Showing 70 results for Safa
Z Safaei Naraghi ,
Volume 52, Issue 1 (30 1994)
Abstract
Histiocytic syndromes have been studied and investigated in these recent years for their cell origin, morphology, pathology, histochemical, immuno-phenotype characteristic, and their nomenclature, but the results of all these studies are confusingly, vague and not acceptable for all scientists and pathologists. Histiocytes very in the morphology, duty and their immunological behaviour. In different lesion these cells are in the form of mononuclear, foamy cell, macrophages like plasma cell and giant cell with many nuclei. When considering malignant Histiocyte cells and benign reactive histiocytes are both present in malignant histiocytic lesion, one can recognize the diagnostic problems of the pathologist. Markers for recognizing histiocytes are numerous and are increasing rapidly, in spite of that monoclonal antibody investigation, and genetic molecular method, the results as yet are not satisfactory. We have to accept that the new method are not at all sufficient and we have to look for a better method which is more sensitive to histiocyte for diagnosis of numerous histiocytic syndromes. In this paper, we discuss the difficulties on encountered in the diagnosis, and problem in defining and nomenclature of these syndromes and, some efforts are made to present the most acceptable classification for them
Am Mir Fakhraei, M Safaei, M Esmaeili,
Volume 53, Issue 2 (5-1995)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was the utilization of different methods of tissue culture in proliferation of epithelial cells and autologous graft to cover surface areas without skin specifically, which is due to thermal burns more than 50%. In this experience we performed from rabbits and success to cover almost 24 times original donor site with autograft.
Sa Safavi Naiyni , Kh Zare ,
Volume 55, Issue 3 (30 1997)
Abstract
A 16 year old woman with Tangier disease in palatine tonsils is reported. She has recurrent sore throat. In physical examination the palatine tonsils are hypertrophied and has very yellowish points. The facial skin is yellowish but the skin of another areas of body is normal. After tonsillectomy the pathologist report Tangier disease in palatine tonsils
F Farnaghi, Z Safaee Naraghi, S Mohit,
Volume 56, Issue 1 (30 1998)
Abstract
Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (2,5). Alopecia is rarely seen in this disease, and the reported cases are in the form of follicular mucinosis (1,2,4). In this case report a patient is presented whose lesions all showed alopecia without mucinosis. Furthermore there was a patch of alopecia without any epidermal changes, which was clinicaly identical with alopecia areata, and histologically identical with MF. After six months of treatment there is regrowth of almost normal hair on all of the lesions
M Akhyani , H Ghaninezhad Ahary , Z Safaie Naraghi , A Rezaie ,
Volume 56, Issue 5 (6 1998)
Abstract
Our purpose was demographic clinical and pathological aspect of BCE in patients seen in Razi Hospital, during a six-month period (75.8.12 to 76.2.12). Results: From the total 20000 patients, 103 cases of BCE were detected. (0.5%). The male female ratio was 1.71 BCE was more frequent in sixth decade. 40.8% of patients were fair skin (Type II), 54.4% tawny (Type III) and 4.9% brown (Type IV, V). 15.5% of patients had a past history of freckles and history of radiotherapy in childhood was present in 41.7% 89.3% had no history of acne and seborrhea. The scalp was the most common site of BCE. The most common clinical type was nodular BCE and solid BCE was the dominant histological feature. Conclusion: BCE was more common in male and fair skin patients with dry skin. In those having history of radiotherapy of the scalp, lesions were seen mostly on the scalp, forehead and neck: pigmented BCE was predominant in this group.
S Moradmand , F Safari ,
Volume 56, Issue 6 (9 1998)
Abstract
Calcium channel blockers are used worldwide in CAD, hypertension and arrhythemia. As recent international studies show these drugs in addition to cardiovascular effects have immunosuppressive effects and can prolong graft life in transplanted patients. In a single blind prospective trial we studied 30 patients on 120 mg/d Verapamil for at least 3 months compared with 15 patients on placebo. Changes of cell immunity markers were impressive as T suppressor lymphocytes increased and CD4/CD8 ratio decreased significantly compared with placebo (P<0.05). This study confirms that Verapamil reduce cell immunity that may prone human beings to infections and on the other side we can use it in hypertensive patients with organ graft.
