Parviz Ayazi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Parviz Ayazi

Archives of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 2020

Background: Leptin is a hormone that plays an important role in human health against infections. ... more Background: Leptin is a hormone that plays an important role in human health against infections. Some studies have reported that leptin acts as a reactant phase marker in some infectious diseases. The role of leptin in febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) has not been adequately evaluated. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the role of serum leptin in febrile UTI in children. Methods: Thirty-nine febrile UTI patients were compared with 40 healthy children for the serum leptin level. Serum leptin was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The results were compared between the groups. Results: Median (IQR) of serum leptin in the case and control groups was 2 ng/mL and 0.6 ng/mL, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the groups in the serum leptin level (P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed between cystitis and acute pyelonephritis patients in the serum leptin level. The correlation analysis showed no significant as...

PLOS ONE, 2017

Coughing in a child induced by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be a problem, both ... more Coughing in a child induced by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be a problem, both for the child and its parents. Current studies show a lack of proven efficacy for over-the counter (OTC) medications, but promising data support the use of honey for children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two kinds of Iranian honey with diphenhydramine (DPH) on nocturnal pediatric coughs and the sleep quality of children and their parents. This was a clinical trial (registered in IRCT; No.: 28.20.7932, 15 October 2013). The study consisted of 87 patients. All the parents completed a standard previously validated questionnaire. The children were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group 1, Honey type 1 (Kimia Company, Iran) (n = 42), Group 2, Honey type 2 (Shahde-Golha, Iran) (n = 25), and Group 3, DPH (n = 20). Each group received double doses of the respective treatments on two successive nights. A second survey was then administered via a telephone interview in which the parents were asked the same questions. The mean scores for all aspects of coughs were significantly decreased in each group before and after the treatment. All three treatments improved the cough and sleep scores. Honey type 1 was superior to DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the frequency, and Honey type 2 was more effective than DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the sleep quality of the child. There was no significant difference between Honey type 1 and 2 in any aspects of cough relief in the present study. The results suggest that honey may provide better cough relief than DPH in children and improve the sleep quality of children and their parents.

Prague Medical Report, 2014

Rapid diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is important because of its association with long-standin... more Rapid diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is important because of its association with long-standing complications. This study was conducted to compare the reliability of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) with conventional laboratory parameters for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children. Seventy nine children with urinary tract infection were divided into two groups based on the result of Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan: acute pyelonephritis (n=33) and lower UTI (urinary tract infection) (n=46) groups. White blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT and IL-1β concentrations of both groups were measured and compared. WBC count, neutrophil count, ESR, serum CRP, PCT and IL-1β concentrations were higher in acute pyelonephritis patients than in the lower UTI group (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of serum PCT and IL-1β for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis were 31, 84.7% and 27.2, 90% respectively (using a cut-point value of 0.5 ng/ml for PCT and 6.9 pg/ml for IL-1β). The sensitivity of PCT and IL-1β for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis was less than that of conventional markers such as ESR and CRP. This study revealed that serum PCT and IL-1β are not good biologic markers for differentiating acute pyelonephritis from lower UTI. It seems that conventional inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP besides the clinical findings are more reliable for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children.

Iranian Journal of Child Neurology, Nov 28, 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate serum thyroid hormone levels in epileptic children recei... more The aim of this study was to investigate serum thyroid hormone levels in epileptic children receiving anticonvulsive drugs.

Iranian journal of child neurology, 2016

Renal diseases are one of the most common causes of referrals and admissions of children, hence i... more Renal diseases are one of the most common causes of referrals and admissions of children, hence it is important to know their neurological presentations. This study aimed to determine neurological presentations of renal diseases in children. A total of 634 children with renal diseases, admitted to Qazvin Pediatric Hospital, Qazvin, central Iran from 2011 to 2013 were studied. Neurological presentations of patients were established and the results were analyzed using statistical tests. Neurological presentations were found in 18 (2.8%) out of 634 patients, of whom 15 had febrile seizures, two thromboembolism, and one encephalopathy. Among patients with urinary tract infection (UTI), 2.6% had febrile seizures, 11.1% of those with glomerulonephritis had encephalopathy, and 3.7% of those with nephrotic syndrome had cerebral thromboembolism. Results showed neurological presentations in 2.8% of children with renal diseases, and febrile seizure as the most common presentation.

