2 was 23.38±5.66. Statistical test showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups of the students in terms of the test in the one month after completion of the educational course (P<0.001) except for under triage (P=0.236).

    Conclusion

    The findings indicated that education based on ESI triage was effective on the knowledge and decision-making of medical interns. Based on the results of this research and given the importance of triage, theoretical and practical educational courses are proposed for medical students

    Keywords: Triage, Emergency ward, Knowledge, Decision making
  • Shirin Fattahi, Farshad Seyyednejad, Sarvin Sanaie, Tahereh Parhizkar, Elnaz Faramarzi * Page 14
    Introduction

    Considering the important role of early detection of malnutrition in patients with cancer and its negative effects on the outcome, as well as the lack of any published article (to the best of our knowledge) about the dietary quality index in head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradio therapy, we decided to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary quality index in these patients.

    Methods

    In this study, thirty-seven volunteer patients with head and neck cancer were recruited. Nutritional status of the patients was evaluated by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Dietary diversity score, dietary variety score, and diet quality index–international were calculated to assess the dietary quality of the patients.

    Results

    Our findings indicated that about half of the patients were well nourished and 48.6%were at the risk of malnutrition. We did not find any significant differences between variousdietary quality indices and nutritional status of the patients. However, a significant reverse correlation was observed between dietary quality indices and nutritional status of the patients.

    Conclusion

    According to our findings, the evaluation of nutritional status and the prediction of the patients at higher risks of chemoradio therapy-induced adverse events, may have a major role in the prevention of treatment gaps.

    Keywords: Head, Neck cancer, Chemoradiotherapy, Malnutrition, Dietary quality index
  • Mehmet Sözen*, Zeynep Cantürk, Berrin Çetinarslan, Alev Selek, Emre Gezer, Çiğdem Vural, Umay Kiraz Page 15

    Primary cancer metastasis to thyroid gland is rare. The most common metastatic tumors of the thyroid gland are from lung, breast and renal cell carcinoma. In this case report, a patient with breast cancer metastasized to the thyroid gland is presented. A 38-year-old female patient was diagnosed with breast cancer, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging for breast cancer staging revealed fluoro-2deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake in the thyroid nodule. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the nodule revealed atypia of undetermined significance (Bethesda III). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, simultaneous breast conserving surgery and total thyroidectomy were performed. Immunohistochemical staining of the pathological specimens revealed breast cancer that had metastasized to the thyroid gland. Immunohistochemical methods helped distinguishing primary thyroid cancer from metastasis. Also, nodules that showed activity involvement were detected randomly in PET-CT, and had to be evaluated in terms of malignancy.

    Keywords: Breast cancer, Thyroid gland, Metastasis
  • Ahmad Separham, Pooyan dehghani, Amir Arsalan Akbari * Page 16
    Introduction

    The acute coronary events are one of the most common problems which are accounted to higher mortality and morbidity rate around the world. The underlying mechanism is related to occlusion, and the best therapy is to reopen the affected vessels. Many factors can influence the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

    Methods

    This cross-sectional study was conducted on 845 cases with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing PCI for evaluation of the "No-Reflow" phenomenon who were referred to Shahid Madani hospital in 2018. All demographic, laboratory and angiographic studies were evaluated. The obtained data were recorded and analyzed by SPSS 21.

    Results

    Among 845 patients with STEMI, the incidence of angiographic no-reflow was 28% (n = 245). The older cases with co-morbid diseases and cardiac-related risk factors were considered as vulnerable to no-reflow after PCI. The other parameters were partially decisive factors for the prediction of no-reflow and mortality rate, such as higher MPV and MPV to lymphocyte ratio.

    Conclusion

    The coronary artery involvement is a troublesome event because of the established heart risk factors, and sometimes treating it with PCI could be complicated due to no-reflow. The simple predictors (i.e., MPV to lymphocyte ratio) could help us reduce morbidity and mortality.

    Keywords: Mean platelet volume to lymphocyte ratio, No-reflow, Myocardial infarction, Primary percutaneous coronary intervention
  • Ozgur Caglar *, Erdem Karadeniz, Irem Ates, Sevilay Ozmen, Mehmet Dumlu Aydin Page 17
    Introduction

    This preliminary study evaluates the possible responsibility of ischemia-induced vagosympathetic imbalances following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), for the onset of autoimmune thyroiditis.

    Methods

    Twenty-two rabbits were chosen from our former experimental animals, five of which were picked from healthy rabbits as control (nG-I=5). Sham group (nG-II=5) and animals with thyroid pathologies (nG-III=12) were also included after a one-month-long experimental SAH follow-up. Thyroid hormone levels were measured weekly, and animals were decapitated. Thyroid glands, superior cervical ganglia, and intracranial parts of vagal nerve sections obtained from our tissue archives were reexamined with routine/immunohistochemical methods. Thyroid hormone levels, hormone-filled total follicle volumes (TFVs) per cubic millimeter, degenerated neuron density (DND) of vagal nuclei and neuron density of superior cervical ganglia were measured and statistically compared.

    Results

    The mean neuron density of both superior cervical ganglia was estimated as 8230±983/ mm3 in study group animals with severe thyroiditis, 7496±787/mm3 in the sham group and 6416±510/mm3 in animals with normal thyroid glands. In control group (group I), T3 was 107±11 μg/dL, T4: 1,43±0.32 μg/dL and TSH <0.5, while mean TFV was 43%/mm3 and DND of vagal nuclei was 3±1/mm3. In sham group (group II), T3 was 96±11 μg/dL, T4: 1.21±0.9 μg/ dL and TSH>0.5 while TFV was 38%/mm3 and DND of vagal nuclei was 13±4. In study group, T3 was 54±8 μg/dL, T4: 1,07±0.3 μg/dL and TSH >0.5, while TFV was 27%/mm3 and DND of vagal nuclei was 42±9/mm3.

    Conclusion

    Sympathovagal imbalance characterized by relative sympathetic hyperactivity based on vagal insufficiency should be considered as a new causative agent for hypothyroidism.

