Tehran University Medical Journal

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Some of ICU patients with Acute Renal Failure (ARF) require dialysis. Conventional or intermittent hemodialysis (HD) may cause hypotension and insufficient loss of fluids and toxins from blood. Peritoneal dialysis also my cause peritonitis and has lower efficiency than HD. We did continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis (CVVHD) for three ICU patients with ARF in Saint-Zahra Medical Center for the first time in our country. Method and Material: With a polysulfone membrane, blood pump, peritoneal dialysis solution, heparin, and a fix nurse, HD was done for 12-24 hours. Results: 1) Urea clearance was 18-50 ml/h. 2) Ultrafiltration was 160-1000 ml/h. 3) With dialysis, hemorrhage, coagulation disorder, and oxygenation recovered. 4) All of patients developed hyperglycemia and hypothermia. 5) All of patients died (two with septicemia and one with hypotension). Conclusion: In the absence of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, CVVHD with present preliminary equipments is suitable and can excrete more toxins and fluids.

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Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in premature babies. The etiology of intraventricular hemorrhage is multifactorial. The role of normal vaginal delivery as a cause is controversial in literature. During recent years the incidence of cesarian section has been increasing in Iran and many other countries. In a prospective study we compared the incidence of IVH in premature babies who were born by cesarian section (C.S.) or vaginal delivery. In this study we investigated 84 premature babies at or before 34 weeks gestation who were admitted during 2 years period in NICU of Ali Asghar children hospital for IVH. 10 out of 31 neonates who were born by vaginal delivery had IVH (33%) and 18 out of 53 newborns were born by C.S. had IVH (34%). There was no statistically significant difference between 2 groups. Our study showed delivery by C.S. is no associate with lower incidence of IVH and should not be a reason for doing delivery by C.S.

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Meckels Diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of GI tract. Complications develop in about 4% of cases as an acute abdomen. During the last 12 years, 58 patients with Meckel's diverticulum were treated in Amir-Kabir children's hospital. The majority of our cases (84%, 49 from 58) were under 6 years of age, with boys outnumbering girls (4:1). Intestinal obstruction was the most common form of presentation, included 60% of symptomatic patients and lower GI bleeding was the second one and included 25% of symptomatic cases. 31% (18 cases) were found in laparotomy for other reasons (Asymptomatic). There were heterotopic gastric mucosa in all of 10 patients with lower GI bleeding out in 4 of 18 incidentally discovered cases. In conclusion the Meckel's diverticulum must be one of the primary concern, in the differential diagnosis of the pediatric patients with painless, moderate to massive rectal bleeding with or without clots, intestinal obstruction or abdominal pain of uncertain cause. Heterotopic tissue in Meckel's diverticulum has important role in occurrence of complications.

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The term histiocytosis refers to a group of idiopathic clinics entities characterized by diffuse proliferation of mature histiocytes associated with tumorlike masses of foamy reticuloendothelial cells containing lipoid droplets with variable number of eosinophiles and connective tissue. This cells causes tumorlike masses in the bones and other vicera in the body thus it may have very different clinical signs and symptoms. Also it may have acute and fulminant form or chronic and slowly progressive. We have an interesting case with multiple organ involvement and chronic otitis media with granulation in the external audiotory canal and perforation of tympanic membrane. The patient was 3 years old with diabetes insipidus and visceral involvement such as hepato-splenomegaly. Histologic diagnosis was Hand Schuller Christian disease.

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The development of testicular masses in male patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency has been recognized for many years. We present here the eighth and ninth reported patient with bilateral testicular tumors associated with 11 hydroxylase deficiency. They were two brothers aged 7.5 and 5 yr. who had bilateral testicular tumors and diagnosed because of signs and symptoms of true precocious puberty and high blood pressure. The patients testicular enlargement is suggestive of bilateral testicular adrenal rest.