Le infezioni in medicina : rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 2016

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between overweight/obesity and UTI in chil... more This study was conducted to determine the relationship between overweight/obesity and UTI in children. A comparison was made, in terms of overweight and obesity, between 135 children with UTI (case group) and 135 healthy children (control group). UTI was diagnosed through urine culture. Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scanning (DMSA) was also used to distinguish between lower UTI and acute pyelonephritis. Overweight and obesity were determined based on standard body mass index (BMI) curves. There were 12 (8.8%) overweight and 26 (19.2%) obese children in the case group. Four (3.0%) overweight and five (3.7%) obese children were found in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding overweight and obesity frequencies. However, no such difference existed between children with cystitis and acute pyelonephritis. This study showed a significant relationship between overweight/obesity and UTI. Therefore, overweight and obesity may play a role in the ...

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Jun 1, 2012

Objective: This study was performed to determine the relationship between urinary nitrite results... more Objective: This study was performed to determine the relationship between urinary nitrite results and bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs in urinary tract infection of children.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Jul 26, 2012

Objective: There are some reports in which a condition of zinc deficiency and its associated outc... more Objective: There are some reports in which a condition of zinc deficiency and its associated outcomes with a change in concentration of serum copper among the thalassemic patients has been highlighted. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the serum zinc and copper levels in children with beta-thalassemia major.

Acta Medica Iranica, 2013

It is known that neuropeptide Y which is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system... more It is known that neuropeptide Y which is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system is able to prevent seizures in animals. There are limited studies about the role of neuropeptide Y in febrile seizures. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between plasma neuropeptide Y level and febrile seizures in children. Seventy six patients with typical and atypical febrile seizures (each group 38 patients) and 38 sex and age matched control subjects were enrolled. The mean plasma levels of neuropeptide Y in typical and atypical febrile seizures were 90.60±28.01 and 97.34±41.27 pmol/l respectively. This value in control group was 88.94±32.66 pmol/l. There was no significant differences between groups regarding plasma neuropeptide Y level (P=0.532). Also, there was no significant difference in comparison with case groups (P=0.40). This study revealed that there is no association between plasma neuropeptide Y and febrile seizures.

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 2016

One of the important complications of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the development of urolithia... more One of the important complications of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the development of urolithiasis. Identifying factors involved in development of urolithiasis in children with VUR is immensely important. This study was conducted to determine the association between hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria with VUR in children. One-hundred children with VUR (case group) were compared to 100 healthy children (control group) in terms of hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria. To measure these markers, random morning fasting urine samples were used. Data were analyzed using statistical tests. Hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria frequencies, and also urine calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) and urine uric acid/creatinine (UA/Cr) ratios were significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). A significant difference was found between hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria in severity of VUR (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria and severity of VUR (P < 0.05). The present study showed that there is association between hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria and VUR in children. It is recommended to adopt measures to prevent the development of urolithiasis in VUR patients.

Le infezioni in medicina : rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 2015

This study was conducted to determine the serum concentration of zinc in children with acute pyel... more This study was conducted to determine the serum concentration of zinc in children with acute pyelonephritis. Serum zinc levels of 60 children with acute pyelonephritis and 60 healthy children were compared. Acute pyelonephritis was diagnosed using Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan. Serum zinc levels were measured by the atomic absorption flame spectrophotometry. The levels in question in the case and control groups were 70.73 ± 14.15 and 87.61 ± 12.68 mcg/dL, respectively (P=0.001). There was no correlation between serum zinc level with inflammatory markers, severity of acute pyelonephritis and duration of the disease. This study showed that there is a correlation between serum zinc level and acute pyelonephritis. Zinc would therefore appear to play a certain role in the pathogenesis of acute pyelonephritis.

Le infezioni in medicina : rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 2015

Accurate and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patient with urinary tract infection (U... more Accurate and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patient with urinary tract infection (UTI) are essential for the prevention or restriction of permanent damage to the kidneys in children. The aim of this study was to compare renal ultrasonography (US) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in the diagnosis of patients with febrile urinary tract infection. This study involved the medical records of children with febrile urinary tract infection who were admitted to the children's hospital in Qazvin, Iran. Pyelonephritis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and abnormal DMSA renal scans. The criteria for abnormality of renal US were an increase or a decrease in diffuse or focal parenchymal echogenicity, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, kidney position irregularities, parenchymal reduction and increased kidney size. Of the 100 study patients, 23% had an abnormal US and 46% had an abnormal DMSA renal scan. Of the latter patients, ...