    Keywords: Autonomic thyroiditis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Vagal ischemia, Subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Somaye Rezaei, Fariba Zarzanalivan, Pouya Pirouti, Mohammad Reza Amiri Nikpour, Abdolreza Javadi *, Shahram Torkamandi Page 18
    Background

    Isolated intracranial Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is an extremely rare, idiopathic histo-proliferative disorder. RDD is associated with the proliferation of histiocytes and emperipolesis.

    Case Presentation

    we report a case with isolated intracranial RDD. A 47-year- old man presented with a dizziness, falling, and then secondary generalized seizure, hemiparesis and right hemisensory deficit. This case preoperatively was misdiagnosed with meningioma. Histopathological examination revealed pale histiocytes displaying emperipolesis which were positive for S-100 and CD68 proteins and negative for CD1a marker. BRAF V600E mutation was negative.

    Conclusion

    In this case, total resection was performed and clinical symptoms were regressed completely.

    Keywords: Rosai-Dorfman Disease, Intracranial, Emperipolesis, Menangioma, Histo-proliferative
  • Thi Sinh Vo *, Tran Thi Thu Ngoc Vo, Tran Thi Bich Chau Vo Page 19

    Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was found first in Wuhan (China), which was considered as an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Hence, in order to prevent an increasing infectious disease risk, current management strategies against COVID-19 should strictly comply for stopping-up the spread of COVID-19 outbreak. There is a major challenge in the timely diagnosis (by kits, etc.) to prevent COVID-19 infection outbreak until proper drugs or vaccines for treating COVID-19 patients are introduced. Therefore, it is essential to demand personal protective manners for each person in against of COVID-19 infection. In this article, the symptoms of COVID-19 and the effect of handwashing in against of COVID-19 are mentioned, as well as its benefits in the COVID-19 infection prevention are understood more clearly.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019, Handwashing, Soap
  • Mahboub Pouraghaei, Mohammadkazem Tarzamani, Payman Moharramzadeh, Sahar Nikniaz, Soraiya Karimian, Moloud Balafar* Page 20
    Introduction

    The present study was an attempt to evaluate the role of ultrasonography on decreasing the number of attempts, failed punctures, time needed to perform the procedure and patients’ pain.

    Methods

    This study is a prospective case-control. Patients were divided in two groups randomly. A two-dimensional probe was used to localize intervertebral space in the ultrasound guidance (US group). In manual palpation (MP group) however, insertion level was determined using the standard technique by manual palpation. The number of attempts (needle insertion) required for a successful tap and successful/unsuccessful attempts were considered as the primary outcome measures.

    Results

    Male patients with an average age of 44.08±15.83 years accounted for 60% (30 individuals) of the population. Success rate was 92% in the US group and 34% in the MP group (P<0.001). It took 79.64± 19.91 and 85.4±11.62 minutes to identify the proper location in US and MP groups respectively (P=0.21). In the first attempt, it took 6.33±0.95 and 6.87±0.7 minutes to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in US and MP groups respectively (P=0.02). Average time taken to localize the sites in two attempts were 8.28±2.44 and 13.17±3.32 in US and MP groups respectively (P<0.001). Average number of attempts made in the US and MP groups were 1.08±0.27 and 1.64±0.66 (P<0.001) respectively.

    Conclusion

    Ultrasonography has reduced the time needed for locating puncture to collect CSF, pain management in patients, determining the number of attempts, and defining the risk of traumatic puncture. Moreover, this technique is characterized by a higher success rate. Using ultrasonography in obese patients and people with lumbar problems is more important.

    Keywords: mergency department, Lumbar puncture, Ultrasonography
  • Mani Mofidi, Ali Dashti, Mahdi Rezai, Niloufar Ghodrati, Hoorolnesa Ameli, hassan Amiri* Page 21
    Introduction

    This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of intravenous morphine with nebulized morphine in pain relief of patients referring to the emergency setting with traumatic musculoskeletal pain.

    Methods

    This randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind clinical study evaluated 160 patients 18 to 65 years of age with acute traumatic pain, who attended the emergency department during 2019. Subjects were assessed with Numerical Rating Scale based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly divided into two groups. In one group, 80 patients received IV morphine (0.1 mg/kg+5 mL normal saline) plus an equivalent volume of IV placebo. In the second group, 80 patients received nebulized morphine (0.2 mg/kg+5 mL normal saline) plus nebulized placebo. Pain score was monitored in all patients with Numerical Rating Scale before and after intervention at baseline, 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute intervals. Patients’ vital signs and possible adverse events were evaluated in each observation time points. Finally, all participants were assessed for their satisfaction with pain management. Data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis for continuous variables and Binomial test for categorical variables

    Results

    There was no significant difference between the demographic characteristics of patients in study groups. Pain relief between the two groups was similar during the observation (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 min) (P>0.05). There were no changes in vital signs between two groups, although the nebulized group had lower systolic blood pressure at the time-point of 15 minutes after the treatment initiation (P=0.03).

    Conclusion

    Although Nebulized morphine has similar efficacy in comparison with IV route, nebulization might be considered as the clinically efficacious route of morphine administration with minimal side effects, providing optimal pain relief in patients.

    Keywords: Intravenous morphine, Nuebolized morphine, Pain management, Traumatic musculoskeletal pain
  • Muhammed Yaşar Sever *, Nedim Uzun, Serkan Ceritli, Halil Mutlu, Atıf Bayramoğlu Page 22
  • Masood Faghih Dinevari *, Mohammad Hossein Somi, Mohammad Kazem Tarzamni, Leila Alizadeh, Samaneh Abbasian, Ali Riazi, Zeinab Nikniaz Page 23
    Introduction

    Considering that portal hypertension is principally caused by hepatic fibrosis, some studies postulated the predictive value of serum liver fibrosis indices in the diagnosis of portal hypertension. In this study we assessed the prognostic value of serum indices in the diagnosis of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

    Methods

    One hundred two cirrhotic patients were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Cirrhosis and the Child-Pugh score was determined by the gastroenterologist. Portal hypertension was diagnosed by the radiologist using the color Doppler method. The fasting blood sample was drawn and different serum indices were determined. The following indices were calculated: FIB4, Fibroindex, APRI, FORNS, LOK.

