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Abstract Background Emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common treatment for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. However, the coronary slow flow/no reflow phenomenon (CSF/NRP) can occur as a complication during or after the procedure. Identifying predictors of CSF/NRP after emergency PCI in STEMI patients can help clinicians anticipate and prevent this complication. In this study, we aimed to investigate clinical, laboratory, and procedural factors that may contribute to the development of CSF/NRP in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. Results A total of 460 patients were included in this study, with a mean (± SD) age of 60 ± 12.5 years. The incidence of CSF/NRP was 30.2% (n = 139) among the study population. The univariate analysis showed that older age, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI)flow grade 0–2, increased creatinine level, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), diffuse target lesion length, and longer length of stent were significantly associated with the occurrence of CSF/NRP (p

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adherence to the ESC 2020 guideline for the management of NSTE-ACS patients admitted to Shahid Chamran Cardiology Hospital affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Methods: In this retrospective study which was done during April 2021 to September 2021 we reviewed the hospital documents of 239 NSTE-ACS patients, in regard to prescribed medication during the admission period in Shahid Chamran Heart Center. Guideline-adherence was evaluated according to ESC2020 guideline. Totally 18 items were evaluated including Antiplatelet (Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, and Prasugrel) Anticoagulant (Heparin or Enoxaparin), PPI, Statin, Beta blocker, and RAAS blockers (including ACEI/ARB or MRA). In each section the selected drug and the administered dose were compared with the guideline and the guideline adherence for each part was expressed as percent. Results: Almost complete guideline adherence was described for 12 out of 18 reviewed items (77%). However, guideline adherence in relation to the type of medicine chosen as an antiplatelet was reported to be very low, and only 1.2% of the cases received ticagrelor or prasugrel which are the guideline recommended antiplatelet agent. Additionally, most of the administered GP2b3a antagonist agents such as eptifibatide were not in accordance with the guideline (Guideline adherence 39.74%). Also, the choice of the anticoagulant agent was among the items with low guideline adherence (29.76%) and the cross-over between anticoagulants (changing heparin to enoxaparin or vice versa) which has been inhibited by the guideline was seen with high incidence in this center (78 cases). Conclusion: The present study showed relatively high guideline adherence in the most aspects of medical management. However, compliance was reported to be low in relation to the antiplatelet selection, the choice of the anticoagulant agent, and the indication for GP2b3a antagonist use, which maybe due to the higher cost of recommended agents, and shortage of some medications and dosage forms in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: The generation of reactive oxygen species, which is induced by the activation of the xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymatic system, is one of the primary causes of ischemia-reperfusion injury for an ischemic heart. Allopurinol, as an XO inhibitor, plays an inhibitory role in free radical production in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of allopurinol pre-treatment on post-revascularization outcomes in patients admitted with STEMIMETHOD: Ninety patients with acute STEMI were enrolled in this randomized double-blind clinical trial and divided into two equal groups. The allopurinol group received a 600 mg allopurinol loading dose before the emergency PCI, and the control group received a placebo medication of the same shape. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow, ECG changes, troponin level, and the occurrence of major cardiac events (MACE) during a 1-month follow-up were assessed.RESULTS: In the end, 81 patients were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 59.52(11.31) and 61.3(9.25) in the allopurinol and control groups, respectively (p = 0.49). The troponin level 48 hours after the PCI and ST-elevation regression showed no significant difference between the groups [(p = 0.25) and (p = 0.21), respectively]. TIMI flow had improved in the allopurinol group compared to the placebo (p = 0.02). The PCI success rate was 78.6% and 61.5% in the case and control groups, respectively (p = 0.09). MACE and other clinical outcomes were similar between the groups (p > 0.05).CONCLUSION: This study revealed that allopurinol pre-treatment could improve TIMI flow in patients undergoing primary or rescue PCI in an acute STEMI setting.