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The presence of atrioventricular accessory pathway can cause heart failure due to the disorder of cardiac depolarization sequence: a case report
Babak Payami, Shirin Azizidoost , Naem Mansouri ,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare but well-known disease that predisposes a person to cardiac arrhythmias. But sometimes this syndrome is accompanied by heart failure in the affected person. Several causes have been proposed for this complication including recurrent or incessant tachyarrhythmias that are frequently found in symptomatic (especially children) Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome patients causing heart dysfunction and dilation and dilated cardiomyopathy, and also pre-excitation-related dyssynchrony leading to progressive ventricular remodeling and dilation. In this report, a patient is introduced who has improved his heart failure by radio-frequency ablation of free wall type of this syndrome.
Case Presentation: A 35-year-old man who had a history of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome from 8 years ago and suffered from dilatation and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in recent years was presented with a pre-excited atrial fibrillation attack at the emergency department. The initial surface ECG showed positive delta wave in all precordial leads and negative QRS complexes in interior leads with QRS duration of about 200 ms. He had undergone electrophysiology study and ablation at the left postero-lateral accessory pathway. After ablation of accessory pathway within the months (from November 2022 until June 2023), left ventricular function was gradually improved and the symptoms of the patient's shortness of breath were also decreased.
Conclusion: The existence of heart failure in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can be due to various reasons including the presence of an accessory pathway and the dyssynchrony of intraventricular contraction which is caused by premature excitation of the connected part of the left ventricle by accessory atrioventricular pathway. Although in order to rule out the possibility of the incidental association of the accessory pathway with primary dilated cardiomyopathy and to investigate the segmental dyskinesia, it is necessary to perform diagnostic measures such as echocardiography and cardiac computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, ablation of such accessory pathway not only controls arrhythmic attacks but also leads to the improvement of the left ventricular systolic function even in a middle age patient.

Inspiring managers in the Iranian health system; now more than ever: a letter to editor
Mohammadreza Sheikhy-Chaman , Neda Hoseini Abforosh, Aghdas Souresrafil, Vahid Makhtoumi,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract

Comparison of short-term outcomes of vasopressin and tranexamic acid in acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Seyed Arash Yazdanbakhsh, Simin Najafgholian, Arash Izadpanah , Mohammad Parohan, Azim Forozan, Amir Almasi Heshiani ,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the critical emergencies with good prognosis if properly managed. Combination of drug has had the best possible clinical results to stabilize the hemodynamic status of these patients. Therefore, in this study, the short-term consequences of simultaneous administration of vasopressin and tranexamic acid were compared.
Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study that was conducted from November 2018 to November 2019 at Valiasr Hospital in Arak 120 eligible patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding were included. Patients were divided into four groups of 30. In the first group (TXA) the common treatment with tranexamic acid was first infused at the rate of 10mg/kg as an initial dose over 20 minutes and then received to 1mg/kg per hour as a maintenance dose for up to four hours. The second group (VP group) received common treatment with infusion of 30 units per hour for six hours. The third group (R group) received only conventional treatments and the fourth group (TXA+VP group) received both tranexamic acid and vasopressin along with conventional treatment. The amount of light blood lose and vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate and Hg, BUN , CR , NA, K, BS, PT, PTT, INR were checked.
Results: In this study, the vasopressin group had a greater decrease in hemoglobin (p≤0.05), the increase in blood urea was less in the two groups that received vasopressin than the other two groups (p≤0.05). The group of tranexamic acid had much better conditions than the group of vasopressin, in terms of hematochezia or hematemesis interruption, need for blood transfusion, re-bleeding, need for endoscopy and emergency surgery, and adding vasopressin to tranexamic acid also led to improved outcomes (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that the concurrent use of tranexamic acid and vasopressin in upper gastrointestinal bleeding improves renal function and stops bleeding and reduces the risk of re-bleeding, the need for blood transfusion and endoscopic and surgical intervention. Its long-term results need further study.

