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Intestinal parasites have worldwide prevalence and is considered to be as one of the most important hygienic problems in the world. As a whole, we can say there is no where in the world without parasites infestations. For the assessment of parasitic infestations of children under 2 years old in urban areas of Semnan, sample of stools for 3 consecutive days of 359 children under 2 years old, whom were accompanied by their mothers to the health center, were obtained. Samples were recognized by Formalin/ether and direct methods and thionin staining. From 359 children below 2 years old that their stools were examined, 14.2% of them had Protozoa infestation and Giardia Lamblia by 10% was the most common parasite. In these children, infestation by intestinal helminths was not seen and infestation by pathogen parasites was seen in 10.3%. There was significant association between the age and infestation by intestinal parasites (P=0.0000). There was not any significant association between the sexual, areas condition (Tropical/cold) by intestinal parasites. The most common parasite was Giardia. Therefore, educating mothers the principles of hygiene, can prevent infestation to parasites and the potential complications.

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Background & Objective: Ramsar a coastal city in the north part of Iran has among the highest levels of natural radiation known to exist in an inhabited area. This is mainly due to radium-226 and its progenies coming to the earth surface through hot springs. The health effect of low doses of ionizing radiation is not clear and is still under the matter of discussion. The study of the effects of high natural background radiation on human health was the main goal of this investigation. The present article is showing the results of the first phase of our work. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on 101 families (402 residents) of high background radiation areas and 98 families (374 residents) from adjacent normal radiation areas. After description of the study and its objectives to the participants, they were asked to participate in interviews and complete questionnaires containing some socio-economic and health items. Some items of questionnaires were determined using the information recorded in local health centers in those areas. Results: Overall data showed no significant differences between the frequencies of any mental and physical disabilities as well as death, abortion and mental depression in residents of normal and high background radiation areas. However the frequency of some special diseases such as cardiac diseases and malignancies among residents of high background radiation area in comparison with ordinary radiation level areas was lower (P<0.05). Conclusion: These preliminary results, showed lack of ill effects and even some positive effects. Among population of high background radiation areas. Although we used census method for getting data, we believe that other radio-epidemiologic prospective studies can improve our knowledge about radiobiology of low doses of ionizing radiation.

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Background&Objective: Prolongation of QRS duration particularly in Left bundle Branch Block (LBBB) is commonly associated with many cardiac diseases. Electrocardiographic study of QRS duration and electrical axis may be predictors of sever LV systolic dysfunction. Materials&Methods: In this prospective Study conducted in cardiac ward CCU and out- patient clinic of Sh. Beheshti hospital in Babol (1999-2001), 150 patients with diagnosis of LBBB divided to two groups (one QRS≥0.16 second and the other with QRS<0.16) second . Then relationship between QRS- duration, Left axis deviation and echocardiographic LV ejection fraction analysed. Results: There wasn’t significant correlation between ages, gender, and type of cardiac disease with ejection fraction among patients with LBBB. The mean ejection Fraction in the patients with a QRS duration0.16 second (n=19) was significantly lower than the mean ejection fraction in the patients with a QRS duration<0.16 second (n=131) (P<0.05) Presence of Left axis deviation associated with LBBB did not have added predictive value and was not significantly correlated with Ejection Fraction. Conclusion: As conclusion, the QRS duration 0.16 second in the presence of LBBB has a significant inverse relation with Ejection Fraction and is a simple and appropriate marker of significant left ventricular dysfunction.