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, transradial cardiac catheterization has become the preferred method. However, it can result in a significant complication known as radial artery occlusion (RAO). The medical management of RAO remains controversial, especially with the emergence of novel oral anticoagulants. Nevertheless, there is limited data on the use of these agents for treating RAO, which is the focus of this study using apixaban.METHOD: This pilot double-blinded randomized clinical trial involved 30 patients who developed RAO following transradial coronary angiography. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either apixaban (2.5 mg twice daily) or a conservative approach for 30 days. Doppler ultrasonography was performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention to assess radial artery diameter and the resolution of arterial patency. Demographic, medical, medication, and clinical characteristics were collected.RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 59.43±12.14 years, and the majority were males (60%). Radial artery resolution was observed in 21 (70%) patients, independent of medication use. There was no significant association between resolution and age (P-value=0.62), gender (P-value=0.74), body mass index (P-value=0.23), smoking (P-value=0.64), diabetes (P-value=0.999), hypertension (P-value=0.74), statins (P-value=0.999), antiplatelet therapy (P-value=0.999), length of angiography (P-value=0.216), or follow-up arterial diameter (P-value=0.304). Recanalization occurred in 13 (86.7%) cases in the apixaban treatment group, compared to 8 (53.3%) individuals in the control group, indicating a significant difference (P-value=0.046).CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest no demographic, medical, medication, or clinical factors were associated with arterial recanalization. However, a one-month treatment with apixaban at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily appeared to be effective.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), not only during hospitalization but also after discharge, raising concerns about anticoagulant (AC) use for post-discharge COVID-19 patients. We aimed to systematically review the current literature on the possible benefits or risks regarding extended thromboprophylaxis. Main body We searched related databases from December 1, 2019, to October 6, 2022, including studies on the necessity, duration, and selection of the ideal AC regarding extended thromboprophylaxis for post-discharge COVID-19 patients. The screening of the selected databases led to 18 studies and 19 reviews and guidelines. Studies included 52,927 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with 19.25% receiving extended thromboprophylaxis. VTE events ranging from 0 to 8.19% (median of 0.7%) occurred in a median follow-up of 49.5 days. All included studies and guidelines, except four studies, recommended post-discharge prophylaxis after an individual risk assessment indicating high thrombotic and low bleeding risk. Studies used risk assessment models (RAMs), clinical evaluation, and laboratory data to identify COVID-19 patients with a high risk of VTE. IMPROVE-DD was the most recommended RAM. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) were the most used AC classes. Conclusions Post-discharge prophylaxis for COVID-19 patients is recommended after an individual assessment. The IMPROVE-DD model can help predict VTE risk. After distinguishing patients who need post-discharge AC therapy, DOACs for 30–35 days and LMWHs for 40–45 days can be the drug of choice. Further studies, particularly the results of the ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), are required. Also, to properly handle such patients, every physician should consider lifestyle modification in addition to pharmacological treatment for post-discharge VTE prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: The use of allopurinol has shown promising outcomes in reducing oxidative processes responsible for atherogenic-related cardiovascular events. The current study aims to assess the effects of high-dose allopurinol on the post-revascularization coronary blood flow and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).METHOD: Eighty NSTEMI patients were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=40), medicated with a high loading dose