JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES (JRMS)
Year:2002 | Volume:7 | Issue:1|Papers Count:29

Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) is a five to six year comprehensive integrated community based program for preventing and controlling of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) via reducing CVD risk factors and improvement of cardiovascular healthy behavior in target population. IHHP has been started in 1999 and will be last since 2004. Primary survey was done to collect baseline data from interventional (Isfahan and Najafabad Cities) and reference (Arak) communities. In a multistage sampling method, we select randomly 5 to 10 percent of households in clusters. Then individuals aged equal or higher than 19 years old were selected for entering to survey. In this way, data from 12600 individuals (6300 in interventional counties and 6300 in reference county) was collected and stratified due to their living area (urban vs. rural) and different age and sex groups. Cardiovascular risk factors (Hypercholesterolemia, Smoking, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity) were investigated by laboratory tests (Lipid profile, FBS, OGTT), physical exam and standard questionnaires, in all ones. Nutritional habits, socioeconomic states, physical activity profiles and other healthy behaviors regarding to cardiovascular disease were assessed by validated questionnaires via interviewing to all individuals. Twelve leads electrocardiogram was done in all persons older than 35 years old. The prevalence of CVDs and distribution of CVD risk factors were estimated in this phase. In the 2nd phase, based on primary survey findings, we arranged a series of teams (worksite, children, women, health personnel, high risk patients, nutrition) for planning and implementation of program through interventional community for a 5-year period. Every team has its own target population and objectives and monitors its process during the study. At intervals (annually), some local and small surveys with a random sampling will be conducted to assess and monitor the program and its potency to cope with objectives. We will follow our high-risk ones in a cohort to obtain the risk chart for our community at the end of the program. Myocardial infarction and stroke registry center collects data, continuously, from all hospitals and other medical centers in the interventional and reference communities. These data (Death due to CVD, MI and Stroke) are the end outcome variables in this program. Secondary survey as like as the primary survey will be conducted at the end of the program in both community to assess the efficacy of program for controlling and somehow reducing the CVD risk factors potency in the interventional community versus reference community.

Introduction. This study aim at delineating the positive and negative symptoms of schizophernics patiants in iranian population. Methods. Two hundred patiants with choronic schizophernia randomly were selected from among inpatients and outpatients at psychiatric centers in Isfahan. Patient"s symptoms were determined by means of scale for positive and negative sypmtoms (SAPS & SANS). Results. Majority of the patients (54 percent) exhibited positive symptoms while the remaining ones (44 percent) showed negative symptoms. Anhedonia and hallucination were the most common symptoms amongst the subject. Discussion. Iranian schizophernic patients exhibit more aggressive behaviour, alogia, persecutory, jealousy and grandiosity delusion with fewer symptoms of affective flattening and hallucination compaired with western studies. These observations have been explained in the context of the nature of schizophernia and the role of culture factors in Iranian society.

Introduction. Lead poisoning is a major problem in environmental health. Exposure can occur via air, soil, food and water. Occupational exposure is the most common source of lead poisoning in adults. Lead miners are exposed to an additional source of poisoning in long term. Hair analysis may be used to evaluate chronic lead toxicity. This study compare the hair lead concentration in Nakhlak lead miners and Mohammadieh people who live 130 km far from the lead mine. Methods. Hair samples from 24 Nakhlak lead miners and 26 adult men of Mohammadieh village were gathered, washed by detergent and distilled water and dissolved by wet digestion. Lead concentrations of the samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. There was a significant difference between hair lead concentration of Nakhlak lead miners and Mohammadieh people (P<0.001). The mean of lead concentrations were 52.43±27.7 µg/g (mean ± SD) and 17.32±3.43 µg/g hair of the lead mine workers and the Mohammadieh people, respectively. There was also a significant regression between the number of exposure years and the lead concentration of hair in Nakhlak lead miners (P<0.001, r=0.8). Discussion. Presence of lead compounds in work environment especially in the air may be an important factor for the difference between hair lead concentration of Nakhlak lead miners and Mohammadieh people. However, the hair lead concentration in Mohammadieh people is also reasonably high. It means that these people are also exposed to lead through the other sources e.g. food, soil, water and air.