    Results

    The patients mean age was 54.39±6.60 years. About 52.94% of the patients were women. The mean liver enzymes level was higher in patients with portal hypertension. In 50.98% of patients, the etiology of cirrhosis was viral hepatitis. Significant differences was observed between the two groups regarding the studied indices (P<0.05). According to the results of the ROC curve, the FORNS index was a better predictive marker of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients. The maximum AUC (area under the curve) was for the FORNS index. According to the results of diagnostic tests, the FORNS index had adequate sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of portal hypertension with the cut-off value of 8.51.

    Conclusion

    The results of the present study showed that the FORNS index is a better predictor of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

    Keywords: Cirrhotic patients, Portal hypertension, Noninvasive indices
  • Sevilay Ozmen *, Onur Ceylan, Mehmet Dumlu Aydin, Erdem Karadeniz, Nazan Aydin, Elif Oral Ahiskalioglu, Tuba Demirci, Ismail Malkoc, Elif Demirci Page 24
    Introduction

    The vagal network has a major potential role in the immune-life of Peyer’s patches, but there is no satisfying information if vagal ischemia causes Peyer’s patches (PP) disruption following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

    Methods

    Twenty-two rabbits were used as control (GI, n=5), "sham" (GII, n=5), and SAH (GIII, n=12) groups in this experiment. 0.5 cc saline for GII and 0.5 cc autologous blood for GIII was injected into cisterna magna of the rabbits. Four weeks later, they were euthanized. Their brains, vagal nerves, nodose ganglia, Peyer’s patches, and intestines were examined, using stereological methods. The Peyer’s patches volumes (PPVs)/intestine volume per cubic millimeter was accepted as PP injury score based on a total of 10 points.

    Results

    The mean degenerated neuron densities of the nodose ganglia and degenerated axon densities of vagal nerves were 5±2/mm3 and 6±2/mm2 in the GI, 13±4/mm3 and 89±16/mm2 in the GII and 321±83/mm3 and 293±88/mm2 in GIII. The mean PPVs and PP score were 8±1×106 µm3 /mm3 and 0-3 in the GI, 10±3×106 µm3 /mm3 and 4-7 in the GII, and 21±5×106 µm3 /mm3 and 8-10 in GIII. P<0.0001 in PPV/PP score/degenerated axon densities of vagal nerves; P<0.0005 in PPV/PP score/degenerated neuron densities of the nodose ganglia between GI/GIII; P<0.001 in (PPV/PP score)/degenerated axon densities of vagal nerves; P<0.005 in PPV/PP score/degenerated neuron densities of the nodose ganglia between GII/GIII; and P>0.05 in GI/GII were noted.

    Conclusion

    Vagal ischemia/insult may be responsible for PP denervation, and injury-induced dangerous intestinal immunodeficiency following SAH.

    Keywords: Intestinal immunodeficiency, Peyer patches, Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Vagal ischemia
  • Mehmet Nuri Kocak, Ozgur Caglar *, Dilek Destegul, Kemal Alp Nalci, Sevilay Ozmen, Mehmet Dumlu Aydin Page 25
    Introduction

    Cardiac glycosides are widely used in critical cardiac diseases despite their unexplained mechanisms on cardio-respiratory system and other autonomic complications within both intra-uterine and post-natal life. The aim of this study is to investigate if digitalis overdose could cause a result in such complications by a destructive effect on blood-brain barrier (BBB).

    Methods

    Twenty-five male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 300–350 g were divided into the following groups: control (n=5), sham (isotonic) (n=5), therapeutic dose (n=5), arrhythmogenic dose (n=5), and lethal dose (n=5). The animals were euthanized and their brains were extracted. The brains were histopathologically and immunohistochemically examined to evaluate BBB morphology in the superior temporal cortex.

    Results

    One animal died because of experimental procedures on the first day. Macroscopic examination of brains revealed brain edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and narrowed cisterns in toxic doses of digitalis-treated animals. Brain histopathological examination of these groups revealed bloody subarachnoid and cisternal spaces, cortical arteriolar vasospasm, neurodegeneration, and even peri-arteriolar neuroglial component fragmentation; these changes induced BBB destruction in the high-dose digitalis-treated animals.

    Conclusion

    Digitalis should not be used with overdoses if the cardio-respiratory arrhythmia is unexpectedly appearing in low doses against the possibility of defected or disrupted BBB.

    Keywords: Digitalis toxicity, Blood–brain barrier, Rat brain, Digoxin
  • Fatma Durmaz *, Mesut Özgökçe, Veysel Atilla Ayyıldız, Buket Mermit Çilingir, Cemil Göya Page 26
    Introduction

    We aimed to investigate the efficacy of Hounsfield unit (HU) attenuation measured on computed tomography (CT) as a non-invasive method for pleural effusion characterization.

    Methods

    Patients with pleural effusion who underwent thoracic CT imaging and thoracentesis within a maximum of three days were included in this retrospective study (15 transudate and 36 exudate). By drawing a circular region of interest (ROI) on the section with the thickest pleural effusion in terms of anteroposterior diameter in the upper-medial-lower zone on axial images, a total of three HU values, one from each level, were averaged. An independent t-test was applied to the CT attenuation (HU) values for the transudate-exudate differentiation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was then made.

    Results

    The mean attenuation±standard deviation (minimum-maximum) value for the patients with transudate was 2.17±3.76 ((-7.5)-7.5) HU, whereas the mean HU value for the patients with exudate was 8.38±6.2 ((-6)-22). The independent t test made for the transudate-exudate differentiation revealed a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). In the ROC analysis carried out to determine the cut-off value of the attenuation value of pleural effusion in the transudate-exudate differentiation, the area under the curve was found to be 82.8%. When the cut-off value was taken as 2.75HU for the area under the curve, sensitivity was found to be 84%, and specificity was 60%.