B Nasrollahzadeh , M Shamshiry , M Safari , B Minaee , H Marzban ,
Volume 57, Issue 3 (8 1999)
Abstract
With the intention of research about culture and autologus graft of epithelial tissue we used 4 french Albino Rabbits with an average age of 2 months. After reproduction on the support in EMEM (Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium) we used this for graft after 4 weeks. This region which grafted total replaced. After fixation of this sample and passing them through various process, histological sections were prepared. These sections were stained with H & E and masson's trichrome and studied by light microscope. We succeeded in graft. We hope in the near future by using the method of epithelium tissue culture improving to treat burned patients.
Firoozbakhsh Sh, Safavi E, Zahed Poor Anaraki Mr, Derakhshan Deilami Gr ,
Volume 60, Issue 3 (14 2002)
Abstract
Background: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is an attractive alternative to open lung biopsy as an initial diagnostic procedure for patients with diffuse parenchymal disease or localized densities beyond direct endoscopic vision. TBLB can be carried out safely without fluoroscopy in patients with diffuse lung disease. Since in our bronchoscopic department fluoroscopy is not available, we planned to evaluate the blind (without fluoroscopic guide) TBLB being performed in our department to determine the success rate in obtaining lung tissue, the sensitivity of the procedure and the risk of complications.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-Four TBLB were done in our department during a 6 month period (March-September 1999).
Results: Lung tissue wasn’t detected in two (3.1 percent) samples. Pathological results were helpful in 46 (71.9 percent) cases. No evidence of hemoptysis was found after the procedure. Three (4.68 percent) cases of pneumothorax was detected. Only one of them required chest tube (1.51 percent).
Conclusion: We concluded that blind TBLB was successful in our department with rates of complications comparable to other approved centers.
Firooz Bakhsh Sh, Safavi E, Zahed Poor Anaraki M, Derakhshan Deilami Gh ,
Volume 60, Issue 4 (15 2002)
Abstract
Background: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is an attractive alternative to open lung biopsy as an initial diagnostic procedure for patients with diffuse parenchymal disease or localized densities beyond direct endoscopic vision. TBLB can be carried out safely without fluoroscopy in patients with diffuse lung disease. Since in our bronchoscopic department fluoroscopy is not available, we planned to evaluate the blind (without fluoroscopic guide) TBLB being performed in our department to determine the success rate in obtaining lung tissue, the sensitivity of the procedure and the risk of complications.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-four TBLB were done in our department during a six month period (March-September 1999).
Results: Lung tissue wasn't detected in two (3.1 percent) samples. Pathological results were helpful in 46 (71.9 percent) cases. No evidence of hemoptysis was found after the procedure. Three (4.68 percent) cases of pneumothorax were detected. Only one of them required chest tube (1.51 percent).
Conclusion: We concluded that blind TBLB was successful in our department with rates of complications comparable to other approved centers.
Mosaffa N, Mosafa N, Mirza Hosein Yazdi B,
Volume 60, Issue 6 (15 2002)
Abstract
Introduction: PMA is known to induce the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. This agent also increases the killing effect of the monocytes/macrophages through oxidative burst and can be used as a stimulant for oxidative burst assay. The present experimental study was intended to investigate the in vitro effects of PMA on the differentiation, morphological changes, cell adherence and the viability of monocyted-derived macrophages (MDMs). Besides, MDM capacity for free radical production was assessed, indicating the oxidative burst events.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study has been design in Department of Immunology of S.B.M.U in Tehran Iran (year 2000). Peripheral mononuclear cells from adult Balb/c mice were isolated and cultured in complete tissue culture medium and divided in two group: control, (without PMA) and test (were added Pma=450 ng/ml). MDMs wee counted on the hours 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 18 and their characteristics were confirmed by morphological analysis (histological features) in both groups. Viability of MDMs was assessed using trypan blue. In the peak time of MDMs activation the oxidative burst was determined by NBT reduction.