Introduction. The obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of psychiatric disorder that has correlation to factors such as sex, marriage, job, IQ and socieconomic state. There is not any documented information about the OCD and correlated faceors in our community. In this study the prevalence and severity of four patterns of OCD in medical and engineers student were estimated. Methods. One hundred and sixty medical students (from IUMSHS) and 160 engineer students (from Isfahan University) were selected, randomly. Four patterns of OCD that was studied include checking, cleaning, doubting and slowness. The study was performed by application of moudsley obsessive compulsive inventory (MOCL) that include 30 items about symptoms of OCD. Results. Estimated frequncies were 45 percent for cleaning, 42.8 percent for checking 20.3 percent for slowness and 41.2 percent for doubting. Discussion. It seems that there is no relation between study course and ineidence of subtype of OCD. The checking subtype in males and washing subtype in females had greater frequency and severity than other subtypes. But there was no relation between sexuality and two other subtypes (slowness and doubting). The frequency of checking subtype was greater in single student than married stuedents.

Introduction. According to previous reports, oesophageal cancer has the highest incidence rate in the north of Iran. The objective of this study was to estimate the minimal annual incidence rate of oesophageal carcinoma in the province of Mazandaran. Methods: Based on the existing data, the hospital chart data of 570 patients with osophageal carcinoma were examined. These patients were residence of Mazandaran and they were referred to Shahid Rajee Babolsar radiotherapy centre during 1982 to 1988. The distribution of population under study with respect to the age, sex and residence area was obtained from census data in 1996. Results. The minmal incidence rate was 8.83 per 100,000 subjects (9.73 for men vs 7.93 for women). The most common age group of patients was 60-69 years. The highest incidence rate was observed in the age group of 70-79 years (37.88 per 100,000 subjects). With increasing the age, the incidence rate was significantly increased up to 80 years. Among patients with age over 60 years old, the incidence rate was higher in male compared with female. However, among patients with age less than 60 years, the difference in incidence rate was not statistically significant. Thus, the mean age of male patients was significantly higher than those female. We also did not observed a significant difference on incidence rate between urban and rural residence area. Discussion. The minimal incidence rate of oesophageal cancinoma is significantly higher than those reported in the North America and European countries. However, it was obviously much less than those reported (up to 184 cases per 100,0000) in north of Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to revise the incidence rate of population under study in reference data. We still need to study at population base and to estimate the incidence rate of oesphageal carcinoma in high incidence area (Gonbad and Gorgan) in the north of Iran.

Introduction. Cardiovascular disease are the major cause of mortality in developed countries. CHF is also a chronic cardiovascular disorder. Teaching the self care plays a major role in its prevention and chronic complications. Regarding the importance of self care investigating the, effect of self care education on the knowledge of the patients on CHF is so important. Methods. In this study 42 patients with CHF were selected in the first exam held 15 days before and after a two hour training class. A training booklet was given to them. Data was collected by a questionnarie which includ 5 section as follows. The 1st section included the demographic charactristics. The 2nd section, 7 questions about anatpmy and physiology of the heart, the 3rd section included eight questions about drugs history, the 4th section included nine questions about regimen of the patients and the 5th section included 6 questions about physical activity. Results. The self care knowledge of patients increased 95 percent after education. There was no correlation between the effects of self care education and the age of all units studied. Statistical tests showed no correlation between the effects of self care education and educational level. Discussion. The knowlegde of the patients is low regarding the self care. The self care education to patients is the main duty of nurses. So, it is recommended to be considered as the first nursing intervention regarding these patients.

