Background: Melasma is a dermatologic condition that has a major effect on self-esteem. Many treatment modalities have been used, mostly with limited success. In this study, the efficacy of K5® Lipogel, containing pidobenzone 4%, was utilized to treat melasma. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Dermatology Clinic of Faghihi Hospital in Shiraz, Iran, during 2015-2016. Thirty-one females with melasma received K5® Lipogel twice daily alongside a sunscreen cream. Melanin content was measured using the modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) and a colorimetric device, Dermacatch. In addition, the patients’ subjective responses to treatment and the physician’s subjective opinion underwent assessment. Eventually, patients were evaluated at the baseline and the end of the first and third months. Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 20 to 37 years old (mean of 33±3.63 years). The mMASI score was significantly decreased from baseline to the first and third month (10.25±0.52, 8.32±0.43, and 6.35±0.55, respectively; P<0.0001). Colorimetric results also demonstrated a satisfactory decrease in the melanin component with a 23-unit decrease after treatment for 3 months. Overall, subjective response to treatment was reported as good in 58.1% of the patients, while this figure was 64.5% for physician opinion. Conclusion: K5® Lipogel was a fairly effective topical remedy in the treatment of melasma and could be used as a treatment modality in this recalcitrant skin condition.
Background: Cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder. It plays an essential role in treating various biliary diseases, especially gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). It is of great importance to investigate factors that affect surgical results and predict related complications. Materials and Methods: At the beginning of the study, following approval by the ethics committee, clinical records of patients were collected from Bandar Abbas Shahid Mohammadi Hospital. Supplemental data were gathered via telephone contact with patients or their families when necessary. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and appropriate statistical methods. Results: A total of 189 cholecystectomy patients (72.6% female, 91.6% laparoscopic procedures) who underwent surgery at Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, between 2022 and 2023 were enrolled in this study. Their monocyte and lymphocyte percentages, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and other related clinical information were collected. The MLR was significantly higher in patients with underlying disease (P<0.05). It was also significantly higher in patients who underwent laparotomy, those hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery, and those who developed surgical site infections. In patients who had postoperative bleeding, both the monocyte percentage and the MLR were significantly higher. Additionally, the percentage of lymphocytes was elevated in these patients. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the MLR may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying patients at higher risk of postoperative complications following cholecystectomy.
Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed or black cumin, has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic applications, particularly its anti-cancer properties. In recent years, N. sativa extracts, especially thymoquinone (TQ), have shown promising effects on inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, positioning them as potential agents for cancer treatment. Gastric cancer, a major global health challenge with limited treatment options for advanced cases, underscores the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review examines current research on the anti-cancer potential of N. sativa, focusing on its chemopreventive, pro-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative effects on gastric cancer cells, as well as its modulation of critical pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B, tumor protein p53, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin. Key studies have also indicated potential interactions between TQ and non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, suggesting an additional layer of regulatory influence. Clinical trials, though limited, provide early insight into N. sativa’s safety profile and its integration with conventional therapies. This review presents a critical analysis of these findings and emphasizes the need for standardized extracts, dosage consistency, and further clinical trials to clarify N. sativa’s therapeutic role in gastric cancer.
Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global health, revealing pronounced differences in disease outcomes across various demographic groups. By analyzing biochemical and hematological parameters, this study sought to gain insights into the pathophysiological processes underpining the increased risk faced by older individuals and men and to identify potential biomarkers that could guide clinical management and therapeutic strategies. It aimed to investigate how people of different age and gender groups behave with respect to biochemical and hematological parameters in COVID-19 in surviving and non-surviving groups. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. All confirmed COVID-19 cases were divided into surviving and non-surviving groups. Data for important COVID-19 parameters, including D-dimer, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, C-reactive protein, platelet count, absolute neutrophil count, and absolute lymphocyte count, were collected, along with important hematological ratios, such as neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and systemic inflammatory index. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results and Conclusion: Our results confirmed that both age and gender are significant predictors of COVID-19 outcomes. The study highlights the need for tailored approaches in the management of COVID-19. Older patients and males should be closely monitored for biomarkers indicative of severe disease, and gender-specific considerations should be integrated into treatment strategies. Additionally, this can aid in developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Background: Segmental small bowel volvulus (SBV) is a lesser-known surgical condition that can affect both children and adults. It is characterized by twisting a segment of the small bowel at its mesentery. Delayed diagnosis can lead to detrimental results. Case Presentation: We present a rare case of SBV with normal intestinal rotation in an infant infected with COVID-19, which presented with bloody diarrhea, anuria, poor feeding, and lethargy. Due to dilated intestinal loops in radiological findings and refractory metabolic acidosis, the patient underwent laparotomy surgery which revealed huge mesenteric lymphadenopathy at the site of volvulus, and there was no sign of accompanying malrotation. Devolvulation was performed. After starting breastfeeding a few days later, the patient was discharged home without any complications. To our knowledge, this is the first report that addresses COVID-19-induced lymphadenopathy as a lead point for volvulus in an infant. Conclusion: All clinicians should be aware of SBV as a dangerous and rare disease with a variable presentation to provide the best care for their patients. Mesenteric lymphadenopathy and mesenteric defects can cause segmental volvulus.
Background: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause serious complications or death if treatment is delayed. This study aimed to identify clinical and paraclinical indicators of severe ulcerative colitis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all UC patients referred to a gastrointestinal clinic in Bandar Abbas, Iran, from June 2021 to June 2022. UC diagnosis was established based on clinical, paraclinical, and endoscopic criteria. Patients were categorized into three groups based on disease extension: proctitis, left-sided colitis, and pancolitis. Disease activity was assessed using the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), where scores indicated remission (0-1), mild (2-4), moderate (5-6), or severe (7-8) activity. Results: This study involved 299 UC patients with a mean age of 38.3±12.8 years (range: 14-73), comprising 139 males (46.5%) and 160 females (53.5%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that infant formula feeding was linked to a lower risk of severe UC (OR=0.446, 95% CI=[0.208, 0.952], P=0.037). Independent markers of severe UC included a history of targeted immunotherapies (P=0.003), bloody diarrhea (P=0.006), abdominal pain (P=0.041), fecal calprotectin (P=0.017), and ESR (P<0.001). Additionally, targeted immunotherapies (P=0.002), abdominal pain (P=0.009), fecal calprotectin (P=0.034), and CRP (P=0.013) were associated with greater colon involvement in UC. Conclusion: It can be concluded that concurrent elevation of fecal calprotectin and ESR levels may indicate more severe manifestations of the disease, while simultaneous increases in fecal calprotectin and CRP may indicate broader involvement of the bowel in UC.
Background: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction, and the role of the thymus is well understood. This study aimed to investigate the early results of thoracoscopic thymectomy in patients with myasthenia gravis, as there have been limited studies on this topic in Iran despite research in other parts of the world. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included myasthenia gravis patients who were admitted to Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan and underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy during 2021-2022. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The mean age of the patients studied was 45.5±12.25 years, including 15 male patients and 35 female patients. Patients who underwent surgery within one year of diagnosis and those who had surgery between one and two years after diagnosis were equal in number (20), while only 10 patients experienced surgical treatment more than two years after their diagnosis. According to the Osserman classification, the majority of patients (48%) were in grade 3, while the minority (8%) were in grade 4. Surgical complications occurred in 22% of the patients, with the most common being myasthenia gravis crisis in 10% of cases (P>0.05). Additionally, 12% experienced complete recovery, 60% had partial recovery, 20% showed no response, and 8% had exacerbated symptoms. The study found no statistically significant relationship between patients’ age (P>0.05), gender (P>0.05), disease severity (P>0.05), complications (P>0.05), recovery, and time of disease diagnosis (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that patients with myasthenia gravis in the early years of diagnosis who undergo thymectomy surgery will not show a difference in the rate of complications and a better response to treatment.