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Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with radioactive iodine on the function of gonads in males and females with follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Materials and Methods: Consenting patients in the reproductive age were grouped according to the cumulative dose of received radioiodine and followed for at least 12 months. For all men, serum levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone were measured some (53 cases) were also studied by semen analysis. For women, tests for serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone were performed.

Results: Overall, 246 patients (159 females, 87 males) were studied. In 87.4% of men, there was an increase in serum FSH level after radioiodine therapy, in 20.7% of whom the level remained high during follow-up period. The average serum level of FSH after each course of treatment was significantly higher than the level before treatment (p<0.01), and there was a meaningful correlation with the cumulative dose of received iodine (p<0.001). Reduced number of sperms was shown in 35.8% of male patients, among whom 73.7% also showed reduced motility. In 36.8% of the patients with reduced sperm number (13.2% of the total), this finding was persistent during the follow-up period. Increased level of FSH was correlated with reduced sperm counts in all doses (p 

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Background: Difficult intubation (DI), often unexpected, remains a primary concern for anesthesiologists. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of ULBT with sternomental, thyromental and interincisor distances in predicting difficult intubation.

Methods: In a prospective study, 380 patients undergoing general anesthesia were included. In all patients sternomental, thyromental and inter-incisor distances and the ULBT score were evaluated preoperatively. The Cormack grade was determined after the induction of anesthesia and grade 3 or 4 was considered as difficult intubation. The best points with highest accuracy were determined by ROC curve. Sensitivity and specificity of these tests in predicting difficult intubation were calculated and evaluated.

Results: In 19 (5%) patients, intubation was difficult. ULBT class III, inter-incisor distance less than 4.5 cm, thyromental distance less than 6.5 cm, sternomental distance less than 13 cm were considered as difficult intubation and there were significant differences between them and laryngeal view (P<0.05, McNemar) but there was no difference between laryngeal view in both sex. The sensitivity and specificity of ULBT is significantly higher than thyromental and sternomental and Inter-incisor distances (the specificity were respectively 91.96% vs. 64.77%, 70% and 82.27% and accuracy were respectively 91.05% vs. 76.58%, 71.32%, 81.84% and 59.53%)

Conclusion: We conclude that the specificity and accuracy of ULBT is significantly higher than inter-incisor, thyromental and sternomental distances and is more accurate in airway assessment.

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Background: Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe a movement disorder though to be the result of nonprogressive brain damage. Due to damage to CNS, it is associated with articulation disorder and abnormal feeding reflex. Lack of oral function control and coordination following feeding reflex disorders. Articulation disorders are seen in most of the cerebral palsied patients.This research aimed to determine the relationship between feeding reflexes and articulation in cerebral palsy (spasticchildren).

Methods: This study was cross sectionally carried out on 52 children with cerebral palsy, 5 to 10 yrs old, in rehabilitation centers and private clinics. The information related to feeding reflexes was collected through direct observation of patient and evaluation of sound articulation through phonetic information test.

Results: Statistical analysis carried out by SPSS and chi-square and fisher exact tests. Abnomal chewing and tongue reflex are more prevalent than other feeding reflexes.The relationship between lip reflex and articulation of p/m/r/y/f/č and chewing reflex with articulation of/z/š/ is meaningful. The relationship between biting reflex with articulation of /z/j/l/š/ is meaningful. The relationship between tongue reflex and rooting reflex with articulation of sound is not meaningful.

Conclusion: With regard to the result of this research, it can be suggested that in children with cerebral palsy following feeding reflex disorders, abnormal posture during speech occurs that could have effect on articulation.

