Arch Iran Med
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Meta Analysis
Prolonged versus Intermittent Infusion of Antibiotics in Acute and Severe Infections: A Meta-analysis.
Acute and severe infections are an absolute indication for the use of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, previous studies have found inconsistent clinical advantages of prolonged (extended [≥3-hour infusion] or continuous [24-hour fixed rate infusion]) over intermittent (6, or 8, or 12 interval hours infusion) infusion. The clinical superiority between prolonged and intermittent infusion in treating acute and severe infections thus continues to be elusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective observational studies to determine whether prolonged infusion, compared to intermittent infusion, is correlated with lower mortality and better clinical outcome. ⋯ Better outcomes in hospitalized patients, especially in those who were critical ill, were reported in prolonged infusion of intravenous antibiotics compared with traditional intermittent infusion.
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Blood-borne infections are life-threatening challenges among prisoners. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these infections and related risk behaviors among male prisoners. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1,034 voluntarily enrolled male prisoners in several prisons of Kermanshah province, Iran. ⋯ There was also a positive association between HCVAb+ and age, region, age at the time of first substance use, and history of intravenous drug use and camp residency, as well as heterosexual relationships. HIV infection was also significantly associated with history of intravenous drug use and homosexual relationships. Although HBV infection was shown to be lower in Kermanshah than other parts of the country, a higher prevalence was found for HCV and HIV infections in this province.
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The benefits of tricuspid valve (TV) repair in patients with moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during left-sided valve surgery are under debate. We investigated independent predictors for reduction in TR severity following left-sided valve surgery in patients with moderate TR. ⋯ Tricuspid annuloplasty may be useful in patients who have moderate TR undergoing left-sided valve surgery regardless of the tricuspid annulus diameter, and it can play an effective role in the improvement of TR at mid-term follow-up.
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An Exploratory Study of Units of Reporting Opium Usein Iran: Implications for Epidemiologic Studies.
Measuring the amount of opium use is a challenge in epidemiologic studies. Self-report of amount of opium use at each consumption, widely used in the literature, usually fails to provide a good estimate. The purpose of this study is to systematically study the perceived weight units of reported opium use in Iran, and compare them to the standardized units of weight measurement. ⋯ In conclusion, the reported amount of opium use is highly inaccurate and unreliable, and is mainly subject to underestimation.
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There is no clear picture regarding the prevalence rates of autism and its comorbidities among Iranian children and adolescents. The present study aimed to estimate these rates as part of a large national population-based study on epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in Iranian children and adolescents. ⋯ The present study shows high prevalence rates for autism and its comorbid conditions among Iranian children and adolescents. It also reveals that there is a relationship between some maternal psychiatric disorders and the risk of autism.