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that leads to irreversible kidney damage. The apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene variants, particularly G1 and G2, are associated with CKD progression in African populations. This study investigated the presence of APOL1 variants in hemodialysis patients in Minab, southeastern Iran, where there is a considerable Black population. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 100 hemodialysis patients and 100 controls of Iranian-African descent. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and APOL1 G1 and G2 polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Ultimately, demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22 (P<0.05). Results: None of the G1 or G2 risk alleles were found in the hemodialysis patients or the control group. Diabetic patients had a significantly higher mean age and weight compared to non-diabetic patients and controls. Moreover, biochemical analyses revealed elevated fasting blood sugar, urea, and creatinine levels in patients with diabetes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that APOL1 risk alleles G1 and G2 are likely less common in the Middle Eastern region, suggesting that they do not contribute to CKD progression in the studied population. It is recommended that further research explore genetic factors influencing CKD in diverse populations and confirm these findings in larger cohorts across Iran.
Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related condition with prostate enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is increasingly utilized as a biomarker of prostate health, while calcium (Ca) is involved in cellular regulation and prostate physiology. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between serum Ca and PSA levels in BPH patients. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 125 clinically and sonographically confirmed BPH men were enrolled in the Hormoz Subspecialty Clinic, Bandar Abbas, Iran, during 2020–2021. Data related to smoking status, education level, marriage status, and residence were collected. Prostate volume was assessed using transrectal ultrasonography, and serum PSA and total Ca levels were determined by standard laboratory methods. Finally, Spearman’s rank test was used to compute correlations. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between serum Ca and PSA in general (ρ=–0.355, P<0.001). The results revealed stronger associations among patients<60 years (ρ=–0.422, P<0.001), smokers (ρ=–0.388, P=0.001), married patients (ρ=–0.399, P<0.001), patients with higher education (ρ=–0.420, P=0.007), those with prostate volume<40 cc (ρ=–0.378, P<0.001), and residents of Bandar Abbas (ρ=–0.429, P<0.001). None of these correlations was significant in patients≥60 years, patients with prostate volume≥40 cc, or patients in other cities. Conclusion: Serum Ca demonstrated an inverse relationship with PSA in BPH patients, particularly in younger, smoking, married, and better-educated subgroups with lower prostate volumes, suggesting that Ca metabolism may influence PSA expression.
Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), or Buerger’s disease (BD), is a progressive inflammatory condition that affects small and medium arteries, primarily in the limbs, and is strongly associated with tobacco use. In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases (2017–2025) were searched using keywords such as "Buerger’s disease", "Thromboangiitis Obliterans", "tobacco", and "inflammatory cytokines". Studies underwent a four-stage screening process using PRISMA and PICO criteria. After duplicate removal, eligible articles were included for analysis. The review investigated tobacco-related immune dysregulation and its role in TAO pathogenesis, as well as smoking-related immune parameters in BD and their therapeutic potential. The obtained studies, encompassing 971 TAO patients, demonstrated that tobacco use alters immune cytokines and mediators. Immunosuppressant treatment in human studies reduced inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, while also improving symptoms. Interventions also modulated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, Toll-like receptors, and T helper cells in human and animal models. The findings confirmed that inflammatory cytokines significantly contribute to tissue necrosis and serve as prognostic biomarkers. The results further support classifying BD as a smoking-induced autoimmune condition. It is recommended that future studies integrate pro-inflammatory cytokines into treatment strategies and prioritize them as therapeutic targets.
With the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide, computed tomography (CT) scans have played a crucial role in diagnosing the disease. As such, this study aimed to investigate the application of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which have enhanced imaging devices and assisted medical professionals in diagnostic practices. In addition to the automatic scanning capability, AI has reshaped the workflow by providing minimal contact between technologists and patients. It also accelerates clinical decisions in diagnosis, tracking, and prognosis; therefore, it plays a vital role in the combat against COVID-19. Installing cameras in CT rooms facilitates patient data collection such as identifying patient position and shape to support the automated scanning process. Additionally, using separate entrances for patients and technologists, along with AI-driven solutions, helps quickly detect and prevent cross-infection between patient and technologist. The results indicated that AI can estimate scan range, and by providing an automatic workflow, it significantly improves scanning efficiency and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure. Additionally, AI allows to perform a large number of scans per day. This study aimed to review the applications of this technology and explain how to provide a contactless workflow in imaging.