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Background: Microalbuminuria (MA) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, but not many studies have specifically examined the effects of MA-lowering on regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among pediatric patients with hypertension.
Methods: Fifty-five patients with essential hypertension, 11 to 19 years old were prospectively studied. All patients received concomitant therapy of hydrochlorothiazide and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. Five patients also required angiotensin-receptor blocker to achieve the blood pressure goal. Baseline and 12-month follow-up measures of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) determined by echocardiography and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (MA/Cr) were collected. MA was defined as MA/Cr>30. LVH was defined as LVMI>38.6 g/m2. The primary end points were 25% or more reductions in MA and the LVMI.
Results: Weight (r=0.83), body surface area (r=0.85), body mass index (BMI) (r=0.86), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r=0.57), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r=0.49), mean arterial pressure (r=0.53) and MA (r=0.87) were all univariate correlates of LVMI. In a multiple regression analysis, MA, BMI and SBP were significant correlates of LVMI. MA alone explained 76% of the variance of LVMI, whereas BMI and SBP explained only 1.6% and 0.4% of the variance, respectively. MA was the most significant correlate of follow-up LVMI after BMI and SBP were included in the overall multiple regression models.
Conclusion: MA is a strong predictor of LVH in hypertensive children and adolescents. MA-lowering halts the progression of LVH or induces its regression.

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Airway management is one of the most important subjects in medicine. This article reviews the history, assessment of airway prior to anesthesia, techniques and equip-ment of airway management and management of patients with anticipated and unan-ticipated difficult airways. This article covers recent literature on airway appliances and devices and their use in different circumstances. Airway assessment methods especially the recent Iranian method have been reviewed and discussed briefly in this article. On the whole the article covers the etiology of difficult airway and offers guidelines for safe practice of anesthesia in patients in whom airway is anticipated to be difficult.

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Background: The incidence of ESBL producing species have been steadily increased in recent years, resulting in limitation of infection control issues and therapeutic options.The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae and also assess epidemiology ESBL producing strains isolated from patients admitted in ICUs.
Methods: A total of one hundred fifty isolates were collected from urine, sputum, blood, wound and other clinical samples from patient admitted in ICU and then were identified by biochemical tests .All of the samples were screened by DAD method according to The NCCLS Guideline. The species that met NCCLS screening criteria was further tested for Clavulanic Acid effect by confirmatory method.
Results: A total of one hundred fifty isolates,133(89.3%) were found to be resistant at least on of the indicators cephalosporin tested according to NCCLS Guideline. 121(80.6%) of the isolates were resistant to all the indicators tested .89(59.3) isolateds were confirmed as ESBL producers. The number of isolates ESBL producing was as follow: Klebsiella pneumoniae 33 (76.74%), E.coli 20 (60.60%), Enterobacter cloacae 8 (47.05%), Citrobacter diversus 6 (54.54%), Enterobacter aerogenes 7 (53.84%), Citrobacter freundii 4 (40%), Klebsiella oxytoca 6 (62.5%), Proteus mirabilis 4 (50%), Serratia marcescens 2 (40%), Proteus Volgaris 0%.All of the isolates sensitive to imipenem.
Conclusion: The present study shows high prevalence of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae from patients admitted in ICU .The increased rate of these species in most cases due to the administration of inadequate and irrational antimicrobial therapy .To overcome this problem, it needs to develop new antimicrobial agents, limiting the Unnecessary Use of antimicrobial and increasing compliance with infection control issues.

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Background: Failed endotracheal intubation is one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in anesthetized patients. If the anesthetist can anticipate which patients may be more difficult to intubate, can reduce the risks of anesthesia greatly and be more prepared for any difficulties that may occur. The aim of this study was to investigate the inability of patients to protrude the lower jaw in predicting difficult intubation.
Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled 300 patients, above 16 years of age or older, who were scheduled for elective surgery. For all of the patients, before each operation, a single anesthesiologist measured the temporomandibular mobility, which was defined as the difference between the distances, from the lower incisors to the upper incisors in a neutral position and at maximum mandibular protrusion. At the time of intubation, another anesthesiologist, blinded to the preoperative airway assessment test, performed a laryngoscopy in which the laryngoscopic view of the larynx was determined according to the Cormack and Lehane scoring system. Difficult intubation was defined as laryngoscopic views of grade III and IV.
Results: Twenty-one patients were identified as having difficult intubation. Only one patient could not be intubated. The forward movement of the mandible was significantly greater in patients with easy intubation compared to those with difficult intubation (6.42±1.95 mm vs. 3.58±1.26 mm respectively, P<0.001). The use of a cut-off point of less than 5 mm for prediction of difficult intubation showed a sensitivity of 92.86% and a specificity of 70.43%.
Conclusion: The forward movement of the mandible is significantly greater in patients with easy intubation compared those with difficult intubation Although infrequent difficulties may arise, most patients that do not have indicators of difficult intubation will be easy to intubate under anesthesia.

