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Background and Purpose: Neonatal conjunctivitis which mostly occurs after birth, has a high prevalence rate according to the world statistics (0.4-18.9%). But its statistical value in our country is not known. Standard prevention methods are costly and not accessible. This disease can lead to corneal ulceration, blindness and infection. Ïn this study, Povidone Ïodine 2.5% was used for treatment of conjunctivitis regardless of its ethiology to determine, whether this drug which effectiveness and safety has already been proved in previous studies, could prevent or reduce neonatal conjunctivitis or notω
Materials and Methods: 1130 neonates born in nursury of Razi hospital in Ghaemshahr were studied during 1997-98. The study was double blind in which Betadine drops 2.5% was used in one eye of the neonate immediately after birth and the other eye of the same neonate was treated as control. Then during two visits in two consecutive weeks, the positiveness of conjunctivitis was noted by visiting preformer.
Results: The preventive effect of the drug was desirable during the first week of treatment because the eye which was not received the drug developed conjunctivitis 1037 times more than the eye which received the drug. But during the second week the difference was not significant in two eyes. Ôther important findings include, higher conjunctivitis rate in neonates born by normal delivery as compare to cesarean section (P<0.001). Çonjunctivitis was more prevalent in boys as compare to girls during the first and second week (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between premature and full term and also belween intact membrane and premature rupture of membrane.
Çonclusion: Âs regard to the low cost of the drug and its availability and also the positive effects of this drug during its use in first and second week of birth, its extensive use is recommended for prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis.

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Background and purpose : Ône of the hazards of industrilization of the communities is use of different chemicals, which are dagnous and health threatening. Heavy methals are one of sach chemicals.
Materials and Methods : Çonsidering the accumulative property of cadmium and lead in spinach and radish growing in sari suburbs, this research was undertaken. Dry ash method was applied for the preperation of the samples, and measures quantitatively with the help of flame atomic absorption spectroscope. Ône way variance analysis was used in order to compare the, mean presence of cadmium and lead, in four geographical vegetable growing regions (east, weeks, south, north)of sari.
Results : Statistically significant difference was observed between mean content of lead in spinach and radish in the above four geographic regions (P<0.05). But was not significant in case of cadmium. Lead had the highest content, which is more than the level of standarad Dfg ppm. The highest content of cadmium was observed in the vegetable growing in the south regions, which is more than the standard level of cadmium in vegetables (0.25 ppm), and is about the standard level in case of radish.
Çonclusion : Wales and air are two main cause of direct treasmision of lead to vegetable.

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Background and purpose : Pelvic mass with ascitis and elevated serum ÇÂ-125 level is suggestive of an advanced ovarian malignancy. Peritonitis is an uncommon event. Which can have the same symptoms, therefore this phenomenon must be considered in case of differential diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. Âim of reporting this interesting and rare case, is to make attention of colleages to this differential diagnosis prior to and during operation.
Çase report : The case was a 28 years old female with ascitis and elevated serum ÇÂ-125 level of more than 500 units per ml. Pelvic mass was reported in sonography and ÇT-scan, and underwent laparatomy with probable diagnosis of advanced ovarian carcinoma. Frozen sections showed multiple necrotized caseous granulomatous lesions, highly suggestive of tuberculosis. Following treatment of tuberculosis, Serum ÇÂ-125 level declined to normal range(less than 35 units per ml) and ascitis was disappeared.
Çonclusion : Peritoneal tuberculosis can have the exact symptoms of advanced ovarian tumor during surgery. Peritoneal tuberculosis may be mistakan with advanced ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal carcinoma. Hence, during operation, particularly in young females, operation must be performed after being sure about the malignancy, So, not to deprive the patient from ovarian endocrinal activity. This issue is more prevalent, paticulary in the developing countries which must be considered

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Background and purpose: There are environmental conditions such as, chemical, biological, physical and unusual factors destroying medical records in the filing rooms. Ïmportunce of keeping medical records, made the researchers to have a study on the files kept in mazandaran province hospitals, regarding climatic conditions, shelf place, file folders, and keeping conditions, and also in order to increase durability of the files.
Materials and methods: Âll of the filing rooms (20 rooms) of the educational and non educational hospitals in mazandaran province were selected for study, this research was done in descriptive method. Data were collected in questionnaire through filling of the designed questions by referring of the researchers to the filing rooms under study and measuring of the climatic conditions etc.
Results : This study showed that, physical, chemical, biological and unuasual factors reduce durability of the files by 75% , 61.6%, 61.2% and 38.3% respectively. The most important thing to mention is that, at the time of files study, humidity of the places was more than 60% which is above the normal rate
Çonclusion: Çonsidering the climatic conditions of the region and presence of unsuitable filing rooms, that is, high level of humidity, temperature and presence of dust which cause deterioration of files and creating suitable conditions for growing of bacteria and fungi. Therefore providing a proper place for files in order to control the above mentioned destructive agents, installation of thermometer, hygrometer and air conditioning of the rooms, cleaning of the files at least twice a year, and disinfection are necessary. Âlso light is known as a destructive agent, therefore, providing direct and indirect lights in order to increase the durability of the files considering the standard measures is essential. Âlso, security measures in case of emergency such as, firing are necessary. Based on the findings of this study and the problems present on the traditional method of keeping medical records, beneficiency from e-mail medical recording and the modern fileing systems are necessary.

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The role of school in educational development of the student is quite abvious to every body. Âim of this research is to study the hygienic environmental conditions of the schools located in mazandaran province. This is a descriptive method done on 102 village schools during two months by health service staff through proper sampling distribution. Ïn 17.6% of the schools under study per capita class for students was less than the standard condition. Ïn 14.7% of the schools there was no difference between water drinking places and lavatorys. Ïn 42% of the classes there was no proper sunlight supply. The average classes for each school was 6 with mean space of 27.8 square meters and per capita of 18 students for each class, which indicates per capita of 1.54 square meters for each student.

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Background and purpose: Menopause is one of the four critical stages in women which make them vulnerable to effective, strong, persistant and permanent hormonal changes. Therefore, assessment of menopauseal age and its enfluencing factors are very important.
Materials and methods : This is a descriptive study on rural and urban women living in mazandaran province whose menopausal period started 12 months before the study. Sampling was done through clastering method by calling in the houses of 3036 menopasual women.Data on demographic,anthropometric,obstetric menstruation, menopause, reproduction, breast feeding and stress were recorded in questionnaire. Weight, blood pressure and hight were measured and analyzed using statistical analysis of varionce, X2 , regresion and t test.
Results: Mean menopausal age of the women under study was 47.93 ± 4.37 and 3.7% of the women prior to 40 years of age were menopause. Statistical analysis did not show any statistical relationship between menopausal age and education, economic condition, BMÏ, being left handed, using contraceptive, history of menopause and stresses between the women with early and late menopause. Howere, there was significant relationship between age of menopause with profession, number of pregnancies, age of the latest pregnancies, menopausal age of mother and sister(P<0.05).Âlso this study showed that there is a significant relationship between the age of menopause in defferent cities of mazandaran.
Çonclusion: Çonsidering the low mean menopausal in this study and also in other studies done in Ïran compared to developed countries and the complications due to low age of menopause, it is recommended that special clinics to be established for menopause women and more information and services be available to them.

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Background and purpose: Planning for adolescent’s prepation to face with puberty requi careful formation of their behavior and educational needs in onder to provideeducational information. This study was undertaken to determine KÂP girls Secondary students about puberty health in Mazandaran State 2003.
Materials and methods : This research is an analytical study on 1708 Mazandaran adolescents KÂP for education. Sampling was done by sequentioal method. Data collated using a questioner containing demographic awareness. Âttitude and peractic questions about puberty health. Then based on results educational needs. Were detaming. Data was analyzed using spss program and X2, variance analysis, regression.
Result : Mean age and mean age of menarche were 13/33 and 12/3 year respectively educational status of most parents were low(35%), %5.8 of girls knew the meaning of puberty and puberty health awareness(33.4%) was weak. The rate of exercises, bath andnutrition during menses due low knowledge were low (p<0001). Ïnstead of positive attitude to menstruation (73.3%) emotional practice about that was weak (67.8%). Mothers were the first source of information in 62% of girls which explaies thien low level of information (p<0001). Sgnificant relationship was between awareness and health practice (p<0.0001).
Çonclusion: Despite of willingness of most girls to more about puberty their health information and practice about puberty was low. The other important point is that information should not be limited to knowledge of puberty and menses mechanism, but deeper standing of physical and psychological changes and theirs connection with sex, fertility and marriage health is required.

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Background and purpose : Çonsiderable controversy exists about the appropriate rate of cesarean deliveries. Çesarean section is a major surgery and is more hazardous to the mother and fetus than vaginal delivery. Ïn Ïran in 2002, 36% and in the Mazandaran province 56% of all deliveries were made by cesarean section. This study proposes to determine the effect of statewide policies on cesarean delivery rate in two hospitals of Mazandaran.
Materials and methods : This study was a clinical trial research and performed in two hospitals of Mazandaran province between the years 2002 (November) and 2003 (September). Letters were sent to each obstetrician to Ïnform her about proportion of conducted cesarean by herself and its differece with the world standards in case hospital at June 2003. Data collection continued during this time and last until September 2003 in two hospitals.Then data compaired before and after intervention and analyzed with descriptive (Frequerey, Mean, SD, Table) & analytical (X2, Çompare mean) statistical methods.
Results : During the study period, 2171 deliveries in case hospital and 980 deliveries in control hospital were made of which 44.8% and 46.6% were cesarean in case and contral hospitals respectively. Statistical analysis showed that hospital policies have no effect on cesarean delivery rate. Before and after the intervension in both hospitals the main indication of cesarean was cesarean repeat.
Çonclusion : Regarding the results of this study and the statewide policies, it is suggested that more supervisions on cesarean rate are necessary and vaginal birth after cesarean should be encouraged.

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Background and purpose : Âscorbic acid, an antioxidant vitamine, is found throughout the mammalian central nervous system (ÇNS). There is evidence that it may modulate neuronal activity, release of neurotransmitters and dopamine receptors activities. There are behavioral evidences supporting the antidopaminergic effect of ascorbic acid. This effect of ascorbic acid may, in part, modulate the stereotyped behaviors induced by dopaminergic system. The purpose of the present study was to determine the interaction between ascorbic acid and the stereotyped licking behavior in rat.
Materials and methods : The effects of ascorbic acid and different dopamine receptor antagonists on apomorphine-induced licking behavior were examined. For the induction of licking, the dose of 0.5 mg/kg, s.c. of apomorphine was used and the number of licking was recorded over a 75 min period.
Results : Âscorbic acid (200-350 mg/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently reduced the licking behavior. Subcutaneous injection of ascorbic acid (250 mg/kg, ËD61) potentiated the inhibitory effect of dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SÇH 23390 (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) but it did not alter the inhibitory effect of dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (25 and 50 mg/kg, s.c.).
Çonclusion : These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid on apomorphine-induced licking behavior in rat is mediated by dopamine D2 receptor mechanisms.

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Background and purpose : Currently, there is only one sewage treatment plant in Sercan City in Hamadan province. Extended aeration activated sludge is the main process of the plant and untreated effluent and disposal sludge are used for agricultural activities. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the stabilization degree and reuse potential of disposal sludge from the plant.
Materials and methods : This study was undertaken over a 12 months period from March 2001 to March 2002. In this project some indexes of sludge stabilization and reuse including VS/TS ratio, pH, SOUR, floatation, color, odor, coliform and fecal coliform were determined.
Results : The annual average ratio of VS/TS and SOUR in disposal sludge from this plant were 0.73 and 3.37 mg02/gr.vs.h, respectively. The average pH was about 7. The disposal sludge was septic and had dark brown color and floated after a short time. Also the annual average of fecal coliform density in disposal sludge was 8.97 ´ 107 MPN/g.ds.
Conclusion : The disposal sludge was raw and destabilized. The microbial quality of disposal sludge was lower than the class B of USEPA regulation. Therefore, this sludge can not be discharged to environment or reused.

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Background and purpose: New biochemical markers(Fibronection, esteriol, à- feto protein,…) to predict spontaneous preterm birth give a more precise and earlier diagnosis than the usual ones( previous history, risk scoring system,…) there are many women with no obvois risk factors who deliver prematurely. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between preterm delivery and cervicovaginal beta human chorionic gonadotropin(beta- h.c.g) levels.
Material and Methods: The study was a nested case control undertaken on 304 pregnant women attending the health centers of Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. Cervicovaginal (beta-h.c.g) titers were measured in 83 high risk women at 24-28 week’s of gestation. Based on getational age (GA) at delivery they allocated in case (GA<34 weeks) and control ≥37 weeks) groups. Beta-h.c.g levels were analyzed and compared in two groups. Odd’s ratioes were calculated..
Results: 83(27.3%) high risk pregnant women were selected from a total of 304 participants. 36 ( 43. 37%)subjects delivered at or before 34 weeks of cervicovaginal beta h.c.g showed a range of 0-186 mIU/ml with an optimal cut- off value of 25, Odd’s ratio for gestational age <37 was 3.016 (CI= 1.12-8.06, 95%). There was a correlation between preterm delivery (gestational age<37) and cervicovaginal beta h.c.g titer in 24-28 weeks of gestation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the test as a predictor of preterm delivery were 41.67%, 80.85%, 62.5%, and 64.41% respectively.
Conclusion: A high sensitivity was not attained in this for the cervicovaginal secretions beta- hcg levels in order to predict preterm delivery, hence further investigation are required to elucidate all aspects of the subjects.

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Background and purpose: Head lice infestation caused by Pediculus capitis and its treatment is a worldwide and historical concern.
Materials and methods: This study has been done with cooperation with the health’s deputy of medical sciences university in different cities of Hamadan province in 2000-2001. Screening was done in 120 girl’s elementary schools during which 7291 students were examined for head lice infestation. About 13.5% (975) of the girls were detected with head lice. The infested girls were divided into three treatment groups with three kinds of shampooes containing pediculicide and one control group with ordinary shampoo (placebo). In a randomized evaluator, blind clinical trial to compare pediculicidal and ovicidal effects of shampooes against head lice, the participants assigned to groups to use the shampooes based on manufacture’s instructions and followed up three weeks after treatment. Statistical analyses were done by X2 test and line logarithmic procedure.
Results: The results show that cure rates (no live adult and nymph of lice were seen on physical re-examination of scalp(, at the end of the first week were 29,36, 34 and 15 percent for d-phenothrin 0.2%, lindane 1% , permethrin1% and placebo respectively. These cure rates for treatment shampooes showed significant differences when compared to placebo (0.001

0.05). but at the end of the third week, the cure rates for the three mentioned shampooes were 88, 88 and 87 percent and also there is no statisticall differences in their efficacy. It should be noted that the results of ordinary shampoo is just for the first week after usage. Line logarithmic analysis of results shows that efficacy of different pediculicide shampoo (p value=0.58) in different times (p value=0.25) have no difference. but the cure rate of cases varied three weeks after treatment. (p value<0.0001). This shows the residual effect of pediculicides on new hatched nymphs.

Conclusion: According to the results obtained, economical viewpoint, and popular acceptance, lindane %1 shampoo is advocated as the first choice for treatment of head lice infestion if its usage is done under manufacture’s instruction and with caution combine with physical removal of nits with fine-toothed comb. Finally, educative campaign of parents and school personnel is reinforced.

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Background and purpose: Âccurate estimation of fetal weight is of paramount importance in the management of labor and delivery and may be related to critical points of decision making and proper management. This study was done in order to compare the accuracy of clinical and ultrasonic estimation of fetal weight in Ïmam Khomeini hospital of Sari, Ïran.
Materials and methods: During this study(March 2000- December 2004) 174 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. Written consent was obtaind from the patients and fetal weight was estimated by clinical examination and johnson’s formula at their admission by one physicians. Then they were transfered to the ultrasound ward and ËFW was estimated by one sonologist. Finally, all newborns, weight was measured by one scale. Statistical analysis was done by frequency, Diagram, paired sample T Test.
Results: The mean of the age of subjects was 24.95± 4.59 years and their mean weight was 72.07+1104 kg and the mean of their gestational age was 38 weeks± 5days. paired T test showed that there is no significant differences between estimated fetal weight by ultrasound and actual birth weight Ïn SGÂ and LGÂ group ËFW by this method had a significant difference with actual birth weight (P<0.001). Ïn ÂGÂ group birth weight had no any significant difference with actual Birth weight.
Çonclusion: Âccuracy of weight estimation using the clinical examination and ultrasound was found to be low in SGÂ and LGÂ groups. Ïn LGÂ groups Johnson’s formula was more accurate than others. However, a systematic review with methaanalysis was recommended.

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Background and purpose : Screening and preventive programs are the important components in reduction of breast cancer morbidity and mortality.
Materials and methods : Ïn this cross-sectional descriptive study, above 15 years old females were selected and were randomly divided in 6 stratums based on the determined aims.
Results : We collected 400 questionnaires per stratum and totally 2400 cases with mean age of 25.01 ± 8.78 years and age range of 15-78 entered in this study. Âlso 46.9% were married, 86.7% had a medium to high education, 23.5% were housewives, 54.2% students and family history of breast cancer was reported in 25.8%. Knowledge about breast cancer prevention was good in 28.5%, low in 67.3%, and poor in 4.2%. Ït was shown taht 37% of the females 20 to 40 years and 48.8% above 40 years performed breast self-examination. But only 17.1% did it monthly. Âpproximately, 13.12% felt very confident about their correctly done self breast examination. Âlso 82.6% of the women 20 years and older did not refere to specialist for the last 2 years. Âmong women 40 years of age and higher, approximately 65.86% refered specialist once and 47.3% did mammoggraphy in the last two years and 61.07% have had at least one mommography in their life time.
Çonclusion: The Ïranian female population need for planning health education interventions and population-based specific regular screening programs to improve cancer prevention.