of 600 mg allopurinol before the coronary angiography, and the control group (n=40), treated with a placebo. The highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured at baseline and within 24 hours after the cardiac interventions and compared between the case and control groups. Post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grading was also evaluated as a revascularization endpoint.RESULTS: The two groups of the study were similar in terms of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and angiographic characteristics (P-value>0.050). The assessed TIMI flow was similar between the cases and the controls both prior to (P-value=0.141) and after (P-value=0.395) the coronary angioplasty. The hs-CRP (P-value=0.016) was significantly higher in the control group. Post-angiographic assessment of hs-CRP revealed an insignificant difference between the groups (P-value=0.104).CONCLUSION: In conclusion, premedication with a high dose of allopurinol in NSTEMI patients did not affect the inflammatory biomarker or the revascularization endpoint.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has been marked as standard practice during the past decades. We aimed to investigate the shortand long-term outcomes of EVAR in patients with AAAs in Isfahan, Iran. .METHODS: This retrospective study conducted on 50 patients with AAAs who have undergone EVAR procedure consequently in four different hospitals (Chamran hospital, Asgarieh hospital, Sepahan hospital and Saadi hospital) in Isfahan, Iran, between 2017 to 2020. We followed patients for one year and recorded short-term and one-year outcome include Endoleak, Aorta-iliac expansion, and mortality in hospital records during one year and telephone follow up. Data was entered in SPSS (ver.25) and analyzed with Univariate Linear Regression and Chi-Square Test.RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 66.6±11.7 years old, in which 88%(n=44) of them were male. Elective EVAR was performed in 88% of patients. Regarding the complications one year after EVAR, endoleak and CIN (contrast-induced nephropathy) were occurred in 6%(n=3) and 6%(n=3) of patients, respectively. We also reported the rate of in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality as 2%(n=1) and 8%(n=4), respectively. Univariate regression analysis revealed no significant difference regarding one-year mortality in patients who underwent EVAR. In patients who underwent spinal anesthesia in comparison with general and regional anesthesia before EVAR, there were lower rate of vascular complications [0% (n=0) versus 23.5% (n=4) and 20.0% (n=2), P=0.053], level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [9.8 ± 13.9 versus 17.0 ± 13.1 and 14 ± 6.2, P=0.031] and creatinine (Cr) [0.6±1.1 versus 1.1±0.6 and 1.3±0.5, P=0.005], respectively.CONCLUSION: Desirable short- and long-term outcomes as expected, combined with a reduction in hospital length of stay and mortality and one-year mortality allowed EVAR to become the favorable therapeutic strategy for AAAs in Iran especially in high-risk patients. Lower rate of vascular complications, ICU length of stay and lower level of BUN and Cr were observed using spinal anesthesia in patients who underwent EVAR in our centers.

Objective: Trans-palmar access is a novel, safe, and feasible technique for coronary artery angiography wherein its appropriate anesthetic methods is still concerned. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the pain severity, satisfaction, and possible complications with local ulnar nerve anesthesia through both distal and proximal forearm in patients undergoing trans-palmar coronary angiography. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial performed on 60 patients who were candidates for trans-palmar coronary angiography. The patients were randomized into 2 equal groups as proximal and distal approaches (those who received the same dose of subcutaneous lidocaine (2%) in the proximal and distal of forearm, respectively). Pain intensity at different times, duration of anesthesia, patient satisfaction, and occurrence of complications were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.45+-7.09 years, and, of them, 34 (61.8%) were men. Pain severity with the proximal anesthesia approach was significantly higher than that in the distal group at the time of puncture (5.39+-0.73 vs. 2.30+-0.60, p=0.001). Over time and immediately after the procedure and at discharge, the mean pain severity in the proximal group was significantly less than in the distal group (p0.050). Conclusion: Using the proximal ulnar nerve anesthesia approach was associated with a delayed onset and longer anesthesia than the distal method.

