Comparison of IIF, ELISA and IgG avidity tests for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in single serum sample from pregnant women.

A valid estimate of test efficiency is needed to choose adequate screening and detecting strategies in diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. Therefore, in the present study we evaluated the efficiency of diagnostic laboratory methods to detect anti-toxoplasma antibodies in single serum samples of pregnant women by indirect immunofluorescence test (IIF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IgG avidity tests in north-western Iran. In an analytical-descriptive study, during March 2010 to April 2013, 391 pregnant women aged 21 to 35 years who were referred by gynaecologists or infectious disease specialists for anti-toxoplasma antibody evaluation were studied. A peripheral blood sample was collected from individuals and serum was prepared immediately for anti-toxoplasma antibody evaluation by IIF, ELISA and IgG avidity tests. ELISA and IgG avidity tests were used as gold standard. Evaluation of anti-toxoplasma antibodies by IIF revealed that 280 cases (71.61%) were seropositive and 111 (28.38%) seronegative, while evaluation by ELISA revealed that 267 cases (68.28%) were seropositive and 124 (31.70%) seronegative; 65 (16.62%) were IgM positive by both IIF and ELISA tests. There were 45 (69.23%) and 7 (10.76%) IgM positive suspected cases respectively in IIF and ELISA confirmed by the IgG avidity test for recent toxoplasmosis. This study highlights how to manage and evaluate pregnant women who are suspected to be infected with toxoplasmosis by using diagnostic tests, especially in a single serum sample indication.

Comparative Study of Dermatoscopic and Histopathologic Results in Facial Basal Cell Carcinoma and Melanocytic Nevi.

BACKGROUND: Dermatoscopy can be applied to diagnose pigmented skin lesions. The aim of the present study was to compare dermatoscopic and histopathologic results in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanocytic nevus of theface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an analytical-descriptive study, 61 patients suspected of BCC or melanocytic nevi of face were randomly selected. The skin lesions of patients were evaluated with dermatoscopic method from February 2012 to February 2014 and results were compared with pathological features of samples. RESULTS: In this study, mean age of patients was 49.5±18.9. Some 25 (41%) were men and 36 (59%) were women. In 27 cases (44.3%) there was diagnosis of melanocytic nevus, in 28 cases (45.9%) diagnosis of BCC, and in 3 cases (4.9%) there was mixed diagnosis. The relationship between patients' gender and dermatoscopic diagnosis of the patients was statistically significant (P=0.001). For BCC the sensitivity and specificity of dermatoscopic method were 100% and 97% respectively and for melanocytic nevi 96.4% and 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatoscopic study not only can be helpful in improving clinical diagnosis while guiding missed malignant lesions to pathologic evaluations, but also could be useful in evaluating further suspicious or recurrent cases.

Etiologic Agents of Otomycosis in the North-Western Area of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection often involves the pinna and external auditory canal. It is a pathologic condition, with Candida and Aspergillus, the most common fungal species. It is common worldwide but more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the etiologic agents and local epidemiologic pattern of otomycosis in northwest Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 140 patients with clinically symptomatic otomycosis were studied in 21 cities, towns, and villages throughout northwest Iran between 2009 and 2011. Clinical samples were collected by swabs and then assessed by mycological investigation. RESULTS: Otomycosis was diagnosed in 129 cases (92%, 76 male, 53 female) with the highest prevalence of cases occurring in males between 21 - 40 years of age. From an etiological point of view, 116 patients (90%, 21 - 40 years old) were infected by saprophytic mold and 9 patients (7%) were infected by yeast. Three cases (2%) involved dermatophytes, and in one case (1%) the subject was infected with Eurotium (the perfect stage of Aspergillus fumigatus). Aspergillus niger was the most common mold that was isolated, followed by A. flavus, A. fumigatus, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. A total of 2 yeasts belonging to genus Candida, C. albicans and C. tropicalis, were isolated. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a high prevalence of otomycosis in the northwestern area of Iran. As such, proper diagnosis and treatment by aseptic techniques for this disease is urgently needed.