Introduction. Survey for food consumption patterns prepares the quantitative and qualitative scales for assessing nutriotonal state among population. Healthy nutrition is one of the preventive factors for non communicable diseases as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Regarding the increasing trends in CVD mortality/morbidity and relatively high incidences of CVD risk factors in Isfahan, it is essential to determine food consumption patterns in this population. Methods. One of the most reliable procedure for social food patterns is 24 hr recall, performed mainly by pictural questionnaire. Food Consumption Program-Heart Concern Software (IFCP) was developed for this task through 24 hr recall. By this computerized program, user can work with pictures of food album for determining what kind and how much foods the patients consumed. The sensitivity of this software is very high for determining nutrient intakes corresponding to Iranian cooking and feeding culture. In this cross sectional study, 1193 people (aged 20-70 years old) were selected systematically from 40 clusters in Isfahan city through 4 seasons. For each person, two computerized questionnaires were completed for personal characteristics and daily food consumption by an instructive operator. Interview for 24 hr food consumption was design for 3 days determined randomly through a week. Therefore, distribution were maintained for food data. The obtained yearly data was analysed by the same program achieved the level of energy, carbohydrate, portein, total fat, cholesterol and fatty acids intaken form daily feeding. Results. Mean energy intake was 2380.9±1082.2 Kcal/day for total population. Thre was a significant difference between men and women in all age groups (P<0.0001). The energy obtained from fat was 29.28 percent in people aged 20-70 years old in Isfahan city. Cholesterol intake for each person was 253.5±179.1 mg/day and the energy obtained from each fatty acid groups as SFA, MUFA and PUFA are 13.11, 9.40 and 5.22 percent of total energy. Also, carbohydrate intake for each person is 344.2±179.4 gr/day in Isfahan population (obtained energy is equal 58.8 percent of total energy). Protein intake was 79.3±30.5 gr/day. Discussion. Regarding the obtained results, it is essential to promote people especially in age groups of 20-29 and 50-59 years old to improve their nutriton pattern considering lower intakes of calory, fatty acid groups and increasing nutriton fiber.

Introduction. Zinc is an important trace mineral for human health specially in children. The zinc of nursing mothers affects on their milk and so health of their childs. This study assesses the serum zinc level in lactating women of Isfahan city. Methods. In a cross sectional study, 100 lactating women who were sited under care of Isfahan rural and urban health centers were selected by multistage cluster and simple random sampling. The food recall questionnair was completed and 10 ml blood sample was obtained from each subject. Serum zinc level was measered by atomic absorption. Results. Mean age of participants was 24.7±4.9 years. Mean zinc concentration was 70.4±8.01 µg/dl. About 63 percent of subjects had serum zinc level less than 75 µg/dl (significant zinc deficiency) and of this group 19/1 percent had severe zinc deficiency (less than 60 µg/dl). The mean of serum zinc level by BMI (<20, 20-25, >25) were 63.1, 70 and 75.7 (P<0.0001). In persons that eat more frequency of meat and dairy products weekly, zinc levels were more than others (P<0.01). Discussion. Zinc deficiency was common problem in lactating women of Isfahsn and this have harm effects on their childrens. Zinc deiifciency in children is one of causes responsible for growth retardation, suscebtibility to infections and learning disabilities. The nutrition of our people aren"t sufficient for lactating women"s needs. Other data indicated for zinc deficiency of soils. Planning such as fortification of soils, subside to meat the important source of zinc and using of zinc supplements for lactating women and other high risk groups must be done by responsible structures.

Introduction. All neonates should be screened for congenital hypothyroidism in the first week of their lives. To evaluate the reliability of thyroid function tests in neonates who undergone exchange transfusion (ET), we studied the alteration of thyroid hormones after ET in neonates. Methods. Eighteen full term neonates (gestation age> 37 weeks) undergoing ET due to heperbilirubinemia at neonatal wards of AI-Zahra and Shahid-Beheshti hospitals (affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences) were studied. All ETs were performed using a double volume exchange of adult donor blood. The age of subjects was five days or more. The patients had not Rh disease and seemed well. Thyroid function was evaluated before the exchange (pre-ET), at the conclusion of the ET (post-ET) and seven days later (by assessment of T3, T4, TSH). Results. The mean pre-ET, T4 and TSH concentrations were significantly higher than in donor blood. The mean pre-ET, T3 concentration was not statistically different from donor blood. At the end of exchange (post-ET), the mean T4 and TSH concentrations dropped and statistically differed from pre-ET values, whereas the mean post-ET, T 4 and TSH were still significantly higher than the donor blood. The post-ET value was not significantly different from pre-ET, T3 and T3 of donor blood. After 7 days, T 4 and TSH concentrations increased and statistically reached to pre-ET, T 4 and TSH but at this time the mean T3 concentration was significantly higher than pre-ET value. Discussion. There was significant decrease in concentrations of T 4 and TSH at the end of ET but no difference at seven days later. Therefore, we suggest that the screening of congenital hypothyroidism should be performed either before the ET or after one-week Post Exchange transfusion.

