Comparison the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus in hot flushes: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Treating hot flushes in middle-aged women is an important health issue. Recently, Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus were investigated to decrease hot flushes. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus in hot flushes among menopausal women. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. The Hypericum perforatum group received 330 µg Hypericum perforatum and second group received vitex agnus-castus in the same tablet forms. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement for comparing Greene Climacteric Scale. RESULTS: Trend of Greene Climacteric Scale and hot flushness attack were decreased in both groups and it presented a decreasing trend within two months; however, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It seems that Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus could be similarly effective in decreasing hot flushes. These two medicines did not have any special severe side effects.

Effectiveness of topical Clinda Soap in the treatment of acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND: A variety of drugs can be used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Every medicine acts against one or some of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. This study was conducted to assess the therapeutic effect of Clinda Soap in the treatment of acne vulgaris. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial included 82 patients (age: 15-35 years) with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (Sanandaj, Iran). The patients were randomized into two groups to receive the standard treatment for acne vulgaris with either Clinda Soap (containing clindamycin hydrochloride 1%, manufactured by Shadakish Company, Iran) or a placebo soap. Both the intervention and control groups were asked to apply soaps twice daily for three months. Monthly examinations were performed by a dermatologist to ensure proper use of the soaps and to assess the rate of recovery and possible complications. Data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 21.1 ± 4.7 years in the intervention group and 21.5 ± 4.8 years in the control group. The mean duration of the disease was 3.0 ± 1.5 and 3.1 ± 1.8 months in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean number of comedones in the two groups had no significant difference at any monthly visit. In contrast, at all visits, significantly fewer papules and pustules were observed in the intervention group than in the control. Significant intra-group and inter-group differences in the number of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) were also seen. CONCLUSION: In general, it can be concluded that Clinda Soap is effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The recovery rate of papules and pustules was higher than that of comedones. Easy application of this soap together with its low cost and few adverse effects will increase patients' compliance

Undetected leprosy in an endemic area: A case report

Leprosy is an infectious disease causing irreversible disability if unnoticed. A 69-year-old man with undetected leprosy from 30 years ago referred to us with claw hand and Madrosis (Milphosis). The patient complained of non-healing and painless ulcers on the extremities as well as numbness in the right leg. He told the medical team that he could not feel his feet in his shoes. The patient had blurred vision and lacrimation two weeks before admission. He had a history of recurrent foot ulcers from 25 years ago although he referred to medical staff about 5 years ago with infected wound on the hands and multiple scars of pervious ulcers. The disabilities were mainly in consequence of late visit to healthcare centers, misdiagnosis, difficult access to medical centers and patient's unawareness. The case showed the significance of medical education and public awareness for signs and symptoms of leprosy to be recognized and treated on time. In conclusion detecting leprosy should not be delayed just because of a decrease in the number of cases especially in an endemic area like Kurdistan, Iran

Editorial

Welcome to the first volume of the Chronic Disease Journal (http://cdjournal.muk.ac.ir), a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. The journal contains manuscripts on the topic of subacute and chronic medical conditions and diseases. The number of medical articles published in Iran has considerably increased during the past decade. The development of any health care system strongly depends on the production, publication, dissemination, and application of updated biomedical knowledge to prevent and treat diseases and improve health services. The most critical role of medical and health professionals is to provide those in need with adequate related knowledge. The quantity of published articles is a commonly used indicator of the scientific level of a country. It also determines a country's contribution to the world science and its status in international academic rankings. We promise that the Chronic Disease Journal will be a medium for the release of timely and thoughtful information on control, planning, treatment, patient education, management guides, policymaking, and biopsychosocial-spiritual factors in the field of subacute and chronic diseases. Visit our editorial board at: http://cdjournal.muk.ac.ir/cdj/index.php/cdj/about/editorialTeam Followings are some of the roles and responsibilities of the Chronic Disease Journal team: Editor in Chief: The leading editorial position in the journal, the Chief Editor assumes overarching responsibility for the scientific and editorial quality of the journal and with it the editorial board and editorial team. Managing Editor: Works with the chief editor to manage the editorial content of the journal. He is often involved in higher level decisions together with the chief editor, and might even be involved in the journal finances or other aspects of administration. Journal Administrator: A journal administrator can take responsibility for handling queries and processing manuscripts through peer review (e.g. the chief editor might indicate reviewers, while the journal administrator sends the request and later the manuscript to the reviewer). We hope you find the Chronic Disease Journal informative. We welcome your comments at [email protected] or my direct address ([email protected] or [email protected]

Comparative analysis of morphometric parameters of intercondylar notch in patients with and without anterior cruciate ligament tears

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the most common type of ligament injury whose prevalence is higher in athletes. There are different external risk factors for this injury. However, it is important to find its physiological risk factors, as well. This study assessed the relationship between morphometric parameters of intercondylar notch and ACL tears in patients suffering from knee complications. METHODS: Patients with or without ACL tears who had undergone knee magnetic resonance imaging for any reason were recruited based on inclusion criteria. Intercondylar notch width, femoral bicondylar width, and intercondylar notch index were calculated in both groups. Then, significant variables from univariate analysis were entered in multiple regression analysis with intercondylar notch width, femoral bicondylar width, and intercondylar notch index being assumed as dependent variables. RESULTS: Overall, 199 participants, including 81 patients with ACL tear and 118 without ACL tear, were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis revealed intercondylar notch width and intercondylar notch index to be less common among women and subjects with ACL tears (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, there are relationships between ACL tears and being female and intercondylar notch width. Therefore, intercondylar notch index can be used for screening athletes and people at risk of ACL tears

Diagnostic value of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in differentiating unstable angina from myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Differentiating between unstable angina and myocardial infarction (MI) is clinically important as they require different treatments. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has recently been recognized as prognostic factor in acute coronary syndrome. Since this biomarker may indicate the prognosis of heart disease, identifying its diagnostic value will be clinically important. This study investigated the diagnostic value of the level of hs-CRP in differentiating MI from unstable angina. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from all patients with suspected MI or unstable angina at the time of referral. The patients were put in one of the two groups based on final diagnosis. The exclusion criteria were infectious diseases, immune system diseases, history of a recent surgery or trauma, kidney failure, liver failure, cancers, and use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Data was entered in SPSS and analyzed by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. ROC curve was used to determine hs-CRP cut-off point. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated at the cut-off point. RESULTS: Overall, 60 patients (30 patients with MI and 30 patients with unstable angina) were studied. Hs-CRP level was 3.68 ± 0.86 mg/l in patients with MI and 2.35 ± 1.30 mg/l in patients with unstable angina (P < 0.001). The best cut-off point for differentiating unstable angina from MI was hs-CRP levels equal to or greater than 3.27 mg/l. At this cutoff point, the sensitivity and specificity were both 77%. CONCLUSION: Patients with MI had higher levels of hs-CRP than subjects with unstable angina. Hs-CRP levels equal to or higher than 3.27 mg/l are more likely to be associated with MI. It is recommended to test this biomarker in all patients with acute coronary syndrome