Medical journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran
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Med J Islam Repub Iran · Jan 2018
Overuse and underuse of pulmonary CT angiography in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utilization and diagnostic yields of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)using the Revised Geneva score and Wells' criteria, in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: One hundred and twelve adult patients underwent CTPA for suspected PE were participated in this study. The outcome was positive or negative CTPA for PE. ⋯ Also, positive predictive value for high clinical probability of Wells' criteria and the revised Geneva score was 81.8% and 72.8% respectively. Conclusion: Under/overuse of CTPA in diagnosing PTE is a common problem especially in university hospitals. It is possible to avoid unnecessary CTPA requests using scholarly investigations and more accurate clinical risk assessments.
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Med J Islam Repub Iran · Jan 2018
Effects of vitamin D optimization on quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial.
Background: Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the frequency of hypovitaminosis D in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and its association with FMS symptoms. This study aimed at assessing the effect of hypovitaminosis D on the symptoms and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia. Methods: A total of 74 FMS patients with hypovitaminosis D were randomly assigned into group A (Trazodone 25 mg at bedtime + vitamin D 50 000 IU weekly) and group B (Trazodone 25 mg at bedtime + placebo). ⋯ Improvement in pain-related indices including the WPI and the physical component score (PCS) fraction of SF-36 was more noticeable in vitamin D/Trazodone combination therapy. Conclusion: This study suggests that vitamin D supplementation has significant therapeutic benefits in the management of FMS, especially in pain reduction of patients with fibromyalgia. According to our results, a combination of vitamin D supplements and a conventional antidepressant, when given to vitamin D-deficient fibromyalgia patients, could significantly improve both physical and psychological symptoms.
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Med J Islam Repub Iran · Jan 2018
Frequency of human Parvovirus B19 among patients with respiratory infection in Iran.
Background: Human parvovirus B19 was known as one of the possible cause of mild respiratory tract diseases in previous studies. However, there are some reports of acute obstructive respiratory disease and severe pneumonia. The purpose of current study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of parvovirus B19 in respiratory infection. ⋯ Conclusion: This is the first attempt to assess the prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in Iranian patients with respiratory infection. The low frequency of parvovirus B19 detected in our study does not support the role of this virus in the development of respiratory infection. However, further studies are needed to better evaluate the etiological role of parvovirus B19 in respiratory infection.
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Med J Islam Repub Iran · Jan 2018
National action plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran for combating antimicrobial resistance during 2016 - 2021.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important threats to health worldwide. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) have invited countries around the world to work together to inhibit AMR, and all the member states are expected to prepare a national plan for tackling AMR by 2017. This project was aimed to prepare the National Action Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran for combating antimicrobial resistance (NAP-IRIAMR) during 2016 to 2021. ⋯ Conclusion: The NAP-IRIAMR was prepared for the years 2016- 2021. Intersectoral cooperation is needed to combat AMR. It is expected that implementing the NAP-IRIAMR and reaching the determined goals will help overcome the problems related to AMR.
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Med J Islam Repub Iran · Jan 2018
Iran towards universal health coverage: The role of human resources for health.
Given the key role of adequate, skilled, well-trained, and motivated human resources for health (HRH) in achieving universal health coverage (UHC), this manuscript aimed to investigate the current situation of Iran HRH after the implementation of the recent Health Transformation Plan (HTP) in accordance with UHC analytical framework using 4 domains of availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality. Conflicts of interest and multiple interventions from different sectors have controversial and sometimes negative effects on the health workforce. Thus, to achieve the objectives of UHC from the perspective of human resources, Iran needs unified governance and comprehensive planning. Also, the effects of health system interventions on health workforce should be assessed before implementation.