Correlation of Serum Levels of Vitronectin, Malondialdehyde and Hs- CRP With Disease Severity in Coronary Artery Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Vitronectin (VN), malondialdehyde (MDA) and high-sensitivity C-reactive rotein (hs-CRP) are cooperative agents involved in the atherosclerosis process. The study was conducted to assess the correlation of VN, MDA and hs-CRP with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Parameters such as serum VN, MDA and hs-CRP were measured in 250 subjects including 200 patients with angiographically diagnosed CAD (50 subjects with non-significant CAD, 50 with single vessel disease, 50 with double vessel disease, and 50 with triple vessel disease) and 50 CAD-free subjects as a control group. Serum VN was measured with ELISA; MDA was measured based on reaction with thiobarbituric acid (TBA); and hs-CRP level was measured by a Commercial Kit by Immunoturbidimetry. RESULTS: Serum VN, MDA and hs-CRP were significantly higher in patient groups compared to control group (P < .05). The mean value of MDA between 1 vessel and 3 vessel groups had significant difference (P = .01), also mean value of MDA between 2 vessel and control group and normal group showed significant difference (P < .001). The difference of MDA between 3 vessel and normal and 1 vessel and control group was significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The association and correlation between VN, MDA and hs-CRP indicate their involvement in the atherosclerosis process that may lead to progression of CAD. Also, these findings suggested that serum levels of VN, MDA and hs-CRP can help as diagnostic and monitoring markers in CAD patients and as markers of disease severity.

Comparative study of intralesional steroid injection and cryotherapy in alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring type of hair loss, affecting approximately 2.1% of the population, many modality of treatment recommended like steroid injection, topical Immunotherapy and several systemic therapies. The aim of this study was to compare intralesional steroid injection and cryotherapyoutcomes in AA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an analytical-descriptive study, 120 AA patients treated with intralesionalsteroid injection and 120 AA patients treated with cryotherapy were randomly selected. These two groups matched for location, duration and size of lesion and also matched for age and gender. From March 2011 to September 2013, the effect and complications of the therapies after 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks were assessed and results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean age of patients in steroid injection group was 30.2 ± 6.8 and in cryotherapy group was 31.8 ± 7.1. Sexual distribution in both groups was 56.7% and 43.3 % for male and female, respectively. Location of disease in 80% was in scalp and 20% was in face in both groups. The time of beginning response in steroid group was 4.13 ± 2.13 weeks and in cryotherapy group was 6.14 ± 0.29 weeks, difference between two groups was significant (P = 0.001). In term of clinical response at the end of study, in steroid group,20 patients (16.7%) no response, 32 patients (26.7%), moderate response and68 patients (56.7%) had a complete response, and also in cryotherapy group was, 52 patients (43.3%) no response, 40 patients (33.3%) moderate response and 28 patients (23.3%) had a complete response. There was significant different in complete response rate and steroid injection was more effective than cryotherapy(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As the cryotherapy isa considerable treatment of AA, alsothis study proposes intralesional injection of corticosteroid, as a replacement of AA therapy; particularly the short-term complications are not significantly different.

Medical treatment of allergy in children with recurrent or chronic sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and treatment of chronic and recurrent sinusitis in children is of potential importance and many factors can havean influence on it. This study assessed the chronic and recurrent sinusitis and affecting factors, as well as the role of allergy in its course and treatment in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 children with the diagnosis of chronic or recurrent sinusitis, referred to specialty clinics of otolaryngology and allergy of Tabriz Children Educational-Medical centres since 2010 to 2012, were enrolled. The history and physicalexamination findings were recorded for all patients and allergy Prick test was done for all. Response to treatment was evaluated during the follow-up visits. RESULTS: The mean age of studied patients was 6.5 ± 2.9 years. Of all the patients, 54 (50.9%) were male and 52 (49.1%) were female. Skin Prick test was positive in 69.8%. Response to treatment was seen in 86.8% of the patients while 7.5% did not have any favourable outcome. Anti-allergic treatment caused better outcomes in patients with positive Skin Prick test than those with negative results. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of allergic disease in children with chronic or recurrent sinusitis is considerable and anti-allergic treatments can result infavourable therapeutic outcomes in children with sinusitis, especially with positive skin prick test results.