Introduction. Epiphoria is one of the most common symptom among patients in ophtalmologic clinics. The most important cause of it, is tear drainage obstrution through the nasolacrimal duct. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the only critical treatment. The failure is important complication of DCR and in spite of varios methods, failure rate has remained 10 percent. Ingrowgh of fibrous tissue in osteotomy site and flaps has been known as cause of surgical failue. In this study we investigated the efficacy of mitomycin C as antiproliferative agent on DCR failure rate. Methods. In this clinical trial study, 110 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction have been chosen between who that refer to the Farabi clinic, and were assigned randomly to either mitomycin or control group. Both group were operated with standard method and one surgen. In control group a cotton aid band and in interventional group a cottonoid band soaked with 0.2 mg/cc mitomycin C was applied to the osteotomy site. After 30 minutes was removed transnasaly. Groups have been examined at 1, 3 and 6 months intervals after surgery. Results. All patients in mitomycin group remained symptom free in all examination, and there was five pateints in control group who had recurrent epiphora. In the control group, 3 patients in 1 st month, 1 patient in 3rd months and 1 patient in 6th month were failed. In 3 patients of mitomycin group, severe post operative bleeding was seen. Discussion. The difference between these groups is (P<0.01). Intraoperative mitomycin C may possibly improve success rates of DCR procedure with no serious complication.

Introduction. Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) is one of the successful method of anesthesia in relief of pain of surgery. It has a multiple advantages including feasibility, rapidity of recovery, rapid onest, muscular relaxation and controllable onset of anesthesia. But this technique dose not relief postoperative pain. In the previous studies it had been tried to add some drugs to local anesthetic in IVRA for relief postoperative pain. Methods. One hundred and ten adult patients in class I and II ASA scheduled for elective operation of unilatral upper extrimeties under IVRA, randomly allocated into interventional and control groups. NRA was done with Lidocaine 0.5 percent with or without dexamethason. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analogue scale. Results. Addition of dexamethason to local anesthetic in IVRA resulted in better tolleration of turniquate pain and reduced VAS score. Frequency of severe postoperative pain was reduced in case group. Discussion. It seems that dexamethason usage in local anesthetic in IVRA prevents sever postoperative pain in patients. The results of this study is simillar to the study wich added ketorolac to IVRA solution.

Introduction. Burning is an event with many psychosomatic complications. Pain is one of the most trouble matter in these patients that affect on their psychologic features. This study presents a hypnotherapeutics intervention for controlling pain in patients suffered from burning. Methods. In a randomized clinical trial (without placebo), two 22 members group burned patients were selected. In interventional group we conduct a 5 sessions hypnotherapy course. Severity of pain and itching were assessed by visual analogue scale before and after intervention and results were compaired between two groups. Results. All pain parameters were decreased more in interventional group (P<0.05). Discussion. It seems that hypnotherapy can playa positive role in pain reduction of patients. It is recommended that it would be applied in adjunct to current medications in these patients.

Introduction. Opportunity to sperm in azospermic men is an essential component of successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This study evaluate the efficacy of fine needle biopsy (FNA) versus open biopsy for spermatozoid retrival in azospermic men. Methods. Fine needle biopsy was performed in 1030 azospermic men for sperm retrival. Testicular open biopsy was performed in any cases with no obtained sperm in FNA. About 50 percent of patients have normal FSH level and other ones have high FSH lenvel. Results. FNA had a success rate about 29 percent for sperm retrival in azospermic patients. In patients with FNA failure, open biopsy could retrieve sperm in 21 percent cases. FNA and open biopsy with each other could retrieve sperm in 44 percent of azospermic patients. Discussion. FNA may has a first role for sperm retrieval in azospermic patients, but use of open biopsy is necessary in patients with FNA failure.

Introduction. Androgens have a main role in acne pathogenesis. The interaction between prolactin and androgens generate the hypothesis of prolactin role in acne pathogenesis. Methods. In a case - control study, 71 women with modearte to severe acne were compaired with 71 healthy women about their serum prolactin levels. Results. Mean of serum prolactin level was 533 632 miu/lit in cases. Mean of serum prolactin level was 365 363 in control group (P>0.05). There was a significant correlation between serum prolactin level and severity of acne. Discussion. Despite the non significant difference between serum prolactin level in acne patients and healthy women, thare was a significant relationship between serum prolactin level and severity of acne. It may be due to our small sample size. However, the more powerful studies is needed.

