Gharagosloo M, Khalili S, Hallaj Mofrad M, Karimi B, Honartnand M, Jafari H, Moosavi S Gh ,
Volume 61, Issue 1 (13 2003)
Abstract
Wide variations in the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema have been reported in the world, between regions and countries. The international study of asthma and allergies in childhood (ISAAC) was developed to provide standardized method to ascertain the prevalence of asthma and allergies in different regions. Comparisons of prevalence rates across geographic regions may help to identify factors that influence the development of these conditions in individuals.
Methods and Materials: For doing this descriptive study the ISAAC written questionnaire was completed by the parents of 3000 school children aged 6-7 years in Kashan, the central area of Iran, with different geographic and cultural characteristics, during the fall of 1998.
Results: The overall cumulative and 12 month prevalence of wheezing were 10.2 percent, 6.9 percent in the girls and 18.2 percent, 13.1 percent in the boys respectively. The prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma were 1.3 percent and 2.2 percent in the girls and boys. Rhinitis symptoms were reported by 14,7 percent, 16.9 percent and chronic pruritic rashes by 5.1 percent and 8.3 percent of the girls and boys respectively.
Conclusion: Allergic disorders are common in this area and prevalence is comparable to other parts of Iran and many other countries. Prevalence of asthma by medical diagnosis is relatively low with respect to other studies performed with the same methodology.
Gharagozlou M, Montazeran M, Foroozanfar M, Khalili S,
Volume 64, Issue 11 (7 2006)
Abstract
Background: Influenza epidemies which occur mosthly in cold seasons could be a risk factor for developing exacerbations and acute attacks of asthma. Although influenza vaccination is recommended for the asthmatic patients, there is a lack of sufficient clinical evidence that this annual vaccination prevents asthma exacerbation in children.
Methods: Prospective clinical trial study of 201 children with asthma, where 79 did, and 122 did not receive the influenza vaccine, was done. The two groups were compared with respect to use of bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for asthma. In multi variable analysis, adjustment was made for baseline asthma severity and demographic variables.
Results: After adjusting for other variables, the vaccinated group had a significant decreased in exacerbations frequency and duration. Also the frequency of used bronchodilators and the absence days of daycare center or school were lower in the vaccinated group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to used systemic corticosteroids and ED or hospital admissions (P>005).
Conclusion: This study showed that influenza vaccination may be effective in prevention of some asthma exacerbation aspects.