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Background: Cardiovascular problems including arterial hypertension, coronary artery diseases, congestive heart failure are prevalent among chronic hemodialyzed patients. Ultrafiltration of hemodialyzed patient's serum, which culminating in intravascular volume reduction, is frequently used during hemodialysis. One of the restrictions of the echocardiographic evaluation of the diastolic heart function is the intravascular volume dependency of some echocardiographic parameters. In this study we have evaluated the volume dependency of certain echocardiography parameters in chronically hemodialyzed patients.

Methods: Thirteen patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Ghaem Hospital Hemodialysis Center in Mashhad, Iran, were evaluated one hour before and immediately after hemodialysis for the following: all diastolic echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular function, left ventricular systolic function, inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and IVC collapsibility with inspiration, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The echocardiographic parameters were analyzed using the paired Student's t-test.

Results: With hemodialysis, there was no significant change in left ventricular function, A wave amplitude and E/F slope, however, there was a significant reduction of the E wave amplitude, increment in E wave deceleration time (p= 0.001, t=-4.14) and a decrease in the E/A ratio (p=0.03, t=2.46). Tissue Doppler echocardiography showed no significant change in mitral annular diastolic motion, E'/A' waves, with hemodialysis (p=0.728, t= - 0.356), although there was a reduction of the E/E' ratio.

Conclusion: Tissue Doppler imaging and color M-mode echocardiographic parameters are independent of the intravascular value status. With no change associated with hemodialysis, these parameters can be used as reliable criteria for evaluating ventricular diastolic function even when the volume status varies.

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Background: Poisoning is one of the major causes of seizure in emergency medicine. Because of the varying availability of drugs in different areas and insufficient control of the sale of some dangerous industrial substances, the causes of seizure in poisoned patients may be differ in our society. In this study, we examine the causes of seizures in poisoned patients in Iran, and their outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective and analytical-descriptive study investigated the sex, age, type of poison, presence and type of seizure, seizure treatment and outcome from the records of 2,220 hospitalized poison victims from 2001 to 2003 in poison emergency departments in Noor Hospital. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and chi square tests using SPSS.
Results: Of the 2,220 patient records examined, 66 patients developed seizure. Seizure was more common in men (33 patients), and most common in the 15-40 year age group (28 patients). The most common causes of seizure were tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) (39.7%), organophosphates (17.5%), carbamazepine (7.9%) and organochlorines (6.3%). However, status epilepticus was more common in organochlorine (25%), organophosphate, TCA (18.75%), and carbamazepine (12.5%) poisoning. There was a negative relationship between age and type of seizures. Seizure was not related to previous history of seizure. Midazolam alone (25%) was the most effective drug for controlling seizures. Death occurred in six patients with or without renal complication. The mortality rate among poisoned patients with seizure was 37.5%.
Conclusion: The incidence of seizure in our study reflects the availability of certain drugs and toxins that require more steadfast control. Midazolam, with its low side effects, may be the drug of choice for the treatment of status epilepticus in poisoning.

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Background: Several therapeutic modalities have been cited for patients with microtia. Recently there are several reports about using cadaveric homograft cartilage for some other purposes. The aim of this study was to assess the results of auricular reconstruct-tion in 10 patients (12 ears) with congenital atresia using homograft rib cartilage from the Iranian Tissue Bank.