    Conclusion

    Although CT-HU values are statistically significant in the differential diagnosis of transudate-exudate, there is still a need to establish a correlation with other tomographic findings and clinical laboratory findings.

    Keywords: Pleural effusion, Computed tomography, Attenuation, Transudates, Exudates
  • Masumeh Babayi, Mahmood-reza Azghani, Mona Mohiti Asli, Sakineh Hajebrahimi * Page 27
    Introduction

    Urinary incontinence (UI) is a multifactorial and prevalent disorder among aged women. Physical activities are believed to have challenging roles in the deterioration of the UI. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of standardized weightlifting on urodynamic parameters in the urinary continent and incontinent individuals.

    Methods

    Twenty-four UI morbid and 21 control subjects participated in a standardized weightlifting task while undergoing multichannel cystometry tests in two empty and full bladder conditions. Maximum weightlifting force (MWF) and vesical and abdominal pressures (APs) were measured to calculate the detrusor pressure.

    Results

    Findings showed that the UI participants with full bladder have significant higher abdominal, vesical and detrusor pressures in comparison to the controls; but in empty bladder condition, only the AP of the UI morbid group was significantly greater. The MWF was not significantly changed between the UI and control groups. The MWF was also not correlated with the detrusor pressure among the UI participants and full bladder controls.

    Conclusion

    Weightlifting till the subject’s maximum force can neither produce incontinence in healthy subjects nor deteriorate the UI patients’ conditions.

    Keywords: Detrusor pressure, Multichannel cystometry, Standardized weightlifting, Urinary incontinence
  • Monireh Mahjoob, Samira Heydarian * Page 28
    Background

    Since light scattering has a great impact on visual performances, this study was conducted to compare the effects of color filters and anti-reflective coating on contrast sensitivity (CS) in normal people under glare condition.

    Methods

    This semi-experimental study was conducted on 40 medical students (aged 19- 25 years). Ophthalmologic tests including visual acuity and refractive error measurement, biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, and CS assessment were conducted for all participants. CS was determined using Pelli-Robson chart at a distance of one meter. To measure the effect of glare on CS, we used an additional lighting source (60 W tungsten filament incandescent lamp) in the patient’s visual field. Thus, at an intensity of 2000 lux, the light source was placed at a distance of 18.5 cm from the patient’s eye in a way that it was 10 degrees above the subject’s visual axis. Monocular CS measurements were performed with and without glare. Monocular CS was evaluated again under glare conditions with the yellow and pink filters, with the transmission rate of 85%, and anti-reflective coating.

    Results

    The mean log CS of subjects under glare (1.48±0.09) was lower than that in the absence of glare (1.71±0.09) (<0.001); moreover, repeated measures ANOVA showed the yellow filter (1.48±0.10), pink filter (1.47±0.10), and anti-reflective coating (1.47±0.09) had no significant impact on improving visual performance under glare condition (P=0.471).

    Conclusion

    Colored filters and anti-reflective coatings are not effective in enhancing the vision of young normal individuals under glare conditions and at low spatial frequencies.

    Keywords: Anti-reflective coating, Colored filter, Contrast sensitivity, Glare
  • Mandana Rafeey, Bozorgmehr Nasir, Zahra Jalali, Nazanin Hazhir Karzar, Mahnaz Sadeghi-shabestari * Page 29
    Introduction

    The studies have been equivocal about the association of Helicobacter pylori infection with chronic urticaria (CU) given some controversial evidence in recovery of urticaria following H. pylori eradication.

    Methods

    In this clinical trial, 120 patients between the ages of 4 and 20 with intractable CU were recruited. They were grouped into two categories based on urea breath test (UBT) result. UBT positive group received treatment and UBT was repeated after two months while being evaluated for clinical course over a six-month period. On the other hand, UBT negative group received standard treatment for urticaria.

    Results

    All participants with CU have been studied as 40 cases of UBT positive and 80 cases of control group with negative UBT, consisted of 42 (35%) male and 78 (65%) female. Patients had suffered from urticaria on average 29.9 (±26.6) months prior to diagnosis. Statistically significant difference was noted between two groups, in terms of severity of urticaria, frequency of episodes, abdominal pain and duration of being symptomatic prior to diagnosis. After receiving treatment for H. pylori infection, among case group, 27(67.5%) of individuals achieved complete recovery of urticaria and 13 (32.5%) cases demonstrated partial resolution of urticaria, meanwhile 59 cases (73.8%) of control group became completely symptom-free, while 21 (26.3%) of the remaining individuals were in incomplete recovery. In comparison of response to treatment between the above-mentioned groups, there was not any statistically significant difference (P=0.47)

    Conclusion

    Our findings reveal that H. pylori infection might contribute to developing CU which highlights the significance of H. pylori eradication as an approach for CU.

    Keywords: Chronic urticaria, Helicobacter pylori, Eradication
  • Seyed pouya Paknezhad, Kavous Shahsavarinia, Hossein Samadi Kafil, parisa nayeri* Page 30
    Introduction

    AThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in the health care workers of emergency department of Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz, Iran

    Methods

    In a total of 63 physicians and nurses in the emergency department of Imam Reza hospital, after obtaining written consent and completing a checklist, a sample of nasal mucosa was collected for microbiological examination and isolation of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) strain. Determination of resistance patterns (by diffusion method) was performed according to the standard methods of methicillin.

    Results

    Out of 63 participants, 8 subjects (12.7%) had colonization of S. aureus; 4 of them were physicians (17.3% of the participated physicians) and 4 were nurses (10% of the participated nurses). Out of 8 isolated SA, 2 cases (25%) and overall 3.1% were methicillin-resistant. In our study, there was a significant relationship between co-employment in other hospitals and patient care at home with SA colonization, but there was not a significant relationship with specialty, work experience, sinusitis, history of antibiotic use, history of skin disease, hand washing habits and use of personal protective equipment.

    Conclusion

    Prevalence of MRSA was not high among health workers of emergency department.

    Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistance, Prevalence
  • Mazyar Hashemilar *, Behrooz Shokouhi Abolhassan Shakeri Bavil, Elyar Sadeghi-Hokmabadi, Nasrin Forghani Page 31

    Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) also known as meningeal carcinomatosis is a rare but grave complication seen in the terminal stage of a known primary cancer. We report an uncommon case of LM in a 62-year-old male patient, presenting with neurologic signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure at least two months before any evidence of involvement of the primary focus in lung. The prognosis of the disease was poor due to the involvement of central nervous system and bones. It is important to have a high index of suspicion and to consider systemic diseases in differential diagnosis of the syndrome of intracranial hypertension.

    Keywords: Adenocarcinoma of lung, Intracranial hypertension, Meningeal carcinomatosis, Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Hamideh Herizchi Ghadim, Sevil Hekmatshoar, Aida Salman Mohajer, Mohammad-Salar Hosseini * Page 32
    Introduction

    Topical clotrimazole and sertaconazole may be effective in the treatment of erythrasma, a superficial skin infection developed by a group of aerobic microorganisms. This study aimed to compare the effect of clotrimazole and sertaconazole on erythrasma.

    Methods

    In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 age-matched patients with confirmed erythrasma diagnosis were divided into two equal groups; one treated with topical 2% sertaconazole and the other with topical 1% clotrimazole. The clinical features of erythrasma were monitored for two weeks (baseline, day 7, and day 14) and compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS v16 software.

    Results

    On day 7, in clotrimazole group, reduction in erythema and pigmentation were more prominent in comparison to the sertaconazole group (P=0.02 and P=0.005, respectively), but there was no difference considering scaling reduction between groups. On day 14, in terms of erythema reduction, the clotrimazole group performed better compared to the sertaconazole group (P=0.04). Both groups had a significant reduction in erythrasma symptoms during their treatment period (P<0.001).

    Conclusions

    Regarding the results, both clotrimazole and sertaconazole are effective medications for erythrasma treatment. Still, clotrimazole has a faster recovery process in comparison to sertaconazole, but no significant difference is observed in outcomes after two weeks of treatment.

    Keywords: Clotrimazole, Erythrasma, Gram-positive bacterial infections, Sertaconazole
  • Gülşen Göney*, Cengiz Gazeloğlu Page 33
    Introduction

    Recent studies suggest that smoking exposure in pregnancy period might be a risk agent for childhood overweight and obesity. We examined associations between maternal smoking in pregnancy period and children’s weight and the possible obesogenic effects of maternal smoking.

    Methods

    The present study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis of a survey. A 31-question survey was administered to mothers to learn the nutrition and smoking habits in Turkey from January to March 2020. Also, a 25-question survey was administered to children to study their diet. Participants were classified as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. The smoking status of mothers was also recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS.

    Results

    The research group consisted of 454 participants (227 mothers, Mage=38.73±6.23 years and 227 children, Mage=10.39±4.96 years). In this study, 60.3% of children were underweight, 27.9% normal, 8.8% overweight, and 2.9% obese. Overall, 6.3% of children had smoking exposure and were overweight, whereas 1.4% were obese. Our results show that the relationship between maternal smoke exposure and body mass index (BMI) was non-significant (P>0.05). Children whose mothers did smoke in pregnancy period were at low risk for obesity (odds ratio [OR]=0.66, 95% CI: 0.07, 6.11) compared with children whose mothers never smoke.

    Conclusion

    In this study, we found that the BMI of children not increased with maternal smoking exposure. In future, taking into consideration the health of mother and child, new studies should be performed to investigate the relationship between maternal or paternal smoking exposure and childhood overweight or obesity.

    Keywords: Obesity, Obesogens, Smoking, Smoking toxicity, Tobacco products
  • Misagh Asanjani Oskoii, Nasrin Khatami, Maryam Majidinia, Mohammad-Amin Rezazadeh, Seyed Mostafa Mir, Alireza Sadeghpour *, Bahman Yousefi Page 34
    Introduction

    This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the serum level of melatonin, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine, and vitamin-D in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

    Methods

    This study enrolled 47 patients with OA and 40 healthy controls. Serum levels of melatonin and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OH-dG) were assessed. Also, serum levels of bone turnover biomarkers such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in OA patients and controls.

    Results

    The serum level of melatonin was significantly lower in OA patients than the controls (6.18±2.25 vs. 11.57±3.87 pg/mL, P<0.05). In contrast, the serum level of 8-OH-dG was significantly increased in OA patients compared to controls (65.21±16.12 vs. 22.51±5.3 ng/dL, P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between serum melatonin and 8-OHdG levels in OA patients (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between serum melatonin and vitamin D levels in OA patients (P<0.05). We found decreased calcium and vitamin D levels, and increased phosphorus and ALP levels in OA patients compared to controls (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    Decreased levels of melatonin and elevated levels of 8-OH-dG might play a role in the pathogenesis of OA. Therefore, melatonin might be involved in decreasing DNA damage and exerting a preventive function in OA.

    Keywords: DNA damage, Melatonin, Osteoarthritis, Oxidative stress
  • Erdal Tekin *, Mustafa Bayraktar, Muhammet Celik, Ibrahim Ozlu Page 35
    Introduction

    Platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) test is one of the test parameters that is routinely calculated in the hemogram test, and expressed as the ratio of platelets with platelet volume greater than 12 fL. Large platelets are relatively younger and contain more intracellular granules, meaning that platelets have more thrombogenic potential. In the literature investigating the relationship between the acute coronary syndrome and P-LCR levels, the use of aspirin in patients and its effects on platelet parameters were ignored. In our study, for the first time in the literature, the relationship between P-LCR levels and acute coronary syndromes were investigated by means of including the patients before they took aspirin which ensures that P-LCR test is not affected by aspirin.

    Method

    Retrospectively, patients aged 18-70 years were screened and those whose hemogram tests were completed before aspirin usage were included. A total of 109 patients diagnosed with unstable angina (UA), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included and compared in the study.