Effects of high versus low-dose atorvastatin on high sensitive C-reactive protein in acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality. The previous findings which suggest the reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by statin encouraged us to conduct the present study in which we tested the effects of atorvastatin, on levels of hs-CRP in a prospective randomised clinical trial study on patients with acute coronary syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present prospective randomised clinical trial study conducted on 180 patients who had developed coronary artery disease and presented in emergency departments of Educational-Medical centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The patients were divided randomly into two groups and then two therapeutic protocols were given to them. One group medicated by high-dose atorvastatin (40 mg) and the other group received low-dose atorvastatin (20 mg). All variables were collected by questionnaires and were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 180 patients consisted of 34 females and 56 males in low-dose atorvastatin group (L-DA group), and 30 females and 60 males in high-dose atorvastatin group (H-DA group) (P = 0.533). In this study atorvastatin in high doses decreased hs-CRP levels about 40% and in low doses it only caused decrease of 13.3%, and significant correlation was observed between two groups (Paired Sample T-test) (P = 0.001). Also atorvastatin in high doses decreased LDL levels about 23% and in low doses it only decreased 10%, and significant correlation was observed between two groups (Paired Sample T-test) (P = 0.001). Atorvastatin in high doses decreased HDL levels about 9% and in low doses it only decreased 6%, and again significant correlation was observed between two groups (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the novel observation that atorvastatin therapy results in a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels.

Atypical medulloblastoma: A case series.

Medulloblastoma is common in children as a tumor of midline posterior fossa, which arises from vermis and appears as a homogenously enhancing hyperdense mass on computed tomography scan and is associated with the clinical picture of posterior fossa syndrome. This unique clinic-radiological pattern in considered "typical" medulloblastoma, but medulloblastomas does not follow the typical clinic-radiological pattern in a significant number of children and adult cases. We review here the previous reports of atypical or uncommon features of medulloblastoma and add our very rare atypical cases of medulloblastomas to this list. Medulloblastoma should be considered in all midline posterior fossa tumors, hemisphere and cerebellopontine angle despite having clinical and radiological features suggestive of other tumors. Definitive diagnosis requires histologic confirmation in all cases.

Effectiveness of presence of physician and midwife in quantity and quality of family planning services in health care centers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Iran's health sector has been engaging the services of physicians and midwives in healthcare centers since 2005, with the hope of improving the quantity and quality of family planning services. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of serving physicians and midwives on the quantity and quality of family planning services in the healthcare centers of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study (Jan 2010 until Sep 2011) was carried out on 600 eligible families who were clients of healthcare centers of Tabriz, Azarshahr and Osku, cities of Northwest Iran from 2006 until 2011, in two groups (before and after). Some of the characteristics of the participants and the data on the quality and quantity of family planning services provided were grouped in a checklist of 16 variables by comparing the patients' past medical histories. RESULTS: In comparison with 3 years prior to engaging physician and midwife services in health care centers, the Couple Year Protection (CYP) and the quantity of family planning service indexes significantly increased among eligible families. The family size of participants declined significantly after family physicians and midwives became available in the healthcare centers (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed some improvement in the quantity of services without any noticeable changes in the quality of services provided as a consequence of this huge intervention. Therefore, it is suggested that there should be proper oversight of the duties of the health team in order to keep a close watch on primary healthcare, design of proper mechanisms for collecting and maintaining performance reports and statistics, and continuously monitor and control the quality of services.