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Background&Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seems to be the most common endocrine disease in women of reproductive age. This study has shown that PCOS is associated with hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. The aim of this study was to compare the cardiovascular risk factor in PCOS and normal women. Materials&Methods: It is a case – control study that was done on 60 barren and non-affected women and 60 barren women affected to PCOS that had clinical examples and sonographic PCOS. All of women were studied from the characteristics point of view such as age, BMI, the size of around waist and buttocks, time and kind of infertility and Blood pressure. Necessary tests were done such as total cholesterol, LDL, HDL triglyceride, insulin level and fasting blood sugar. Data were analyzed with SPSS. Results: Triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and BMI of the patients affected to PCOS were significantly higher than normal women (P<0.05). HDL level reduction was significant in patients affected PCOS (P<0.05), also systolic and diastolic blood pressure in affected women was higher than control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: PCOS women have higher cardiovascular risk compared to normal women.

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Background&Objective: Two enzymes have the ability to hydrolyze acetylcholine. One is acetylcholinesterase, which is called true cholinesterase, it is found in erythrocytes. The other cholinesterase is pseudocholinesterase, it is found in serum. Some chemical components of organophosphates group and carbamates affected cholinesterase activity. Determination of cholinesterase has application in diagnosis of liver disease, liver damage by insecticide and assessment of fatty liver. Pesticide factory workers are one group of peoples which are exposed of poisoning by pesticide. Materials&Methods: This research in 2005 performed in pesticide producers. In two stages (3 month interval) from 58 of personal blood was drown. Results: Mean of erythrocyte cholinesterase in first stage was 48.5±11.2 IU/gHb and second stage was 37.9±17.3 IU/gHb. Decrease of erythrocyte cholinesterase was significant differences (paired t test, P<0.05). Increase of serum AST was not statistically significant. Increase of serum ALT and Albumin was significant differences (paired t test, p<0.05). In 15 individual (25.9 %) cholinesterase decrease more than 35% and in 16 workers (27.6 %) erythrocyte cholinesterase decrease between 26-35%. Conclusion: Since in more than 26% of personnel cholinesterase decreased over than 35%, routine assessment of cholinesterase in similar factory, is recommended.

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Background&Objective: Dyspnoea and fatigue caused considerable impairment in the functional performance and quality of life in HF patients. The purpose of this study were to determine efficacy of home walking exercise program on functional performance and quality of life in patients with heart failure. Materials&Methods: This study was qusiexperimental trial that assessed efficacy of home-based exercise program on the functional performance and quality of life in patients with HF in the Ahvaz city (2005). In this study 60 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III heart failure divided two groups training (n=30) and control (n=30). Material or measurements was demographic characteristics form, Minnesota quality of life check list and timed exercise program form. Exercise training in the patients would be performed tree day per week for 8 weeks. Determination quality of life measures by Minnesota check list would be performed in both the training and control groups at entry and after 8 weeks. Also 6 minute walking tests for determination functional performance would be performed in both groups at entry and after 8 weeks. Ultimately data analysis by SPSS softward. Results: results showed that significant difference existed between mean walking distance on the 6MWT at entry and after 8 weeks in the training group (373.86 to 412.30 m, P<0.05), that no significance was seen between control group (376.79 to 377.63 m). Also significant difference exists between mean quality of life scores at entry and after 8 weeks in the training group (52.32 to 43.80), that no significance was seen between control group (52.43 to 52.50). Conclusion: This study showed that home-based exercise program affected on functional performance and quality of life in HF patients. Its accepted. Therefore exercise training can be used as a therapeutic approach in these patients, because not only promotes quality of life but also improve the functional performance.

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Background&Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the outcome of pregnancy and delivery in pregnant Iranian women with low and high hematocrit. Materials&Methods: In a cohort control study, 609 pregnant women attending Yahyanejad Hospital for antenatal care and delivery from Dec 2001 to Dec 2003 were randomly selected. Women with hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia were excluded from the study. Maternal characteristics including hematocrit values were recorded at the first antenatal care and 3 cc.blood was sent to the laboratory for CBC. The main outcome measures included birth weight, gestation at delivery, Apgar scone, mode of delivery,the admitted NICU and perinatal death. X2, T-test, Anova and logistic regression models were also applied to analyze the data. Results: Anemia (hematocrit<34%) in the first trimester was associated with a significantly increased risk of low birth weight (<2500g) and preterm delievery (<37 week’s gestation). High hematocrit values (>40%) did not increase the risk of low birth weight or preterm delivery. The risk of low Apgar score, operative deliveries and admitted NICU was significantly increased in women with high and low hematocrit adjusting for maternal age, parity, weight gain, inter pregnancy, father and mother education and other confounding factors. Conclusion: Low and high maternal hematocrit in the first trimester can contribute to the adverse pregnancy outcomes, thus pregnant women with abnormal hematocrit are at high risk factor and necessary awareness should be given to them on how to prevent complication and adverse outcome by special clinical care.