Comparison of Liver stiffness Prevalence in Diabetics and Prediabetics
Elena Lak , Eskandar Hajiani, Jalal Sayyah , Zeynab Hosseinpour , Alireza Sedaghat,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes is known to be linked with a high risk of liver stiffness in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients. Previous studies have faced challenges in examining the association between prediabetes and liver stiffness. This study aimed to compare liver fibrosis in diabetes and prediabetes patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients with diabetes and prediabetes who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from March 2022 to March 2023. The study aimed to clear the relationship between liver stiffness and age, gender, BMI, AST, ALT, ALKP, Bilirubin, and the type of treatment. The normality of quantitative variables was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The chi-square test examined two qualitative variables with more than two levels.
Results: Out of the total participants, 53 people (63.9%) had diabetes, while 30 people (36.1%) had prediabetes. There was a significant difference between the mean severity of liver fibrosis in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients (P=0.014). The frequency of liver stiffness in all levels except in the group with mild or no fibrosis (F0-F1) was higher in diabetic than pre-diabetic patients. In both diabetes and prediabetes groups, there was no significant relationship between gender, age, BMI, ALT, and ALKP with liver fibrosis. However, there was a significant direct relationship between HbA1C% and liver fibrosis (P≥0.003) in both groups. In diabetic patients, a significant relationship between FBS and liver fibrosis was observed (P=0.001). In pre-diabetic patients, significant direct relationship was seen between the severity of liver fibrosis and AST levels (P=0.026).
Conclusion: Diabetic patients showed a higher severity of liver fibrosis compared to pre-diabetic patients. No statistically significant relationship was seen between liver fibrosis and age, sex, body mass index, ALT, and ALKP in both groups. Additionally, both diabetes and prediabetes groups showed significant relationship between liver fibrosis and HbA1C (P≥0.003). Prediabetes was also found to be associated with an elevated risk of liver fibrosis.

Survival Analysis of the Length of Hospital Stay of Suspected Stroke Patients Transferred by EMS to Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad
Razieh Yousefi , Payam Sasannejad, Eisa Nazar, Ali Hadianfar, Mohammad Taghi Shakeri., Zahra Jafari ,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Identifying factors that influence the length of hospital stay for suspected stroke patients is crucial for optimizing the utilization of hospital resources. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the length of hospital stay for suspected stroke patients transferred to Qaem Hospital in Mashhad through emergency services using survival analysis.
Methods: In this historical cohort study, general information was gathered for all suspected stroke patients who sought emergency services in Mashhad, the largest city in northeast Iran, from March 21, 2018, to March 20, 2019, and were then transferred to the Emergency Department of Qaem Hospital. Pre-hospital emergency data were integrated with hospital records using the mission ID. The primary outcome assessed in the study was the length of hospital stay, with model implementation carried out using the statistical software Stata.
Results: The median hospitalization time until patients' recovery was  seven days. Out of the 578 participants, 386 cases (66.8%) recovered, while the remaining 190 cases (33.2%) were censored (83 individuals had died during the study, and 107 individuals had exited the hospital for other reasons). The average age of patients at the time of hospitalization was 71.13±13.01 years. Statistical analysis employing Log-rank and Breslow tests identified a significant difference in hospitalization duration among patients receiving various levels of care and based on their insurance status. During multivariate analysis, the Cox regression model was considered unsuitable due to some variables not meeting the proportional hazards assumption, leading to the utilization of AFT models. Following the evaluation of AFT models, including Log-normal, Log-logistic, Exponential, and Weibull, the log-normal model emerged as the most suitable choice, exhibiting AIC and BIC values of 1273.909 and 1356.740, respectively. Significant variables influencing length of stay included patient admission priority, insurance status, season, and residency status.
Conclusion: The study suggests that parametric survival models are effective for analyzing lifetime data. Additionally, in light of the significant variables identified, enhancing facility readiness and resource allocation could facilitate more efficient planning and implementation.

Evaluation of obstacles to receive tissue plasminogen activator in patients with acute ischemic stroke in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Urmia
Hamidreza Mehryar, Payman Atabaki, Abass Riyahi, Mohammad Reza Amiri Nikpour,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: The emergence of thrombolytic drugs has opened new horizons in the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke, and this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the barriers of receiving tissue plasminogen activator in patients with acute ischemic stroke in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Urmia.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 21, 2015 to March 19, 2016 on patients with acute ischemic stroke referred to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia using census sampling method. To collect data, a checklist containing demographic information was used. After collecting the data, it was entered into SPSS 18 and analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics.
Results: In this study, the results showed that out of 100 patients, most of the participants were male (58%)58 and the rest were female, and the average age was 63.71±17.3 years, and 86% were in the age range of 18-80 years, which was the appropriate age to receive or thrombolytics. and the rest were over 80 years old. The fastest visit time was 25 minutes and the latest was 10080 minutes (168 hours). Among these 40 people, only four people (40%) were in the golden time period of thrombolytic drug, i.e. Three hours from the onset of symptoms to the final evaluation. Among the four people who were placed in the golden time, in 50% of the cases there was a history of taking anticoagulants, in 25% a history of head injury, in 50% of the blood sugar less than 50 and finally 1 person (25% of the people placed in the golden time) that is, 1% of all patients were eligible to receive rtPA. About 24% of patients had NIHSS<4 and 2% had NIHSS>25, and the average number obtained was 10.
Conclusion: The most important obstacle in the timely initiation of thrombolytic therapy is the delay in visiting the emergency room. Therefore, public education in order to improve the level of general awareness of the society can be effective in reducing this time delay.

