Tehran University Medical Journal

Comparison of all-cause mortality in AF patients with PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) history treated with low dose (110 mg) versus a high dose (150 mg) of dabigatran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the most common life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, in which blood supply to the heart muscles is reduced or completely blocked. Coronary artery disease has various treatment options, one of which is PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) or stent placement via angioplasty. Dabigatran etexilate is the only orally available direct thrombin inhibitor, which is actually a prodrug that is rapidly converted to its active form and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study is to compare mortality in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) with a history of Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with a low dose (110 mg). In contrast, it was treated with a high dose (150 mg).
Methods: The present study was a systematic review and meta-analysis on 4 online databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE to find articles that the rate of long-term complications related to bleeding or Thrombotic events were performed in AF patients who underwent PCI and were treated with dabigatran. STATA software was used for data analysis.
Results: Nine RCTs or prospective studies with 5694 participants were included. The studies showed that when comparing dabigatran (110 and 150 mg) with warfarin (with/without dual antiplatelet), dabigatran 110 mg was associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding (OR=0.46, 95% CI: 0.24-0.86, P=0.01), while the 150 mg dose was not statistically different (OR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.01-1.32, P=0.08). Also, comparing dabigatran 150 with 110 mg showed a higher risk of bleeding at the higher dose (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.64-0.92, P<0.001). On the other hand, dabigatran 110 mg was associated with a significant increase in mortality (OR=1.33, P=0.01) and myocardial infarction (OR=1.61, P=0.01) compared with combination therapy of warfarin and antiplatelet, but the 150 mg dose did not show a statistical difference. Heterogeneity was high in some analyses (I2 up to 99.49%), but funnel plots and Egger's test rejected publication bias.
Conclusion: There seems to be strong evidence that bleeding complications in dabigatran are less than old antiplatelet and anticoagulation drugs, but in terms of efficacy in reducing mortality, although we did not obtain strong evidence for analysis, older drugs are more effective in preventing death from any cause.

Association of bisphenol a with outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies: a systematic review

Kiana Hasibi

Background: Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) represent a key therapeutic approach for infertile couples. Bisphenol-A (BPA), a compound found in plastic polymer products, has been associated with increased infertility risk. This systematic review addresses whether BPA affects ART outcomes.
Methods: A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus up to December 2024 without any language or time restrictions. The search strategy combined relevant keywords and medical subject headings such as “bisphenol A,” “infertility,” “assisted reproductive technology,” “in vitro fertilization,” and “embryo implantation.” All human studies assessing the relationship between BPA exposure and ART outcomes were considered. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed in detail. The selected studies included cross-sectional and prospective cohort designs, and data on sample size, BPA measurement methods, and reproductive endpoints were extracted for qualitative synthesis.
Results: The reviewed studies consistently indicate that exposure to BPA is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, particularly in women undergoing IVF treatment. Evidence suggests that higher BPA levels correlate with fewer retrieved oocytes, reduced oocyte maturation rates, and impaired ovarian response to hormonal stimulation. Several studies also observed reduced estradiol concentrations and lower fertilization and cleavage rates, leading to decreased implantation success and clinical pregnancy rates. In addition, diminished ovarian reserve markers, such as anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, have been negatively influenced by BPA exposure. Male factors were also affected, with reports of decreased sperm motility, abnormal morphology, and increased DNA fragmentation, which could compromise embryo quality and early development. Variability in study methodologies, small sample sizes, and differences in BPA detection techniques, however, make direct comparison challenging.
Conclusion: Current evidence supports an inverse association between BPA exposure and fertility outcomes, but further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and more precise measurement methods are needed.