Results: The obtained results suggested that PMA had significant effect on the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. The morphologic maturation tended to occur in earlier stages in the PMA treated cells comparing to the control MDMs. Also, the number of adherent cells was considerably more in PMA stimulated monocytes. The peak time of cell adherence in the presence of PMA was no the second hour. As the incubation period increased, the significant difference between the numbers of adherent cells in two culture systems decreased. However, viability decreased significantly in the PMA treated MDMs, i.e. PMA treatment induced rapid apoptosis in the MDMs after their activation. PMA stimulated MDMs markedly (60%). Also we mentioned that the primary un-stimulated MDMs only revealed (55%) of NBT reduction after treatment with PMA at NBT reduction stage.
Conclusion: Phagocytic function and oxidative burst assay in monocyte-macrophage lineage can be a diagnostic tool for identification and management of some Immunological abnormality and defect and can be establish distinct from other phagocytic system assessment.
Sharifian R, Mohammadi S M, Ghasemi D, Safaei S R, Toogeh Gh R, Emami A H,
Volume 61, Issue 2 (14 2003)
Abstract
Neutropenic state with fever is exactly regarded as a medical emergency, with high mortality and morbidity rate, unless treated urgently and correctly. Every attempt should be made to find and establish the offending organism, but postponing treatment until obtaining culture results is not advised. Controversy exist on which antibiotic regimen to be used while waiting for culture results. Many antibiotic regiments both monotherapy or combination treatments have been used with varying result. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of cefriaxon monothenapy with ceftazidim. Plus Amikacin as initial empiric antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenic patients.
Materials and Methods: We performed a randomized, single blind clinical trial in 57 adult (age>12 years), neutropenic (PMN<1000) patients with fever (Temperature, oral >38.5c) in Hematology ward, Imam khomeini hospital. After careful physical exam and obtaining blood & urine samples for culture, the patients were randomized to each of the two arms: Cefriaxon 2 grams daily, intravenously (arm A) and Ceftazidim 2g thrice daily plus amikacin 500 mg twice daily (arm B). Patients with shock, organ failure or previous antibiotic intake (during 48 hour before fever) were excluded. If needed, dose adjustment of drugs were allowed. Effervescence in 3 days following initiation of treatment, lasting 48 hours or more, were regarded as effective (positive result).
Results: During a twelve months period of study, a total of 57 patients (17female, 40male) were included. They were randomly selected to each arm of empirical treatment. Of 28 pts in arm A, 19 (67 percent), the treatment was effective, compared to 15 of 29 (51.7 percent) in groups B. The duration of fever after initiation of treatment was 37.9 ± 17 hours in arm A and 40. 1 ± 20 h in arm B. Blood and / or urine culture was equally positive in two arms (25 percent in arm A and 27.6 percent in arm B).
Conclusion: Cefriaxon monotherapy is at least equally effective in low risk neutropenic patients with fever compared to combination of ceftazidim plus amikacin at a decreased cost and probably (expected) less adverse side effects in our patients.
Jamshidi A R, Safavi E, Naji A, Sedighi N, Gharib Doost F, Saber S, Gholshahi H, Jvadi Nejad Z , Bhadorani A,
Volume 62, Issue 2 (12 2004)
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary involvement is a common and serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis. This cross sectional study sought to determine the prevalence of pulmonary disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of history, physical examination, chest X-ray and PFT.