International braz j urol, 2015

In view of the side effects of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), identification of noninvasive m... more In view of the side effects of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), identification of noninvasive markers predicting the presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is important. This study was conducted to determine the predictive value of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) in diagnosis of VUR in children with first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Eighty children with first febrile UTI were divided into two groups, with and without VUR, based on the results of VCUG .The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value positive and negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of IL-8 for prediction of VUR were investigated. Of the 80 children with febrile UTI, 30 (37.5%) had VUR. There was no significant difference between the children with and without VUR and also between low and high-grade VUR groups in terms of serum concentration of IL-8 (P>0.05). Based on ROC curve, the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio positive, and accuracy of serum IL-8 was lower than those of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant positive correlation only between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and VUR. This study showed no significant difference between the children with and without VUR in terms of the serum concentration of IL-8. Therefore, it seems that serum IL-8 is not a reliable marker for prediction of VUR.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Mar 1, 2011

Objective: Thalassemia is a common disease in many countries, in which several complications such... more Objective: Thalassemia is a common disease in many countries, in which several complications such as infections can occur. Although aberration in the function of the immune system could be a reason for such complication, a little is known about the status of humoral immune system in major beta thalassemia. In this study we measured serum immunoglobulins level in a group of patients with major beta thalassemia.

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 2015

The role of zinc in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea is controversial. This study was conducted to c... more The role of zinc in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea is controversial. This study was conducted to compare serum zinc levels in children with acute diarrhoea to those found in healthy children. This case-control study was carried out at the Qazvin Children's Hospital in Qazvin, Iran, between July 2012 and January 2013. A total of 60 children with acute diarrhoea (12 children with bloody diarrhoea and 48 children with watery diarrhoea) and 60 healthy children were included. Zinc levels for all subjects were measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and data were analysed and compared between groups. Mean serum zinc levels in the patients with acute bloody diarrhoea, acute watery diarrhoea and the control group were 74.1 ± 23.7 μg/dL, 169.4 ± 62.7 μg/dL and 190.1 ± 18.0 μg/dL, respectively (P = 0.01). Hypozincaemia was observed in 50.0% of children with acute bloody diarrhoea and 12.5% of those with acute watery diarrhoea. None of the patients in the control group had hypozincaemia (P = 0.01). Children with acute bloody diarrhoea had significantly reduced serum zinc levels in comparison to healthy children. However, a study with a larger sample size is needed to examine the significance of this trend.

Prague Medical Report, 2015

Relapsing fever is caused by the Borrelia species of spirochetes. Louse-borne epidemics of the di... more Relapsing fever is caused by the Borrelia species of spirochetes. Louse-borne epidemics of the disease may happen but the endemic disease is generally transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick (Ornithodorus). Clinical and laboratory findings of tick-borne relapsing fever in children in the north-west of Iran, Qazvin, were evaluated. This study was conducted from September 1992 to September 2012. Records from 53 cases of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) were reviewed. In positive cases, febrile illness, and spirochetes were recognized in peripheral blood preparations. Of the 53 children younger than 12 years, fifty two percent were male and about one third (34%) of the patients were in the age range of 7-12 years. The disease is recorded through the whole year but its peak occurs during summer (52.8%) and autumn (32.1%). Sixty eight percent of patients were living in urban areas but had frequent travel to rural area. Thirty two percent of the cases were living in rural areas where their dwellings were close to animal shelters. All (100%) of the 53 subjects were febrile. Travellers to the rural areas with high prevalence of the disease should be attentive of the risk of tick-borne relapsing fever and use suitable control measures. Consequently relapsing fever should be considered when patients who live in or have vacationed in north-west of Iran show a recurring febrile illness.