A guide for conducting exploratory factor analysis in medical science research using SPSS: a brief report
Jafar Hassanzadeh, Haleh Ghaem Maralani , Fatemeh Jafari , Aboubakr Jafarnezhad,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: It is necessary to examine different dimensions of psychometrics in different sciences, and paying attention to the accuracy and precision of the results can lead to the construction of reliable and valid tools; In this article, exploratory factor analysis has been done using SPSS software, version 26.
Methods: This research was a brief report that was conducted between 30 January 2023 to 10 October 2023. Reliability means reproducibility and continuity of results in the same conditions, and validity means matching the test with the purpose for which it was designed. Validity includes face, content, criterion and construct validity. To determine construct validity, various methods are used including: convergent validity, divergent validity, internal consistency and factor analysis. Factor analysis is a method that aims to simplify a complex set of data and allows researchers to find a specific pattern among many variables and complex relationships between them which includes exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis is a statistical technique that is used to estimate hidden factors or variables and reduce the large number of variables.
Results: exploratory factor analysis is a statistical method that is used by reducing the number of variables and exploring the underlying structure of a large set of variables with the aim of discovering factors or hidden variables, and its basic assumption is that any variable may be related to any factor. It tries to use factor loadings to discover the factorial structure of the data and by identifying the basic structures, grouping the factors by considering the common meaning of the variables.
Conclusion: Reliability means repeatability and validity of the degree of accuracy of the results which are measured through different methods. Exploratory factor analysis uses construct validity measurement methods to simplify the data and provide more reliable and valid tools, so it is very important to pay attention to the accurate and correct measurement of the results in the validation of health system tools.

Investigating the effectiveness of Sodae herbal capsule on migraine headaches and comparing it with sodium valproate
Daryoush Afshari, Mansour Rezaei, Mojtaba Khazaei, Negin Fakhri ,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: One of the first-line treatments to prevent migraine attacks is Sodium Valproate. "Booali Daroo" pharmaceutical company has made a herbal capsule called Sodae based on traditional Iranian medicine. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of Sodae and Sodium Valproate on migraine headaches.
Methods: This two-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 2021 and July 2022 in the cities of Kermanshah and Hamadan. In this study, 76 migraine patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received routine medication with Soda capsules and the other group received routine medication with Valproate capsules. Tow group were examined and followed up for three months. Data related to demographic and clinical information of patients were collected and entered into SPSS software version 25. Data analysis was done with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Overall, 76 patients assessed (36 in the Sodae group and 40 in the Valproate group). The reduction of headache indicators was not significant between the two groups; in such a way that: the frequency (7.49±6.1 vs. 5.75±4.5, P=0.183), the severity (5.66±1.6 vs. 6.34±1.8, P=0.089), the duration of attacks (23.48±30.5 vs. 32.35±32.6, P=0.069), and the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (53.94±77.3 vs. 95.94±104.2, P=0.061) respectively in Valproate and Sodae. Examining different classes of MIDAS score showed that at the end of the study compared to the beginning of the study, the number of people with severe disability decreased significantly and their disability changed from severe disability to lower degrees of disability (P<0.05). The frequency of side effects was not significantly different between the two groups (12 patients (35%) in Sodae versus 21 patients (55%) in Valproate, P=0.090).
Conclusion: In terms of frequency, intensity and duration of migraine headaches as well as side effects, there was no significant difference between Sodium Valproate and Sodae groups.