Ultrasound-Guided botulinum toxin A vs. corticosteroid Injection in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy

Naseh Yousefi

Background: The most common cause of Shoulder pain is inflammation in the subacromial bursa. Intra-bursal corticosteroid injections are one of the most common methods in cases of bursitis. Recently, botulinum toxin A injection has also been used as a safe treatment in these patients. This injection does not have many of corticosteroid disadvantages. The most important disadvantages of this method are its cost. This study was performed to compare corticosteroids with botulinum toxin A in the treatment of subacromial bursitis by single injection.
Methods: This study is a prospective randomized clinical trial performed on patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy who were referred to the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic of Iran University of Medical Sciences from November 2020 to October 2021. 54 patients with signs and symptoms of rotator cuff tendinopathy, were randomly assigned to one of the two groups of botulinum toxin A or corticosteroid injection. Routine treatment included exercise training for all patients. Patient's symptoms were assessed using VAS, Constant Score and SPADI criteria before treatment, two weeks and two months after injection.
Results: In the VAS study, both groups showed an improvement over baseline (P=0.000), which was significantly greater in the corticosteroid group. VAS between the first and second follow-up showed a decrease in the botulinum toxin A group and an increase in the corticosteroid group. In the Constant Score and SPADI study, both groups showed an improvement over baseline.
Conclusion: This study showed that a single-session injection of botulinum toxin A is less effective than corticosteroid in controlling symptoms of these patients. However, the therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin A, remains 2 months and unlike corticosteroid, has more reliability and durability.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of malignant breast tumors in Iran

Background: Approximately 16% of all female cancers. Due to its high prevalence and considerable impact on patient survival, comprehensive evaluation of histopathological and molecular features is crucial for improving disease management. This study aimed to analyze the histopathological spectrum and immunohistochemical (IHC) molecular subtypes of invasive breast tumors in an Iranian population, with the ultimate goal of guiding tailored therapeutic strategies.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2023 at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Initially, 110 female patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma were evaluated. After applying exclusion criteria (bilateral breast cancer, in-situ carcinoma, prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or inadequate pathological specimens), 10 patients were excluded, leaving 100 cases for final analysis. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records, while histopathological assessment was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemistry was applied to evaluate estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, and Ki-67 expression, enabling classification into molecular subtypes: Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched, and Basal-like. Tumor grade and stage were determined according to AJCC/UICC criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21, with significance set at P<0.05.
Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 26 to 73 years, with a mean age of 49.5 years. Histopathologically, invasive ductal carcinoma accounted for 89% of cases, followed by lobular (5%), medullary (3%), and other rare subtypes (3%). Molecular classification revealed 9% Luminal A, 65% Luminal B, 11% HER2-enriched, and 15% Basal-like. A significant association was found between tumor grade and molecular subtype (P=0.001). Luminal B tumors showed the highest frequency of grade III lesions, axillary lymph node metastasis, and advanced tumor stage (II-III), indicating more aggressive biological behavior compared to Luminal A.
Conclusion: This study confirmed that invasive ductal carcinoma is the predominant histological type of breast cancer, with Luminal B being the most prevalent molecular subtype in the studied population. The findings highlight the importance of molecular profiling for accurate prognostication and treatment planning. In particular, the aggressive features of Luminal B tumors emphasize the need for more intensive therapeutic approaches. Incorporating routine IHC-based subtyping into breast cancer management protocols could significantly enhance patient outcomes and support the implementation of precision oncology in Iran.

Study of stress and anxiety levels before embryo transfer in women candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Soheila Pirdadeh Beiranvand

Background: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is one of the infertility treatments that may lead to various levels of stress and anxiety in women at different stages. Multiple factors may contribute to these psychological disorders. This study aimed to assess the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression before embryo transfer in women undergoing ICSI.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from July to October 2024 on 70 women candidates for ICSI at Arash Women's Hospital in Tehran, prior to embryo transfer. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria included at least three years of infertility, no background in psychology or attendance in counseling sessions, no major physical or mental illnesses, and no severe stressful events in the past six months (such as the death of first-degree relatives or major accidents). Participants could withdraw from the study at any time. The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale) was used to assess stress and anxiety levels. Based on the DASS-21, stress scores of 0-14 were considered normal or mild, 15-18 mild, 19-25 moderate, 26-32 severe, and ≥33 very severe. For anxiety, scores of 0-7 were considered normal or mild, 8-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 severe, and ≥20 very severe. The validity of the tool was confirmed by Antony and validated in Iran by Sahebi.
Results: Among the 70 participants, 92.8% experienced stress and anxiety. The mean stress score was 20.77±4.87, and the mean anxiety score was 11.70±4.23, indicating moderate levels. Women over 42 years old had significantly lower stress scores compared to others (P<0.001). Conversely, women under 30 showed significantly higher anxiety scores (P<0.01). No significant associations were found between stress/anxiety and other demographic or infertility-related factors (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that women undergoing embryo transfer in ICSI procedures commonly experience stress and anxiety. Therefore, appropriate psychological interventions are recommended to support this group during treatment.

