Background and Aim: Acne is a common skin disease resulting from a complex interaction of various pathogenetic factors. The aim of this study was to find out lipid profile abnormalities in acne vulgaris patients. Material and Methods: This descriptive analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 acne patients and 45 age-and sex-matched healthy controls to assess plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride (TG) levels. Results: We showed a higher cholesterol level in acne patients (P=0.025), particularly in men (P=0.04). Other plasma lipids including TG, LDL, and HDL in male and female patients were higher compared to controls, but this is not statistically significant. Discussion and Conclusion: In conclusion, lipid profile was altered in our patients, with high cholesterol level as the commonest derangement, particularly in men. Therefore, screening for lipid profile abnormalities could be considered in the treatment of acne patients.

Background COVID-19 infection may present with atypical signs and symptoms and false negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests predisposing healthy people and health care workers to infection. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the features of atypical presentations in COVID-19 infection in a referral center in Tehran, Iran. Methods Hospital database of inpatients admitted to Loghman Hakim hospital between February 20th and May 11th, 2020 was reviewed and all patients with final diagnosis of COVID-19 infection were evaluated for their presenting symptoms. Patients with chief complaints of “fever”, “dyspnea”, and/or “cough” as typical presentations of COVID-19 were excluded and those with other clinical presentations were included. Results Nineteen patients were included with a mean age of 51 ± 19 years, of whom, 17 were males (89%). Median [IQR] Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was 14 [13, 15]. Almost 10 had referred with chief complaint of methanol poisoning and overdose on substances of abuse. Only 8 cases (42%) had positive COVID-19 test. Nine (47%) needed invasive mechanical ventilation, of whom, two had positive COVID-19 test results (p = ns). Eight patients (42%) died with three of them having positive PCRs. Conclusions In patients referring to emergency departments with chief complaint of poisoning (especially poisonings that can result in dyspnea including substances of abuse and toxic alcohols), gastrointestinal, and constitutional respiratory symptoms, attention should be given not to miss possible cases of COVID-19.

ObjectivesPerianal fistula is a common disorder characterized by an anomalous perianal track connecting two epithelialized surfaces, most commonly the anal canal and the perianal skin. Although each has its limitations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoanal ultrasound are currently two acceptable modalities for assessing perianal fistula. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MRI and endoanal ultrasonography in diagosing perianal fistula, considering the surgical results as the references.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was performed on patients with symptomatic perianal fistulas. MRI results of patients reported by the radiologist were collected along with the findings of endoanal ultrasonography performed by a gastroenterologist. These results were compared with surgical findings as the reference standard.ResultsThe study enrolled 126 patients. Exactly 222 definitive fistulas were identified during surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of ultrasound for perianal fistula were 87.38, 38.46, 92.38, 26.31, and 82.25% respectively; and for MRI were 76.12, 57.69, 93.88, 22.05, and 74.19% respectively. The accuracy of endoanal ultrasound for detecting transsphincteric and intersphincteric fistulas was higher than MRI. In contrast, the diagnostic value of MRI for detecting suprasphincteric fistulas was higher than endoanal ultrasound.ConclusionsUsing endoanal ultrasonography to diagnose perianal fistulas is a relatively accurate method. This method may be more sensitive than MRI in detecting patients with perianal fistulas and abscesses.

Background and objectives: Diabetes is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Spiritual experiences and religious belief can reduce tension and improve physical and mental health in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to compare spiritual experiences and distress tolerance between women with type 2 diabetes and healthy counterparts in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 women with type 2 diabetes who were selected from the Ferdowsi Diabetes Clinic (Tehran, Iran) and 100 non-diabetic counterparts. The participants responded to the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale and the Distress Tolerance Scale. Data were analyzed with SPSS 19 using independent t-test. Results: The mean score of daily spiritual experiences in women with diabetes (61.35 ± 13.54) was significantly higher than that in the healthy counterparts (47.47 ± 12.57) (P<0.01). Also, the mean score of distress tolerance was significantly higher in women with type 2 diabetes (44.69 ± 12.58) than in the controls (39.85 ± 9.65) (P<0.01). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that spiritual experiences and distress tolerance can be effective in improving the quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes.

No abstract