Evaluating the Correlation between Liver Size and Fatty Liver Progression in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Maryam Behmaram, Mohammad Ghasem Hanafi, Ahmad Fakhri Zadeh , Mahsa Akhavan Sabagh , Elham Farhadi,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract


Background: Increasing the prevalence of non-contagious and chronic disorders such as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) takes the attention of researchers. NAFLD recognized by abnormal accumulation in the liver tissue. The aim of present study is investigating the association between liver size liver enzymes and degree of fatty liver in patients with NAFLD.
Methods: Based on the inclusion criteria, 100 Patients were selected from those referred to the radiology and ultrasonography clinic in Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, for fatty liver evaluation. The study was carried out during May 2022 to April 2023. Liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were measured. Based on the ultrasonography results, patients were divided into four groups: healthy, mild fatty liver, moderate fatty liver, and severe fatty liver. Ultrasonography was carried out by an experienced expert. All demographic information of patients was collected. Data were analyzed by SPSS (V25).
Results: According to ultrasonography results, the mean of span was 148.4 ± 14.7 cm, which was significantly higher in patients with grade II of NAFLD (P<0.001). Further analysis revealed the highest difference between grades I and II (P<0.001). Also, a significant difference between grades II and III and grades III and I were found  (P<0.001). Our data showed a significant relationship between body mass index (BMI) and NAFLD grades (P<0.001). The mean of BMI in grade I was significantly lower than in grades II and III (P<0.05). Our findings demonstrated that the mean of ALT in grade I was significantly lower than in grades II and III (P<0.05). In this line, the highest AST level was seen in grade III (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Our study showed that as NAFLD progresses, the enzymes and size of the liver increase. Based on ultrasound findings, the increasing liver size suggests NAFLD grade II, while the rise in AST and BMI suggests NAFLD grade II -III and progression of cirrhosis.

Creation of the suitable natural human kidney scaffold: comparison of 2 decellularization methods
Samira Shahraki , Mahmoud Tavakkoli, Abolfazl Khajavirad, Maryam Moghadam Matin , Mohammad Aslzare ,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract
Background: A range of diseases can result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, renal transplantation as the most effective treatment for managing ESRD. Tissue engineering presents a considerable opportunity to expand the available supply of donor organs for kidney transplants. The aim of this research was to develop a suitable technique for preparing decellularized kidney scaffolds from human tissues.
Methods: The present study was carried out from April 2019 to August 2019 in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. In this study, two decellularization protocols were compared using sections of human kidney tissue. Therefore, two human kidneys which collected from Ghaem and Imam Reza hospitals were used. In the first protocol, detergents such as 1% Triton X-100 (1A) and 1% SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) (1B) were employed, followed by the application of DNase I. The second protocol utilized 0.5% SDS (2A) and 1% SDS (2B). The effectiveness of these techniques was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), DNA quantification, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results:  Based on H&E staining results, comparison of the decellularized and native human kidney tissues showed a successful elimination of cell nuclei and the ameliorate extracellular matrix preservation in triton-treated scaffolds (1A) in comparison with the SDS-treated scaffolds (1B) at all times protocols. Furthermore, DNA quantification illustrated triton X-100 in removing DNA was more effective in eliminating DNA from kidney tissues compared to other protocols in renal tissues. In addition, IHC staining demonstrated that the expression of collagen IV and laminin was preserved throughout the decellularization process with Triton X-100 on day fifth. Also, IHC staining indicated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) was completely eliminated in the cortex-medulla of human scaffolds treated with Triton X-100 within day fifth.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that triton X-100 outperformed SDS as a detergent for decellularizing human kidneys. Meanwhile these results indicate suitable method for decellularization of human kidneys to produce functional kidneys.

 
Survey of pregnancy outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes
Azam Zafarbakhsh, Elham Fateminia, Anahita Babak, Somayeh Khanjani, Mamak Shariat, Fedyeh Haghollahi,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract
Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) significantly impacts perinatal mortality and maternal-fetal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of maternal risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes and the role of care in the occurrence of outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 317 pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan, between April 2020 and April 2022. Data were collected from medical records, including demographic information, risk factors, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients were categorized into two groups: those receiving care (24-34 weeks of gestation) and those undergoing pregnancy termination (less than 24 weeks or more than 34 weeks). The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, while the T-student test was applied for quantitative variables.
Results: In this study, the average age of patients was 29.42±6.56 years. The most common risk factors for PPROM were 20.2% for abortion records, 20.2% for urinary infections, 18% for cervical insufficiency, and 13.6% for gestational diabetes. Comparing maternal outcomes between the two groups revealed that chorioamnionitis occurred more frequently in the care group (18% vs. 2%, P=0.0001), as did emergency cesarean sections (37% vs. 4.5%, P=0.0001) and NICU hospitalization (71% vs. 17%, P=0.001). In the next stage, a regression test identified the independent effects of variables on maternal and newborn outcomes without intervention or confounding factors. The analysis indicated that mothers in the care group experienced significantly more complications than those in the pregnancy termination group, and their babies also faced significantly more complications.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that a history of abortion, urinary infections, cervical insufficiency, and gestational diabetes are significant risk factors for PPROM. Expectant management of PPROM is associated with more neonatal and maternal complications than pregnancy termination. Thus, timely identification of these risk factors allows healthcare providers to educate mothers and potentially prevent and manage them, significantly reducing the incidence of PPROM and its complications.