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common invasive skin malignancy. This study assesses recurrence patterns and risk factors in post-surgical Iranian patients, aiming to enhance understanding and inform prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for cSCC. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in this study to evaluate the epidemiology of cSCC among patients operated at Shahid Faghihi Hospital in Shiraz, Iran, from 2016 to 2023. It included patients with confirmed cSCC who underwent surgical treatments, ensuring comprehensive data collection through medical records and patient contact. A total of 167 records were reviewed, with 78 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 27.0, applying Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Results: A total of 78 patients with cSCC were included in this study, with a mean age of 61.3±17.03 years and 28.2% being female. Tumors were predominantly located on the face (25.6%), head (23.1%), neck (20.6%), and extremities (20.6%). Margin involvement was observed in 34.6% of cases. The average tumor depth was 4.72 mm, with a mean lesion length of 24 mm and a width of 22 mm. Recurrent disease occurred in 25.6% of patients, with a mean relapse time of 11.05 months. Metastasis was observed in 19.2% of cases, and 76.9% of patients were alive at the time of analysis. Tumor recurrence was significantly associated with margin involvement, adjuvant radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and metastasis (P<0.001 for all). Patients with recurrent cSCC had significantly higher mean tumor depth (5.75 mm vs. 4.36 mm, P<0.001) and wider surgical margins (5.90 mm vs. 4.62 mm, P=0.01) compared to those without recurrence. Conclusion: This study identified surgical margins, tumor depth, and metastasis as key recurrence predictors of cSCC, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment and further research on biological and molecular factors.
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent infections in humans. Untreated lower UTIs can progress to severe conditions, including kidney involvement and significant renal damage. Identifying UTI risk factors is crucial for effective management of these infections. This study aimed to determine the frequency of risk factors for bacterial UTIs. Materials and Methods: A total of 157 patients referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital and Hormoz Clinic, Bandar Abbas, in 2021 were enrolled in this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study. Data on age, gender, history of hospitalization, urologic surgery, underlying diseases (diabetes, renal stones, hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH], and chronic kidney disease [CKD]), urinary catheterization, prior antibiotic use, and urine culture results were collected and analyzed using SPSS 26. Results: Participants had a mean age of 53.04±19.27 years, with 91 (58%) males and 66 (42%) females. Bacterial UTIs were diagnosed in 61 patients (38.9%). History of hospitalization, urologic surgery, antibiotic use, and urinary catheterization were reported in 47.1%, 9.6%, 42.7%, and 26.1% of patients, respectively. Overall, 78 patients (49.7%) had at least one underlying disease, including diabetes (19.7%), hypertension (32.5%), CKD (6.4%), BPH (7.6%), and renal stones (14.6%). Among males, 12 (13.2%) had BPH. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between these risk factors and UTI. Conclusion: Over one-third of patients had bacterial UTIs. Older age, female gender, underlying diseases, urologic surgery, urinary catheterization, and antibiotic use are potential UTI risk factors, but larger prospective studies are needed to confirm their association.
Background: Liver fibrosis, regardless of the underlying cause of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), is the final result of repeated cellular necrosis and liver inflammation. Metabolic and viral factors constitute a significant portion of the etiology of fibrosis resulting from CLDs. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of CLD with a metabolic basis. Diagnosis is rarely made in the early stages, as the disease is often asymptomatic at this point, and no specific strategy has been developed to detect early-stage liver fibrosis. However, treatments in the early stages are more beneficial than in the later stages of CLDs. Therefore, identifying factors related to liver fibrosis is essential to improve health outcomes through proper education for individuals at higher risk. This study aimed to evaluate liver fibrosis based on non-invasive fibrosis indices in the Bandar Kong cohort population. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 3,886 individuals. After collecting demographic information, the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns, and body mass index (BMI), AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio, and diabetes (BARD) indices were calculated and recorded for each patient. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare the data. Results: According to the FIB-4, APRI, Forns, and BARD indices, 0.8%, 2.1%, 3.1%, and 67.4% of the study population had advanced fibrosis, respectively. It was also found that based on the FIB-4 index, diabetes, considering age as an independent risk factor, increased the odds of uncertain liver fibrosis results by approximately 1.5 times. Additionally, the results indicated that age, BMI, and male gender are independent risk factors leading to advanced liver fibrosis. The APRI index showed that diabetes, as an independent risk factor, nearly doubled the odds of developing liver fibrosis. Moreover, the Forns index demonstrated that diabetes, when considering age and male gender as risk factors, could increase the likelihood of liver fibrosis by approximately threefold. The BARD index revealed that diabetes, considering age, BMI, and female gender as independent risk factors, increased liver fibrosis by approximately 20% (1.21 times). Conclusion: Based on the findings, non-invasive tests (NITs) may either overestimate or underestimate fibrosis, underscoring the need for further studies with biopsy results to achieve more accurate outcomes.
This comprehensive review addresses the intricate relationship between the immune system and implant-supported dental prostheses, emphasizing its pivotal role in treatment success or failure. Key components explored in this review include the immune system’s initial response to implant materials, the cytokine networks regulating inflammation and healing, and the impact of microbial colonization on peri-implant health. The review also investigates the influence of systemic conditions, such as diabetes, smoking, and immunosuppression, on immune-mediated outcomes. Furthermore, it highlights cutting-edge advancements in immune assessment technologies, including biomarker profiling and machine learning applications, which are shaping personalized diagnostics and treatment strategies. Further, practical approaches for optimizing clinical outcomes through material innovations, immune modulation, and patient-specific care plans are presented, offering valuable insights to enhance the longevity and success of implant-supported dental prostheses. In addition, implant-supported dental prostheses are widely used to restore function and aesthetics in patients with missing teeth. However, the interaction between the immune system and implant materials is a critical determinant of the success or failure of these treatments. This review explores the immune processes involved in the integration and potential rejection of dental implants, emphasizing the impact of implant materials, microbial colonization, and systemic health conditions on immune responses. Additionally, it underscores strategies to optimize clinical outcomes by leveraging immune assessments.
Background: Aging, as a major factor in endothelial dysfunction, seriously impairs microvascular perfusion. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resveratrol supplementation on the expression of key molecular markers, GDF-11, AKT, and HIF-1α, in the cardiac tissue of aged Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four 15-month-old male rats were randomly divided into sedentary control, HIIT only, resveratrol only, and HIIT+resveratrol groups (n=6 per group). The HIIT protocol involved eight weeks of progressive treadmill running, while resveratrol (15 mg/kg/day) was orally administered during the same period. Cardiac tissue was harvested 24 hours after the intervention, and protein expression levels were analyzed using Western blotting. Results: Two-way ANOVA revealed that both exercise and resveratrol significantly influenced the expression of all three markers, with exercise emerging as the dominant factor. GDF-11 expression demonstrated the highest upregulation in the HIIT+resveratrol group (P<0.001), while resveratrol alone had no significant effect. AKT levels were considerably elevated by exercise (F=2102.463, η²=0.991) and further enhanced by resveratrol in exercised animals (P<0.001). Similarly, HIF-1α expression noticeably increased across all intervention groups, with the highest expression in the combined group. Although resveratrol had an independent effect, its influence was markedly amplified when combined with HIIT. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the synergistic interaction between exercise and resveratrol in modulating cardioprotective pathways. The combined intervention can notably enhance molecular markers linked to angiogenesis, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress resistance, offering promising therapeutic insights for mitigating age-related cardiac decline.
Dengue fever, a Flaviviridae viral disease, exhibits various clinical symptoms, such as hemorrhagic fever, and is influenced by multiple factors. This comprehensive review aims to explore different aspects of dengue fever. The morbidity of the virus is affected by its serotype, which has three structural proteins (capsid, pre-membrane, and envelope), seven nonstructural proteins, and the host’s immune system. Neutralizing antibodies are highly recommended to stop the virus replication. The most effective way to prevent the virus is to eliminate or reduce human interaction with its carriers; "Dengvaxia", a tetravalent vaccine, is also approved.
