ABSTRACT
Background: Congenital heart defects [CHDs] are significant drivers of mortality and morbidity in children, folic acid supplementation for the pregnant month during or before delivery is said to influence risk reduction of congenital heart defects [CHDs]. However, there are controversial claims and the hypothesis is concluded from limited epidemiologic studies
Aim of the Study: Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to reliably evaluate the correlation between Folic acid or multivitamins containing FA supplementation taken during pregnancy and the risk of CHDs
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. PUBMED and EMBASE were searched to identify prospective cohort and case-control studies that had reported on the association between 1960 and 2017. Studies conducted in primarily high-risk populations [Case control and cohort studies] while participants in randomized controlled trials were excluded
Results: The search yielded 10 studies published between 2000 and 2013 enrolling 13126 female participants. These studies included only one cohort study, and nine case-control studies. The overall results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that maternal folate supplementation is associated with a significantly decreased risk of CHDs [RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.84]. Statistically significant heterogeneity was detected [Q = 79.43, P < 0.001, I2 = 70.2%]
Conclusion: FA supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreases the risk of CHDs in newborns
ABSTRACT
Objectives: We aimed to assess the effect of anemia on subjective sleep quality in patients with iron deficiency anemia [IDA]
Methods: The present study is a prospective and cross-sectional study which has been carried out at King Abdulaziz hospital between November 2016 and April 2017. Fifty-two patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and 40 healthy individuals, who are gender and age matched, were involved in the study. All participants were requested to fill 3 forms: a socio-demographic form [age, gender, marital status, income level and educational status], hospital anxiety and depression [HAD] scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI]
Results: According to the HAD scale, the average anxiety score was found 9.31+/-2.41 in patients and 7.62+/- 2.11 in controls. And, the average depression score was 7.49+/-2.08 in patients and 6.39+/-2.73 in controls. The total sleep quality score was 6.68+/-2.99 in patients and 4.27+/-1.71 in controls. There was a statistically significant difference in terms of anxiety, depression and sleep quality scores. Linear regression analysis showed no association between anxiety and depression with poor sleeping
Conclusion: IDA affects sleep quality irrespective of psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety