Publications (2)3.47 Total impact
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Article: Calcium and vitamin D status in heart failure patients in Isfahan, Iran.
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ABSTRACT: Both calcium and vitamin D play important roles in cardiac muscle contraction and performance. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the status of serum calcium, PTH and 25(OH)D(3) and their correlation with left ventricular Function and NYHA Functional class in 95 heart failure patients referred to Shahid Chamran Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, by colorimetric, immunoradiometric, and Immunochemiluminescent assays, echocardiography and interview respectively. The study was performed between Oct 2007 and Feb 2008. Twenty eight women and 67 men of functional classes 1, 2, or 3 participated in the study. Mean (SD) of age of the participants was 62(11) years. Mean (SD) serum calcium and 25(OH)D(3) were 2.41(0.16) mmol/L and 56.78(51.33) nmol/L, respectively. The overall prevalence of low vitamin D status was 84.2%. There was no correlation between serum calcium and 25(OH)D(3) with LVEF. Interestingly, patients with hyperparathyroidism (serum PTH>65 ng/L) had lower LVEF (27% versus 32.5% p = 0.03). NYHA functional class was worse in patients with hyperparathyroidism (p = 0.08). Hypovitaminosis D is very prevalent in heart failure patients. Hyperparathyroidism in these patients may adversely affect cardiac function. Vitamin D3 might serve as an adjunctive treatment for heart failure patients.Biological trace element research 08/2009; 135(1-3):67-73. · 1.92 Impact Factor -
Article: Prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium infection in hemodialysis patients in Iran.
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ABSTRACT: Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the world, which can be severe and prolonged in immunocompromised patients. We compared the prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium infection in hemodialysis patients and 2 control groups (i.e., their healthy family members and normal population). Stool specimens of 104 adult outpatient chronic hemodialysis patients, their 91 healthy family members, and 140 healthy individuals were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by using a modified acid-fast staining method. Twelve (11.5%) dialysis patients were infected with Cryptosporidium. This was significantly higher than 4 (4.4%), and 5 (3.6%) cases in the 2 control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 control groups. The prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium infection did not correlate with patients' sex, age, duration of dialysis, history of kidney transplantation, or history of taking immunosuppressive drugs. However, it was significantly higher in diabetics vs. nondiabetics (19.4% vs. 8.3%, respectively, p < 0.05). Our results indicate that the prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium infection is considerably higher in dialysis patients than in the general population. Moreover, dialyzed diabetic patients had the highest rate of infection. As hemodialysis patients are candidates for renal transplantation, general preventive measures against acquiring Cryptosporidium infection must be considered.Hemodialysis International 10/2006; 10(4):375-9. · 1.54 Impact Factor