Methods: We enrolled 10 patients with microtia who were referred to the Imam Khomeini Hospital from September 2006 to July 2007 for auricular reconstruction. The reconstruction was performed using a pre-shaped homograft(s) of each patient's ear(s) made by the Iranian Tissue Bank from the 6th, 7th and 8th costal cartilage according to the method of Marquette. In six patients, the second stage of reconstructive surgery was performed three months after the first stage. The patients were followed regarding the ear appearance, the dimensions of cartilage and tissue reaction.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.08 (SD=5.57) years and the average duration of follow-up was 6.29 (SD=3.12) months. Eight cases had unilateral involvement (six right and two left), in addition to two cases of bilateral involvement. During the follow-up period, the appearance of the helix was satisfactory in 11 ears and the lobule in 10 ears. The height and width of the reconstructed auricles was an average of 1-2 millimeters different from the opposite ear. Erythema was the most common early complication. Late complications, including cartilage exposure and infection, were observed in one patient.

Conclusion: Auricular reconstruction using homograft costal cartilage in patients with microtia has promising results. The short term resorption can be ignored and significant early or late complications are infrequent.

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background: During recent three decades, parallel to the improvement of arthroscopic techniques, intra-articular block by direct injection of anesthetics into the joint has been used in knee arthroscopy. In this study the efficacy of intra- articular block by complex of bupivacaine, lidocaine and adrenaline in knee arthroscopy has been assessed.
Methods: Forty one healthy adults (age range: 18-55 years) with knee problems selected for diagnostic arthroscopy. Anesthesia was induced by direct injection of 10ml 2% bupivacaine, 10ml 0.5% lidocaine plus 1/100000 adrenaline into the knee joint.  Duration of operation and volume of serum used for irrigation during the procedure pain and analgesics requirement, during and after arthroscopy VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score, at time of discharge from recovery and also patient's and surgeon's satisfaction were assessed.
Results: Sixty eight percent and 29% of cases reported mild and moderate degree of pain perception during arthroscopy, respectively, and only one case for which general anesthesia was performed, reported severe pain. VAS mean was 2.78. Seventy eight percent of cases and the surgeon in 80% of procedures had excellent or good satisfaction with intra-articular block.
Conclusions: Considering high level of satisfaction in both patients and surgeon and mean of VAS, complications of other modalities of anesthesisa and simplicity of the technique, intra-articular block can be used as an easy, safe and efficient method for knee arthroscopy.

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background: Surgical methods for treatment of tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis include repair, replacement and partial or complete exicion. The aim of this study was to assess the results of these different techniques.
Methods: Sixty seven patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. This study was carried-out between April 1997 and July 2007 in Imam Khomeini hospital. Decision of methods of choice for surgery was according to intraoperative findings.
Results: The mean age was 25.52±7.35 years and 74.36% were male. The most common bacteria was Staphylococcus areus (62.30%). Most of patients (74.60%) were IV drug abuser. The most common treatment modality was TV reconstruction (56.72%) and after that was TV replacement (29.85%) and the last one was complete TV excision (13.43%). Eight patients (11.94%) needed emergent TV replacement. The morbidity rate was 28.36% and the mortality rate was 13.51%. Thirty seven patients were followed. In follow-up period it was shown that postoperative Ejection Fraction (EF) and End-Diastolic Right Ventricle Diameters (EDRVD) values did not differ from preoperative values, but Pulmonary Artery (PA) pressure and Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) severity were significantly lower compared with preoperative values. The postoperative function class did not show any changes compared with peroperative values.
Conclusion: Considering the specific epidemiology of patients with infective endocarditis, who are suffering from TV regurgitation, in some patients, it would be better to consider replacement instead of repair. This could be due to sever deformities and diffuse damage of TV leaflets from infection in our patients.

