Hypothyroidism following thyroid surgery

Postsurgical hypothyroidism and its incidence has not been fully investigated. In this study, the incidence of hypothyroidism and its possible risk factors at Shariati Hospital was assessed. One hundred and two patients with benign thyroid diseases, who had undergone thyroidectomy, were investigated with regards to thyroid function profile during period of one year after the operation every three months with post-operative sample as the baseline. Hypothyroidism was developed in 36 patients [35.2%] on average 5 +/- 3.2 months after surgery. Factors such as increased age, operation type, histopathologic type, underlying disease, lymphocytic infiltration and use of levothyroxine before surgery were associated with the increased incidence of hypothyroidism. It seems that use of indicators such as Graves' disease and lymphocytic infiltration in pathologic specimens should be helpful in projecting the potential occurrence of hypothyroidism in patients undergoing thyroidectomy

[Unprecedented rise in Cushing's syndrome in addicts in Tehran]

Despite the widespread medical use of glucocorticoids, reports of factitious administration of these hormones have been uncommon. We herein report an unprecedented rise in outbreak of Cushing's syndrome in Tehran among addicts using Tamgesic [a brand of Buprenorphine] to help them through the narcotic withdrawal stage, without knowledge of the glucocorticoid content of the black-market drug. Case histories of 19 patients with a final diagnosis of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome were reviewed. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry [LC-Mass] method was used to evaluate glucocorticoid existence in the brand. No Buprenorphine was present in the vials. Each Tamgesic vial contained 0.4 mg of Dexamethasone disodium phosphate and some amount of heroin. The duration of injection abuse and the number of vials used per day was 4.5 [1-18] months and 6.5 [2-20], respectively. Physical findings of the cases were not different from those of the classic endogenous Cushing's syndrome but their serum cortisol and urinary free cortisol were suppressed. Severe life-threatening complications were demonstrated in five cases. Surreptitious use of steroids resulting in Cushing's syndrome may be more common in opium addicts; a high degree of suspicion is needed to uncover this disorder. Whenever facing a Cushingoid appearance in addicts, the possibility of using black market drugs with corticosteroid contents should be kept in mind

[Marital adjustment and quality of life in chronic hepatitis]

Background and Aim: The mutual relations between Quality Of Life[QOL] and Marital Adjustment[MA] is well documented in general population and in patients with specific types of chronic illness. However, there is no evidence in this regard in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. This study was conducted to assess the correlation between Health-Related QOL [HR-QOL] and marital adjustment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Method and Materials: Seventy-six [76] patients with chronic viral hepatitis type B [N = 63] or C [N = 13] who were referred to Tehran Hepatitis Center[THC] at summer 2007 were consequtively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data [age, sex, marital status and level of education] as well as illness- related data [the type of viral agent, illness duration, treatment history and history of cirrhosis co-morbidity] were collected. The 36-item short-form of HR-QOL questionnaire [HR-QOL-SF36] and Dyadic Adjustment Scale Revised form [DAS-R] were then administered to respectively assess QOL and MA

Findings: Mean scores of many HR-QOL-SF sub domains such as role limitation due to physical problems, body pain, social functioning, general mental health, vitality and physical health were correlated with mean DAS-R total score, as well as all its subscores but marital cohesion. Domain scores of role limitation due to emotional problems and general health perception were correlated with total DAS-R score and two of its subscores[marital satisfaction and affection expression]. Total HR-QOL-SF36 mean score was correlated with mean DAS-R total score and two of its subscores [consensus with spouse and affection expression]. The mean score of physical functioning domain of HR-QOL-SF36 was not correlated with any of the DAS-R subscores

Conclusion: Considering the correlation between HR-QOL and different aspects of MA, family seems to play an important role in the life of patients with chronic viral hepatitis. So, psychological and psychiatric consultations for improving marital adjustment should be focused as a part of approach to these patients

[Correlation of raw conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children]

Background: Although, association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and some family characteristics has been reported, less attention has been focused on the correlation between raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population. While higher raw Conners' score indicates more possibility of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, detection of such correlation highlights the need for screening of this disorder in some families. Aim of this study was to assess the possible correlation of raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, parent's and teacher's Conner's questionnaire and a checklist containing family variables was administered to 1000 primary school children who were randomly selected from all primary schools in Shahrekord, in 2002. 819 subjects entered the study

Results: Raw Conners' scores were correlated with history of referral of father to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home, history of change in job of father, job of parents, educational level of parents, history of legal problems of parents, smoking of parents, drugs addiction by parents[p<0.05]. There were no correlation between raw Conners' scores and history of referral of mother to psychiatrist, history of referral of siblings to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home or living together of parents [p>0.05[

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, screening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is recommended in those children whose father have history of referral to the psychiatrist, have long absence from home, with a history of change of job, or with parents with some jobs, with low educational levels, with history of legal problems, smoking or drugs addiction

[Correlation of raw conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children]

Background: Although, association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and some family characteristics has been reported, less attention has been focused on the correlation between raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population. While higher raw Conners' score indicates more possibility of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, detection of such correlation highlights the need for screening of this disorder in some families. Aim of this study was to assess the possible correlation of raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, parent's and teacher's Conner's questionnaire and a checklist containing family variables was administered to 1000 primary school children who were randomly selected from all primary schools in Shahrekord, in 2002. 819 subjects entered the study

Results: Raw Conners' scores were correlated with history of referral of father to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home, history of change in job of father, job of parents, educational level of parents, history of legal problems of parents, smoking of parents, drugs addiction by parents[p<0.05]. There were no correlation between raw Conners' scores and history of referral of mother to psychiatrist, history of referral of siblings to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home or living together of parents [p>0.05]

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, screening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is recommended in those children whose father have history of referral to the psychiatrist, have long absence from home, with a history of change of job, or with parents with some jobs, with low educational levels, with history of legal problems, smoking or drugs addiction