Materials and Methods: 103 patients (81 Women, 22 Men) fulfilling the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria for RA (Rheumatoid arthritis) were consecutively included in a cross sectional study. Detailed medical (including respiratory symptoms and the disease activity symptoms) and drug and occupational histories and smoking were obtained. All patients underwent a complete pulmonary and rheumatologic examination and conventional chest radiography. All patients underwent PFT that comprised spirometry and body plethysmography.Results for PFTs were expressed as percentage of predicted values for each individual adjusted for age, sex, and height.
Results: On the basis of history: Their mean age was 43.3 ± 2.6 years (range: 17-74) and the mean duration of the disease was 69.3 ± 15.6 months. Rheumatoid factor was positive in% 61.2. No patients were 0.5Pack/Year smoker in whole life. Prevalence of pulmonary involvement based on radiographic and pulmonary function test detected in 41 patients (39/7%). The most frequent respiratory clinical finding was dyspnea (33%), (NYHA grade I in 17.5% and NYHA grade II in 15.5%), Cough (with or without sputum) in 13.6 %, Crackle was the most sign in pulmonary examination (5.8%). Chest X-ray was abnormal in 13.3 % that the most common finding in this study was reticulonodular pattern in 20 patients (19.4 %), and pleural effusion detected in 7 patients (6.7%). PFT was abnormal in 30 patients (29.1 %). A significant decrease of FEF 25%-75% below 1.64 SD. Small airway involvements was the most abnormal finding of PFT. No relation between rheumatoid arthritis disease activity (ESR>30, Morning stiffness>30', Anemia, thrombocytosis) with pulmonary disease was seen.
Conclusion: This study suggests a high prevalence of lung involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Therefore we recommend a complete investigation in patients with RA with any respiratory symptom.
S.z.ghodsi, Z.n. Hatmi, A. Nikfarjam, F. Safar, P.noormohammadpoor, M. Asheghan,
Volume 64, Issue 3 (1 2006)
Abstract
Background: Acne is one of the most common skin diseases especially in adolescence. Different studies have reported unequal rates of facial acne prevalence in different countries and populations. Only a few cases of acne in the trunk area (back and chest) have been reported in literature. Although our clinical experience shows lower prevalence of truncal acne in comparison with facial acne, a community based study is needed to support this experience.
Methods: A total number of 1001 high school students, selected randomly from 5 out of 20 education-ministry subdivisions of Tehran, were included. In each area two high schools (one for boys and one for girls) with almost 100 students per high school were selected. Demographic data, family history and clinical findings were recorded in the questionnaires. Consensus Conference on Acne Classification was used for acne grading.
Results: One thousand one high school students, 503 girls and 498 boys ,were included. Prevalence of acne was 91.1% for face (95%CI: 83-99%), 93.4% in boys and 88.6% in girls. It was 53.4% for back (95%CI: 46-62.2%), 58.5% in boys and 36.9% in girls. Whereas for chest the prevalence was 36% (95%CI: 27-45%), 34.9% in boys and 36.9% in girls. Mean age of the students with truncal acne was 16.1 years where as 15.9 in others. This difference was significant (P<0.05). Positive family history was higher in students with truncal acne (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Truncal acne is less prevalent than facial acne. Acne on the back is significantly higher in boys than girls (P=0.002). Severe forms of acne in back may be more prevalent in boys. Positive family history can increase the risk of truncal acne.
Z. Safaii Naraghi, M. Bahadori, A.h. Ehsani, R. Mahmoud Robati, M. Ghiasi, Z. Nozan,
Volume 64, Issue 5 (1 2006)
Abstract
Background: Malignant melanoma is one of the fatal cutaneous neoplasms which are curable by early diagnosis. This neoplasm is diagnosed by the biopsy of the suspected lesion. It is essential to classify the tumor based on its histology, thickness, phase of growth, level of invasion, mitotic rate, presence of regression, inflammatory infiltration and ulceration. These descriptions yield some knowledge about the progression of disease and suggest an estimate of the status of the screening system for early diagnosis.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study. Pathological slides with diagnosis of malignant melanoma from 1377 to 1379 that present in the pathology department were assessed according to mentioned pathological indices and the 10-year survival calculated in this regard.
