Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS): Evaluation of Reliability of the Persian Version among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: The aims of this study were to develop a culturally adapted version of the Fatigue Severity Scale in Persian (FSS–P) and to evaluate the reliability of the FSS–P in a sample of Iranians with Multiple Sclerosis. Materials & Methods: In this non experimental and descriptive study which was done methodologically by validity testing method, “fatigue severity scale–Persian version” was developed following a forward – backward translation procedure and cultural adaptation based on guidelines. A sample of 20 patients with Multiple Sclerosis were selected conveniently. The participants were recruited from Sina rehabilitation clinic in Tehran between 2001 to 2007. The participants were asked to answer FSS item and VAS. The FSS and VAS were readministered 3 weeks after the first visit. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed, using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Results: All the participants found the FSS–P item to be clear and unambiguous in a pilot testing. The ICC was reported 0.93 for the total score that showed high repeatability of (FSS) and the Cronbach’s alpha was reported 0.96. Conclusion: The Persian version of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a culturally adapted and reliable instrument to assess fatigue in Iranian persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Classification of Neuromuscular Disorders Based an Clinical Criteria , Molocular and Immunohistochemisty Analysis in Tehran Pateints

Objective: Neuromuscular disordres are a gorup of heterogenous inherited diseases. More than 150 types of these group of disorders have been known.The criticals that were used for classification of these disease include: age of onset, clinical course, disease progression and type of inheritance. Neuromuscular disorders have been classified in four categories: Myopaties (Muscular dystrophies) Neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth dieseas), Motor neuron junction (Myasthenia Syndrome) Motor neuron disorder (Spinal muscular atrophy). Objective of this study was classification of neuromuscular disorders based on clinical criteria, molecular and immunohistochemical analysis that reffered to Genetic Research Center. As a result of neuromuscular disorders was the second most common disabilities, more investigation in this group of disorders is necessary in Iranian population so this study was performed for the first time in Iranian patients. Materials & Methods: Total of 143 patient with neuromuscular deficiency that clinical, EMG and muscle enzymes have been tested and also in some cases molecular and immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Results: 82 patients with myotonic dystrophy, 19 patients with DMD/BMD, 6 patients with congenital muscular dystrophy, 3 patients with FSHD, 10 patients with SMA, 2 patients with CMS and 21 patients with LGMD. For the other cases we need more molecular and definite clinical analysis. Conclusion: For some cases that DM1 was not confirmed, study of DM2 is recommended. In patients with LGMD that analysis with 5 Abs were normal we advised multiple western blot for them (including calpain, sarcoglycans, dysferlin). Study of congenital muscular dystrophy besides merosin analysis, investigation for the other involved protein and molecular testing for mutation detection is considrable