Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Year:2018 | Volume:27 | Issue:157 |Papers Count:26

Background and purpose: Different genera of enterobacteriaceae have important roles ingastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea. Among these, Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), and Shigella are three main bacteria which are transmitted via contaminated food and water. Vaccination is a good strategy to combat these pathogens. In the present study, a chimeric antigen, containingthe main antigens of these three bacteria was designed, expressed in E. coli host, and tested for protectionagainst EHEC strain. Materials and methods: Specific primers were designed to fuse these antigens. The propertiesof the chimeric antigen, including physical and chemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, andB cell and T cell epitopes were obtained via in silico analysis. After the fusion of the genes, the resultingrecombinant pET28a(+) vector was transferred into the competent E. coli cells. Expression was inducedand the protein was purified. Then, the animals were immunized through subcutaneous administration ofthe antigen. Finally, the immunized animals were challenged by live E. coli O157: H7 cells. Results: In silico analysis showed that the chimeric antigen had appropriate physical andchemical properties which could be expressed in various expression systems. In addition, the antigen haspotent B-and T-cell epitopes. Experimental results showed that the antigen has efficiently provoked themice's humoral immune system. Challenging the immunized mice by live bacterial cells showed that thechimeric antigen was able to protect the mice against E. coli O157: H7 strain. Conclusion: Both in silico analysis and experimental results showed that the chimeric antigenhas appropriate properties which can be considered as a proper candidate vaccine against the threebacteria mentioned.

Background and purpose: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most disabling diseases withvarious physical and psychological consequences. One of the treatments of SCI is using agents that haveneuroprotective effects such as Vitamin C and ubiquinone. This research aimed at investigating the effectof co-administration of these agents on rat experimental model of SCI. Materials and methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n=40) were divided into sham, lesion, AA, CO10, and AA+COQ10 groups. In sham group only laminectomy was performed and in other groupscontusion model of SCI was done. After 24 hr, the animals in AA, COQ10, and AA+COQ10 groupsreceived intraperitoneal injection of AA, COQ10 and AA+COQ10, respectively. Then, behavioralassessment and biochemical study were performed. Eight weeks after treatment, the brains were removedand 5μ sections were prepared. Finally, cresyl violet staining was done. Results: There was a significant difference in BBB score of AA, COQ10 groups compared tothat of the AA+COQ10 group (P<0. 001). A Significant difference was also seen in MDA level inAA+COQ10 group compared to that in lesion group (P=0. 017). Compared with the lesion group, theserum GR level in AA+COQ10 group significantly increased (P=0. 018). The average number of normalmotor neurons in anterior spinal horn significantly increased in treatment groups compared to that inlesion group (P<0. 001)Conclusion: Co-administration of AA and COQ10 in contusion model of SCI led to functionalrecovery, reduction of MDA, increase of GR level in serum and increase of motor neurons survival inanterior spinal horn.

Background and purpose: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) are widely used as a catalyst inindustry and as an antioxidant in applied nanomedicine. The biological effect of CNPs exposure on testistissue is not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of CNPs on testis in micemodel. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, CNPs were administered intraperitoneallyat 5 mg/kg dose for 7 consecutive days. Testicular toxicity was evaluated by histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical assays. Results: According to the findings CNPs significantly induced oxidative stress in testis (P<0. 05). Compared to the control group, the MDA, ROS, and PC levels increased in treated groups whilethe GSH levels decreased. Histopathological examination showed severe damage in testis in treatedgroup. Moreover, Johnsen’ s Testicular Score decreased in CNPs group. CNPs treatment caused asignificant decrease in sperm count, motility, sperm viability, testosterone level and increase in number ofabnormal sperms (P< 0. 05). Conclusion: Such observations suggest that CNPs at 5 mg/kg dose with pro-oxidative stresseffect can lead to testicular toxicity. Also, this study confirmed that CNPs could pass through the bloodtestisbarrier.

