effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on pregnancy outcome

To evaluate the effects of iron deficiency anemia on pregnancy outcome and possible relation between placental weight and fetal weight. The subjects of this study were eighty pregnant ladies. Forty of them were iron deficiency anemic pregnant ladies while the remaining forty were normal pregnant ladies as the control group. For all blood samples were obtained and subjected for complete blood count, indices, serum iron, total iron binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, placental weight, fetal weight and Apgar score estimation. In the iron deficiency anemic group there were a significant decease in all parameters except RBCs count, fetal weight and Apgar score whose values were statistically non significant. Serum ferritin and mean corpuscular volume [MCV] showed a deficit compared with the control group. Serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC determinations were the best measurements to diagnose iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. There was an increase in placental weight and placental weight/fetal weight ratio. Regarding neonatal condition at birth [Apgar score] there was non significant difference between both groups

Effect of nitric oxide donor therapv on plasma concentrations of endothelin-I [ET-1] and nitric oxide [No] in patients with Pre-Eclampsia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in plasma concentrations of vocative mediators: FT-1 [strong vasoconstrictor] and NO [strong vasoconstrictor] in women with preeclampsia compared to normal healthy pregnant controls. And also, to assess the effect of NO donor therapy in alternation of the condition. Fifty eight pregnant women were included in this work. They allocated to 2 groups: [study group] consisted of 42 patients diagnosed as preeclamptic and [control group] consisted of 16 normal healthy pregnant women who matched for study group. According to the severity of preeclampsia, the study group was subdivided into 21 patients with mild preeclampsia and 21 patients with severe preeclampsia, plasma concentrations of ET-1 and NO were assayed by EIA kits for all pregnant women included in this study. The results of the present study showed a highly significant increase in plasma ET-1 and a highly significant decrease in plasma NO concentrations in patients with preeclampsia. On considering severity of preeclampsia, there was a significant difference between mild and severe preeclampsia as regards plams ET-1 and NO concentrations. But the observed changes in plasma ET-1 and NO concentrations, were reversed after application of transdermal NO donors [nitroderm patches] in patients with preeclampsia in the form of significant decrease and a highly significant increase in levels of ET-1 and NO respectively. In the endothelial cell disorder during preeclampsia results in enhanced formation of ET-1 and decreased formationof NO. Therefore plasma determination of these vasoactive mediators in preeclamptic patients may be a valuable tool in screening and grading the severity of the disease. And by the use of long-term NO donors, the effects of these vasoactive mediators on the endothelium can be reversed. Consequently, NO donors may provide a promise in treatment options of preeclampsia

effect of placental laterality on development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation

To evaluate the effect of lateral placenta on development of pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] and intrauterine growth retardation [IUGR]. The subjects of this study were eighty pregnant women; 50 normal pregnant ladies and 30 with P.I.H and/or intrauterine growth retardation. A thorough history was taken and physical examination as well as real time ultrasonography were performed for all cases. Identification of placental location in the upper or lower segment, central or lateral was carried out. In patients with lateral placentae, the incidence of PIH and IUGR was 3-folds and 2.7-folds respectively greater than in patients with central placentae. There was no significant correlation between proximity of the placenta to the fundus and the development of PIH or IUGR. Unilateral placental location may predispose to the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus. Further studies are needed to evaluate the sensitivity of placental location as a screening tool for patients at risk to develop PIH or IUGR

Acupressure versus antiemetic drugs in prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] is a common complication after laparoscopic surgery. The efficacy of currently available antiemetics remain poor together with their side effects and high cost of newer drugs, this leads to increase interest in non-pharmacological methods of treatment. We have studied the efficacy of acupressure at the P6 point versus two antiemetic drugs in prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopy in double-blind, randomized, controlled study. We studied 160 patients undergoing laparoscopy. The anaesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were standerized. Failure of treatment was defined as occurrence of nausea and vomiting within the first 24 h. after anesthesia. The acupressure reduced nausea and vomiting from 45.2% to 22.2%, while Ondansetron to 15.9% and Metoclopramide to 26.3% compared with control group.Acupressure at P6 point was effective in prevention of PONV after laparoscopic surgery. However, Ondansetron and Metoclopramide also reduce PONV and hospital stay and costs with early discharge