Effects of EN12791-based surgical scrub with tgsept al plus on normal flora of hands among operating room staff in Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital of Tehran
Vahid Malekzadeh, Shadi Sheikhizadeh , Mohadeseh Taklo, Hossein Jamalifar, Younes Ghaseminezhad Koshali , Hassan Khorramian, Hossein Naseri ,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract
Background: Considering the emergence of new diseases, increased prevalence of nosocomial infections, and microbial resistance in recent years, it is necessary to disinfect the hands with a suitable hand sanitizer, as instructed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This is because hand hygiene is the most important way to control infections. Surgical hand antisepsis protocols emphasize the importance of both mechanical cleaning and antimicrobial action to effectively eliminate microbial contamination. Recommendations from organizations such as the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) underscore this principle. While routine handwashing removes visible debris and transient microbes, surgical hand antisepsis requires additional steps and the use of antimicrobial agents. This may involve a surgical scrub with an antimicrobial soap or the application of an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). The latter approach has demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing microbial contamination compared to soap and water alone. Since a few compressive studies in Iran have dealt with global standards for disinfectants, this study investigated the effects of surgical scrub based on the European standards with TGSept AL Plus, produced by the research team of Tajhiz Gostar Sharif , on normal flora of hands in a group of the operating room medical staff in Hazrat Fatemeh Plastic Surgery and Repair Hospital of Tehran, in 2023.
Methods: This study evaluated the short-term durability and effectiveness of this solution according to the EN12791 standard on microorganisms and microbial contamination reduction. To this end, 30 members of the surgical team were randomly selected. The bacterial sampling was performed three times: after washing the hands with common detergents, after hand scrubbing with the studied disinfectant (about 90 seconds), and three hours after surgery. The samples were immediately transferred to a laboratory for swap culture and pour plate test.
Results: Then bacterial colonies were counted, contamination reduction was measured, and the shelf life of the solution was determined according to the standards.  Results showed that a 60-to-90-second scrub with an alcohol-based disinfectant is the best way to reduce hand contamination and, thereby, nosocomial infections.
Conclusion: Based on the study findings, alcohol-based solutions can be recommended for surgical scrubs, according to WHO guidelines.

Evaluation of the frequency of drug interactions in patients admitted to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia in the first half of 2020
Hamidreza Mehryar , Sahil Farakh,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract
Background: Medicines that are used to prevent and cure disease may affect patients if used incorrectly, and this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the frequency of drug interactions in patients admitted to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia.
Methods: This study is descriptive-analytical in a cross-sectional way, From March 20, 2020 to September 21, 2020, a census was conducted on patients admitted to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia, who were 1901 people. The data was collected using a checklist that included information (age, sex, type of drug and severity of interference and type of interference). After collecting the data, it was entered into SPSS software, version 18 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA) and analyzed with the help of descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: In this study, the results showed that out of 1901 studied patients, 1101(57.9) were male and the rest were female 801(42.1), And the average age of the patients was 61.67±17.13 years, and 1160(60.9) patients did not have drug interactions and 724(39.01) had drug interactions, and the most common type of drug interaction was the moderate type, which was present in 75.1% of cases; And the final clinical outcome of the patients was 1088(57.2) discharge, 296(15.5) personal consent discharge and 506(26.6) death. Also, the most common drug interactions were serotide/salbutamol, azithromycin/ondansetron, and aspirin/nitroglycerin, respectively. And there was no significant relationship between the occurrence of drug interactions and the gender of patients (P=0.27) and finally, the average age of patients with drug interactions was 17.7±61.2 years and in patients without drug interactions was 16.7±61.9 years. Conclusion: The overall incidence of drug interactions in the studied patients was equal to 39.01, and the most common drug interactions in patients were of moderate and mild type; and there was no statistically significant relationship between the age of the patients and the gender of the patients and the incidence of drug interactions.