Abstract Background With the onset and spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the hospitalization and treatment of noncovid patients were dramatically affected. The aim of this study is to evaluate the electrophysiology (EP) lab activity in a referral center in Iran during the COVID‐19 era. Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was conducted on EP lab activity in Shahid Chamran Heart Center, Isfahan, Iran. Two periods of COVID‐19 occurrence peaks in Iran were compared with same date in 2019. Information was collected on number of diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiology studies (EPSs) and implantation of intracardiac devices such as permanent pacemaker (PPM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Results In the first peak of COVID‐19 pandemic, both of EPSs and intracardiac device implantations decreased by 80% compared to the same period in 2019. The most common type of device implanted during this period was PPM (70%); however, at the time of control, the ICD (73%) was the most common. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (PSVT) was the best indication for diagnostic and therapeutic EPSs in covid and control periods. In the second peak of prevalence of COVID‐19 virus infection in Iran, 6% and 36% decreases in device implantations and EPSs were seen, respectively. During this period, the number of procedures increased, although it was still lower than in 2019. Conclusion A significant reduction in the EP lab activity has been observed during both the COVID‐19 pandemic peaks.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility and safety of coronary angiography (CAG) and angioplasty via trans-snuffbox approach (TSA) is still concerned; therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess possible complications occurring after TSA versus trans-radial approach (TRA).METHODS: This prospective observational study was undertaken from June 2017 till March 2018. Individuals aged at least 18 years who were admitted for CAG through upper extremity were eligible and categorized to TSA (n = 70) and TRA (n = 56) groups. Occurrence of complications including hematoma, pain or paresthesia, pseudoaneurysm formation, arterial obstruction, limb ischemia, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and emergency vessel revascularization was assessed after the procedure and in two separate visits three and six months afterwards.RESULTS: The mean age of participants in TSA and TRA groups was 55.1 ± 9.7 and 56.5 ± 9.6 years, respectively (P = 0.415). Men were the dominant group in both approaches [TSA: 44 (62.8%), TRA: 36 (64.3%), P = 0.868]. Success rates in TSA and TRA were 88.6% and 94.6%, respectively (P = 0.230). Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was reported in two (3.2%) and one (1.8%) case in TRA and TSA, respectively (P = 0.653). MACE incidence was not significantly different in TSA compared with TRA group (1.8% vs. 4.8%, respectively, P = 0.389). There was no major procedural complication, neither in TSA nor in TRA category.CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that TSA could be classified as an alternative modality to other common CAG and angioplasty methods due to its high safety rate and lower complications. Several comprehensive population-based studies are necessary for confirming these findings.

BACKGROUND: Transulnar approach (TUA) has been classified as an appropriate surrogate for the transradial approach (TRA), but the safety of TUA in the presence of ipsilateral radial artery occlusion (RAO) is not well studied. In this article, we aimed to assess the feasibility and occurrence of complications of this approach in Iranian individuals with ipsilateral RAO.METHODS: In this prospective double-center study, a total number of 70 participants from July 2017 to November 2018 with coexisting ipsilateral RAO due to prior RA angiography, severe arterial spasm, prominent vascular anomalies, or arterial harvesting for hemodialysis or graft procedures were enrolled and underwent TUA. Incidence of probable complications including pain, hematoma, arteriovenous fistula (AVF), pseudoaneurysm formation, any adverse events requiring immediate vascular surgery, life-threatening hand ischemia, infection, ulnar nerve palsy, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke plus ulnar artery (UA) obstruction and narrowing was evaluated both before discharge time and one month afterward.RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 68.2 ± 12.8 years [men number: 41 (58.5%)]. Our success rate was 98.6% and 37.1% of subjects underwent further coronary intervention. No aforementioned adverse outcomes were reported in any individual except for pain (11.4%) and minor hematoma (grade I) (5.7%) as well as MACE (1.4%). Follow-up assessment revealed asymptomatic UA occlusion (UAO) and severe narrowing in 2.8% and 1.4% of participants, respectively.CONCLUSION: Our outcomes suggested that due to high safety and low complication rates, TUA could be tried safely in patients with concurrent ipsilateral RAO. Other appropriate cohort studies are required for assessing the incidence of TUA complications.