Urine dipstick is a useful and commonly used test because of its rapidity and low cost; however i... more Urine dipstick is a useful and commonly used test because of its rapidity and low cost; however its diagnostic accuracy is debatable. This research was carried out to determine sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of Nitrite (NIT) and Leukocyte Esterase (LE) testing in relation to urine culture. This research was conducted on 100 hospitalized patients with clinical signs and symptoms compatible with urinary tract infections (UTI). Urine culture and dipstick tests were carried out on urine samples of all patients. Urinalysis LE and NIT studies were performed in fresh and uncentrifuged urine by using a manual urine analyzer (rapignost, Co. Marburg, Germany). The urine culture was considered as gold standard. Urine cultures were positive in 75 (75%) patients. Dipstick tests of urine were positive in 79(79%) patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Dipstick test were 76%, 12%, 72% and 14% respectively. Although dipstick test of LE and NIT can avoid a large part of the cost incurred by urine culture, any method of urine screen (LE and NIT) shouldn't be substituted for a urine culture in the symptomatic patients in childhood.

Objective: Early and accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is of critical concern. Optimum a... more Objective: Early and accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is of critical concern. Optimum and rapid laboratory facilities are not routinely available for detecting the etiologic agents of meningitis. The objective of this study was to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with culture for detection of bacteria in central nervous system (CNS) samples from patients suspected to have meningitis.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics

Background. Growth failure is a common feature of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV... more Background. Growth failure is a common feature of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Malnutrition increases mortality and may impair the response to antiretroviral treatment. Objective. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting in HIV-infected children in south India and to assess the utility of these parameters in predicting immune status. Methodology. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric measurements and CD4 counts were performed on 231 HIV-infected children. Z scores for height for age, weight for age, and weight for height were correlated with CD4 cell counts and receiver operating characteristic curves plotted. Results. Prevalence of underweight was 63%, stunting 58%, and wasting 16%, respectively. 33-45% of children were moderately or severely malnourished even at CD4 >25%; sensitivity and specificity of stunting or underweight to predict HIV disease severity was low. Conclusions. Undernutrition and stunting are common among HIV-infected children at all stages of the disease in India. Early and aggressive nutritional intervention is required, if long-term outcomes are to be improved.

Iranian Journal of Child Neurology

EVWUDFW 2EMHFWLYH )HEULOH VHL]XUHV DUH WKH PRVW FRPPRQ FDXVH RI VHL]XUH LQ FKLOGUHQ ,GHQWLILFDWLR... more EVWUDFW 2EMHFWLYH )HEULOH VHL]XUHV DUH WKH PRVW FRPPRQ FDXVH RI VHL]XUH LQ FKLOGUHQ ,GHQWLILFDWLRQ RI ULVN IDFWRUV LV YHU\ LPSRUWDQW 7KLV VWXG\ ZDV FRQGXFWHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ EHWZHHQ WKH VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHO DQG VLPSOH IHEULOH VHL]XUH LQ FKLOGUHQ 0DWHULDOV 0HWKRGV ,Q WKLV VWXG\ FKLOGUHQ ZLWK VLPSOH IHEULOH VHL]XUHV FDVH JURXS ZHUH FRPSDUHG ZLWK FKLOGUHQ ZLWK IHEULOH LOOQHVV ZLWKRXW VHL]XUHV FRQWURO JURXS UHJDUGLQJ VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHO 7KLV VWXG\ ZDV FRQGXFWHG LQ 4D]YLQ FKLOGUHQuV KRVSLWDO 4D]YLQ ,UDQ 5HVXOWV 7KH PHDQ VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHOV LQ WKH FDVH DQG FRQWURO JURXSV ZHUH DQG PFJGO UHVSHFWLYHO\ 7KLV GLIIHUHQFH ZDV QRW VLJQLILFDQW VWDWLVWLFDOO\ &RQFOXVLRQ 7KLV VWXG\ UHYHDOHG WKDW WKHUH LV QR DVVRFLDWLRQ EHWZHHQ VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHOV DQG IHEULOH VHL]XUHV ,W VHHPV WKDW FRSSHU GHILFLHQF\ LV QRW D ULVN IDFWRU IRU IHEULOH VHL]XUHV LQ FKLOGUHQ .H\ZRUGV )HEULOH VHL]XUHV &RSSHU &KLOGUHQ