 

The effect of dexamethasone on controlling nausea and vomiting after cesarean surgery
Seyedeh Fatemeh Hosseini Nejad , Mahshid Vaziri, Ahmad Reza Mohtadi, Elham Kargar Zadeh , Mohammad Pakzadi,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract
Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common challenge in cesarean surgeries, on the other hand, the use of dexamethasone has been proposed as an effective prophylaxis in the management of these complications. This study evaluated the effect of dexamethasone in reducing PONV.
Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized and double-blind clinical trial from April 2022 to September 2023 at Razi Hospital of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz. Elective cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups of 30 people. In this research, there were two groups: a group that received 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone (Iran company) and a placebo group that received normal saline. The injections were done before the start of anesthesia, and both groups had received 500 cc of normal saline serum before drug injection. During the surgery and after that at specific time intervals, parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting were recorded through the V&N scoring table and shivering through the shivering scoring table. Recorded 1/2/4/6/12 after surgery.
Results: In this study the investigated variable is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), since the investigated variable is a qualitative/nominal variable, to calculate the sample size from the formula P1- P2 ∕√P(1-P) used. The significance level of the tests is considered to be less than 0.05 and data analysis was done with SPSS type 23 software. Although no significant difference was observed between dexamethasone and placebo in the first hour after the operation, in the following hours, dexamethasone significantly reduced nausea and vomiting, on the other hand, heart rate and blood pressure decreased faster in the groups receiving dexamethasone.
Conclusion: Dexamethasone is significantly effective in reducing nausea and vomiting after cesarean surgery. It also has a positive role in reducing the heart rate and blood pressure and This drug is particularly effective in controlling complications after spinal anesthesia after the operation.

Primary pyogenic spinal infection: a review article
Seyed Hasan Emami Razavi , Mohammadreza Salehi, Hooshang Saberi , Mohammad Zarei, Babak Mirzashahi, Pegah Afarinesh, Sepideh Khodaparast,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract
Primary pyogenic spinal infection, also known as spondylodiscitis or vertebral osteomyelitis, is a serious and potentially debilitating condition involving a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disc space and adjacent vertebral bodies. While relatively uncommon, with an estimated incidence of 2.4 per 100,000 population per year, it is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent spinal damage and neurological complications. The most common causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus, which accounts for up to 50% of cases, followed by Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, and mycobacterial infections like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Risk factors for developing primary pyogenic spinal infection include intravenous drug use, a weakened immune system, recent spinal surgery or instrumentation, and contiguous spread from an infection elsewhere in the body, such as a urinary tract infection or endocarditis. Patients typically present with severe, localized back pain, fever, and general malaise, which can easily be mistaken for more common spinal conditions. Prompt diagnosis is critical and involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and advanced imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Blood cultures and, in some cases, image-guided biopsy may be necessary to identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The mainstay of treatment is the prompt initiation of targeted antibiotic or antifungal therapy, often requiring intravenous administration for several weeks. Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases, such as to drain an abscess or provide spinal stabilization. A multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, spine surgeons, and rehabilitation providers is essential for optimal management and outcomes. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, primary pyogenic spinal infection remains a challenging condition. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to devastating complications, including permanent spinal deformity, paralysis, and even death. With timely and appropriate management, however, most patients are able to achieve a good clinical outcome, though some may experience residual pain or neurological deficits.

Investigating the role of ultrasound in diagnosing malignant axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer in patients referred to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz
Fatemeh Khaksarmadani, Azim Motamedfar, Mohammad Momen Gharibvand,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers among women worldwide and remains a major cause of mortality. The axillary lymph node (ALN) status, especially in the absence of distant metastasis, is a significant prognostic indicator in breast cancer management. Non-invasive methods, such as ultrasound, have gained prominence in the diagnostic landscape, particularly for evaluating dense breast tissue where traditional imaging may have limitations. This study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting malignant ALNs among breast cancer patients.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 150 women diagnosed with breast cancer who visited Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, between 2021 and 2022. Patients were initially examined clinically, and subsequently, ALN evaluations were performed using a GE S6 logic ultrasound machine. Key radiologic parameters including lymph node size, morphology, cortical thickness, and vascular distribution were assessed. Stata software was used for data analysis, and pathology results were considered the gold standard to determine ultrasound’s sensitivity and specificity in detecting malignancy.
Results: We found 77.7% of the 150 patients had metastatic ALNs, indicating a high rate of lymphatic spread in this population. Ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 86.09% and a specificity of 51.52% in detecting malignant nodes. Radiological signs of cancer, like abnormal morphology and increased cortical thickness, were strongly linked to positive pathological findings. This shows that ultrasound is a useful tool for diagnosis.
Conclusion: The results indicate that ultrasound, as a non-invasive and accessible modality, can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying malignant ALNs in breast cancer patients. Integrating ultrasound with physical examination could enhance diagnostic precision, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures such as biopsies. However, more research is necessary to establish the role of ultrasound in clinical protocols and investigate its potential to guide customized treatment strategies. Such advancements could optimize patient outcomes, enhance resource allocation, and ultimately contribute to more effective breast cancer management.