Results: We assessed 47 cases with mean age of 57.38 (SD=5.85) and the gender distribution was 51.1% male and 42.2% female. More than 42% of cases were in Clarke level I, 2.1% Clarke level II, 6.4% Clarke level III, 40.4% Clarke level IV and 8.5% Clarke level V. Fifty three percent of patients were breslow thickness equal to or less than 0.75 millimeter(mm) , 8.5% between 0.76 to 1.69 mm , 27.7% between 1.7 to 3.6 mm and 10.6% greater than 3.61 mm. Mean breslow thickness show no significant difference between males and females but there is a significant relation between thickness and age of the patients. Mean 10-year survivals of patients were 75% and were greater in females than males. We found a linear relation between patient age and breslow thickness that is calculated by the following equation: Log Breslow thickness (mm) = - 0.625 + 0.016×age (year)
Conclusion: Complete recording of clinical and pathological data of patients with malignant melanoma make a proper stream to reach a surveillance system.
S.m. Safavi, M. Rohbani, F. Forouzanfar,
Volume 64, Issue 6 (3 2006)
Abstract
Background: Hypertention and diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. studies have shown that microalbuminuria is a strong predictor of cardiov-ascular disease in different population.In this study the relation of microalbuminuria with diabetes and hypertention as risk factors of atherosclerosis disease were investi-gated.
Methods: Two hundered twenty eight patients with angiographically confirmed coronary atherosclerotic lesions, (mean age 60 ± 0.5 SD) referred to Madani Hospital, Tabriz, Iran were studied .This patients according to the number of diseased vessels were classified in two groups. The levels of glucose and creatinine and that of post parandial glucose were determined in venous blood samples by standard methods. Immunoturbidimetric method was employed in the measurement of microalbuminuria. The results were analysed by statistical tests.
Results: The increased albumin/creatinine ratio was markedly correlated with fasting blood sugar, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05 in all cases). Significant correlation was noticed between microalbuminuria, diabetes according to the extension of the disease lesions (P < 0.05). No relationship was observed between microalbumin-uria, high levels of blood pressure according to the number of diseased vessels (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The relationship between diabetes and microalbuminuria was meaningful. According to atherosclerotic lesions a marked correlation was also noticed between microalbuminuria and diabetes. These facts may contribute to the higher cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. An associated between hypertension and microalbuminuria was noticed. The result suggests that although risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are known to cause cardiovascular disease, microalbuminuria may in fact be a better indicator of established microvascular damage and better predictor of cardiov-ascular events.
Jafari S, Soltanpour F, Soudbakhsh A, Safavi E, Rokni Yazdi H, Navipour R, Hajizadeh E,
Volume 64, Issue 8 (13 2006)
Abstract
Background: Community-acquired pneumonia could be a life-threatening condition especially in elderly patients. The factors influencing the outcome in elderly patients are thought to be different from those in young adults. We compared the clinical and paraclinical profiles in elderly and nonelderly patients with community-acquired pneumonias.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, seventy nine patients who were hospitalized with community acquired pneumonia over a period of one year were included. Patients' medical records were reviewed and data related to comorbid conditions, signs and symptoms, laboratory and radiographic findings were gathered using a checklist.
Results: The clinical features, laboratory parameters and complications from pneumonia were almost similar in 41 elderly (group I, age ≥65years) and 38 young (group II, age<65years) subjects. Delirium was seen more in elderly group (p=0.05). The average body temperature and pulse rate were significantly higher in nonelderly group. Sixty one percent of elderly patients and 21% of young patients have Po2 less than 60 (p=0.02). Smoking (29.1%), neurological disturbances (19%), congestive heart failure (15.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus (13.9%) were associated comorbidities in both groups. In non elderly group, immune compromise and IV drug use were more common as underlying comorbid conditions. Two of three mortalities were due to elder patients.