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Background: Dopaminergic is the most important neurotransmitter is fear. The dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway has essential role in excitable behavior, and it's role in Parkinson disease. The aim of this research in study, the effect of dopaminergic pathway in fear response.
Methods: The elevated plus maze was used in combination with the percentage of time spent in the open arms of the maze (OAT%) and the percentage of entries into the open arms (OAE%) to measure fear. Increases in the OAT% and OAE% indicate an anxiolytic effect (reduction in anxiety), whereas decreases in the OAE% and OAT% indicate an anxiogenic effect. After five days, the rats were injected with saline and different doses of sulpiride and Bromocriptine.
Results: Results showed that intracerebroventricular administration of sulpiride, in the doses of 5, 20μg/rat and bromocriptine, D2 agonist in doses 65, 95μg/rat produced a significant effect comparing to sham groups (p<0.05). While intracerebroventricular administration of sulpiride 15, 10μg/rat, and bromocriptine 70, 80μg/rat, did not show any significant effect comparing with sham group (p<0.05). In the current research intracerebroventricular administration of sulpiride, D2 antagonist at the doses of 5, 10, 15, 20μg/rat and Bromocriptine, D2 agonist in the doses of 65, 70, 80, 95μg/rat were used and theire effect on the fear behavior were studied.
Conclusions: The possible effect of Dopaminergic system in the fear process, especially D2 receptor increase fear.

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background: Appendicitis is more common during the second and third decade of life and appendectomy scar is important in terms of cosmetic issues. The scar is an important factor in the patient's satisfaction. Conventional teaching has an emphasis on the closure of skin incision with "separate" sutures. The aim of this study was to reconsider this dogma.
Methods: Among 321 patients with acute appendicitis who came to the emergency unit of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran since april 2007 till april 2008, 278 (86.6%) patients had uncomplicated appendicitis and were enrolled in our clinical trial. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups of interrupted suture closure (n=139) and subcuticular suture closure (n=139). Anesthesia method and surgical technique were similar between the two groups. All patients were followed up post-operatively (four weeks) for the presence of infectious drainage, pain, erythema, swelling and warmness at the surgical site.
Results: The patients' sex and their mean age were not statistically different between the groups. There was no significant difference in the frequency of surgical site complications between the two groups (five cases in the "interrupted" group and eight cases in the "subcuticular" group p=0.415).
Conclusion: This study showed that appendectomy incision closure with subcuticular sutures did not increase the risk of wound complications. From the point of better cosmetic outcome of subcuticular sutures, this method may be the method of choice for the closure of appendectomy incisions in uncomplicated appendicitis.

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background: Cerebrovascular accidents are the most common complications in premature neonates (gestational age <37 weeks). Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and hydrocephaly are the most common presentations of these accidents. Premature neonates less than 28 week age or 1000 gr have maximum risk of cerebrovascular accidents with prevalence of 30 percent. Early screening in high risk pregnancies with real-time ultrasonography can detect these lesions and affect on final prognosis. The purpose of this study is evaluation of brain ultrasonongraphic findings of 60 premature neonates born in Yazd University Hospitals, Yazd, Iran and relationship between these findings and delivery types.
Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study 60 cases of premature neonates (less than 37 week) who were born from January to July 2007 in Yazd hospitals were evaluated ultrasonographically to detect cerebrovascular accidents.
Results: Among 60 premature neonates, 52(86.67%) were low birth weight and 8(13.33%) neonates weighted more than 2500gr. IVH was seen in five (9.6%) LBW neonates and hydrocephaly was seen in five (9.6%) LBW neonates. One LBW neonate (1.9%) had haloprocencephaly. Eight normal weight neonates had no abnormal ultrasonographic findings.
Conclusion: All factors that induce preterm delivery and high risk pregnancies can increase cerebrovascular accidents in premature infants. Neonatal weight had most powerful relationship with neonatal ultrasonograohic findings.