Annals of Military and Health Sciences Research
Year:2003 | Volume:1 | Issue:1 (SERIAL NUMBER 1)|Papers Count:11

Background: Extubation was reported to be associated with cardiovascular complications. In the present study we have compared these complications in a group of patients undergoing general anesthesia for which extubation was indicated.Materials and methods: Seventy-two patients, aged 20-40 years, were enrolled for this double blind clinical trial. They were matched according to the age, sex, weight, and duration and type of anesthesia. They were assigned randomly in any of the 3 groups: lidocaine + saline, lidocaine + verapamil, and saline, (control), each included 24. Then, drug effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate x systolic blood pressure index were determined. Finally results were analyzed.Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate x systolic blood pressure index were all significantly higher in the control group (p<0.05), however, these were not significantly differed between the two test groups. No drug side effect was reported in groups.Conclusion: Simultaous administration of lidocaine and verapamil prevent from blood pressure and heart rate alterations. Similar studies with greater sample size are highly recommended.

Background: Postoperative pain is a common problem with known complications. Controversies have aroused around the effective dosage of succinyl choline. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different dosage of succinylcholine(1.5 and 3 mg)on muscular fasciculation and myalgia in patients undergoing herniorrhaphy in Shariati hospital.Materials and methods: For this clinical trial, 50 patients were randomly assigned in two groups. One received succinyl choline with the dosage of 1.5mg/kg and the other 3mg/kg. The severity of Fasciculation and myalgia were evaluated in four categories by a physician who was blind to the studied groups. CbL square was used for data analysis.Results: Mild fasciculation was reported in 36%and 68% of patients receiving 1.5mg/kg and 3mg/ Kg succinyl choline, respectively (p<0.02).Groups have shown no significant differences regarding the severity of myalgia.Conclusion: Succinyl choline with the dosage of 3mg/kg could be safely used as pretreatment to control postoperative complications.

Background: Physicians are stili encountering untreatable diseases or even severe complications of current therapeutic approaches, thus the present study was achieved on rats to determine the efficacy of a spiritual healing on joint inflammation.Materials and methods: Sixteen rats entered this experimental study. They were assigned randomly to either the red or yellow groups. Spiritual healing was achieved by an expert physician.Having our rats anesthetized, chronic inflammation was introduced in right knee. Then the physician was asked God for healing. This approach was assessed by means of determining the rats' knee local temperature on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 as well as their knee diameter. Two-factor ANOVA was used for data analysis.Results: Alterations of joints' temperature and diameter were statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.05). Weight gain was differed significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: Spiritual healing is accompanied by better improvement in joints' inflammation and also rats' weight gain. Further controlled trials are strongly recommended.

Background: Acne vulgaris is among the most common dermatologic problems, frequently reported in young adults, With respect to its high prevalence as wells the probability of inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions, scar formation an dpsychologic effect, the present study was carried out among high school students of Hamadan in 1998.Materials and methods: For this cross sectional study, 720 students were selected through a Random multistage sampling Acne vulgaris and its severity were determined by clinical examination in accordance to standard criteria. Those presented with comedones, few papules and pustules, and lack nodules were classified as mild, however moderate acne was diagnosed when comedowns, many papules and pustules and few nodules were present. Finally, severe acne was manifested with comedones, many disseminated papules and pustules as well as many nodules and lack of sufficient response to therapy. Site of involvement, age, sex, age at disease onset were all recorded.Results: The study population included 365 boys and 355 girls, their age ranged of 14.20 years. Of 720 students, 574 (79.7%) were revealed to have acne vulgar is, among which 52.4% were females and 47,6% were males (NS), Acne was more commonly found in subjects aged 18.20 years, when compared to 14-17y ear- old individuals, thus the prevalence rises as the age going up. 60% had mild acne, whereas 31.5% and 8.5% had moderate and severe acne, respectively. Females were more frequently affected by severe acne (89.8% vs. 10.2% in males). In girls mean age at disease onset was 0.79 years earlier than boys.Conclusion: Acne vulgar is relatively prevalent in Hamadan. Since girls are more affected even in earlier age, further attentions should be paid to girls.

Background: Laboratory tests' disturbances are well known prior to elective surgeries, however, controversies around their frequency, as well as expenses and complications imposed on patients encouraged us to conduct a study in order to determine the frequency of laboratory tests' disturbance prior to elective surgeries in a university hospital in Kashan in1998.)Materials and methods: For this descriptive study, 436 patients were enrolled. Those undergoing elective surgeries were included and their routine laboratory tests were surveyed in case of any deviation from normal limits, it was considered as laboratory test disturbance. The frequency of these disturbances was calculated and their association with sex and age was determined.Results: The study population included 252 males (57.8%) and 184 females (42.2%).The frequency of laboratory tests' disturbance was 26.3%. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were more prone to disturbance (12.4%), whereas potassium didnot change at all. Disturbances were more prevalent among older population and females.Conclusion: Requesting routine tests for younger individuals and also for sodium and potassium concentration arouse suspicion.