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Background&Objective: Pain, in particular post-operative pains, can produce numerous complications including a delay in healing of wounds in patients. For pain relief in patients postoperatively, different drugs are used, opioids like pethidine and NSAIDs. This study was carried out to compare the effects of the IM pethidine and suppository Diclofenac for pain relief after laminectomy following lumbar disc hernia.
Materials&Methods: this is a randomized control clinical trial study, 100 patients presenting for laminectomy with diagnosis of lumbar disc hernia and eligible for participation in the study, after recieving their informed consent for inclusion in the study non probability convenience sampling were selected by a convenience sampling method and then divided into two groups of Pethidine (P) and Diclofenac (D). Patients’ pain scores were measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Finally, the data obtained were analyzed by statistical software of SPSS.10, F test, T test and ?² P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Mean pain scores within 24 hours after operation were calculated in group P as 2.8±2.02 and in group D as 4.46±2.30. There was a statistically significant difference between the reduction of the pain score after surgery in both groups (p<0.05). Nausea was the greatest side effect observed in group P (23%) and epigastric pain was the most common pain found in group D (18%). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the drug adverse effects.
Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was observed between pethidine ampule and Diclofenac suppository regarding the pain reduction after laminectomy. In the other words, Diclofenac suppository has less impact on pain killing in comparision with Pethidine ampule. In other to confirm these results, it is suggested that another study in terms of age and sex and after orthopedical procedures in a large scale-and if possible double blind- to be carried out.

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Background & Objective: Nutritional support is a basic process for survival in trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the daily nutritional support practice in head injury patients admitted to Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit.

 

Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 115 Head injury adults patients who received enteral nutrition for at least 48h in Rasht Poursina hospital during 2005. Nutritional measurements were included the number of patients who received enteral nutrition, the time to initiate nutritional support, amount of initial feeding and clinical outcome were included the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and in-hospital length of stay (loss), in-hospital mortality rates .Data was reported as Mean±SD and percent. T-test analysis was used for comparing of calorie and nutrient intakes and requirements.

 

Results: Mean±SD of age patient was 41.22±21.9, 84% of patients received enteral nutrition. The time to feeding and the amount of initial feeding was 4.6±1 day and 52.79±27.83 ml/h respectively. Duration of ventilation was 12±13.4 day and ICU length of stay 18.96±18.3 day, Hospital length of stays 24.47±19.84 day. Mortality rate in six month was 48%. Mean of energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein (P<0.05) intakes had significant differences compared with requirements.

 

Conclusion: The recording process has revealed undesirable feeding practice in head injury patients. Nutritional outcomes would be improved with implementation of standard protocol in neurosurgery intensive care unit.

