Cardiometabolic risk factors in Iranians with spinal cord injury: analysis by injury-related variables.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high prevalence of abnormalities in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These abnormalities cause adverse coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with SCI. In this study, we performed a detailed analysis of the level-specific cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with SCI and analyzed the association of injury level on these risk factors.

Relationship between serum leptin levels and bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers in patients on hemodialysis.

Leptin is the protein product of the obesity gene, which is produced in fat tissue. It was originally thought to be involved only in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. We aimed to investigate the relationship of serum leptin levels with bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in patients on hemodialysis (HD).

Relationship between serum parathyroid hormone levels and lipid profile in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients.

Elevated levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the dyslipidemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but the underlying mechanisms are not clearly defined. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the effects of iPTH on dyslipidemia among HD patients by analyzing the data of 51 patients (18 males and 33 females) with combined mean age 51.7 ± 18.

A randomized controlled trial of two schedules of hepatitis B vaccination in predialysed chronic renal failure patients.

Background: Patients with chronic renal disease should be vaccinated as soon as dialysis is forestalled, and this could improve the seroconversion of hepatitis B vaccination.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare seroconversion and immune response rates using 4 doses of 40 μg and 3 doses of 20 μg Euvax B recombinant Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBs Ag) vaccine administered to predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Patients And Methods: In an open, randomized clinical trial, we compared seroconversion rates in 51 predialysis patients with mild and moderate chronic renal failure who received either 4 doses of 40 μg or 3 doses of 20 μg of Euvax B recombinant hepatitis B vaccine administered at 0, 1, 2, 6 and 0, 1, 6 months, respectively.

Ultrasonic predictors of improved seminal parameters after bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

Objective: The effect of varicocelectomy on semen parameters of varicocele with low-grade reflux and low testicular vein diameter is poorly documented. Our study aimed at determining whether preoperative venous diameter and grade of reflux predict semen parameters improvement after varicocelectomy.

Patients And Methods: We studied 85 patients undergoing bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy (BLV).

Influenza immunization rates, knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers in Iran.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine influenza vaccine coverage and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice about influenza and vaccine of health care workers in Tehran, Iran.

Methodology: This cross-sectional survey involved 144 health care workers (HCWs) at the Tehran University of Medical Science between October 2008 and February 2009. Participants received a self-administered questionnaire directed at 35 items of knowledge and every correct response was scored one point.

Postmastectomy locoregional recurrence and recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients.

Background: One essential outcome after breast cancer treatment is recurrence of the disease. Treatment decision is based on assessment of prognostic factors of breast cancer recurrence. This study was to investigate the prognostic factors for postmastectomy locoregional recurrence (LRR) and survival in those patients.