Biomedical subjects

Hassan Abolghasemi

Publications and source records attributed to Hassan Abolghasemi.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

The IVS-II-1 (G-->a) beta0-thalassemia mutation in cis with HbA2-Troodos [delta116(G18)Arg-->Cys (CGC-->TGC)] causes a complex prenatal diagnosis in an Iranian family.

The beta-thalassemia (thal) minor phenotypes with normal Hb A2 levels and decreased MCV and MCH values are relatively rare beta-thal traits. Here, we describe a family with normal Hb A2 and decreased MCV and MCH levels. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) revealed the IVS-II-1 (G-->A) mutation in the beta-globin gene of the proband and her father. Direct sequencing of the gamma-globin gene of the proband and her father also revealed a previously reported variant called Hb A2-Troodos [gamma116(G18)Arg-->Cys] [in cis with the IVS-II-1 (G-->A) beta0-thal mutation]. This is the first case report of Hb A2-Troodos in association with the beta0 IVS-II-1 mutation. Reduced Hb A2 expression by a concomitant Hb A2 beta-thal in cis or trans, may cause problems in carrier diagnostics, and eventually in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis when insufficient molecular analyses are performed.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Clinical quiz.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Abetalipoproteinemia↗

PubMed2005

Iranian military forces in the Bam earthquake.

The earthquake that struck Bam, Iran, in December 2003 was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent years. Medical and assistance activities conducted by Iranian military forces in this event are discussed in light of the special capabilities of the military forces in search and rescue missions. Among the most significant activities of the Iranian military forces in this event are the following: reporting the first news about the event, starting search and rescue missions in the first hour after the disaster by the 1st Brigade of Bam as the first assisting force, setting up two field hospitals as the first Iranian field hospitals in the disaster area, transporting 937 assistance, medical, and health care personnel to the disaster area in the first day, setting up 23 field emergency and 13 field assistance centers in the area, running 8 post-hospital care centers throughout the country, and playing a significant role in airlifting 11,792 casualties to different hospitals around the country. Based on the recent experience and the exclusive abilities of military forces, a special role for these forces in search and rescue missions should be considered.

Disasters↗

PubMed2004

An update on the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and neonatal jaundice in Tehran neonates.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to screen newborns in Tehran for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in relation to hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice. DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed quantitative and qualitative red blood cell (RBC) G6PD assays in cord blood of 2000 male and female at-term neonates. Observations for jaundice and bilirubin determination were made in G6PD-deficient and normal groups. Those with severe jaundice were treated with phototherapy or exchange transfusion. RESULTS: Our results showed that 2.1% (3.6% of males and 0.6% of females) was G6PD-deficient. Those with severe jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia (160 normal and 17 G6PD-deficient) were hospitalized and treated with phototherapy or exchange transfusion. Bilirubin levels in G6PD-deficient neonates were somewhat higher compared to G6PD-normal babies (18.8 +/- 2.4 mg/dl [321.5 +/- 41 micromol/l] vs. 15.7 +/- 3.2 mg/dl [268.5 +/- 54.7 micromol/l]; P < 0.05). G6PD activity was significantly lower in G6PD-deficient group than in the normal group (2.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 12.5 +/- 5.0 U/g Hb; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the incidence of G6PD deficiency in newborns of Tehran is 2.1%, which is relatively high, and also hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice are approximately 3-fold higher in G6PD-deficient group than in the G6PD-normal group (51% vs. 16%). This emphasizes the necessity of neonatal screening on cord blood samples of both sexes for G6PD deficiency and the need to watch closely for development of hyperbilirubinemia.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

PubMed2004

Maternal Ramadan fasting and neonatal health.

This retrospective cohort study sought to determine the effects of maternal Ramadan fasting during pregnancy on neonatal birth weight as an important aspect of fetal health. It was carried out among healthy women who were admitted for their neonate delivery at two medical centers in Tehran from January to September 2000. Neonates of 284 mothers with a history of Ramadan fasting during pregnancy were compared with neonates of 255 mothers who did not have a history of fasting during their pregnancies. On univariate analysis, neonatal birth weight of the fasted group was 100 g more than those of the nonfasted group (p=0.009). However, body mass index (BMI) of the fasted mothers was greater than that of the nonfasted mothers. When controlling for maternal BMI on neonatal birth weight, multiple linear regression models showed that neonates of fasted women were 71 g heavier than those of the nonfasted group, which was not statistically significant (p=0.1). We conclude that maternal fasting during Ramadan did not have a significant effect on the neonatal birth weight. Other health effects that we did not observe could have occurred.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

International medical response to a natural disaster: lessons learned from the Bam earthquake experience.

An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale devastated Bam, Iran on the morning of 26 December 2003. Due to the great health demands and collapse of health facilities, international aid could have been a great resource in the area. Despite sufficient amounts and types of resources provided by international teams, the efficacy of international assistance was not supported in Bam, as has been experienced in similar events in other countries. Based on the observations in the region and collecting and analyzing documents about the disaster, this manuscript provides an overview of the medical needs during the disaster and describes the international medical response. The lessons learned include: (1) necessity of developing a national search and rescue strategy; (2) designing an alarm system; (3) establishing an international incident command system; (4) increasing the efficacy of the arrival and implementation of a foreign field hospital; and (5) developing a flowchart for deploying international assistance.

Delivery of Health Care↗