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Background & Objective: Monitoring the depth of anesthesia is very important to prevent undesirable events during surgery, such as intra operative awareness and overdosing. It is shown that anesthetic agents have direct effects on synaptic activity of brain neurons. So there is a great interest on electroencephalogram analysis as a depth of anesthesia estimator. Due to difficulties in visual explanation of EEG, automatic and computer based signal processing methods have been used to assess the depth of anesthesia. Investigating the relationship between conscious level of patients and electrical activity of brain neurons was the main aim of this study. Materials & Methods: In this study, EEG signals of six patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery have been acquired and recorded in a computer. After applying signal processing methods to these data, 3 different measures included temporal, spectral and bispectral parameters have been extracted. Mean values of mentioned parameters in different anesthetic regimens and levels have been analyzed by ANOVA in SPSS software. Results: Extracted temporal parameter is correlated with depth of anesthesia in deep anesthetic levels and spectral one is correlated with depth of anesthesia in moderate and light levels (P<0.05). Bispectral parameter is correlated with the depth of anesthesia only in ICU (P<0.05). Conclusion: Findings of this study confirm the relationship between consciousness and electrical activity of brain neurons and recommend the use of EEG processing techniques to monitor, control and estimate the depth of anesthesia in operating room and ICU ward.

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Background and Objective: Depression is the most common mood disorder. To assess the incidence and wide spread of depression and associated factor among of Bakhteyari tribal as native population in Chaharmahal and Bahkteyari province, this study was conducted. Materials & Methods: This study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study which was carried out on 400 subjects by using a systematic random sample technique during 2006. Depression was assessed by Beck inventory depressive questionnaire. Data was Analyzed by SPSS-11 Software and t-test , Chi-Square , ANOVA. Results: Mean±SD of depression score in female and male were 18.5±10.8 and 14.9±11.45, respectivly. Depression incidence rate in population was 29.6% (CI 95%: 25.6-33.6). Intermediate and upper degree of depression prevalence was determined to be 24%. The incidence rate of descriptive in female was higher than males (P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between depression in house wife and jobless people (p<0.05). The highest incidence rate was either under 20 years or above 50 years old. Conclusion: This study showed that the depresion rate is higher among the tribe than in other groups in this province.

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Background and Objective: Many factors are known to be involved in a number of human pathologies of obesity including serum leptin and thyroid hormones levels. The purpose of this study was to compare the serum levels of leptin and thyroid hormones in obese and non-obese women, in Shiraz-Iran during 2006. Materials and Methods: In this case- control study, 35 women with BMI≥30 Kg/m2 recruited as an obese group (Case group) and 35 women with healthy BMI (BMI<25 Kg/m2) were selected as a control group. General information data were gathered from each sample using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured and BMI, WHR and percent of body fat (%TBF) were calculated for each subject. Venous blood samples were drawn from subjects and serum was separated to determine the concentrations of serum leptin and thyroid hormones (T4, T3 and TSH) levels. Results: Mean serum concentration of leptin was significantly higher in obese group than control group (p<0.001). Serum leptin levels positively correlated to anthropometric indices (BMI, WHR, %TBF). No significant difference was observed between obese and non-obese groups in serum thyroid hormones concentration. Serum leptin levels positively related to serum T3 levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that obese women had higher leptin levels compared to non-obese. The interaction between thyroid hormone in particular T3 and leptin can be one of the reason for increasing the serum leptin level among obse women.

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Background and Objective: Previous reports on the effect of treatment on the serum immunologic parameters in patients with infective endocarditis are controversial. This study was conducted to asses the serum levels of CRP (C-reactive protein), RF (rheumatoid factor) and CIC (circulatory immune complex) before and after treatment in patients with infective endocarditis. Materials and Methods: In this discriptive study 30 hospitalized patients with infective endocarditis in Razi Hospital in Ahvaz during 2006. Blood samples obtained before and after treatment. 2.5 cc of each sample were used for CRP and RF and remaining 2.5 cc preserved at -20ºC until CIC examination. CRP and RF were measured by using nephlometry and CIC was detected by immundiffusion method. The data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and t-student test. Results: Out of 30 patients, 26 (86.7%) were male. Mean age was 29.53±10.28years. The mean values of CIC, CRP and RF before and after treatment were 0.847, 72.38, 60.45 and 0.80, 44.1, 41.2, respectively. The means of CRP and RF before and after treatment were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the serum level of CRP and RF reduce after effective treatments because most of the our patients were intravenous drug user, CRP and RF indeces may be useful measurment for treatment evaluation responses to infective endocarditis in these population.