Conclusion: Community acquired pneumonia could have more serious clinical and abnormal laboratory features in the elderly than younger patients. Mortality rate may be higher in older patients. Comorbid conditions are frequently seen in both elderly and nonelderly patients with community acquired pneumonia, but IV drug use and immune compromise are more frequent in nonelderly patients.
Afsarian Smh, Zaini F, Kordbacheh P, Mahmoudi M, Rezaii S, Safara M,
Volume 64, Issue 12 (6 2006)
Abstract
Background: I Infections due to Candida spp. have increased dramatically in recent years through a rising number of predisposing factors and immunocompromised hosts. Although Candida albicans is the most prevalent and important causative agent of Candida infections, the importance of C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii and C. kefyr have increased significantly as they tend to be more resistant to antifungal agents. Therefore, it is critical that infecting Candida spp. be identified and considered. Furthermore, clinical laboratories may need to expand their yeast identification capabilities in order to facilitate rapid identification of clinical yeast isolates.
Methods: In a discroptive – analytic study, the patients suspected of candidiasis were sampled. Direct examination and culture was carried out for all specimens. The isolated yeast colonies were then identified using various different tests such as culture on corn mealagar tween-80, CHROMagar Candida, and assimilation test by API 20C AUX kit.
Results: In the present study, 304 yeast colonies were isolated from referral patients to mycology laboratory of 304 isolated colonies 204 were identified as C. albicans and 100 were identified as non albicans candida as follow 35% C. parapsilosis, 32% C. tropicalis, 8% C. glabrata, 8% C. kefyer, 6% C. krusei, 3% C. guilliermondii, 3% C. famata, 3% C. lusitaniae, 1% C. zeilanoides and 1% C. homicola. C. parapsilosis was the most frequent species. The result showed that clinical specimens were obtained from various infected sites of body and nail samples (59 cases) were found to be the most frequent among those specimens.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our results suggest that no single phenotypic test has proven to be highly effective for definitive identification. Moreover since these organisms can vary greatly in their susceptibility to the current antifungal agent and causing significant patient management problem therefore evaluation of susceptibility of these isolates against antifungal drugs is need to be investigated.
Aghajanzadeh M, Safarpoor F, Khoshrang H, Mohammadzadeh A, Khatmi N,
Volume 64, Issue 12 (6 2006)
Abstract
Background: Pain control after posterolateral thoracotomy is very important for adequate respiration and to reduce pulmonary complications. Narcotic-induced respiratory depression requires different intercostal nerve block procedures with local anesthesia, such as bupivacaine, through an extrapleural catheter, paravertebral catheter and intrapleural injection in order to control pain and reduce narcotics consumption. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of bupivacain versus normal saline (N/S) in pain control after thoracotomy.
Methods: In a single-blind clinical trial, forty patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients each. Group 1 (G.1) received a single dose (10 ml) of bupivacaine 0.5%, followed by continuous infusion of N/S (0.1 ml/kg/h) four hours after surgery. Group 2 (G.2) received a single dose (10 ml) of bupivacaine 0.5%, followed by a continuous infusion of bupivacaine (0.1 ml/kg/h) four hours after surgery. Postoperative pain was assessed every four hours for 48 hours by linear visual analog scale (VAS). If VAS > 5, then pethidine was injected at a dosage of 1 mg/kg/IM. VAS ≤ 3 was considered pain control.
Results: TThe mean VAS at 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours after surgery in G.1 was 7.6, 5.5, 6.6, 5.5 and 5.7, respectively, and in G.2 was 3.4, 3.7, 2.8, 2.1 and 1.9, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups (for 12 hours P<0.001 and for other time points P=0.0001). During the 4-24 hour period after surgery, pain control in G.1 was 5% and in G.2 was 81%. The mean VAS at 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 hours after surgery in G.1 was 5.2, 5, 5.3, 4.4, 5.1, and 4.8, respectively, and in G.2 was 1.6, 1.8, 1.5, 1.6, 1.5 and 1.4, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.0001). In the first 24 hours, the mean of pethidine injection in G.1 was 3.7 and in G.2 was 0.6 (P<0.0001). In the second 24 hours, the mean pethidine injection in G.1 was 2.2 and in G.2 there was no need for pethidine (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: Continuous extrapleural infusion of bupivacaine is effective in pain control and decreasing demand for narcotics after thoracotomy.