Background and purpose: Herbal medicine have always been used in Iran and other countriesaround the world. They have different effects on human body, some are beneficial and others could bedetrimental. There are few studies that investigated the effect of turmeric (Curcuma Longa) on femalereproduction. This study examined the effect of turmeric extract on in vitro maturation of mice’ sprimordial oocytes and on the number of embryos resulting from fertilization. Materials and methods: The NRMI mice were divided into four groups: experimental group 1and 2, sham, and control. The control group received normal food and water for 7 days; the sham groupwas daily gavaged with 0. 002 mg/kg body weight of distilled water and alcohol for 7 days. Theexperimental groups 1 and 2 received 0. 001 and 0. 002 mg/kg body weight of turmeric extract daily, respectively. After 7 days, the mice were sacrificed and anatomized. The results were then analyzed at theend of the IVF and IVM procedures. Results: The findings suggest that increase in concentration of turmeric significantly limits thelevel of maturation in somatic embryos. Moreover, the number of two and four-cell embryos within 24and 48 hours after fertilization decreased in higher concentration of turmeric extract. Conclusion: The extract of the turmeric plant could limit the maturation of primordial oocytesand reduce the number of resulting embryos. Therefore, caution should be accounted for its use.

Background and purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized byhyperglycemia, impaired insulin secretion or peripheral insulin resistance. Today, many herbal medicinesare used in treatment of diabetes. Recently anti-diabetic properties of resveratrol are reported in somestudies, but none have evaluated its anti-neuropathy properties and its' effect on Sirt1 gene expression. The aim of this research was to investigate the anti-diabetic and anti-neuropathy properties of resveratrolin mice. Materials and methods: BALB/c mice were divided into 6 groups (n=6 per group). A singledose of 200mg/kg subcutaneous injection of STZ was used to induce diabetes in all groups, except innegative controls which received normal saline. Treatment groups received metformin 300mg/kg andresveratrol 200mg/kg orally by gavage for 21 days. Then, their weight and blood sugar levels weredetermined and neuropathy test was conducted by hot plate apparatus. After killing and removing theirlivers and RNA extraction, Sirt1 gene expression was assayed by Real-time PCR. Results: According to the findings, resveratrol significantly reduced blood sugar level andimproved peripheral neuropathy which were comparable with metformin (P<0. 01). Moreover, Sirt1expression was increased by resveratrol. Conclusion: Based on these results, resveratrol could be used alongside other treatments ofdiabetes to decrease the degree of insulin resistance and neuropathy.

Background and purpose: Transmucosal drug delivery unlike oral drug delivery has someadvantages including deletion of first past effect and prevention of drug removal in gastro-intestinal tractand enzymatic flora. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of CMC, cerbomer and HPMC onCinnamaldehyde release from formulation matrix and mucoadhesion of these formulations. Materials and methods: In this experimental research, nine formulations were selected andseveral tests including flowability, compressibility, hardness, assay, friability, swelling, and bioadhesiveforce were done. Results: According to the study, the angles of repose for all formulations were between20. 06± 1. 67 and 31. 93± 2. 44. In addition, F5 and F6 had the most regular drug release patterns while F8and F9 were found to have the fastest drug release. Maximum bioadhesive strength was observed in F8and F9 but the minimum was observed in F3 and F4. Conclusion: Drug delivery studies are of great importance, particularly for the drugs that do nothave therapeutic efficacy in other routs of administration. According to current findings, HPMC inducesthe best formulation for transmucosal drug delivery.

Background and purpose: Hydatidosis is highly prevalent worldwide which mainly involvesliver and lung. There are some drugs sensitive to the hydatid disease but surgery is still the most commonform of treatment. Different chemical agents are used for inactivation of protoscolices during surgery butmost leave serious side effects. Therefore, herbal extracts have received more attention as replacingagents that have acceptable scolicidal effects and no adverse effects. The aim of this study was toinvestigate the scolicidal effects of mixture of Artemisia, Eucalyptus and ginger extracts on hydatid cystprotoscolices in vitro. Materials and methods: Hydatid liver cysts isolated from sheep were collected from aslaughterhouse in Hamedan, Iran. The cysts fluid containing live protoscolices were aspirated aseptically. The effect of two concentrations of the methanolic extracts of the mixture (50 and 100 mg/ml) wasinvestigated at 15 and 30 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0. 1% eosin staining. Dataanalysis was done applying Chi-square test. Results: The mixture of eucalyptus and ginger extracts showed acceptable scolicidal effects inwhich after 15 and 30 min exposure at 50 and 100 mg/ml concentrations it killed 97. 24% and 100% ofprotoscolices, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that mixture of Eucalyptus and ginger had high scolicidalactivity in vitro condition. Therefore, it could be used in surgical treatment of hydatid cyst aftercomplementary researches.