Archives of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 2020

Background: Leptin is a hormone that plays an important role in human health against infections. ... more Background: Leptin is a hormone that plays an important role in human health against infections. Some studies have reported that leptin acts as a reactant phase marker in some infectious diseases. The role of leptin in febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) has not been adequately evaluated. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the role of serum leptin in febrile UTI in children. Methods: Thirty-nine febrile UTI patients were compared with 40 healthy children for the serum leptin level. Serum leptin was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The results were compared between the groups. Results: Median (IQR) of serum leptin in the case and control groups was 2 ng/mL and 0.6 ng/mL, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the groups in the serum leptin level (P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed between cystitis and acute pyelonephritis patients in the serum leptin level. The correlation analysis showed no significant as...

PLOS ONE, 2017

Coughing in a child induced by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be a problem, both ... more Coughing in a child induced by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be a problem, both for the child and its parents. Current studies show a lack of proven efficacy for over-the counter (OTC) medications, but promising data support the use of honey for children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two kinds of Iranian honey with diphenhydramine (DPH) on nocturnal pediatric coughs and the sleep quality of children and their parents. This was a clinical trial (registered in IRCT; No.: 28.20.7932, 15 October 2013). The study consisted of 87 patients. All the parents completed a standard previously validated questionnaire. The children were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group 1, Honey type 1 (Kimia Company, Iran) (n = 42), Group 2, Honey type 2 (Shahde-Golha, Iran) (n = 25), and Group 3, DPH (n = 20). Each group received double doses of the respective treatments on two successive nights. A second survey was then administered via a telephone interview in which the parents were asked the same questions. The mean scores for all aspects of coughs were significantly decreased in each group before and after the treatment. All three treatments improved the cough and sleep scores. Honey type 1 was superior to DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the frequency, and Honey type 2 was more effective than DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the sleep quality of the child. There was no significant difference between Honey type 1 and 2 in any aspects of cough relief in the present study. The results suggest that honey may provide better cough relief than DPH in children and improve the sleep quality of children and their parents.

Prague Medical Report, 2014

Rapid diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is important because of its association with long-standin... more Rapid diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is important because of its association with long-standing complications. This study was conducted to compare the reliability of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) with conventional laboratory parameters for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children. Seventy nine children with urinary tract infection were divided into two groups based on the result of Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan: acute pyelonephritis (n=33) and lower UTI (urinary tract infection) (n=46) groups. White blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT and IL-1β concentrations of both groups were measured and compared. WBC count, neutrophil count, ESR, serum CRP, PCT and IL-1β concentrations were higher in acute pyelonephritis patients than in the lower UTI group (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of serum PCT and IL-1β for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis were 31, 84.7% and 27.2, 90% respectively (using a cut-point value of 0.5 ng/ml for PCT and 6.9 pg/ml for IL-1β). The sensitivity of PCT and IL-1β for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis was less than that of conventional markers such as ESR and CRP. This study revealed that serum PCT and IL-1β are not good biologic markers for differentiating acute pyelonephritis from lower UTI. It seems that conventional inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP besides the clinical findings are more reliable for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children.

Iranian Journal of Child Neurology, Nov 28, 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate serum thyroid hormone levels in epileptic children recei... more The aim of this study was to investigate serum thyroid hormone levels in epileptic children receiving anticonvulsive drugs.

Iranian journal of child neurology, 2016

Renal diseases are one of the most common causes of referrals and admissions of children, hence i... more Renal diseases are one of the most common causes of referrals and admissions of children, hence it is important to know their neurological presentations. This study aimed to determine neurological presentations of renal diseases in children. A total of 634 children with renal diseases, admitted to Qazvin Pediatric Hospital, Qazvin, central Iran from 2011 to 2013 were studied. Neurological presentations of patients were established and the results were analyzed using statistical tests. Neurological presentations were found in 18 (2.8%) out of 634 patients, of whom 15 had febrile seizures, two thromboembolism, and one encephalopathy. Among patients with urinary tract infection (UTI), 2.6% had febrile seizures, 11.1% of those with glomerulonephritis had encephalopathy, and 3.7% of those with nephrotic syndrome had cerebral thromboembolism. Results showed neurological presentations in 2.8% of children with renal diseases, and febrile seizure as the most common presentation.