Immunohistochemical study of cyclooxygenase-2 in skin tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-cancerous effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been reported in different cancers. High expression of COX-2 has been demonstrated in various neoplasms such as colorectal, gastric, esophageal, breast, non-small cell lung cancers, and pre-neoplastic lesions such as colorectal adenomas and Barrett's esophagus. GOAL: The purpose of this study was to investigate percentage of positive COX-2 expression in skin tumors, including pre-malignant and malignant tumors. METHODS: This is an analytic cross-sectional study that includes 62 skin tumor samples, among which 49 samples were malignant and 13 were pre-malignant. After study for determination of pathologic kind of tumors, samples underwent immunohistochemical study for COX-2 expression. The DakoCytomation EnVision+System-HRP is a two-step extremely sensitive IHC staining technique which we used in this study. RESULTS: Among the skin tumors, a considerable number of COX-2 expression were found in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (16 of 17; 94%), basal cell carcinomas (BCC) (28 of 32; 87.5%), Bowen's disease (BD) (8 of 9; 89%), and actinic keratosis (AK) (4 of 4; 100%). CONCLUSION: COX-2 expression was positive in skin tumors including malignant and pre-malignant skin lesions. This study strongly suggests that COX-2 can be one of the molecular targets in treating various skin tumors.

Effects of intravenous indomethacin on reduction of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus cases and decreasing the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation.

INTRODUCTION: We decided to investigate the effects of injecting Indomethacin on reducing complications of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation. METHODS: During this randomized clinical trial, 70 premature infants with matched gestational age and birth weight were divided into case and control groups. In the study group, intravenous indomethacin started from the first 2-12 hours of birth. All patients were followed by echocardiography at the fourth day and skull ultrasound in the second week. RESULTS: Symptomatic PDA rate was significantly higher in the control group (25.7% vs. 0%; P≤0.001). Incidence of grade 1-3 intraventricular hemorrhage was higher in the control group and the ratio of needed time for respiratory support in the control group to the case group was approximately 2.1. CONCLUSION: Intravenous Indomethacin reduced the number of PDA cases and incidence of grade 2 and 3 intraventricular hemorrhage, without any short term side effects.

Role of stereotactic biopsy in histological diagnosis of multiple brain lesions.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The current advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and increasing in survival of patients with systemic diseases and immunosuppressive cases have caused to increasing frequency and variety of Central Nervous System neuropathologic processes indicating the necessary need for accurate localization of space-occupying lesions by cytology and histology. This study was aimed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of stereotactic biopsy in histological diagnosis of such lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 2081 patients underwent stereotactic biopsy of brain lesions using Riechert-Mundinger system, 158 had multifocal brain lesions, and were enrolled. RESULTS: The ages of studied cases were ranged from 2 years to 75 years (Mean age: 41.3 year), 114 were male and 44 were females. Incidence of histopathologic diagnosis of multifocal brain lesions included Astrocytoma grade II (41.3%), Astrocytoma grade I (12.9%), glioblastoma multiform (11.1%), Astrocytoma grade III (10.2%), malignant lymphoma (10.2%), metastasis (4.6%), pilocytic Astrocytoma (2.7%), abscess (2.7%), craniopharyngioma (1.8%) vascular malformations (0.9%), and tuberculosis (0.9%). Mortality due to operation is none. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic diagnosis of multiple brain lesions is necessary for decision of appropriate management and stereotactic biopsy of brain lesion is a useful and safe method for histological diagnosis.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and Ki67 expression in skin epithelial tumors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The cellular mechanisms responsible for initiating or limiting the tumors including skin types are of great importance. The p53 is a tumor-inhibiting gene which is believed to be defective in many malignant situations. Ki67 is a non-histonic protein which is mainly interfere with the proliferation and has many controlling effects during the cell cycle. Because of their importance in skin tumor cell growth, this study aimed at evaluating the p53 and Ki67 expression in skin epithelial tumors by immunohistochemical method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a descriptive setting, 50 biopsy samples (30 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 10 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 8 keratoacanthomas (KAs), and 2 trichoepitheliomas (TEs)) were immunohistochemically evaluated for p53 and Ki67 expression during a 14-month period. The incidence and expression rate of these two variables were separately reported in each group of samples. RESULTS: The expression rate of p53 was 67.77% for the BCCs, 50.20% for the SCCs, and null for the KAs. For both TEs, it was 50%. The expression rate of Ki67 was 57.33% for the BCCs, 47.70% for the SCCs, 37.5% for the KAs, and 0.0% for TEs. The incidence of P53+ cells was 100% and 90% in the BCC and SCC samples, respectively. The both TEs were positive in this regard. The incidence of Ki67+ cells was 100% for the BCC, SCC, and KA samples. The both TEs were negative in this regard. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the incidence rate of p53- and Ki67-positive cells is very high in skin malignant epithelial tumors. The expression rate of these two variables is comparable with reports in the literature. Further studies with large sample size are recommended to be carried out for KA and TE samples.