    Results

    The mean P-LCR values were 23.61% (95% CI: 21.97-25.25) in UA patients, 28.34% (95% CI: 24.86-31.83) in NSTEMI, and 25.71% (95% CI: 22.07-29.35) in STEMI patients. There was a statistically significant difference between the P-LCR values among the groups (p=0.022).

    Conclusion

    The increase in P-LCR, free of aspirin effects, was found to be statistically significant in acute coronary syndromes.

    Keywords: Plateletl arge cell ratio, Aspirin, ST elevated myocardial infarction, Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, Unstable angina
  • Amir Hossein Jafari-Rouhi *, Hamid Soltani Zangbar, Solmaz Fallahi, Leyla Eslamian Ghadim Page 36

    Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging global disease that severely affects a patient's respiratory system and requires respiratory supports through mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The disease has also had effects on the pediatric community, even though its symptoms are found to be milder in children. In this study, an 8-year-old child's health management report, infected with COVID-19, is presented. The patient had a critically ill condition without a previous history of respiratory disease and underwent mechanical ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). After performing the treatment protocols, the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit after 12 days with a good condition, without any side effects.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Pediatric, PICU
  • Fatih Goksel *, Yasemin Guzle Adas Page 37
    Introduction

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics and radiotherapy schedules of patients for whom palliative radiotherapy for brain metastasis was administered.

    Methods

    This was a retrospective study that evaluated the patients who received palliative radiotherapy for brain metastases between January 2011 and December 2019. Patient treatment files and the hospital information management system were used to collect the data.

    Results

    In this study, 4107 patients who received radiotherapy for any brain tumors were evaluated. Of these, 2910 had metastatic brain tumors. In the metastatic group 1736 (60%) patients were male and 1174 (40%) were female. Primary diagnosis was lung cancer (38%), breast cancer (20%), primary unknown (15%), gastrointestinal cancers (12%), and other cancers (15%). 1643 (52%) patients received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), 535 (18%) received WBRT with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and 706 (29%) received SRS without WBRT for brain metastasis. Radiotherapy data of 26 (1%) patients could not be accessed.

    Conclusion

    Both WBRT and SRS are good palliative treatment options for brain metastasis. SRS without WBRT can be considered as a treatment option in selected cases.

    Keywords: Radiotherapy, Radiosurgery, Cancer, Metastasis
  • Md Mohosin Rana* Page 38

    The outbreak of new coronavirus disease-20119 or COVID-19 infection has become a global health emergency at the beginning of this year. Currently, no specific vaccines and therapeutic medications are available to treat this disease. Even though several vaccine candidates are under investigation, it will take some time to make them available for the mass population. Hyperinflammation due to excessive cytokine release in COVID-19 infected patients with other inflammatory diseases makes lethal effects, including multiorgan failure and even death. The increasing gain of insight about the pathophysiology of this novel coronavirus enables experts to consider some commonly available anti-inflammatory drugs as potential immunomodulatory candidates for the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) treatment in COVID-19 infection. This review was conducted to discuss all the possible signalling pathways involved in COVID-19 related hyperinflammation. It also emphasized on the efficacy of both synthetic and natural therapeutic drugs for immunomodulation in the COVID-19 related CRS treatment.

    Keywords: Cytokine storm, COVID-19, Signalling pathways, Immunomodulation, Hyperinflammation, NF-κB, Polyphenols, RAAS inhibitors
  • Mohammadreza Firouzkouhi, Abdolghani Abdollahimohammad, Mehri Doosti-Irani* Page 39
  • Behzad Rahimi, Reza Hajizadeh *, Ali Soleimany, Sara Ghiyasi, Hadiseh Kavandi, Nader Jangi Oskuei Page 40
    Objective

    CAE characterized as diffuse dilatation of epicardial coronary arteries has been shown to have association with risks of death and myocardial infarction. Neutrophil count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are cost effective, available and rapidly measureable inflammatory marker. In this study we decided to investigate the association between these factors as inflammatory markers and CAE severity.

    Methods

    In this cross sectional study 577 patients who underwent coronary angiography between September 2016 and September 2017 were evaluated. According to angiography findings patients were divided into four groups: 1-normal coronary artery, 2-coronary artery diseased group, 3-low risk coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and 4-high risk CAE.

    Results

    In CAE group 61 patients (52.1%) had one vessel involvement and defined as low risk and 56 patients (47.9%) had two or more vessel involvement and grouped as high risk CAE. NLR was non-significantly higher in CAD group following high risk CAE group. (2.61±0.51 and 2.33±0.11 respectively) absolute neutrophil count was significantly higher in CAD and high risk CAE groups.

    Conclusion

    Neutrophil count is an inflammatory marker with good association with coronary artery ectasia and coronary artery disease.

    Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Coronary artery ectasia, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, neutrophils
  • Ahmad Separham, Mohammad Abbaszadeh, Hanieh Sakha, Ali Heidari Sarvestani * Page 41
    Introduction

    Complete thrombotic occlusion of a major epicardial coronary artery is the common pathophysiological mechanism of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infection (STEMI). Intravascular thrombosis is associated with poor prognosis in patients with STEMI.

    Methods

    In this study, we enrolled 400 patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI . Based on TIMI ratings of the patients and reviewing their angiographic film, they were divided into two groups with high thrombus burden and low thrombus burden. Then, Monocytes were measured in two groups with higher and lower thrombus.

    Results

    A total of 400 patients with STEMI (mean age of 58.71 ± 12.31, 80.5% male) who underwent PPCI enrolled in this study. There were no significant differences between the low thrombus and high thrombus group in In terms of diabetes, high blood pressure, previous history of MI and cardiac troponin levels, However, patients with high thrombus had lower EF .(p value < 0.001). Based on the multivariate analysis result, the amount of circulating monocytes during hospitalization is an independent factor in predicting the rate of thrombosis in angiography. Odds ratio= 3.099 , p value=0.019 .Analysis of the receiver-operating characteristic found an optimal monocyte count cut-off value to be ≤0.60*104 in predicting a high thrombus burden score.

