Aims: Thyroid hormones have been shown to influence the immune system and haematopoiesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate some immunological and hematological parameters in peripheral blood of hypo-or hyperthyroid women. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 50 women with hypothyroid disease, 50 women with hyperthyroid disease and a control group consisting of 50 sex -and age -matched euthyroid subjects. Thyroid function assesed according to measurent of T3, T4 and TSH levels. The complete blood count (CBC), total and differential counts of white blood cells (WBC), serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) and C3 and C4 complement components determined in three groups by using standard immunological and hematological methods. Results: In hyperthyroid women the mean serum concentrations of IgG (2312.4±584 mg/dl), IgA (296± 87 mg/dl) and IgE ( 301± 264 IU/ml) were significantly higher than those found in the control group (1539± 974 mg/dl, P<0.0003; 234± 116 mg/dl, P<0.01; 109.8±115 IU/ml, P<0.0001, respectively) and the mean MCV was significantly lower in comparison with the euthyroid group (P<0.05). Hypothyroid patients had higher serum IgE concentrations in comparison with the euthyroid group (179.8± 218 IU/ml vs. 109.8± 115 IU/ml; P<0.047). The mean serum C3 concentration in hypothyroid patients was also significantly higher in comparison with the euthyroid group (138.7± 36.6 mg/ml vs. 117.8± 32.1 mg/dl; P<0.01). In the hypothyroid group the mean eosinophil count was markedly higher in comparison with the hyperthyroid group (P<0.06) and the mean count of RBC and the levels of some RBC-related indices, such as hematocrit and hemoglobin, were significantly lower in comparison with the euthyroid group (P<0.05). Conclusion:These results indicate hypergammablobulinemia and lower MVC in hyperythyroid patients, and higher IgE levels, C3 levels and eosinophil count as well as anemia in hypothyroid patients.

Background:Background: Today, occupational accidents are one of the most important problems in industrial world. Due to lack of appropriate system for registration and reporting, there is no accurate statistics of occupational accidents all over the world especially in developing countries.Objectives:The aim of this study is epidemiological assessment of occupational accidents in Iran.Materials and Methods:Information of available occupational accidents in Social Security Organization was extracted from accident reporting and registration forms. In this cross-sectional study, gender, age, economic activity, type of accident and injured body part in 22158 registered accidents during 2008 were described.Results:The occupational accidents rate was 253 in 100,000 workers in 2008. 98.2% of injured workers were men. The mean age of injured workers was 32.07 ± 9.12 years. The highest percentage belonged to age group of 25-34 years old. In our study, most of the accidents occurred in basic metals industry, electrical and non-electrical machines and construction industry. Falling down from height and crush injury were the most prevalent accidents. Upper and lower extremities were the most common injured body parts.Conclusion:Due to the high rate of accidents in metal and construction industries, engineering controls, the use of appropriate protective equipment and safety worker training seems necessary.

BackgroundRoad transport drivers are one of the professional groups whose activities have a strong impact of public safety. In view of the natural professional activity, the drivers are at a higher risk of obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and carbohydrate metabolism disorders such as diabetes mellitus.Materials and methodsMedical documentation was the source of data for the reported study. It derived from medical examinations of 1903 drivers applying for driving license.ResultsHyperglycemia was found in 52.1% of the drivers, 9.1% of them were in diabetic stage, and with HbA1C criteria 77.6% of these drivers were in this stage. Excessive body weight was recorded in 65.6% of the study population, 44.8% were diagnosed with overweight and 20.8% with obesity. High blood pressure was recorded in 16.4% of drivers.ConclusionHigh prevalence of excessive body weight and high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia are risk factors for diabetes mellitus in professional drivers that indicates a need to undertake multidimensional actions target on this particular profession and involving various health care sectors. Prophylactic and detailed pre-placement examinations should be considered, depending on the rate and the intensity of disorders. These should be coupled with an introduction of primary and secondary prophylactic activities and monitoring of relevant treatment.

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Background: Absence from work for health reasons is known as "sickness absenteeism". Frequent sick leave is a major concern to any organization, especially hospitals. Objective: This study analyzed the extent and causes of sickness absenteeism in a teaching hospital and evaluated its corelation with demographic and occupational factors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, data was extracted from computerized records regarding sickness absenteeism of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Occupational Health Department of a teaching hospital in Tehran. Studied variables included demographic characteristics, occupational factors, and causes of sickness absenteeism. The sickness absence rate (SAR) and absence frequency rate (AFR) in the study period were calculated. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for the comparison of categorical and quantitative variables, respectively. Results: In the current study, SAR and AFR were 0.011 and 0.68, respectively. Job type was the only factor that had a significant correlation with sickness absenteeism. The major disease-causing sicknesses were flu (21%) and musculoskeletal disorders (18.9%). Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between the nursing group and sickness absence episodes. Flu, musculoskeletal disorders, and infectious diseases were the most frequent causes of sickness absence. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that factors such as availability of the flu vaccine and providing principles of personal protection and infection control can reduce sickness absence due to infectious disease.