Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
Year:2002 | Volume:6 | Issue:2|Papers Count:11

Introduction and Objective: Alkylbenzene sulfonate is used as surfactant and, being discarded into rivers; it acts as an environmental pollutant. The enzyme AMP deaminase may be potentially useful in delineating the possible mechanisms of biological toxicity of alkylbenzene sulfonate.Materials and Methods: We studied the effects of alkylbenzene sulfonate on rats brain AMP deaminase activity by measuring (with spectrophotometry) the enzyme activity with and without exposure to 5-10 micromole concentrations of alkylbenzene sulfonate, using 30 specimens in each study arm. Results: Enzyme activity in presence and absence of exposure to alkylbenzene sulfonate was 92.85±8.52 and 18.31±2.45 nmol/min/gr brain protein, respectively.Discussion and Conclusions: Alkylbenzene sulfonate may inhibit AMP deaminase by reacting to its active site. Our results may be used to understand the toxicity of alkylbenzene sulfonate.

Introduction and Objective: We compared the effectiveness of 2 alternative treatment regimens (immunoglobulin vs. plasmaphresis) in preventing the respiratory muscle weakness following thymectomy in myasthenia gravis patients.Materials and Methods: Of 24 patients (14 from Kermanshah and 10 from Tehran centers), 50% who received immunoglobulin intravenously and 30% who received plasmaphresis were male. Results: There was no difference in effectiveness between the 2 groups. Discussion: Because of low cost, and better patient acceptance, we recommend immunoglobulin.

Introduction and Objectives: This study was done to determine the anti-type 2 collagen (anti cII) antibody titer in rheumatoid factor negative (RF-) vs. rheumatoid factor positive (RF+) sera.Materials and Methods: 77 RF+ and 221 RF- sera were examined for presence and titer of anti-type 2 collagen antibody, using the tannic acid hemagglutination method.Results: Anti cII antibody was found in 67.5% and 57.9% of RF+ and RF- cases, respectively. There was no significant difference between RF- vs. RF+ sera regarding the presence of anti cII antibody. However, there was a significant difference (p<0.001) between RF- vs. RF+ sera regarding the titer of anti cII antibody, with significantly higher antibody levels in RF+ sera.Discussion and Conclusions: We suggest further studying the correlation between anti cII antibody, RF, and disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis is worthwhile.

Introduction and Objectives: This study was done to compare the effects of daily vs. weekly iron supplementation on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of pregnant women.Materials and Methods: 80-90 patients were selected from each of the 3 clinics. Patients were given ferrous sulfate either 60 mg daily or 120 mg weekly. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin levels were determined before treatment, during 28-32 weeks of gestation, and during the 3rd trimester.Results: Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin levels with weekly and daily regimens were 12.1±1.1 vs.12.2±0.909, 37.8±3.096vs. 37.3±2.16, and 24.3±24.3 vs. 25.9±23.211, respectively.Discussion and Conclusions: There was no difference in hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin levels with daily vs. weekly iron supplementation of pregnant women.

Introduction and Objectives: Tuberculosis causes 10-55% of all hepatic ranulomas. Sputum Smear-negative patient suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis is a diagnostic challenge. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of hepatic granuloma in smear- positive pulmonary tuberculosis to decide whether hepatic biopsy could be used in diagnosing tuberculosis in Sputum Smear-negative patient suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: 34 patients (16 males; age range 14-71 years) with smear- positive pulmonary tuberculosis undergone hepatic biopsy in Sina hospital of Kermanshah, during the years 1995-98.Results: Liver function tests were normal in all. In 5 of 34 patients (14.7%) hepatic granulomas were found.Discussion and Conclusions: Diagnostic gain of hepatic biopsy is too low to be recommended for diagnosing tuberculosis in Sputum Smear-negative patient suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis.

Introduction and Objectives: This study was done to assess the frequency of parasitic infections in patients referred to Special clinic of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in years 1995-99.Materials and Methods: During the years 1995-99, 45160 stool specimens were examined using formalin-ether concentration method for intestinal parasites and scotch tape method for Entrobius vermicularis.Results: 59.13% of specimens were infected. Of these, 93.13 % were infected with protozoa and 6.06% with helminthes. Blastocystis hominis (28.34%), and giardia lamblia (27%) were the most common infecting organisms.Discussion and Conclusion: The observed differences in frequencies of infecting organisms, compared to other reports, deserves further studies.

Introduction and Objective: A retrospective, descriptive study was done to determine the frequency of meningitis following febrile convulsion patients presenting to the Shahid Fahmide center of Kermanshah.Materials and Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid was examined in all infants younger than 18 months, and in older children only in presence of clinical findings suspicious for meningitis.544 children (346 boys) were studied. Age range was 6-72 months. 27.75% had the history of febrile convulsion.Results: Cerebrospinal fluid was examined in 154 patients. In 0.73% (4 of 154 patients), the diagnosis of meningitis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid examination.Conclusion: We recommend cerebrospinal fluid examination in all infants younger than 18 months who presents with febrile convulsion.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease with a well known course. With chemotherapy, average survival of these patients is 3-5 years. All of the long term survivors of CML have been treated patients. Here we are reporting on a long term survivor (more than 10 years) without treatment.