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BACKGROUND: It has been previously shown that genetic or environmental factors, which promote susceptibility to allergic conditions, prevent the development of Th1-mediated inflammatory disease of multiple sclerosis (MS). To investigate the prediction value of lifetime atopic allergy in development of the future MS, a case-control study was designed. METHODS: Cases and controls were interviewed between December 2007 and April 2008 and they were asked if they had symptoms or diagnosis of allergies (including respiratory tract allergy, RTA; coetaneous allergy, CA; food/drug allergy, FDA) before MS diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 390 participants (195 controls and 195 cases), 125 healthy controls (64.1%) and 105 cases (53.8%) reported history of at least one type of atopic allergy (P=0.04). A positive history of RTA (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.28-0.66) or FDA (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.13-0.43) was inversely associated with the risk of MS. No statistically significant association was found between the history of CA and MS. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant inverse association between RTA and MS that is compatible with a Th1/Th2 imbalance. History of RTA can be considered as a clinically useful risk reducing factor of MS.

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Despite updating knowledge and a growing number of medications for multiple sclerosis (MS), no definite treatment is available yet for patients suffering from progressive forms of the disease. Autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation is a promising method proposed as a therapy for MS. Although the safety of these cells has been confirmed in hematological, cardiac and inflammatory diseases, its efficacy in MS treatment is still under study. Patients with progressive MS (expanded disability status scale score: 4.0 -6.50) unresponsive to conventional treatments were recruited for this study. Twenty-five patients [f/m: 19/6, mean age: 34.7±7] received a single intrathecal injection of ex-vivo expanded MSCs (mean dose: 29.5×10(6) cells). We observed their therapeutic response for 12 months. Associated short-term adverse events of injection consisted of transient low-grade fever, nausea /vomiting, weakness in the lower limbs and headache. No major delayed adverse effect was reported. 3 patients left the study for personal reasons. The mean (SD) expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score of 22 patients changed from 6.1 (0.6) to 6.3 (0.4). Clinical course of the disease (measured by EDSS) improved in 4, deteriorated in 6 and had no change in 12 patients. In MRI evaluation, 15 patients showed no change, whereas 6 patients showed new T2 or gadolinium enhanced lesions (1 lost to follow-up). It seems that MSC therapy can improve/stabilize the course of the disease in progressive MS in the first year after injection with no serious adverse effects. Repeating the study with a larger sample size, booster injections and longer follow-up using a controlled study design is advised.

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BACKGROUND: Microdermabrasion (MDA) is a safe, simple, and beneficial technique for superficial skin resurfacing. Despite its popular usage, few studies have assessed the efficacy of different MDA protocols applied at the present time. Objectives To assess the effects of MDA generally, as well as to compare the effects of two vs. three passes of MDA in each session for a total number of six therapeutic sessions on skin biophysical characteristics. METHODS: In this randomized, investigator-blind, split-face study, 10 patients underwent a series of six MDA treatments with an interval of 2 weeks. One side of the face was treated with two passes of MDA and the other side was treated with three passes, randomly. Stratum corneum hydration, sebum secretion, and skin pH measurements were obtained before and after the procedure on all sessions and also 1 and 4 weeks after the last treatment. RESULTS: After six sessions of MDA, a decrease in sebum content compared to baseline was shown at the end of treatment sessions, but no statistical difference was observed between two vs. three passes groups (-30.0 [interquartile range, IQR = 50.0] vs. -27.5 [IQR = 125.3], respectively, P = 0.58). Comparison of two treatment groups showed significant higher values of sebum content in the first follow-up after treatment with three passes of MDA. (64.0 [IQR = 52.0] for three passes vs. 45.0 [IQR = 46.0] for two passes, P = 0.04) A significant increase was observed in pH values at the end of treatment series, first and second follow-up after treatment with two passes of MDA. CONCLUSIONS: MDA may have remarkable effects on skin barrier function changes resulting in skin clinical improvements (Cochrane Skin Group identifier: CSG No. 37).

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BACKGROUND: Altitude illness results from hypobaric hypoxia at altitudes higher than 2500 meters above sea level. To determine whether vital signs can be used as predictors for severe acute mountain sickness, we carried out a prospective observational study. METHODS: A cohort of 90 individuals (male/female ratio: 2; age: 13 - 65 years) in a mountain hotel's clinic at 3450 meters in Iran were studied from September through October 2006. Demographics and vital signs were measured during the first hour of ascent. The individuals were followed for acute mountain sickness symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, insomnia, and fatigue. Lake Louise criteria were used to diagnose acute mountain sickness. Severe acute mountain sickness was considered if a score of equal or more than 5 was present. Significance was assigned to values of P<0.05. RESULTS: Acute mountain sickness was diagnosed in 34 (37.8%) participants after 24 hours of ascent. Severe acute mountain sickness was detected in 14 (15.6%) participants. A respiratory rate of 20 or more during the first hour of ascent was recorded for nine (64.3%) patients with severe acute mountain sickness and 15 (19.7%) individuals in the negative/mild acute mountain sickness group. This suggests an association between early high respiratory rates and risk of subsequent severe acute mountain sickness (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: There is an association between a rise in the respiratory rate and susceptibility to acute mountain sickness. This can enable us to predict severe acute mountain sickness and prevent it. Furthermore, Tochal Mountain Hotel guests should be aware of the risk of acute mountain sickness and should be recommended to use prophylactic acetazolamide or dexamethasone before ascent.

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OBJECTIVE: To assess the Groningen Sleep Quality Scale (GSQS) for evaluation of high-altitude sleep (HAS) disturbance and employ GSQ questionnaire to describe HAS. METHODS: After the first night's stay at the altitude of 3500 m, quality of sleep for 100 participants (age: 29.13+/-11.01 years; 36 females/64 males) was assessed using the self-administered 15-item GSQS translated into Farsi. RESULTS: Mean GSQS score was 5.36+/-4.32; 38 (38%) participants had a score equal to or less than 2, and 46 (46%) participants had a score equal to or more than 6. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.90 was calculated for internal consistency. Waking up several times during the night was the most prevalent complaint during the first night of sleep, and absolute inability to sleep was the most uncommon problem. CONCLUSIONS: HAS disturbance, which involved many of newcomers to a high altitude, had various harmful effects. For HAS research, GSQS was confirmed to be valid and reliable.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of sumatriptan prophylaxis on acute mountain sickness (AMS) and altitude headache development within 24 hours of ascent, we designed a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Tochal Mountain Hotel at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level during October 2006 to November 2006. A total of 102 Iranian adults were assigned to receive either sumatriptan succinate (50mg) or placebo within 1 hour of ascent. AMS incidence was measured by Lake Louise AMS score > or = 3 with headache and one other symptom. Secondary outcome measures included severity of syndrome (Lake Louise scores > or = 5), incidence of headache, and severity of headache. RESULTS: Based on intention-to-treat analysis, AMS was more prevalent in placebo group (n = 23 [45.1%]) than sumatriptan group (n = 12 [23.5%]; p = 0.02). Headache also had a greater rate for placebo users (placebo vs sumatriptan group: 29 [56.9%] vs 17 [33.3%]; p = 0.02). No association was detected between sumatriptan prophylaxis and AMS or altitude headache severity. DISCUSSION: Sumatriptan prophylaxis is effective to prevent AMS development. Furthermore, our findings confirm cerebral vasodilative and edematous mechanisms of AMS progression, whereas sumatriptan is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine(1) receptor subtype agonist and a selective cerebral vasoconstrictor as a result (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN87201238/).

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