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Background and Objective: The vaccination against hepatitis B is a front line defence for all at-risk groups. Conventional methods of hepatitis B vaccination (0, 1 and 6 months) is considered a long process. But vaccination at shorter intervals (0, 10 and 21 days) is suggested to achieve rapid immunity. This study was carried out to compare for the protective antibody level against hepatitis B in accelerated and conventional vaccination. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study 160 health personnel of Imam Reza hospital of Kermanshah, Iran with no history of vaccination against hepatitis B were selected and divided into two groups during 2009. The volunteers were received vaccination according to accelerated (0, 10 and 21 days) and convetional (0, 1 and 6 months) methods. The antibody titer measured two years after the final dose of vaccination. The acceptable level of antibody was considered higher than 10 IU/ml. Results: After two years the acceptable level of antibody was observed in 94.5% and 97.9% of subjects in accelarated and conventional methods, respectivley. This difference was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that there is not significant differences between accelerated and conventional methods in antibody production against hepatitis B antigen.

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Background and Objective: Infection with HBV is the most common chronic viral infection and mortality in children. Prevention of this infection with vaccination is vital. This study was done to compare the antibody level in post hepatitis B vaccination in children with 12-15 and 21-24 months age. Materials and Methods:This descriptive study was carreid out on 186 children with 12-15 (group I) and 21-24 (group II) months age who had not infected with hepatitis B infection in, Bandarabbas Iran during 2009. The parents were HbsAg negative, without immunodeficiency diseases and did not receive hepatitis vaccination, blood or blood products transfusion. Age, gender, birth weight, breast feeding duration and gestational age were recorded for each child. Hepatitis B antibody level was measured with ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and student t-test. Results: Antibody level in group I (231 mIU/ml) was significantly higher than group II (142.9 mIU/ml) (P<0.05). There was not significant differences between males and females. Antibody level was not significantly corrolated with body weight, gestational age and breast feeding duration. Antibody level lower than 10 mIU/ml were observed in 4.34% of group I and 20.8% of group II. This differnce was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the protective effect of vaccination reduced after six months of final dosage.

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Background and Objective: Risk factors of tuberculosis vary in communities according to different socioeconomic conditions. Knowing these risk factors help to control the disease. This study was done to determine the main risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis acquisition in hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: In this data based, case-control study 173 tuberculosis patients (as cases) and 305 non tuberculosis patients (as controls) hospitalized in Razi hospital in Ahvaz, Iran during 2001-07 were gone under investigation. Risk factors included injecting drug addiction, smoking, HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, imprisonment and corticosteroid usage. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13, Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests. Odds ratio was determined for risk factors. Results: Frequencies of the main risk factors in case and control groups were as: smoking 54.3%, 14.8% (p=0.0001, OR: 6.5), HIV infection 11.5%, 3% (p=0.0002, OR: 4.3), injecting drug addiction 18%, 3.3% (p=0.0001, OR: 6.7), diabetes mellitus 22.5%, 5.9% (p=0.0001, OR: 4.6) and imprisonment 20.2%, 3.9% (p=0.0001, OR: 6.2), respectively. Corticosteroid use and renal failure were similar in cases and controls. Conclusion: This study showed that smoking, HIV infection, injecting drug addiction, diabetes mellitus and imprisonment were the main risk factors for tuberculosis acquisition in this region.