Background: Fungal infections were noted among Millitarians. The present study was carried out on Millenarians referring to the Pasteur Institute during a one-year period, 1996-97, to determine the prevalence of fungal infections.Materials and methods: It was a descriptive study, Skin scrapings were obtained from different 7 parts of the body, then specimens were treated with KOH or lactophenol according to the guidelines of reference books. Direct microscopic examination and culture of the organism were performed.Finally, the fungi type and the infected region were determined.Results: Of 84 referred subjects, 25 (29.8%) revealed to have fungal infection. Epidermophyton floccosum was the most common observed fungus. Foot was more commonly affected (15.5%) following by the groin region (8.3%).Conclusion: With respect to the Millitarians' social life style, we are worried about the high prevalence of infection. Establishing the etiology could be helpful.

Background: Unintended pregnancy is relatively prevalent in our country. It is believed that health care providers' knowledge play the most important role. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the knowledge of health care providers towards contraceptive methods in Tehran health centers in 1996.Materials and methods: A questionnaire was prepared for this descriptive study. 167midwives, healthcare providers and physicians were included. Then knowledge as well as their related factors was determined.Results: The study populationincluded7 physicians (4%), 106 midwives(64%) and 54 (32%) nurses selected through 120 health centers. Of these, 30% had good knowledge whereas 17.6% were revealed to be poor. Excellent knowledge was found towards condom (23%), IUD(6%), and OCP (5%).There was a week correlation between years of experience and knowledge.Conclusion: Unfortunately, knowledge of health care providers towards contraceptive methods was not as expected. Needless to say, further educational interventions are required. Adequate consultation to users will be accompanied by lesser failure of contraceptive methods.  

Background: Henoch-Schonlein purpura syndrome is characterized by multi-system involvement the diagnosis is made clinically, thus misdiagnosis could occur and may lead to unnecessary laparatomy. The present study was conducted to determine the dinical manifestations and demographic characteristics of Henoch-Schonle in purpura syndrome. We included all infants hospitalized in Mofid Hospital in Tehran during, 1991-2001.Materials and methods: It was an existing data type study. 123 children aged <12 years who had definite diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpurasyndrome were included. Initialdata including age, sex, time of referral (year, season), chief complaint, clinical manifestations, organ involvement, cutaneous lessions location and ESR were all recorded.Results: Results have revealed that male to female ratio was 1.6 Subjects aged 3-9 years were more commonly affected. (Mean of age was 6.9±2.8 years) Nearly half of the patients (54%) were referred during the winter. Previous history of upper respiratory infection was reported in 69.9%.The most frequent chief complaints were abdominal pain and other GI-related symptoms (61%), cutaneous lesions (44.7%), and joint involvement (32.5%). The most common signs were cutaneous lesions (100%), GI problems (73.3%),and joint involvement (66.7%). Diagnostic triad of abdominal colicky pain arthropathy, and cutaneous lesions were observed in 43.9% of subjects. Abdominal colicky pain (96.7%) and nausea and vomiting (48.4%) were the most common GI signs. Pupura (69.9%) and petechia (46.4%) were the most common coetaneous lesions. Joint involvement was more prevalent in lower limbs (84.2%). Kidney involvement was manifested as microscopic hematuria (38.2%) and proteinuria (18.7%).Occult blood was detected in 42.3% of the subjects. 0.8% were complicated by intestinal invagination.Conclusion: Abdominal colicky pain was the most common sign in our patients. Since the diagnostic triad of "abdominal colicky pain, arthropathy, and cutaneous lesions were found less frequent than other studies. The probability of unnecessary laparatomy would increase. Thus, if a boy, aged 3-8 years, had referred by abdominal pain, the cutaneouslesions of lower limbs and Henoch-Schonlein purpur a syndrome should be ruled out.

Background: Brain tumor is relatively common, however, toxoplasmosis presenting as a brain tumor is a rare event.Case: A 36-year-old woman presenting with chronic low back pain radiated bilaterally. She lacked any previous history of infectious disease. Having received the maintenance therapy and slight improvement in signs and symptoms, she referred for the second time with stuttering, left-sided spasm. CT scan revealed a relatively big tumor compressing the right lateral ventricle. MRI confirmed the tumor and demonstrates the possibility of a cystic neoplasm. such as glioma. She underwent operation, during which an unusual mass was noted. It was partially removed. Following the operation, left-sided hemiplagia occurred. Pathologic studies showed a pseudo cyst, however, serology was negative for antitoxoplasma antibody. To our surprise, immunofluorescent studies showed positive results for toxoplasmosis. She responded to anti- oxoplasmosis therapy. A2-year follow-up showed complete improvement.Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis should be considered as a possicle etiologic factor for neurologic manifestations in patients with intact immune system.

Background: Prior reports have shown similar factors being involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With respect to the arising prevalence of RA and the importance of understanding the underlying etiology, the present article has debated different aspects of this association. Materials and methods: For this review article, we have searched through Internet by the following keywords; periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, and autoimmune disease. We have tried to cover almost all dental-related sites and journals as well as MEDLlNE from 1970- 2001. Finally, we have found 46 related articles.Results and Conclusion: One could suppose definite association between periodontal disease and RA because of similar immunopathogenic mechanism, however, further longitudinal and for experimental studies are strongly recommended, in which, treating a group of patients with periodontal disease and another group of control could be compared with healthy people regarding the presence of RA and also managed a long-term follow up to see whether RA occurred.