Background and purpose: Previous research has shown that improving lower extremity musclestrength plays an important role in prevention of falls in older people. The aim of this study was toinvestigate the relationship between the changes of lower extremity muscle strength and postural controlability in elderly after a hydrotherapy program. Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, 30 elderly male were randomly selected andclassified into intervention (mean age 65. 4 years, mean height 169. 3 cm, and mean weight 70. 8 kg) andcontrol groups (mean age 63. 6 years, mean height 1688 cm, and mean weight 70. 9 kg). The interventiongroup participated in an aquatic exercise program for 8 weeks while the control group had nointervention. Postural sway parameters and muscle strength were evaluated before and after the programusing the Biodex balance system and hand held dynamometer (HHD) respectively. Pearson correlationtest was used for data analysis (P≤ 0. 05). Results: The results showed a significant relationship between the changes of plantar flexorsmuscle strength and postural control ability after the intervention (P<0. 05), but this relationship was notsignificant in the case of other muscles (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Compared with other lower extremity muscles, increase in plantar flexors musclestrength seems to have a major role in improving the postural control ability in elderly people. So, posterior muscles of the leg should be considered in planning exercises that aim at improving balance inolder people.

Background and purpose: In developing countries, a high prevalence of musculoskeletaldisorders is reported among drivers. However, there are few researches in Iran on this problem amongsuburban drivers. The present study aimed at investigating the prevalence of work-relatedmusculoskeletal disorders and its related factors in suburban drivers in Mazandaran province. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive analysis was carried out in 1850suburban drivers. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the demographic questionnaire werecompleted for all drivers. Logistic regression analysis was done in SPSS V22 applying Chi-square test. Results: The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the past 12 months was found inneck (16. 3%), knees (13. 9%), and back and elbow (10. 7%). Other factors such as age, work experience, smoking, previous accidents, and marital status showed a significant relationship with pain in variousparts of the body (P<0. 05). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (especially inneck and knee) among suburban drivers in Mazandaran province. Such disorders could be easilyprevented by designing ergonomic seats based on Iranian anthropometric sizes, doing stretch exercises, having sufficient rest, and trainings on correct sitting.

Background and purpose: Trauma scoring systems help physicians and nurses in recognizingthe severity of trauma and its management. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare thepredictive ability of mortality rates of two trauma scoring systems (MGAP and GAP) in multiple traumapatients. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used the data available in electronicrecords for trauma patients admitted to Rasht Poorsina Hospital, Iran. Demographic data, and GAP andMGAP (Mechanism, Glasgow Coma Scale, Age, and Pressure) scores for 1541 patients were extracted. Then, the ability of both scores in short-term (24 hours) and long-term (4-week) mortality prediction rateswas analyzed using SPSS V21. Results: The surface areas under the curve ratio of ROC for predicting short-term mortality rateswere 0. 947 and 0. 938, and for long-term mortality rates were 0. 928 and 0. 914 for GAP and MGAP, respectively (P<0. 001). Also, Kappa coefficient for agreement of both scoring systems was 0. 754 and0. 462, respectively. The best cut-off values for GAP and MGAP in predicting short-term mortality rateswere 16 and 21 with sensitivity rates of 97. 6% and 96. 6%, specificity rates of 81. 1% and 83%, andaccuracy rates of 97. 1% and 96. 2%, respectively, while in the long-term mortality rates these values were19 and 22 with sensitivity rates of 92. 4% and 92. 6%, specificity rates of 80%, and accuracy rates of91. 95% and 92. 1%, respectively. Conclusion: Both GAP and MGAP could appropriately predict mortality rate without anysignificant difference. Therefore, these scores could be used as triage tools, and in predicting the severityof injuries and mortality.