Effect of preoperative antiseptic showering to prevent surgical site infection in patients who went under elective inguinal hernia surgery

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent one of the most common and significant complications following surgical interventions. These infections not only prolong hospital stay and recovery but also impose a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems and patients. Reducing the risk of SSIs is therefore a major focus of perioperative care, and several strategies have been proposed to minimize their occurrence. One of the most widely practiced preventive measures is preoperative skin antisepsis, aimed at lowering the microbial load at the surgical site. Among available antiseptics, chlorhexidine has been shown to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and sustained effectiveness. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative chlorhexidine showers on the incidence of SSIs in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia surgery.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out in 2019 at Kowsar Hospital, Sanandaj. A total of 300 patients scheduled for elective inguinal hernia repair were enrolled and randomly assigned into three groups of 100 participants each. The intervention group was instructed to take a shower with 4% chlorhexidine solution on the night before surgery. Control group 1 took a routine bath using regular detergents, while control group 2 did not bathe prior to the operation. All patients were monitored for the occurrence of superficial SSIs for up to 30 days postoperatively.
Results: Among the 300 patients included in the study, 12 cases (4%) of superficial SSIs were documented. The distribution of infections varied significantly across the groups: one case in the chlorhexidine group, three cases in the regular detergent group, and eight cases in the group that did not shower. Statistical analysis confirmed that the difference in infection rates among the groups was significant (P=0.034).
Conclusion: The findings of this clinical trial demonstrate that preoperative showers with 4% chlorhexidine solution are effective in reducing the incidence of SSIs in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia surgery. Implementing this simple, low-cost intervention may therefore be a valuable strategy in routine surgical practice to enhance patient outcomes and reduce postoperative complications.

Exercise training and cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women with breast cancer: physiological perspectives, clinical evidence, and practical challenges

Abbas Ali Gaeini

Background: As survival rates among breast cancer patients improve, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal survivors. This epidemiological transition from oncologic risk to cardiometabolic vulnerability reveals a critical yet underexplored dimension of survivorship care. Structured exercise training represents a promising intervention, and this narrative review-grounded in a systematic literature search investigates the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined training modalities on cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The review synthesizes evidence across physiological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and implementation challenges to provide a comprehensive perspective on exercise oncology in this underserved population.
Methods: A systematic search of reputable international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar as well as Persian databases SID and Magiran was conducted to identify relevant human studies, clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 and April 2025. Screening, selection, and synthesis of the studies were performed in Iran between October 2024 and January 2025.
Results: Accumulating evidence supports that structured exercise especially combined aerobic and resistance training exerts substantial cardioprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, including reductions in systemic inflammation, improvements in body composition, regulation of blood pressure, enhancement of cardiorespiratory fitness, and improved left ventricular function. Combined interventions consistently outperformed single-modality programs, underscoring the importance of integrative approaches in oncologic rehabilitation. Despite this promise, persistent barriers such as limited access to trained personnel, lack of individualized protocols, and weak institutional support impede translation into routine practice. Notably, few existing reviews have bridged mechanistic, clinical, and operational domains in this population, highlighting a significant gap in the literature.
Conclusion: Exercise training is not merely an adjunct to care it is a clinically potent, physiologically grounded, and policy-relevant strategy for mitigating cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Given the increasing burden of CVD in this group, integrating personalized, evidence-based exercise into oncologic care pathways is both urgent and essential for advancing survivorship standards and informing future clinical guidelines.