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Background and purpose: The rate of infertility is estimated 12-21% in Iranian couples. Cooperation of couples is needed for treatment. One potential risk factor for the development of marital problems is difference between partners in their approach to infertility. The aim of this study was to know the infertile couples' approach to infertility and marital adjustment.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 160 infertile couples reffering to Royan infertility center of Tehran were enrroled. The data concerning the infertility approach and marital adjustment were recorded in, Copper Smith self esteem and Dyadic adjustment scale (DAS) questionaire. SPSS soft ware was used for the ststistical analysis of the data.
Results: Findings showed that having children was very important to both husbands and wives and both involved in and wanted to talk about trying to have a baby. There was no difference between self esteem and marital adjustment in men and women. There was ststistically significant difference between approach to infertility and marital adjustment in both husbands and wives.
Conclusion: Husbands’ and wives’ approach to infertility and marital adjustment can be used by psychologists in evaluation of infertile couples. Increase of couple interest and involvement in infertility treatment may lead to positive change in couples communication about infertility and to a more positive effect of infertility on the marriage.

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Background and purpose: Most women consider menopausal symptoms as natural period in their life. Many of them experienced some problems before and after the condition. There are many side effects of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms. In different regions with various diet regimens, menopausal symptoms are different. Glycyhrhza glabra has constituents with estrogen like activity. In this study for the first time aqueous Glycyrrhza glabra extract was evaluated for decreasing menopausal symptoms.
Materials and Methods: Aqueous Glycyrrhza glabra extract prepared by maceration method. The extract was concentrated and then powdered. The powder used as 250 mg capsule and standardized by glycyrrhizha content. After matching for age, menopausal age and BMI, 29 and 24 women were allocated in case and control groups respectively. Three 250 mg capsules were prescribed per day to women in case group and women in control group received placebo. The mean number of hot flashes and degree of menopausal symptoms, KI (Kupperman Index) were calculated every two weeks and classified as without symptom, weak, medium and severs. Data were analyzed using T-test and the effects of drug on hot flash and KI were assessed in different weeks.
Results: The mean age and menopausal age were 50.5 ± and 48± respectively. Results showed that the mean numbers of hot flashes, KI and FSH decreased significantly in case group but they were not significant in control group. Also estradiol hormone increased significantly in case group.
Conclusion: Aqueous Glycyrrhza glabra affects hot flash and KI and is a simple and cheap drug for menopausal symptoms without any side effects.

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Background and purpose: Evaluation of suspected biliary obstruction is performed by common old methods such as Ultrasound, CT, and invasive cholangiography. These techniques have limitations due to the poor visualization of intraductal stones (US, CT) and the need for an invasive procedure (ERCP, PTC). Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) is noninvasive imaging modality that provides good visualization of the hepatobiliary system. The aim of the present study was to determine the utility of Magnetic resonance cholangiography, Ultrasonography and Liver function test in preoperative assessment of patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis and suspected biliary obstruction.
Materials and Methods: Patients selected for elective open cholecystectomy with risk factors of common bile duct stones as suspected biliary obstruction underwent MRC, US, and Liver function test preoperatively. All patients underwent open cholecystectomy and intraoperative cholangiography in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Academic Medical Center of Medicine School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran from January 2003 to February 2006.
Results: 30 patients (11 male, 19 female) with the mean age 53.93±13.32 years in a range of 38-75 years underwent all preoperative and operative assessments. 81.81% Sensitivity, 87.5% specificity and 83.33% efficacy in MRC 18.18% Sensitivity, 87.5% specificity and 36.66% efficacy in US, and 54.54% Sensitivity, 37.50% specificity and 50% efficacy in Liver function test were the results obtained for biliary stones.
Conclusion: MRC has excellent diagnostic accuracy in the detection of biliary disease. Due to its non-invasive nature, MRI may have advantages over invasive cholangiography when diagnosis is the major goal of the procedure.