Background: Despite recognizing the traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, some secondary factors, such as opioid substance abuse, have to be considered. We aimed to assess the relationship between opioid consumption and emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revascularization results, according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow and in-hospital survival outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted on 186 patients (93 patients in each group) with acute STEMI, who were referred to Chamran Heart Center, Isfahan, Iran. Opioid addiction was diagnosed by patients' records and confirmed by conducting an interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Patients in both groups were evaluated and compared for angioplasty results based on the TIMI flow grade and in-hospital cardiovascular events and complications. Results: Ninety-one patients (97.84%) of each group were male, and opioid-addicted patients were younger than the non-opioid users (52.95 9.91 vs. 57.90 12.17, P = 0.003). Among the CAD risk factors, prevalence of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in non-opioid users, whereas cigarette smoking was higher in opioid-addicted patients (P < 0.050). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding pre- and post-procedural myocardial infarction complications as well as mortality rate (P > 0.050). Also, there were no significant differences between the opioid and non-opioid users regarding TIMI flow grading, and successful PCI rate based on achieving TIMI III was 60.21% versus 59.1% in opiate-dependent and non-opioid users, respectively (P = 0.621). Conclusion: Opioid addiction has no effects on post-PCI angiographic results and in-hospital survival outcomes in STEMI patients which undergoing emergency PCI.

income countries, multicriteria decision analysis Background: Determining cardiovascular disease (CVD) research priorities is essential given the high burden of these diseases, limited financial resources, and competing priorities. This study aimed to determine the research priorities in CVD field in Iran using standard indigenous methods. Materials and Methods: An extensive search was done in relevant international and national studies. Then, an indigenous standard multistage approach based on multicriteria decision analysis steps was adapted to local situation and implemented. This process included forming a working group of experts in priority setting methodology, identifying the context and prioritization framework, discussing the methodology with the National Network of CVD Research (NCVDR) members who ultimately determined the priority research topics, weighted topics criteria, ranked topics, and reviewed all determined research priorities for final report. Results: Thirteen cardiovascular research priorities were determined by the NCVDR members. The first five priorities based on their scores include studies in hypertension, prevention and control of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and its risk factors, burden of IHD, Registration of CVDs, and COVID-19 and CVDs. Conclusion: Cardiovascular research priorities were determined using a standard indigenous approach by national experts who are the NCVDR members. These priorities can be used by researchers and health decision makers.

BACKGROUND: Transulnar approach was introduced as an alternative procedure for transradial coronary angiography (CAG) due to its safety and feasibility. The present study was accomplished with the aim to compare major and minor complications of these two upper extremity approaches in the population under study.METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 216 patients who underwent CAG and/or angioplasty via radial (111 cases) or ulnar artery (105 cases) were observed and followed for 6 months and were evaluated for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), minor and major neurovascular events (access related) of the arm including paresthesia/pain, pseudoaneurysm, artery spasm, arterial occlusion, large hematoma, and necessity for amputation or emergency surgery.RESULTS: The majority of patients were men (62.1%) with a mean age of 59.98 ± 9.74 years old. No MACEs and major life threatening vascular complication like large hematoma, need for amputation or surgery, and hand ischemia were occurred. There was no significant difference in minor complications, except for arterial occlusion 9.0 % vs 1.0 % and artery spasm 12.6 % vs 1.9 % in transradial and transulnar approaches, respectively (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: This study suggested that both transradial and transulnar approaches were safe and feasible for CAG and/or angioplasty. However, regarding minor complications, arterial spasm and occlusion were significantly more common in transradial approach.

