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Search results show that numerous primary studies have been carried out in different parts of Iran regarding prevalence of G6PD deficiency; if results of these studies are combined, a reliable estimation of prevalence of this factor will be achieved in Iran. Thus, present study, aimed to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency by combining findings of qualified primary studies using meta-analysis and taking into account heterogeneity considerations. Searching the relevant keywords in Iranian and International databases, primary studies were selected. After quality appraisal and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant primary studies were selected. In each study, standard error of prevalence of G6PD was calculated according to binominal distribution formula. Finally, heterogeneity index was determined among studies using Cochran's test. Prevalence of G6PD in Iran was estimated by STATA software ver 11 using fixed or random effect model based on heterogeneity results. 148916 subjects in 36 primary studies which entered this meta-analysis were examined. G6PD deficiency prevalence was 6.7% in Iran (men: 8.8% and women: 2.2%). Also, this deficiency in the present study was four times higher in men than in women. Its prevalence was adjusted in different parts of Iran and it was shown that it was between 0.8 and 15.2 using Bayesian analysis. This meta-analysis showed that Iran is among countries with high frequency of G6PD deficiency and there is a significant difference in prevalence of G6PD in different parts of Iran. According to these results, screening newborn children seems very vital. Carrying out other primary studies regarding prevalence of G6PD seems unnecessary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The most important cause of infant mortality during the first month of life is related to congenital abnormalities. Nevertheless, timely diagnosis of these diseases can reduce the severity of their effects. The present study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the neonatal screening program in Fars Province, Iran. Methods: In this study, costs of executing the screening programs, treatment of the diagnosed cases, treatment of affected, non-screened individuals, quality of life, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were measured in two study groups. Findings: Performing the screening programs for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, and favism resulted in respectively $3386, $13078, $19641, and $1088 saving per patient. Overall, the study results revealed the cost-effectiveness of execution of the neonatal screening program. Conclusion: Neonatal screening program is one of the health interventions which lead to long-term beneficial outcome for the patients, financial saving for the society, and improvement of the patients' quantity as well as quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Although congenital hypothyroidism is a preventable cause of mental disabilities, less than 10% of newborns are diagnosed based on clinical symptoms in the first month. If the diagnosis is not made based on screening programs, it would be delayed and irrepairable cerebral and auditory complications will occur. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in the Mazandaran province. Materials and methods: The study is a descriptive (screening) survey. From infants born from January 2007 to January 2008 in Mazandaran province heel blood samples on filter paper were obtained. TSH values were measured by ELISA method and TSH> 5 mlu/L was considered as the recall criterion. Diagnosis of neonatal hypothyroidism was made based on TSH>10 and T4<6.5. Treatment was performed based on the results of second tests. Except in cases where the initial TSH was greater or equal to 20 -where the treatment was started from the beginning- if the second test results were reported normal, treatment was discontinued and the case was considered as a transient hypothyroidism. Results: Out of 45218 infants studied, 49% were female and 51% were male. 4.6% of newborns (2109) were recalled, among whom 1885 had 5< TSH< 10 mlu/L and 185 had 10< TSH< 20 mlu/L and 39 had TSH = 20.73 infants were diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Thus, the prevalence of neonatal hypothyroidism was 1.6/1000 in live births in Mazandaran province. Also prevalence of transient neonatal hypothyroidism was 1 in every 2500 live births. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of hypothyroidism in the province, more screening programs are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in developing countries. The goal of the present study was to determine the bacterial etiology and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of neonatal sepsis. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 208 neonates admitted with clinically suspected sepsis over a period of 30 months. Sepsis was divided into early onset sepsis (EOS, ≤5 days of age) and late onset sepsis (LOS, >5 days of age). The two groups were further divided into proven (culture positive ± abnormal markers) and probable (culture negative + abnormal markers) subgroups. Blood culture was performed using Bactec. Results: Of 208 cases, 90 had neonatal sepsis consisting of 38 (26 proven) presented as EOS and 52 (42 proven) as LOS. In the EOS, Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common organism followed by klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As for LOS, Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) were the most common organism followed by Enterococcus spp, S. aureus. The antibiogram on the isolated E. coli and klebsiella spp revealed a greater combined sensitivity to cefotaxime. Coagulase- negative staphylococci and S. aureus had 100% and Enterococcus spp 90% sensitivity to vancomycin. Conclusion: Escherichia coli and CONS were the most common organisms causing EOS and LOS, respectively. Since the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of these organisms are changed, it seems necessary to conduct bacterial etiology studies and to determine antibiotic sensitivity patterns periodically in order to promote the empirical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of neurologic morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count per 100 white blood cells (WBC) and absolute NRBC/mm3 in blood associated with perinatal asphyxia and its relationship to both the severity and short term prognosis of asphyxia. Methods: A prospective (case-control) study was undertaken between October 2006 and December 2008, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. A total of 91 infants completed the study. Levels of nucleated red blood cell per 100 white blood cells and absolute nucleated red blood cell counts in venous blood were compared for 42 asphyxiated (case group) and 49 normal neonates (control group). These parameters were also related to the severity of asphyxia and clinical outcome. Results: The NRBC/100 WBC and absolute nucleated red blood cell levels in the blood of newborns in the control group were 3.87±5.06 and 58.21±87.57/mm3, respectively; whereas the corresponding values in the cases were 18.63±16.63 and 634.04±1002/mm3, respectively (P<0.001). A statistically signi cant negative correlation existed between nucleated red blood cell level and indicators of the severity of perinatal asphyxia, first minute Apgar score and blood pH (P<0.001), respectively. A positive correlation was demonstrated between these parameters and severity of asphyxia, acidosis, and poor outcome (P<0.05). Conclusions: The NRBC/100 WBC and/or absolute nucleated red blood cell are simple markers for assessment of severity and early outcomes of perinatal asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses a study on the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme deficiency among neonates in Iran from April 2007 to April 2009.