Safarpour Gh, Navabi M A, Radmehr H, Salehi M, Soleimani A A, Meisami A P, Sanatkarfar M,
Volume 65, Issue 3 (2 2007)
Abstract
Background: The Fontan operation is the definitive operation for palliation of complex congenital heart disease with single –ventricle physiology. The use of the extra cardiac conduit has recently been gaining popularity. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of extra cardiac conduit Fontan procedure (off-pump technique) and that of traditional technique (lateral tunnel technique) in which cardiopulmonary bypass is routinely used.
Methods: Forty one patients in different age groups underwent extra cardiac conduit Fontan procedure between April 2001 and December 2004. Data were collected from ICU sheets, files and during follow up visits. Under general anesthesia and through median sternotomy, using two temporary decompressing shunts, superior vena cava implanted on right pulmonary artery and a conduit interposed between transected inferior vena cava and main pulmonary artery. Fenestration was done in almost all patients and previous shunts were closed if there were any.
Results: Of our patients, 13 were female and 28 were male. Mean age of the patients was 11.1 years (SD=7.8).In 24.4% of cases Fontan procedure was done as the first palliative surgery and in 75.6% of them there was previous history of palliative procedures. In 6 patients (14.6%) we were constrained to use cardiopulmonary bypass which was predictable or necessary in 50% of cases. There was no reoperation due to post operative bleeding. Two cases suffered from prolonged plural effusion. Our in-hospital mortality was 9.8%. During 2-24 months follow up, we found two cases who were in NYHA functional class II and one case in functional class I.
Conclusion: Extra cardiac conduit Fontan procedure could be used in a safe way. The results of this study were comparable and even in some cases better than that of the traditional technique.
Golmohammadi T, Ansari M, Nikzamir A, Safary R, Elahi S,
Volume 65, Issue 8 (3 2007)
Abstract
Background: Lead poisoning has proven to be one of the most important environmental health problems among developing countries with both direct and indirect effects on human life. Lead is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta, and accumulates in soft and hard tissues. Lead can be excreted in urine, stool, milk, sweat, nails and saliva. During pregnancy and lactation, lead is released from bones into the blood along with Ca2+. The toxic effects of lead on various human tissues have been studied extensively, but few studies have addressed its impact on fetal development during pregnancy. Blood levels of lead are higher in people living in lead-polluted regions. It has been reported that Tehran (central and southern parts) is the most problematic city in terms of lead poisoning.
Methods: From 86 sets of mothers and newborns in a non-polluted area of rural Rasht, Iran, we examined specimens of maternal blood, cord blood and colostrum (86×3=258) and specimens from 85 sets of mothers and newborns in a polluted area of Tehran, Iran (85×3=255) for lead levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and analyzed the results by t-test, SPSS, and linear regression.
Results: The mean blood lead concentrations of mothers, cord blood of newborns and colostrum were 7.6±4.1, 5.9±3 and 4.2±2.5 μg/dl, respectively, in the non-polluted area and 9.1±8.4, 6.5±5.2 and 5.8±5.5 μg/dl, respectively, in the polluted area. The mean weights of the newborns in non-polluted and polluted areas were 3.2±0.5 kg and 3.2±4.5 kg, respectively.
Conclusions: Our data revealed an association between mean concentrations in blood lead of mothers and newborns and between mean concentrations of colostrum lead and newborn blood lead in both areas (p=0.01). There was no association between mean blood lead concentration of mothers with the weight of their newborns (p=0.89).