Background: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is associated with a high recurrence rate following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). This clinical trial sought to compare the efficacy of intravesical gemcitabine versus distilled water in mitigating the recurrence of primary, low-grade urothelial neoplasms. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted at Urmia Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran, from January 2022 to July 2023. Patients diagnosed with low-grade NMIBC via cystoscopy and undergoing TURBT were eligible for inclusion in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two cohorts–receiving either intravesical gemcitabine or distilled water–using dedicated randomization software. Following treatment, patients underwent routine follow-up evaluations at three and six months, including cystoscopy and ultrasonography to assess for tumor recurrence. Results: A total of 89 eligible patients were randomized to receive either gemcitabine or distilled water following TURBT, with a mean age of 57.80±11.08 and 60.02±11.16 years, respectively. Tumor recurrence within three months occurred in 4 cases (10%) in the gemcitabine group and 5 cases (12.5%) in the distilled water group. Fisher’s exact test indicated no significant difference in tumor recurrence rates between the two groups (P=0.5). All nine recurrence cases involved low-grade tumors, which were subsequently treated with intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) following transurethral resection. Notably, no patients who remained recurrence-free after the first three months experienced recurrence during the second trimester. Conclusion: In patients with suspected low-grade non-muscle-invasive urothelial neoplasms, intravesical administration of either gemcitabine or sterile distilled water immediately following TURBT led to a notable reduction in early tumor recurrence. These findings support the potential use of sterile distilled water as a viable intravesical prophylaxis due to its economic advantages and readily available nature.
Background: The number of individuals undergoing dialysis is rising. Impaired renal function has been linked to a heightened risk of cancer. This study aimed to examine cancer incidence among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of individuals with newly diagnosed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who initiated HD sessions between July 2018 and December 2023 at Urmia Imam Khomeini hospital. The data collected for this study included patient demographics, underlying diseases, malignancy status, and duration of malignancy (less than ten years, 10–20 years, and over 20 years). The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: The study included 192 patients, with a mean age of 64.45±13.70 years. Of these, 117 (60.9%) were male and 75 (39.1%) were female. The majority of participants (68.8%) resided in urban areas. Hypertension (HTN) was the most common underlying disease (25%), while 32.8% had no reported underlying conditions. Eighteen (9.4%) patients were diagnosed with malignancy, with multiple myeloma being the most prevalent type (43.4%). The remaining 174 (90.6%) patients were not diagnosed with cancer. The onset of malignancy occurred within ten years for the majority of patients (72.2%). No significant association was found between the prevalence of malignancy and patients’ age (P<0.136) and gender (P<0.763). Conclusion: A significantly elevated incidence of cancer was observed in patients undergoing chronic HD for ESRD, underscoring the critical development of a targeted cancer screening strategy for this vulnerable population.
Background: This study mainly aimed to assess how repeated blood donations affect iron (Fe) stores in regular donors. It was supposed that lifetime and frequency of donations were correlated with hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on voluntary blood donors at a tertiary health care center. Red cell parameters were measured with a Sysmex XN 1000 analyzer, and serum ferritin levels were estimated using Roche Cobas e 411. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0. Results: Overall, 200 regular voluntary blood donors were evaluated in this study. They were grouped by total lifetime donations and donation frequency over the past year. Based on the results, a significant correlation was found between donation frequency and serum ferritin levels. Despite normal Hb concentrations, serum ferritin levels declined with higher donation frequency, confirming that donation frequency is a better predictor of decreased Fe stores than total lifetime donations. In our study, 9.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5% of donors were in stages 1, 2, and 3 of Fe deficiency, respectively, indicating that further donations could compromise donor safety. Conclusion: Estimating Hb levels alone is insufficient for selecting blood donors, as individuals may be in the early stages of Fe deficiency anemia. It is important to review and enhance the screening tests used for donor selection. This should include routine serum ferritin measurements, particularly for regular blood donors, to help detect subclinical Fe deficiency.
