RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Childhood masturbation (CM) is considered a variant of normal sexual behavior; however, it is commonly misdiagnosed as epilepsy and movement disorders. As the first study from Iran, we analyzed a large population of infants and children with CM in a case-control study and evaluated the value of mucus in urine analysis as an alternative diagnostic tool for CM. METHODS: A total of 623 children referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital for an evaluation of seizure or movement disorders were studied between 2008 and 2011. Totally, 359 children were found to have masturbatory behaviors (Group A) and the rest (264) were assigned to Group B. CM was diagnosed by direct observation. Collected data comprised demographic characteristics, clinical and neurodevelopmental examinations, laboratory findings (particularly urine analysis), and electrocardiography. RESULTS: The age of the children with CM was below 12 years old, and the girl-to-boy ratio was 7:1. Mucus in urine was positive in 357 (99.44%) children in Group A and 22 (8.3%) in Group B (P<0.001). A significant correlation was found between the presence of mucus in urine and masturbatory behaviors (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the presence of mucus in urine can be used as an alternative laboratory test in children with CM below 12 years old and even in infants (≤24 months old). Further studies are needed to confirm the results.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is presented with characteristic complications such as chronic an ovulation, obesity, and hyperandrogenism which can affect sexual function in women of reproductive age. OBJECTIVE: Herein we evaluated the frequency and predisposing factors of sexual dysfunction in infertile PCOS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 130 married women with a definite diagnosis of PCOS who were referred due to infertility were recruited. They were evaluated concerning their sexual function in the domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain with the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The frequency of sexual dysfunction was verified 57.7% in PCOS patients with the domains of desire and arousal being commonly affected in 99.2% and 98.5%of cases respectively. BMI had a significant effect on sexual desire and arousal (p=0.02) while the effect of hirsutism was significant on all domains (p<0.001 for total FSFI score) except for dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: PCOS patients markedly suffer from sexual dysfunction as comorbidity. It seems appropriate to screen all PCOS patients for sexual function with a simple short questionnaire such as FSFI. Targeted interventions could be considered to help improve their quality of life along with other treatments.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Headache is a prevalent and disabling condition affecting people in all age groups worldwide, leading to low job performance and quality of life with a significant economic burden on societies. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated headache prevalence and characteristics and some probable associated factors in patients referring to neurology specialist clinics. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study SETTING: Clinics of Khoramabad and also those referring to the emergency department of Khoramabad University Hospital. METHODS: One thousand patients with a chief concern of headache were assigned to the study. All patients filled out a structured questionnaire to gather demographic information and data on headache characteristics and associated factors, including past medical and psychiatric history, history of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) overuse, and menstruation. RESULTS: The total prevalence of primary headaches was 78.2%, with migraine (with and without aura) being the most prevalent type with a prevalence of 41.6% followed by tension type headache found in 31.6% of the study population. Primary headaches were significantly more common in women and younger age groups. Factors found associated with a significantly higher prevalence of primary headaches were lower economic level, higher educational level, occupation, OCP use and NSAIDs overuse. Secondary headaches, with a total prevalence of 20.1%, significantly increased in older age groups and higher economic levels and were significantly less prevalent in higher educational levels. LIMITATIONS: The study population is not quite representative of the general population of Iran. CONCLUSION: Results highlight the impact of socioeconomic factors on headache epidemiology in a developing country and demonstrate that OCPs and NSAIDs overuse might have an effect on the distribution of primary headaches. Further multicenter studies are needed to evaluate headache epidemiology in the whole country.