BACKGROUND: With the onset of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospitalization and treatment of non-covid patients decreased worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the admission and treatment of patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs) by examining coronary Cath labs activities in some centers of Iran during the COVID-19 period.METHODS: A retrospective, multi-center survey was conducted in four cites in Iran which participated in National Persian Registry Of CardioVascular diseasE (N-PROVE). Two periods of COVID-19 occurrence peak in Iran were compared with the same date in 2019. Information was collected on the number of diagnostic and therapeutic coronary catheterizations in both stable ischemic heart diseases (SIHDs) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) settings.RESULTS: In the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic, coronary angiographies and angioplasties decreased by 37 and 38% compared to the same period in 2019, respectively. The most common indication for coronary angiography during this period was ACS [especially ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)]; however, at the time of peak decrease, the SIHDs were the most. In the second peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, 34% and 27% decrease in diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures were seen, respectively. During this period, the number of elective admissions increased, although it was still lower than that in 2019. The tendency to rescue percutaneous coronary intervention increased in most centers during the COVID-19 era, especially in the second peak.CONCLUSION: A significant reduction in the coronary Cath lab activity has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic that can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent sleep-related disorder that is associated with increased risk of hypertension (HTN) and coronary heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the OSAS and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to December 2013. We enrolled 127 patients with chronic stable angina who were referred for coronary angiographic studies in Shahid Chamran and Nour Hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The Berlin questionnaire (BQ) was used for estimate the probability of OSAS in patients as a low or high probability. Demographic characteristics and metabolic risk factors including diabetes mellitus, HTN, obesity, and smoking also were recorded. The severity of CAD was assessed and compared based on the Gensini score with Mann–Whitney U statistical test. Independent t-test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables were used. RESULTS: Totally, 65.4% of subjects were considered as high and 34.6% as low probability for OSAS, which 81.1% of them had CAD. There was a significant difference between body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and ischemic heart disease drug consumption with OSAS probability (P < 0.0500). CAD was accompanied by OSAS significantly (P = 0.0260). The Gensini score was significantly higher in patients with high OSAS probability (100.4 ± 69.1 vs. 65.3 ± 68.9; P = 0.0030). OSAS also increase odds of CAD based on regression analysis (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 2.7). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that more severe CAD is associated with high OSAS probability identified by BQ.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pioglitazone as an insulin sensitizer on circulating interleukin-10 (IL-10) as an anti-inflammatory factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as main proinflammatory factor in non-diabetic metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients in Caucasians race of Middle East area in Iran. METHODS: We conducted a randomized double-blind controlled study of 68 non-diabetic patients with MetS. Patients were randomly divided into two groups including intervention group received pioglitazone 30 mg daily for 24 weeks, and the control group received placebo pills for the same duration. Circulating levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were assessed as a primary goal. Lipid profile, liver enzymes, blood pressure (BP), waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) also were measured. RESULTS: Lipid profile and fasting blood sugar had non-significant changes after treatment by pioglitazone, but BMI was increased significantly (P = 0.002). BP and waist circumference had a significant decrease in both groups (P < 0.050). Aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were decreased significantly in the pioglitazone group (P = 0.002). TNF-α decreased non-significantly in both groups (P > 0.050). IL-10 increased in intervention group non-significantly (P = 0.971); whereas in placebo group decreased to a little extent (P = 0.401). C-reactive protein was also decreased insignificant after receive pioglitazone (P = 0.333). There was no significant difference in all variables between the two groups (P > 0.050) except liver enzymes (P < 0.050). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the pioglitazone has no positive effect on improving inflammatory status in the non-diabetes patients with MetS.

Background: Undescended testis (UDT) is the most common endocrine disorder in male children. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of UDT lead to complications such as infertility, malignancy and testis rotation. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the causes of delay in proper treatment of patients with undescended testis in our population.Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross sectional study of 143 male patients, who applied to Shahid Sadoughi University Hospitals for orchiopexy operation was performed. The maximum recommended age for orchiopexy was 18 months.Results: The mean age at referral was 5.34 years. Only 44 (30.8%) cases were operated on before the age of 18 months. The most common reasons of delay in treatment were absence of early diagnose (42.5%), parent's unawareness of surgery necessity and its complications associated (33.7%) and parent's disregard (23.5%). Only 19.6% of patients were diagnosed at born in the hospital. 49% of parents had the correct information for proper operation age and 40.6% of them had enough information about necessity of surgery and side effects of disease. Parent’s literacy, place of living and type of cryptorchidism had no significant relation with delay diagnosis (p> 0.05).Conclusion: These results revealed that late diagnosis by physician and lack of insight of parents are the main reasons in delayed diagnosis and treatment of UDT. Therefore, education of parents and careful physical examination of the babies at birth and regular follow-up until 18 months can prevent the delay in diagnosis.