A case of concurrent several forms of thyroid cancer.

Simultaneous occurrence of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer, known as differentiated thyroid cancer, has been reported with various presentations, but presence of an anaplastic cancer, as an undifferentiated cancer, in addition to differentiated thyroid cancer is rarely reported. We here report a 40-year-old man with papillary thyroid cancer on his right thyroid lobe and metastasized to the right posterior triangle of the neck. Survey on the mass in the right posterior triangle revealed presence of simultaneous papillary, follicular, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The patient underwent right thyroid lobectomy and he received adjuvant radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy.

The effect of different local anesthesia methods on pain relief in outpatient endometrial biopsy: randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial biopsy is necessary for diagnosing the reason of abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopausal women. Currently outpatient endometrial biopsy is used for evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding which is associated with moderate to severe pain. Using lidocaine is one of the procedures which is used for pain relief while biopsy. This study is aimed at comparing the effect of different local anesthesia procedures on pain relief during endometrial biopsy. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 160 multiparous 40-55 years old women with AUB, candidates for endometrial biopsy, were randomly assigned into four equal groups, to receive: 1-intrauterine lidocaine; 2-cervical spray lidocaine; 3- intrauterine lidocaine plus cervical spray lidocaine; or 4-intrauterine distilled water. Pain relief was measured at 3 different times: during endometrial biopsy, just after and 15 minutes after biopsy. RESULTS: Pain intensity was reduced significantly at different times in intrauterine lidocaine and intrauterine lidocaine with cervical spray lidocaine receivers in compare with the groups which received cervical spray lidocaine and distilled water. The mean of difference pain relief during biopsy and 15 minutes after that was reduced significantly in the group which received intrauterine lidocaine and intrauterine lidocaine with cervical spray lidocaine in comparison with the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine lidocaine was effective during endometrial biopsy, and using it with cervical spray lidocaine had no more beneficial effect.

Randomized controlled trial of two methods of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: underwater bubbly CPAP vs. Medijet system device.

There has been an increasing interest in the application of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants, and different types of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) devices are being used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The objective of the present study was to compare the duration of CPAP need and possible complications of two methods of (N-CPAP) delivery: Bubble CPAP (B-CPAP) and Medijet (MJ) system device in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This prospective randomized clinical trial was performed on 161 preterm infants (28-37 weeks of gestational age) with RDS and eligible for CPAP therapy. The infants were inborn and admitted in a level III NICU of Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) from April 2010 to September 2011. All infants were randomized in the first hour of life to B-CPAP or MJ system. Short binasal prongs were used in both groups and CPAP was set at the level of 5-6 cm H2O. The primary outcome of this study was duration of CPAP need (hour). Other outcomes, such as complications of the two methods of N-CPAP, were evaluated using a checklist. Ninety infants were randomized to the MJ system, and 71 were randomized to B-CPAP. The mean gestational age and birth weight were similar in the two groups, as was the duration of CPAP need (44.3 ± 20.64 vs. 49.2 ± 21.2 hours, respectively; p=0.66). Moreover, the probability of complications, such as CPAP failure rate, pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage, abdominal distention, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, was the same between the two study groups (p>0.05). There was a trend of more hyperemia of the nose in the B-CPAP group in comparison to the MJ system group (10% versus 3.3%, respectively), but the difference was not significant (p=0.08). In conclusion, the MJ system is as effective as B-CPAP in the management of infants with RDS.