Background and purpose: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Itcould occur following physical problems such as traumatic brain injury. This study was conducted toinvestigate the level of depression after traumatic brain injury based on demographic characteristics. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the research population included 409patients with traumatic brain injury attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran, 2010-2014. Amongthese, 97 patients were selected using purposive sampling. Depression was measured by administeringBeck Depression Inventory and demographic characteristics were recorded using a researcher-madequestionnaire. Data analysis was done in SPSS V19. Results: The findings showed a significant relationship between depression after traumatic braininjury and sex (P =0. 010). But depression after traumatic brain injury did not significantly correlate withage groups (P= 0. 25), educational level (P= 0. 191), material status (P= 0. 088), and place of residence (P=0. 821). Conclusion: Comorbidity of depression with traumatic brain injury was found to be higher infemales compared to males. Therefore, psychiatric interventions are necessary in these patients fordiagnosis and management of depression.

Background and purpose: Postpartum depression is a serious preventable problem withvarious effects. According to previous studies, 44% of mothers with infants in neonatal intensive careunits (NICU) show emotional symptoms such as depression and restlessness. Religion has always beenregarded as a complementary approach and praying is usually used by people in harsh conditions. Theaim of this study was to evaluate the role of prayer on depression in mothers with premature infantsadmitted to NICU. Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, 60 mothers of premature infants were randomlydivided into a control group (n=30) and an intervention group (n=30). In the intervention group a prayerprogram was conducted for mothers one day after NICU admission for 7 days. Data was collected using ademographic questionnaire, SCL90 scale, DASS 21, and the Prayer Questionnaire. Data was analyzed inSPSS V11. 5 applying Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Paired t-test, and ANOVA. Results: The two groups were homogenous for all demographic factors (mother’ s age, type ofdelivery, gravidity, number of childbirth, abortion, number of children, etc. ) and that of the neonates(gender, Apgar Score, etc. ) except infant birth weight (P=0. 045). At the end of the intervention, there wasno significant difference between the two groups in depression score (P=0. 118) but one month later thescores revealed a significant difference between two groups (P=0. 047). Conclusion: Prayer can be effective in prevention of depression in mothers with prematureneonates.

Background and purpose: Poor adherence is usually a major problem in hemodialysis patients. This study assessed the effect of telephone consultation and follow-up on treatment adherence anddialysis adequacy in hemodialysis patients. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in Zanjan, Iran 2015-2016. In this study, 86 hemodialysis patients were selected via convenience sampling. Using randomallocation method they were divided into two groups (experimental and control). The experimental grouprecieved two to three face-to-face consultations and a healthy diet at the beginning, and weeks four andeight of the study. Telephone follow up of patients was done for 12 weeks (28 times). Treatmentadherence and dialysis adequacy were investigated in both groups (before the intervention, and weeksfour, eight and twelve) using URR and Kt/V indices by administiring End-Stage Renal DiseaseAdherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). Meanwhile, patients in control group received routine care andtrainings. Data analysis was done applying Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Repeated measuresANOVA. Results: The mean age of participants was 52± 11 years. Male patients included 55. 8% of thecases. Dialysis adequacy, patients’ perception and understanding level, and behaviors of adherence inintervention group, in all stages, were significantly higher than those of the control group (P< 0. 005). Conclusion: Counseling and telephone follow-up improved treatment adherence and dialysisadequacy, therefore, it is recommended in hemodialysis patients.