    Conclusions

    The results of the study showed that the number of monocytes is a predicator of high intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with acute STEMI and patients can be treated with antithrombotic treatments.

    Keywords: Myocardial Infarction, Monocytes, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
  • Majid Montazer*, Karmran Shadvar, Arezoo Fathalizadeh, Jalal Farmani Page 42
    Objective

    Hypothyroidism is a relatively common disease around the world; and as a clinical condition due to the lack of secretion of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland, due to some structural and/or functional disorders, thyroid hormone production is defined. The purpose of this study is to investigate the isolation of the problem of mechanical ventilation caused by hypothyroidism in hospitalized patients.

    Methods

    In this clinical trial, 80 patients admitted to the ICU ward of Imam Reza Hospital and intubated for more than one week were studied. Patients were classified into two subgroups (each subgroup was 40). Levothyroxine was prescribed for the case group 0.1 mg of the first morning; while no Levothyroxine was prescribed to the patients in the control group. Differences between the two groups is evaluated in the time of weaning.

    Results

    There was a significant difference between two groups regarding TSH, T3 and T4. There was also a significant difference between final outcome of the patients and time of weaning from the mechanical ventilation between the two groups; which can be attributed to the effect of the role of levothyroxine on the recovery of patients and the reduction of weaning from mechanical ventilation.

    Conclusion

    The thyroid function of intubated patients should be monitored to be kept in normal levels to accelerate the recovery of these patients or in some cases prevent them from deterioration.

    Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Intubation, Levothyroxine
  • Alireza Ala, Pooneh Jabbaripour, Parham Maroufi * Page 43
    Background

    Using gauze soaked in lidocaine hydrochloride (2%) can induce anesthesia to suture wounds painlessly, without causing anxiety due to fear of injection in adult patients who referred to the emergency department with limb laceration.

    Methods

    This is a triple-blind interventional study in which trauma patients with limb wounds enter the study. Distilled water impregnated gauze will be used for the control group and 2% lidocaine impregnated gauze will be used for the intervention group. The gauze will be placed on the wound for 5 minutes. The pain will be assessed with VAS.

    Results

    A total of 180 people were enrolled in the study, which followed a normal distribution (Pv = 0.079) by Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test. The mean age of the participants is 32.02± 13.97 years. The pain intensity of patients in the case group based on VAS at the time of admission was 7.92 ±0.64. The severity of pain in patients after lidocaine-impregnated gauze anesthesia is 7.54±0.91. The severity of pain in patients based on VAS at the time of admission was 7.82± 0.61. The severity of patients' pain after anesthesia with lidocaine-impregnated gauze was 3.51±1.51. In the case group, the topical injection of lidocaine was repeated for anesthesia for all patients, while in the control group, the injection was repeated only for 3 patients. Pv≤0.0001)

    Conclusion

    the pain intensity after anesthesia is significantly different and in the anesthesia group with local the injection has dropped dramatically

    Keywords: laceration, pain management, emergency department, Trauma
  • Antonio Romanelli *, Silvia Mascolo Page 44
  • Haleh Mikaeili, Katrin Bioukaghazadeh *, Masoud Nazemiyeh, Somaieh Matin Page 45
    Introduction

    Weaning of the patient is one of the important medical challenges. One of the most important causes of failure in weaning is cardiovascular disorders. NT-Pro-BNP is a serum marker for cardiac dysfunction. This study conducted to evaluate the level of NT-Pro-BNP during the spontaneous breathing test (SBT) in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in ICU and its association with successful weaning.

    Methods

    In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 42 intubated patients who were admitted to the ICU ward of Imam Reza Hospital and were clinically weaned. After obtaining informed consent, SBT was started for the patient. One and a half hours after SBT onset, a venous blood sample was obtained and the patients were followed for SBT test success and the results were recorded. Patients were extubated in stabilized condition or continued mechanical ventilation if needed. Then Data were analyzed.

    Results

    SBT was successful in 45.2% of patients. 54.8% of patients were male. The most common cause of hospitalization was COPD (35.7%). The mean age of patients with successful SBT was 67.53±6.14 years and in patients with unsuccessful SBT was 68.70±5.44 years. There was a significant difference between NT-Pro-BNP levels half an hour after SBT between two groups of patients with successful (7.15±31.18) and unsuccessful (59.61±196.51) SBT. NT-ProBNP changes before and half an hour after SBT in both groups were statistically significant.

    Conclusion

    NT-Pro-BNP is a predictor criteria of success in weaning in patients and as the level of NT-Pro-BNP increases, the rate of failure in weaning increases.

    Keywords: NT-Pro-BNP, spontaneous breath test, Ventilator Weaning
  • Samad Ghaffari, Elyar Sadeghi Hokmabadi, Reza Rikhtegar, Farhad Niafar, Reza Zolfaghari, Yalda Sadeghpour, Neda Golmohammadi* Page 46
    Background

    Carotid artery stenosis is one of the main causes of ischemic stroke in Iranian population. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a method with for treating carotid artery disease, in order to prevent stroke. Dispersion of the embolus is a significant risk for carotid angioplasty which can be prevented by using protective devices. But studies have shown that the use of these protective devices is not safe and can have side effects such as vascular spasm and dissection.

    Method

    36 patients who underwent unprotected carotid artery angioplasty from April 2018 to August 2019 in Shahid Madani hospital retrospectively entered this study. Hospital records were studied for data collection. Patients were followed by phone interviews. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) was defined as a composite of the occurrence of stroke, MI, bleeding, and all-cause mortality in the long term. Mean duration of our follow-up was 6 months.

    Results

    During in-hospital course, an 82 years old woman with a history of CVA, hypertension, diabetes and a significant stenosis in her contralateral ICA, had an episode of stroke which was fatal. Also, there was a 46 years old woman without any risk factors, who had developed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). 22 patients were followed. No MI, stroke, or death occurred in any of the patients. There were only 2 cases of bleeding.

    Conclusion

    Carotid artery stenting without protection may be is a safe method of carotid revascularization. Further prospective studies and clinical trials are needed.