Investigating the relationship between mother's vitamin D serum level and neonatal outcomes in Imam Khomeini Hospital
Masoomeh Asgar Shirazi , Zahra Omidi, Hossein Dalili , Mamak Shariat, Seyed Reza Raeeskarami, Zeynab Kaviani, Mojtaba Fazel,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women and can lead to maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the mother's vitamin D serum level and the infant's anthropometric indices and neurodevelopment.
Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on a group of pregnant women who visited Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran from September to March 2020. Demographic information and anthropometric characteristics of the newborn were collected using the medical record. Blood samples were collected at the time of delivery to evaluate the mother's vitamin D status, and serum vitamin D levels were measured using standard laboratory procedures. The neurodevelopment of infants was assessed at the age of 6 months through the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). Data analysis included using descriptive statistics to summarize maternal and neonatal characteristics. The relationships between maternal serum vitamin D levels, neonatal anthropometric indicators, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were examined through Spearman's rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: In total, 123 pregnant women participated in this study, with a mean age of 31.41 years (±5.75). The mean birth weight, height, and head circumference of the neonates were 3208.33 grams (±706.05), 34.32 cm (±3.91), and 50.33 cm (±2.30), respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlations between maternal serum vitamin D levels and the infants' weight (P=0.318), height (P=0.531), or head circumference (P=0.241). Furthermore, there was no significant association between maternal vitamin D levels and any of the assessed neurodevelopmental domains at six months (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:  While this study did not find a positive correlation between the mother's vitamin D serum level and the anthropometric indices and neurodevelopmental domains of infants at six months, it is important to interpret these results cautiously due to the study's limitations. Thus, it is advisable to conduct prospective cohort studies with large sample sizes in diverse demographics nationwide.

Assessment of male infertility causes in patients treated at Ahvaz's Imam Khomeini Hospital infertility center
Roshan Nikbakht, Samira Panahandeh, Farideh Moramezi, Maryam Farzaneh ,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract
Background: Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve conception after one year of unprotected intercourse. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with infertility in men referred to the infertility center at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz.
Methods: This descriptive study utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire during March 2016 to September 2019, involving 800 infertile couples with complete records. We extracted demographic data, including age, occupation, duration of infertility, smoking habits, surgical history, semen analysis, and sperm condition and quality from the files of these men referred to the IVF department. The collected details were systematically entered into an information form. Quantitative results are presented as mean±standard deviation, with differences of p<0.05 between groups deemed statistically significant.
Results: In this study, the average age of the men referred for evaluation was 33.5 years. The analysis of semen quality revealed a mean semen volume of 2.34 mL, which falls within the acceptable range for normal ejaculate volume, typically defined as being greater than 1.4 mL. The average sperm count recorded was 16,365,000 per mL. Additionally, our study demonstrated that only 5.8% of the sperm exhibited normal morphology. Sperm motility, another key factor in male fertility, averaged at 9.24%, significantly lower than the normal standard. Regarding employment status, a significant majority of participants were employed (89%), while 11% were unemployed. The surgical history among the referred men primarily included varicocelectomy (n=108), hemorrhoid surgery (n=29), urinary tract procedures (n=28), testicular hernia repairs (n=23), and appendectomies (n=18). Additionally, 24% of the subjects reported drug use, with a notable distinction made between smoking and other forms of drug use.
Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore significant concerns regarding male fertility among the referred men, particularly in terms of sperm count, motility, and morphology. These metrics suggest that many individuals may face challenges in achieving conception without medical intervention. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and improving reproductive outcomes for men facing infertility issues.

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