Coronary risk factors in patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) risk increases with increasing number of risk factors. This study was aimed to assess different coronary risk factors among Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery patients. A total of 700 patients younger than 45 or older than 65 years and underwent CABG in Tabriz Shahid Madani Heart Center since 2003 to 2007 were enrolled. We examined the probable differences of CAD risk factors between male and female groups and age groups. We also assessed the change of risk factors presentation in last 5 years. There was not significant difference between risk factor numbers in <45 and >65 years groups, but smoking and dyslipidemia was more prevalent in patients < 45 than > 65 years old. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in patients > 65 old than < 45 years old; also differences were found between males and females patients, so that dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent in women than men. Some risk factors were recognized as acting more on one gender than the other. Also, the majority of patients have one or more risk factors, but different age and gender groups may have different risk factors that suggest the need for exact programming for appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic interventions in all groups.

Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia which represents a major public health problem. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the Radiofrequency (RF) ablation effects in the patients with chronic AF scheduled for cardiac surgery because of different heart diseases. METHODS: The descriptive and prospective study was conducted on 60 patients with AF scheduled for surgery along with RF ablation. The data were collected by questionnaire and included: patients' age, sex, NYHA class, operation type, past medical history, type and cause of valvular heart disease, preoperative ECG (electrocardiogram), duration of surgery, clamping time, cardiopulmonary bypass, and RF ablation time. RF ablation was followed by the main operation. The follow up examination, ECG, and echocardiography were performed 3 and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 48±10 years (18-71 years). Forty one patients had permanent AF and 19 had the persistent AF. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 48.27±9.75 percent before operation, and reached to 56.27±7.87 percent after the surgery (P<0.001). The mean NYHA class before the surgery was 2.83±0.68 which decreased to 1.34±0.46 6 months after the surgery with RF ablation (P<0.001). One patient (1.6%) died after surgery. Complete relief and freedom from AF recurrence was observed in 70% of patients in the mean follow up in 7 months after the surgery. The sinus rhythm with efficient atrial contraction was established in 100% of discharged patients. CONCLUSION: RF ablation is an effective procedure to cure atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries.

Effect of body mass index on severity and prevalence of varicocele.

Varicocele is classified as grade I-III regarding its severity. This study was aimed to determine the correlation between height and weight with varicocele grade in 18-30 years age group. We enrolled 400 persons aged 18-30 years referred to the specialist's clinics of Tabriz Medical Sciences University or Medical Commission Since Sep. 2004 to Mar. 2005. First we divided the volunteers in two groups including Varicocele Group and Non-varicocele Group, then varicocele patients were classified to three grades considering the severity of the disease: severe (Grade III), moderate (Grade II) and mild (Grade I). Finally, the correlation between height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) was evaluated. There was a significant relation between height and grades of left-side varicocele; in other words the severity of disease was increased with height (p = 0.004). Also, height increased the prevalence ofvaricocele (p = 0.011). On the other hand, low weight and BMI increased the prevalence of varicocele (p = 0.000, p = 0.004) but did not affect the severity of disease (p = 0.364, p = 0.172). In conclusion, the height of patients directly affected the prevalence and severity of left-side varicocele which probably is related to length of left internal spermatic veins in these patients and increased hydrostatic pressure in taller patients. Also, the weight and BMI is effective on the prevalence of varicocele. It seems that slim and tall persons will benefit from evaluation while puberty.