    Keywords: Carotid artery stenting, Complications, Unprotected carotid angioplasty
  • Babak Mahmoudian, Mitra Tootoonchian *, Amir Bahrami, Zhila Khamnian Page 47
    Introduction

    Preoperative localization modalities for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism today play an important role in clinical decision making, surgical procedure, and the prognosis of patients. One of the most common preoperative imaging modalities is the sestamibi scan labeled with Technetium-99m, which is capable of determining the location of parathyroid lesions in primary hyperparathyroidism patients with high sensitivity.

    Methods

    In this cross-sectional study, 25 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, referred to endocrine clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Siences during 2016-2018 were enrolled. All patients underwent a preoperative Sestamibi scan. Comparing the results of the scan with the surgical findings as a standard gold method for diagnosis, the diagnostic value of the scan was evaluated for the localization of parathyroid lesions.

    Results

    According to the items observed in surgery and pathologic findings, the sensitivity of Sestamibi scan for the localization of parathyroid lesions was 84.6%. Specificity and positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 95.6%, 89.6%, and 94.8%, respectively. A significant relationship was observed between the type of lesion and the sensitivity of Sestamibi scan (p=0.002).

    Conclusion

    Sestamibi scan has high sensitivity and diagnostic and therapeutic value for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. However, the existence of other pre- and intraoperative localization modalities, at the request of surgeons, is useful and warranted to reduce the rate of recurrent surgery as well as to minimize false negatives.

    Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism, Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy, localization, adenoma, hyperplasia
  • Mohammad Hossein Somi, Masood Faghih Dinevari*, Leila Alizadeh, Ali Riazi, Samaneh Abbasian, Zeinab Nikniaz Page 48
    Introduction

    Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most life-threatening complication of cirrhosis and it's predicting is crucial for the management of cirrhotic patients. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between INR and plasma fibrinogen level and the risk of GI bleeding using in cirrhotic patients.

    Methods

    In the present cross-sectional study, seventy-eight cirrhotic patients were enrolled. We assessed demographic, biochemical, hematologic parameters in all patients. Underlying diseases and the etiology of cirrhosis were documented. The Child-Pugh and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were used to assess the severity of liver cirrhosis. The history of bleeding episodes within 6 months before inclusion were recorded. A blood sample was drowned and fibrinogen and prothrombin time (PT) were measured and INR was calculated.

    Results

    The patients' mean age was 51.23±15.08 years and 40 (51.3%) were male. About 17 patients (%21.7) had a history of GI bleeding within 6 months before the study. The significant difference was observed between the two groups who experienced bleeding and who did not regarding the fibrinogen level (P < 0.05). The fibrinogen level was a better predictive marker of bleeding in cirrhotic patients (AUC: 0.87). According to the results of predictive tests, the fibrinogen level had a sensitivity of (77%) and specificity of (%94) in the prediction of bleeding with the cut-off value of 182.5.

    Conclusion

    The results of the present study showed that the fibrinogen level is a better predictor of bleeding in cirrhotic patients compared with INR.

    Keywords: cirrhotic patients, Coagulopathy, Fibrinogen, INR
  • Mahsa Esmaeillou, Jalil Houshyar, Fariborz Akbarzadeh, Akbar Aliasgarzadeh* Page 49
    Introduction

    Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) that ultimately occurs in most patients. The purpose of this study was to screen and diagnose latent cases of autonomic neuropathy between patients who have a history of over 10 years DM and recently diagnosed diabetic patients.

    Methods

    This cross-sectional study was performed on 104 patients (52 type 2 DM patients diagnosed in the last 6 months; and 52 type 2 DM patients with more than 10 years history) referred to outpatient Endocrine Clinic of Imam Reza Medical Center in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between 2015-2016. Blood pressure, resting heart rate and corrected QT interval were evaluated according to standard methods. The history of gastrointestinal and urinary tract neuropathy was extracted from patients’ history and physical exam.

    Results

    Of the 104 patients studied, 54 were male and 50 were female. Standing heart rate (p=0.02), resting (p<0.0002) and standing (p<0.0001) systolic blood pressure, and resting diastolic blood pressure (p=0.03) were significantly higher in chronic diabetic patients compared to newly diagnosed group. Additionally, blood glucose levels (p=0.03) and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with neuropathy.

    Conclusion

    Overall, the results of this study showed that in patients with type 2 DM, cardiac autonomic dysfunction is more common in patients with a longer history of DM.

    Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Autonomic Disorder, Gastrointestinal Autonomic Disorder, Urinary tract autonomic dysfunction
  • Seyed Hossein Ojaghi Haghighi, Neda Hamed, Shiva Ebrahimi, Jafar Ghobadi, Hoorolnesa Ameli * Page 50
    Introduction

    Congestive heart failure is heart muscle failure that causes pulmonary congestion and eventually pulmonary edema, which despite recent medical advances, is still a progressive syndrome with high mortality, the prevalence of which has increased in recent decades. Therefore, in this study we compared lung ultrasound findings in acute heart failure patients with the BNP.

    Methods

    This study was performed in the emergency room of Imam Reza hospital in Tabriz. For patients entering the emergency room after taking a history, both standard gold (BNP) tests and beside ultrasound of the lung were performed. Ultrasound was performed at the same time as obtaining blood sample to ensure that the ultrasound specialist did not know the result of diagnosis. During the ultrasound, if there were multiple B-Lines that were at least 3 mm apart, patient was diagnosed with pulmonary edema due to heart failure.

    Results

    Number of participants in this study was 108 people, 54.6% of whom were men and the rest were women. The correlation coefficient between width and number of kerley lines was 0.79, between NT-pro BNP and width of kerley lines was 0.65 and between NT-pro BNP and number of kerley lines was 0.77, which indicates a significant positive correlation (P value <0.001).

    Conclusion

    The results of present study showed that in patients with acute heart failure, the number and width of kerley lines in pulmonary ultrasound evaluation increase rapidly. There is also a high correlation between number and length of kerley lines with NT-pro BNP serum values.

    Keywords: Congestive heart failure, BNP, ultrasound, bedside