Introduction. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of articular disease and one of the major causes of pain and disability especially in old age. The purpose of this study is to assay therapeutic effect of oral chloroquine in comparison with intraarticular injection of corticosteroid in management of osteoarthritis. Methods. A controlled randomized clinical trial study was done in Isfahan Alzahra hospital from October 2000 to September 2001 (11 months). The eligible patients were randomized in one of the therapeutic modalities (oral chloroquine: 15 patients; Intraarticular steroid injection: 15 patient). The patient initially were classified as their intensity of jont pain on the base of (visual analog scale) 0-100, their (global status) 0-100 and Lequesne"s functional index (0-25). Data was obtioned in 4th, 8th, 12th weeks follow up. Results. In the first group the intensity of pain in 4th, 8th, 12th weeks became significantly attenutated in Comparison to initiation of study (P<0.05). In contrast second group the intensity of pain in 4th week became attenuated in comparison to the bigining of the study but this effect was not significant in 8th and 12th weeks (P>0.05). Discussion. The most clinical responsiveness including attenuation of pain improvment of global status and lequesne"s functional index in first group was observed in 12th week but this responsiveness in second group (corticosteroid) decreased significantly after 4th week. Oral chloroquine in comparison with intra articular corticosteroid injection in patients with knee OA cause therapeutic benefit effect for longer time. It can be as a useful, treatment method without a serious side effects on these patients.

Introduction. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruputer specially in athletics induces knee instability results in pateint disability. Surgical treatment consist of ACL reconstruction and repair. In this study the efficacy of surgical management with brace after operation was compaired to surgical management without brace. Methods. One hundred ACL ruptured pateints had reconstructed with BPB graft in two randomzed gruops (50 with brace afetr operation and 50 without brace). Study durated 4 year (1997-2000) in alzahra hospital (affiliated to IUMSHS). Patients had followed for 12 months after operation. Results. Knee range of motion after 1, 3, 6, 12 months follow up were the same in both groups (P>0.05). Degree and duration of returning to sport, complications, need to reoperation, stair climbing, specific ACL tests, patelofemoral pain, pain in squatting, running and cutting and quadriceps atrophy, after 12 months follow up were the same in both groups (P>0.05). Patients without brace returned to their job more sooner than another group (P<0.05). Discussion. There are no significant differnce in cilinical results in tow groups and ACL reconstruction with BPB dose not require to routine bracing. Faster return to job in non bracing group is due to removal of liminting effect of brace wearing. Lesser rate of pain in patients that return to sport due to quadriceps strengthening.

Introduction. Postoperative pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. Control of this pain plays an important role in successful performance of surgical procedure. Magnesium sulfate has been proposed for postoperative analgesia. Methods. In a randomized, double blind clinical trial with two parallel groups, we assessed the analgesic effect of perioperative magnesium sulfate administration in 60 patients with ASA I or II undergoing cholecystectomy with general anesthesia. Patients received either magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg preoperative and 8 mg/kg/h postoperative (as interventional group) or the same volume of isotonic sodium chloride solution (as placebo). Anesthesia was performed with thiopental of sodium, succinylcholine, atracurium and morphine, supplemented by nitrous oxide and halothane. Postoperative analgesia was achieved with morphine and evaluated using the pain visual analog scale for 24 h.Results. The mean pain score was lower, and morphine consumption was more less in the magnesium group (P<0.01). Discussion. Intravenous magnesium sulfate reduces postoperative pain and analgesic requirments in patients with cholecystectomy. Our results demonstrate that magnesium sulfate can be an adjuant to perioperative analgesic management.

Introduction. Burning is a painful event and its theraputic procedures make it more severe. There are some modalities for decreased pain in such patients. In this study, the efficacy of attentin distraction method was tested for pain decreasing in burned children. Methods. In a pretest post test study 68 children in burning ward of emam Moosa Kazem Hospital (affiliated to IUMSHS) were studied. Chiops and Wong baker scales were used for pain assessment before and after attention distraction method. Results. The mean pain score was decreased after intervention (from 11.5/14 to 9.25/14 in chiops scale and from 3.6/4 to 3.4/4 in wong scale). Discussion. It is recommended to use non medical methods adjunct to drug therapy in patients with burnin pain.