Le infezioni in medicina : rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 2016

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between overweight/obesity and UTI in chil... more This study was conducted to determine the relationship between overweight/obesity and UTI in children. A comparison was made, in terms of overweight and obesity, between 135 children with UTI (case group) and 135 healthy children (control group). UTI was diagnosed through urine culture. Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scanning (DMSA) was also used to distinguish between lower UTI and acute pyelonephritis. Overweight and obesity were determined based on standard body mass index (BMI) curves. There were 12 (8.8%) overweight and 26 (19.2%) obese children in the case group. Four (3.0%) overweight and five (3.7%) obese children were found in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding overweight and obesity frequencies. However, no such difference existed between children with cystitis and acute pyelonephritis. This study showed a significant relationship between overweight/obesity and UTI. Therefore, overweight and obesity may play a role in the ...

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Jun 1, 2012

Objective: This study was performed to determine the relationship between urinary nitrite results... more Objective: This study was performed to determine the relationship between urinary nitrite results and bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs in urinary tract infection of children.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Jul 26, 2012

Objective: There are some reports in which a condition of zinc deficiency and its associated outc... more Objective: There are some reports in which a condition of zinc deficiency and its associated outcomes with a change in concentration of serum copper among the thalassemic patients has been highlighted. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the serum zinc and copper levels in children with beta-thalassemia major.

Acta Medica Iranica, 2013

It is known that neuropeptide Y which is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system... more It is known that neuropeptide Y which is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system is able to prevent seizures in animals. There are limited studies about the role of neuropeptide Y in febrile seizures. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between plasma neuropeptide Y level and febrile seizures in children. Seventy six patients with typical and atypical febrile seizures (each group 38 patients) and 38 sex and age matched control subjects were enrolled. The mean plasma levels of neuropeptide Y in typical and atypical febrile seizures were 90.60±28.01 and 97.34±41.27 pmol/l respectively. This value in control group was 88.94±32.66 pmol/l. There was no significant differences between groups regarding plasma neuropeptide Y level (P=0.532). Also, there was no significant difference in comparison with case groups (P=0.40). This study revealed that there is no association between plasma neuropeptide Y and febrile seizures.

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 2016

One of the important complications of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the development of urolithia... more One of the important complications of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the development of urolithiasis. Identifying factors involved in development of urolithiasis in children with VUR is immensely important. This study was conducted to determine the association between hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria with VUR in children. One-hundred children with VUR (case group) were compared to 100 healthy children (control group) in terms of hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria. To measure these markers, random morning fasting urine samples were used. Data were analyzed using statistical tests. Hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria frequencies, and also urine calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) and urine uric acid/creatinine (UA/Cr) ratios were significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). A significant difference was found between hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria in severity of VUR (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria and severity of VUR (P < 0.05). The present study showed that there is association between hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria and VUR in children. It is recommended to adopt measures to prevent the development of urolithiasis in VUR patients.

Le infezioni in medicina : rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 2015

This study was conducted to determine the serum concentration of zinc in children with acute pyel... more This study was conducted to determine the serum concentration of zinc in children with acute pyelonephritis. Serum zinc levels of 60 children with acute pyelonephritis and 60 healthy children were compared. Acute pyelonephritis was diagnosed using Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan. Serum zinc levels were measured by the atomic absorption flame spectrophotometry. The levels in question in the case and control groups were 70.73 ± 14.15 and 87.61 ± 12.68 mcg/dL, respectively (P=0.001). There was no correlation between serum zinc level with inflammatory markers, severity of acute pyelonephritis and duration of the disease. This study showed that there is a correlation between serum zinc level and acute pyelonephritis. Zinc would therefore appear to play a certain role in the pathogenesis of acute pyelonephritis.

Le infezioni in medicina : rivista periodica di eziologia, epidemiologia, diagnostica, clinica e terapia delle patologie infettive, 2015

Accurate and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patient with urinary tract infection (U... more Accurate and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patient with urinary tract infection (UTI) are essential for the prevention or restriction of permanent damage to the kidneys in children. The aim of this study was to compare renal ultrasonography (US) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in the diagnosis of patients with febrile urinary tract infection. This study involved the medical records of children with febrile urinary tract infection who were admitted to the children's hospital in Qazvin, Iran. Pyelonephritis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and abnormal DMSA renal scans. The criteria for abnormality of renal US were an increase or a decrease in diffuse or focal parenchymal echogenicity, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, kidney position irregularities, parenchymal reduction and increased kidney size. Of the 100 study patients, 23% had an abnormal US and 46% had an abnormal DMSA renal scan. Of the latter patients, ...