Background and purpose: Risk of burn is influenced by some factors including life conditions, lifestyle, and culture. Factors such as reduced physical strength, damaged protection mechanisms, takingvarious drugs leave elderly at more risk of burns. The aim of this study was to determine the factorsassociated with gender differences in incidence of burn in patients older than 59 years of age admitted toSari Zare Hospital. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was done in patients older than 59 years ofage who were admitted in Sari Zare Hosptal, a referral center for three provinces (Mazandaran, Golestan, Semnan), between 2013 and 2015. Participants were selected using census method. Data was collectedusing the patient's documents and a checklist for recording the information. Independent t test, Chi-squareand Fisher's exact test were used in order to analyze the data. Results: A total of 169 patients was admitted in hospital including 85 males (50. 3%). The meanage of patients was 70. 4 ± 8. 2. In urban areas the frequency of burns was higher in men than that inwomen (62. 1% vs. 38. 1%), while in rural areas this frequency was higher among women (68. 2% vs37. 9%). We found a significant relationship between gender and place of residence, educational level, cause of burn, location of burn, and age group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that incidence of burn is different in elderly men and womenin terms of place of residence, education level, cause of burn, location of the burn, and age. Therefore, appropriate planning and prevention interventions are required.

Background and purpose: In order to increase the accountability of hospitals and ensuringproper medical treatments at any time of the day, physicians residing in non-administrative hours haveactive physical presence in the hospital and perform the diagnostic and therapeutic measures required. The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation of resident physician program in Mazandaranprovince, Iran. Materials and methods: A qualitative study was carried out in which the participants included27 individuals from university authorities, hospital managers, and specialists. Data was collected by semistructuredinterviews using purposeful and snowball methods and continued until data saturation. Then, transcription of interview data was done to determine the meaning units, coding, classification based onsimilarity and proportion, and identifying themes using content analysis. Results: According to the framework of the resident physician program, 13 primary themes and47 secondary themes were extracted. This program improved the centers’ responses, indicators, andprocesses. But some themes such as finance, infrastructures, monitoring, implementation of the program, and payments to doctors were found as challenging issues requiring more attention. Conclusion: Considering the opportunities and threats, and the strengths and weaknesses of theresident physicians program, current findings could provide managers and healthcare authorities with amore comprehensive approach to the present situation.

Background and purpose: Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a group of organic compounds that areused as additives in plastic industry. Among PAEs, dimethyl phthalate (DMP), the simplest compound inphthalates, is an aromatic pollutant that disturbs endocrine function. The aim of this study was to assess theeffect of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI) on the DMP degradation. Materials and methods: NZVI were prepared by reduction of ferric chloride using sodiumborohydride. Physical properties of nanoparticles were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Vibrating SampleMagnetometer (VSM). Then, the effect of pH, DMP concentrations, the amount of NZVI, and contacttime were investigated on DMP removal efficiency. Response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken was used to study the interaction between variables. Results: Maximum efficiency (99%) of DMP removal by NZVI was achieved in optimumconditions (pH=3, NZVI dosage =0. 6 g/l, DMP concentration = 2 mg/l, and contact time= 65 min). TheBox-Behnken analysis confirmed that pH and NZVI dosage have had the highest and lowest effect in theprocess of DMP removal by NZVI, respectively. Conclusion: According to findings, NZVI in small amounts have a proper efficiency in DMPremoval. Also, DMP degradation efficiency did not change much, after being used in five consecutivecycles of degradation reactions. This shows a potential application prospect of the synthesized NZVI inreal water treatment.

Background and purpose: Enzymatic treatment, due to various benefits, has attracted manyresearchers since long time ago. Anionic detergents are one of the largest families of detergents thatentered into the environment in recent decades. This study investigated the effect of horseradishperoxidase enzyme process on the removal of linear alkaline benzyl sulfonate (LAS) from aqueoussolutions. Materials and methods: In an experimental study on a laboratory scale and in a batch reactor, the enzyme extracted from horseradish root was applied for removal of anionic detergent. Variables suchas enzyme concentrations (0. 5-2 U/mL), H2O2 (0. 5-4 mg/l), detergent concentration (100-500 mg/L), and0-60 min contact time were examined. Effluent concentration of detergent was measured according to themethylene blue method and spectrophotometric in 652 nm wavelength. At the end, kinetics of reactionswere also studied. Results: The enzymatic activity of the extract from horseradish root was 3. 15 U/mL, and had thehighest activity at neutral pH. Removal efficiency was 98% in optimum condition (enzyme concentration1. 5 U/mL, H2O2 2 mg/L, pH 7. 5, and 250 mg/l detergent). Gradual addition of reactants (enzyme andH2O2) increased the removal efficiency to 99. 5%. The order of reaction of the enzymatic reactionfollowed the first-order reaction. The correlation coefficient (R2) was higher than 0. 99 and mean constantreaction speed was 0. 721 mol L-1min-1 (P≥ 0. 05). Conclusion: Enzymatic treatment by horseradish peroxidase can be used as an environmentalfriendly method in removal of pollutants such as surfactants.