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Background and purpose: Several studies have shown differences in HTN prevalence between urban and rural populations. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of HTN and the status of HTN awareness, treatment and control between Iranian urban and rural populations aged over 20 years.
Materials and Methods: As a part of a nation-wide survey in 2004 on risk factors of non-communicable diseases, a cross-sectional study was performed on 75.132 adults aged over 20 years. In all participants, blood pressure was measured for twice in a standard method, followed by a collection of data on patients’ awareness, treatment and control of HTN. The data were compared between urban and rural populations.
Results: The crude prevalences of HTN were 30.5% (CI 95%: 30.496- 30.50), 29.2% (CI 95%: 29.19-29.21), and age-adjusted prevalences were 26.09% (CI 95%: 26.086-26.094) and 26.03% (CI 95%: 26.015-26.025) for urban and rural populations, respectively. Rural residents were significantly less aware of HTN, its treatment and control than urban people.
Conclusion: Considering the similarity of age-adjusted HTN prevalence between Iranian rural and urban communities, there is the same burden on our health system. With respect to the lower degree of HTN awareness and control in rural residents, and the integral role of rural health system in diminishing the mentioned difference, further developments are recommended for system.

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Background and purpose: MR vaccination is prohibited among pregnant women, therefore pregnancy is recommended three months after vaccination. On the other hand, pregnant women acquiring these diseases face unwanted complications. We tried to determine the frequency of congenital disorders in the newborns of the vaccinated pregnant women under 25 years in Mazandaran province.
Materials and Methods: This historical cohort study was done by consent method on 1031 cases throughout Mazandaran province. 406 cases out of the population were vaccinated without prior information about their pregnancy. The data were collected by questionnaires through referring to their healthcare files and telephone contacts just to make sure about their vaccination conditions. The data obtained from these cases along with the data from 493 pregnant women who were not vaccinated during the years 2002-2003 were statistically analyzed.
Results: Pregnancy complications were observed in 58 (6.5%) subjects 24 (41.38%) in the control group and 34 (58.62%) in the case group. The rate of complications in the subjects under the study was as follows: premature delivery in 27 (46.57%) subjects 8 (29.62%) in the control group and 19 (70.38%) in the case group weight under 2500 gram at birth in 19 (32.75%) subjects 12 (63.16%) in the control group and 7 (36.84%) in the case group still birth in 6 (10.34%) subjects 1 (16.67%) in the control group and 5 (83.33%) in the case group abortion in 6 subjects (10.34%) 2 (23.33%) in the control group and 4 in (66.67%) in the case group. Only one person in the control group had intra uterine growth retardation. No significant pregnancy complication difference was observed between the case and the control groups in this study (P>0.05)
Conclusion: Results of this study and the related researches indicate that though MR vaccination during pregnancy is safe, the randomly performed vaccination of pregnant women, should be advised and the followed up for the probable unwanted complications.

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Background and purpose: Beta-thalassemia major (TM), a chronic, genetically determined hematological disorder, has received little investigation on the psychological aspects of the disease and the psychosocial adjustment of patients with this anemia. In the present study, the aim was to explore the nature of psychopathology according to age, sex, school performance, severity and complications of the disease in TM patients compared with demographically matched healthy persons.
Materials and Methods: A controlled anterograde cohort study was conducted at the Thalassemia Unit of Boo-Ali Hospital from June 2003 to November 2005 in Sari, Iran. Psychological aspects were evaluated by the Persian version of symptoms checklist-90-revised questionnaire. Information on relevant demographic characteristics, school performance, severity and complications of the disease was collected by one of the investigators who had created the questionnaire.
Results: 125 persons with TM completed the questionnaires and were compared with 125 controls and 250 totally. The mean age of the participants was 18.51± 2.0 years and with a range of 15-25 years. 132 (52.8%) were female with equal family status, social and economic status. Patients group reported a significantly lower level of marital status (P<0.01), education level (P<0.0001), school performance (P<0.0001). TM patients were found to have significantly more psychiatric disorders than the control subjects with GSI: 1.16 ± 0.47 vs. 1.01 ± 0.6 (P<0.03), PSD: 54.99 ± 12.59 vs. 46.42 ± 18.76 (P<0.0001), and PSDI 2.02±1.02 vs 2.45 ± 2.22 (P<0.05). We recorded significant changes in the mean scores of somatization (P<0.0001), interpersonal sensitivity (P<0.0001), depression (P<0.003), anxiety (P<0.05) and psychoticism (P<0.03) in the TM patients as compared to the control subjects.
Conclusion: These findings show that beta-thalassemia major patients are at risk for psychiatric symptomatology and need appropriate psychiatric consultation.