International braz j urol, 2015

In view of the side effects of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), identification of noninvasive m... more In view of the side effects of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), identification of noninvasive markers predicting the presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is important. This study was conducted to determine the predictive value of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) in diagnosis of VUR in children with first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Eighty children with first febrile UTI were divided into two groups, with and without VUR, based on the results of VCUG .The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value positive and negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of IL-8 for prediction of VUR were investigated. Of the 80 children with febrile UTI, 30 (37.5%) had VUR. There was no significant difference between the children with and without VUR and also between low and high-grade VUR groups in terms of serum concentration of IL-8 (P>0.05). Based on ROC curve, the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio positive, and accuracy of serum IL-8 was lower than those of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant positive correlation only between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and VUR. This study showed no significant difference between the children with and without VUR in terms of the serum concentration of IL-8. Therefore, it seems that serum IL-8 is not a reliable marker for prediction of VUR.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Mar 1, 2011

Objective: Thalassemia is a common disease in many countries, in which several complications such... more Objective: Thalassemia is a common disease in many countries, in which several complications such as infections can occur. Although aberration in the function of the immune system could be a reason for such complication, a little is known about the status of humoral immune system in major beta thalassemia. In this study we measured serum immunoglobulins level in a group of patients with major beta thalassemia.

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 2015

The role of zinc in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea is controversial. This study was conducted to c... more The role of zinc in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea is controversial. This study was conducted to compare serum zinc levels in children with acute diarrhoea to those found in healthy children. This case-control study was carried out at the Qazvin Children's Hospital in Qazvin, Iran, between July 2012 and January 2013. A total of 60 children with acute diarrhoea (12 children with bloody diarrhoea and 48 children with watery diarrhoea) and 60 healthy children were included. Zinc levels for all subjects were measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and data were analysed and compared between groups. Mean serum zinc levels in the patients with acute bloody diarrhoea, acute watery diarrhoea and the control group were 74.1 ± 23.7 μg/dL, 169.4 ± 62.7 μg/dL and 190.1 ± 18.0 μg/dL, respectively (P = 0.01). Hypozincaemia was observed in 50.0% of children with acute bloody diarrhoea and 12.5% of those with acute watery diarrhoea. None of the patients in the control group had hypozincaemia (P = 0.01). Children with acute bloody diarrhoea had significantly reduced serum zinc levels in comparison to healthy children. However, a study with a larger sample size is needed to examine the significance of this trend.

Prague Medical Report, 2015

Relapsing fever is caused by the Borrelia species of spirochetes. Louse-borne epidemics of the di... more Relapsing fever is caused by the Borrelia species of spirochetes. Louse-borne epidemics of the disease may happen but the endemic disease is generally transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick (Ornithodorus). Clinical and laboratory findings of tick-borne relapsing fever in children in the north-west of Iran, Qazvin, were evaluated. This study was conducted from September 1992 to September 2012. Records from 53 cases of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) were reviewed. In positive cases, febrile illness, and spirochetes were recognized in peripheral blood preparations. Of the 53 children younger than 12 years, fifty two percent were male and about one third (34%) of the patients were in the age range of 7-12 years. The disease is recorded through the whole year but its peak occurs during summer (52.8%) and autumn (32.1%). Sixty eight percent of patients were living in urban areas but had frequent travel to rural area. Thirty two percent of the cases were living in rural areas where their dwellings were close to animal shelters. All (100%) of the 53 subjects were febrile. Travellers to the rural areas with high prevalence of the disease should be attentive of the risk of tick-borne relapsing fever and use suitable control measures. Consequently relapsing fever should be considered when patients who live in or have vacationed in north-west of Iran show a recurring febrile illness.