Background and purpose: Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancerworldwide and despite huge advances in treatments, the chance of survival is very low even in surgerycases. Having a genetic predisposition plays an important role in cancer development. Polymorphisms inthe NQO1(NAD(P)H Quinone dehydrogenase 1) gene could affect the activity of the gene and also thesusceptibility to gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the polymorphism ofNQO1 gene on gastric cancer. Materials and methods: This case-control study was performed in 100 patients with gastriccancer and 100 healthy individuals as benchmarks. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral bloodleukocytes. Then, genotyping for detecting NQO1-609 C>T promoter gene polymorphism was carriedout using PCR-RFLP. Data analysis was performed in MedCalc V9. Results: NQO1 rs1800566 allelic and genotypic frequencies were not significantly differentbetween the patients and controls (P= 0. 14، χ 2= 2. 16)Conclusion: Screening of-609C>T NQO1 polymorphism was not found as a useful marker indetecting personal sensitivity to gastric cancer, therefore, would not be helpful in gastric cancerprevention and treatment processes.

Background and purpose: This study aimed at investigating the effect of hydroalchoholicextract of sumac (Rhus coriaria L. ) on expression of passive avoidance learning in male rats. Materials and methods: In an experimental study, 24 adult Wistar rats weighing 230± 20 grwere divided into three groups to receive solvent extract (DMSO), and 25 and 50 mg/kg of the sumacextract. Passive avoidance test was done using shuttle box after treatment. All treatments were conductedintraperitoneally, half hours before the test, on the second day (check expression). Data analysis was doneapplying one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (P<0. 05). Results: The mice that received 25 mg/kg of sumac extract showed significant increase in thelatency to enter the dark room compared to the group that received DMSO (P< 0. 001). Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Rhus coriaria L. increased the expression of passiveavoidance learning in rats.

Background and purpose: Studying the different diagnostic aspects of hydatid cysts (HC)plays a major role in early diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical andlaboratory characteristics of HC cases operated in educational hospitals affiliated with MazandaranUniversity of Medical Sciences. Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, the records of all cases with HC (n=95) whounderwent surgical treatment in two educational hospitals within 11 years (2004-2015) were studied andanalyzed. Results: The patients were found to be 53. 7% females, 67. 4% living in rural areas, and 28. 4%were aged 51-60 years old (P<0. 05). Liver, lung, and spleen had the highest involvement of HC, respectively. Imaging techniques were used to diagnose the HC along with clinical symptoms. Conclusion: The present study showed that HC still remains a health problem in Mazandaranprovince, especially in rural areas.

Background and purpose: Opioid toxicity is a major problem in Iran. The aim of this studywas to evaluate acute methadone toxicity in children admitted to hospital and identifying differentpatterns of this toxicity in children. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 79 patients admitted tochildren emergency department in Mashhad Imam Reza Hospital whose methadone toxicity had beenproved by urine analysis. The subjects were selected using convenient sampling. A researcher-madequestionnaire was used consisting of child information. Data was analyzed applying T-Test, Chi-Square, Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean age of patients was 5± 3. 25 years old. The time elapsed since ingestion was 55min. The common signs and symptoms were drowsiness (92. 4%), bradypnea (83. 5%), meiotic pupil(64. 6%), vomiting (63. 3%), and itching (43%). The most common laboratory findings includedleukocytosis (41. 9%), metabolic acidosis (30. 7%), increased CRP (28. 6%), hyperglycemia (11. 7%), andhyponatremia (4%). Conclusion: In order to reduce the incidence of methadone poisoning, addiction treatmentcenters are ought to provide their clients with appropriate trainings to prevent misuse of methadone, storage of methadone, and a fast referral to health centers in case of poisoning.