Study of the relationship between acidosis and coagulation disorders in patients undergoing laparotomy admitted to the intensive care unit

Golshan Mirmomeni

Background: Coagulopathy is one of the most common causes of mortality in the intensive care unit. This study was designed and implemented to investigate the relationship between acidosis and coagulation disorders in patients undergoing laparotomy in the intensive care unit.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the files of 121 patients undergoing laparotomy in the intensive care unit of Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz during 2024. Demographic and clinical records and blood test results were extracted to measure parameters related to acidosis and coagulation tests. Then, the rates of coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, acidosis, and patient outcome were calculated. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 27 software.
Results: Most patients studied were male (72 (59.5%)) with a mean age of 54.18±21.1 years and a mean length of stay of 6.78±5.87 days. Hypertension (34 (28.1%)) was the most important comorbidity and peritonitis (54 (44.6%)) was the most important cause of hospitalization. The incidence rates of coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and acidosis were reported to be 29 (24%), 27 (22.3%) and 115 (95%), respectively. A total of 44 (36.5%) patients died during the study period. Although the rates of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia were higher in patients with acidosis, these differences were not significant (P<0.05). The mortality rates among those without thrombocytopenia, mild, moderate, and severe thrombocytopenia were reported as 27 (28.7%), 4 (33.3%), 9 (81.1%), and 4 (100%), respectively, showing a significant difference (P=0.001). The mean pH in deceased patients was significantly lower than in others (0.13±7.19 vs. 0.88±7.25; P=0.005). The mortality rate in patients with coagulopathy was also significantly higher than in others (20 (69%) vs.24 (26.4%); P=0.000).
Conclusion: The incidence of acidosis and coagulation disorders in patients undergoing laparotomy and admitted to the intensive care unit is significant and is linked to poorer outcomes for these patients. However, acidosis was not found to be an independent risk factor for coagulation disorders in this population. Further research is necessary to confirm or refute these findings.

The challenging management of hyperparathyroidism in a 9-year-old boy: a case report

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare but significant endocrine disorder in pediatric patients; although uncommon, parathyroid adenomas are the most frequently identified cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in this population. Diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in children, especially in cases caused by parathyroid adenoma, demand careful assessment and require a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists. Early diagnosis is often delayed due to the rarity of the disease and the nonspecific nature of presenting symptoms.
Case Presentation: This case report describes the complex clinical management of a 9-year-old boy who presented with gradual onset of bone pain and visible deformities of the upper and lower extremities, which prompted further evaluation and later led to a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism secondary to a parathyroid adenoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by elevated parathyroid hormone levels, hypercalcemia, and imaging studies revealing a parathyroid adenoma. Despite a comprehensive preoperative planning and surgical intervention, adenoma resection was not successful during the first two surgeries, leading to persistent hyperparathyroidism and subsequent surgical complications such as postoperative thyroid tissue damage and resultant iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Ultimately, the third surgical attempt successfully removed the adenoma, leading to a marked resolution of hyperparathyroidism and gradual return to normal calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. The patient’s bone pain and deformities showed improvement during follow-up.
Conclusion: This case highlights the numerous challenges in managing hyperparathyroidism in pediatric patients. In particular, it illustrates the potential complications that can arise when the disease is resistant to initial treatment efforts. This report underscores the importance of having a multidisciplinary approach, carefully planned and executed surgical intervention and vigilant postoperative care in pediatric patients with hyperparathyroidism. Early recognition, accurate localization of the adenoma, and coordination among specialists are essential for favorable outcomes in complex pediatric cases such as this. Continued follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence and to manage any long-term complications.

Using fast-track spinal anesthesia in Cesarean section surgery in preg-nant mothers with decreased fetal heart rate: a letter to editor

Reza Payami