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Background and Objective: The prevalence of behavioral disorders in children with mentally ill parents are higher compared with children of healthy parents. This study was carried out to assess the behavioral disorders in children with major depressive mothers. Materials and Methods: This case – control study was done on 50 children (6-11 years) of mothers with major depressive as case group and 50 children of healthy mothers as controls in Bandar Abbas, Iran drung 2009. With psycological interview, DSM-4-R and Beck tests, deprsion in mother were confirmed. The psycological health of control mothers were confirmed using Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI) and questionnaire health general (QHG). The behavior disorders of children in two groups were compared using Achenbach child behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, Chi-Square and student’s t tests. Results: Somatic complains, anxiety and depression, social problems, thought problems, externalization, internalization and antisocial behavior scores, were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (P<0.05). No significant differences in isolation and attention behavior were noticed between cases and controls. Conclusion: Behavior disorders in children with depressive mothers are common.

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Background and Objective: The first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis reduced the ability of upper limb in elderly with subsequent disability in physical activities. This study was carried out to determine the effect of prefabricated and custom-made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 24 elderly (>60 years of age) patients with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis and 12 matched healthy subjects in Tehran rehabilitation University during 2010-11. Patients assigned randomly in two groups with 8 weeks treatment period, prefabricated thumb and custom-made splints. Persian version of The Short Form 36 quastioner (SF36) was used to assess the quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and paired t-test. Results: There were significant differences between osteoarthritis patients and healthy subjects in the quality of life according to SF36 score physical health problem (P<0.05), general health (P<0.05), limitations of activities (P<0.05), emotional health problem (P<0.05), social activities (P<0.05), pain (P<0.05), energy and emotions (P<0.05). Using splints significantly improved the quality of life of patients, but there was no significant difference between two splints in improving the quality of life. Conclusion: Prefabricated and custom-made

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Background and Objective: Improving the ability to walk is often a key target for the treatment of abnormal gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). One of the goals of orthotic rehabilitation is to improve walking in this field. The aims of this study was to design and manufacture the dynamic neoprene orthoses and evaluate its impact on the gait parameters in children with cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 12 children with spastic CP at University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, in Tehran, Iran during 2010-11. Initially neoprene dynamic orthosis is designed specifithy for each subject, this neoprene dynamic orthosis was used for six weeks and 6-8 hrs daily. For evaluating the walking speed and the gait variation, 10 meter walking test and visual analogue scale have been used. Modified Ashworth’s Scale and electro-goniometre were used to assess muscle spasticity and the flexion degrees of knee joint. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Paired t-tests. Results: The alteration of knee flexion angle, walking speed and walking distance following dynamic orthosis were -18.31±4.61 (degree), -0.50±1.82 (meter) and 4.18±1.51, respectively. The improvement in knee joint angle and walking following dynamic orthosis was significant (P<0.05), but the walking speed was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that neoprene dynamic orthosis can improve knee flexion angle and walking distance among children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

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Background and Objective: Viral upper respiratory tract infection and cold drugs consumption is prevalent among children. These drugs have no effect on disease improvement, but it may also have accompanied with many side effects. This study was conducted to compare the effect of honey and diphehydramine on the alleviation of cough in 2-5-year-old children with viral upper respiratory tract infection. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was carried out on 170 children (60 boys and 66 girls) aged 2-5 years old with viral upper respiratory tract infection who were taken to the pediatric clinic of Shariatee hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran during 2010. Children demographic charactrastics were including age, gender, period of illness, vaccination history, weight, growth, overall health, and cardiopulmonary examinations. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 63 children receiving honey (three times a day and the last dose an hour before bed) and diphehydramine syrup (5mg/kg/BW). Two days later, subjects were examined again for the severity and frequency of coughs during day and night. Data were analyzed using SPSS-19, independent t-test and chi-square test. Results: Mean±SD of the age of children was 45.21±11.39 and 43.98±11.95 months in honey and diphenhydramine groups, respectively. The frequency and severity of night coughs was lower in the honey group (97.4%) as compared to the diphenhydramine group (58.7%) (P<0.02). The frequency and severity of daily coughs was lower in the honey group (84.1%) while it was lower in 58.7% of the diphenhydramine group (P<0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that honey is more effective than diphenhydramine in the alleviation of cough caused by viral URTI in 2-5-year-old children.