Introduction. Fluorescent lamps are low- pressure mercury lamps. They are artificial sources of UV. As their widely used, it is important to investigate the level of the UV outputs. Methods. Forty two lamps from each of the three iranian companies to obtain 95 percent confidence limit were provided using a S2000 fiber optic spectrometer the intensity at each wavelength (UV-VIS range) was measured. Measurements were carried out at different points parallel with and vertical to lamp axis. Results. and Discussion. Lamps of company B had the minimum of energy flue (1.33 µW/Cm2) and the energy flue of company A lamps was maximum (2.48 µW/Cm2) at 10cm distance of lamp. The risk of non melanoma cancer results from exposure to the UV from these lamps relative to solar exposure are calculated.

Introduction. Ni and Pb are metals with several suggested mechanisms for their toxicity on the biological systems. We have recently investigated involvement of DNA in an electron transfer reaction as an enzyme. In this reaction non- fluorescent dichlorofluorescin (LDCF) is converted to the dichlorofluorescein (DCF) in the presence of peroxides and hematin. Methods. The fluorometric technique was used in this study. The pH effect on the reaction rate was investigated. The results showed that DCF has the maximum emission on tris buffer 0.05 Mat pH 8.4.Results. DNA and carnosine catalyze the reaction, which proceeds by the electron transfer mechanism. The presence of carnosine is necessary for the catalytic action of DNA as a cofactor. Ni (II) and Pb (11) are the potent inhibitors of the reaction. The kinetic parameters and determined in the presence and absence of the above ligands. Discussion. DNA, which has the electrical properties only in the double helical forms, acts as a catalyst in the conversion of LDCF to DCF. The existence of the carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide with antioxidant and free radical scavenging roles, is an important factor for the progress of the reaction. Both Ni (11) and Pb (II) inhibit the reaction. These metals could act as the electron pool to cause inhibition in such electron transfer reaction. This phenomenon could be related to the carcinogenic effect of these metals.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease of Buynaviridae family. Disease is primarily zoonosis but sporadic and epidemic human infection can occur. During year 2001 many outbreaks have been reported from Kosovo, Iran, Albania and Pakistan. A Hyalomma tick can transmit the disease and virus reservoirs are rodents, ostrich, ground frequenting birds and hyalomma tick. Another way of human infection is contact with infected animal blood and products or crushing a tick with bare hands. Contact with infected human blood can also transmit the disease. During outbreak, 18 cases were confirmed by serologic methods. 12 men and 6 women aged 20-40 years old. Ten of men and 5 of women had history of contact with infected animal blood or tissue and a lady had been bitten by a tick. A young assistant of internal medicine who came in contact with the first patient, developed the disease. We were not able to determine route of transmission in one case. The most frequent clinical signs included fever, myalgia, weakness, fatique, bleeding tendency, petechia, purpura and jundice. Lab exam revealed thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes and prolongation of prothrombin time. Althoug the most common route of human infection is tick bite, but in this outbreak the main route was contact with infected animal blood and tissue. This point confirms that unsanitary slaughtering of animal could be dangerous. It seems that reeducating physicians, veterinarians and those who take care of such patients maybe helpful to neighboring countries triggered the outbreak, so that educating people who are involved in husbandry may limiting human infection.

Migraine is a paroxysmal disorder with attacks of headache, nausea, vomiting, photo- and phono phobia and malaise. Migraine treatment is a mystery of medicien yet. We compare the efficacy of sodium valproate versus propranolol in our patients. Two 35 members groups with migraine headache (according to criteria of international headache society) were selected. At first, we discontinued any drugs used by subjects. In group one we started sodium valproate by dose 200 mg/day then increased it up to 600 mg/day during 3 weeks. In another group, propranolol was started 40 mg/day and was increased up to 80 mg/day in a period of 3 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, improvement of headache was compaired between groups. Headache severity, freqency and duration were similar in two groups after 12 weeks. It seems that propranolol and sodium valproate have the same affects on migraine headache.