Urine dipstick is a useful and commonly used test because of its rapidity and low cost; however i... more Urine dipstick is a useful and commonly used test because of its rapidity and low cost; however its diagnostic accuracy is debatable. This research was carried out to determine sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of Nitrite (NIT) and Leukocyte Esterase (LE) testing in relation to urine culture. This research was conducted on 100 hospitalized patients with clinical signs and symptoms compatible with urinary tract infections (UTI). Urine culture and dipstick tests were carried out on urine samples of all patients. Urinalysis LE and NIT studies were performed in fresh and uncentrifuged urine by using a manual urine analyzer (rapignost, Co. Marburg, Germany). The urine culture was considered as gold standard. Urine cultures were positive in 75 (75%) patients. Dipstick tests of urine were positive in 79(79%) patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Dipstick test were 76%, 12%, 72% and 14% respectively. Although dipstick test of LE and NIT can avoid a large part of the cost incurred by urine culture, any method of urine screen (LE and NIT) shouldn't be substituted for a urine culture in the symptomatic patients in childhood.

Objective: Early and accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is of critical concern. Optimum a... more Objective: Early and accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is of critical concern. Optimum and rapid laboratory facilities are not routinely available for detecting the etiologic agents of meningitis. The objective of this study was to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with culture for detection of bacteria in central nervous system (CNS) samples from patients suspected to have meningitis.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics

Background. Growth failure is a common feature of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV... more Background. Growth failure is a common feature of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Malnutrition increases mortality and may impair the response to antiretroviral treatment. Objective. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting in HIV-infected children in south India and to assess the utility of these parameters in predicting immune status. Methodology. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric measurements and CD4 counts were performed on 231 HIV-infected children. Z scores for height for age, weight for age, and weight for height were correlated with CD4 cell counts and receiver operating characteristic curves plotted. Results. Prevalence of underweight was 63%, stunting 58%, and wasting 16%, respectively. 33-45% of children were moderately or severely malnourished even at CD4 >25%; sensitivity and specificity of stunting or underweight to predict HIV disease severity was low. Conclusions. Undernutrition and stunting are common among HIV-infected children at all stages of the disease in India. Early and aggressive nutritional intervention is required, if long-term outcomes are to be improved.

Iranian Journal of Child Neurology

EVWUDFW 2EMHFWLYH )HEULOH VHL]XUHV DUH WKH PRVW FRPPRQ FDXVH RI VHL]XUH LQ FKLOGUHQ ,GHQWLILFDWLR... more EVWUDFW 2EMHFWLYH )HEULOH VHL]XUHV DUH WKH PRVW FRPPRQ FDXVH RI VHL]XUH LQ FKLOGUHQ ,GHQWLILFDWLRQ RI ULVN IDFWRUV LV YHU\ LPSRUWDQW 7KLV VWXG\ ZDV FRQGXFWHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ EHWZHHQ WKH VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHO DQG VLPSOH IHEULOH VHL]XUH LQ FKLOGUHQ 0DWHULDOV 0HWKRGV ,Q WKLV VWXG\ FKLOGUHQ ZLWK VLPSOH IHEULOH VHL]XUHV FDVH JURXS ZHUH FRPSDUHG ZLWK FKLOGUHQ ZLWK IHEULOH LOOQHVV ZLWKRXW VHL]XUHV FRQWURO JURXS UHJDUGLQJ VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHO 7KLV VWXG\ ZDV FRQGXFWHG LQ 4D]YLQ FKLOGUHQuV KRVSLWDO 4D]YLQ ,UDQ 5HVXOWV 7KH PHDQ VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHOV LQ WKH FDVH DQG FRQWURO JURXSV ZHUH DQG PFJGO UHVSHFWLYHO\ 7KLV GLIIHUHQFH ZDV QRW VLJQLILFDQW VWDWLVWLFDOO\ &RQFOXVLRQ 7KLV VWXG\ UHYHDOHG WKDW WKHUH LV QR DVVRFLDWLRQ EHWZHHQ VHUXP FRSSHU OHYHOV DQG IHEULOH VHL]XUHV ,W VHHPV WKDW FRSSHU GHILFLHQF\ LV QRW D ULVN IDFWRU IRU IHEULOH VHL]XUHV LQ FKLOGUHQ .H\ZRUGV )HEULOH VHL]XUHV &RSSHU &KLOGUHQ