[Effect of omega-3 supplementation on preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women]

Identification of factors preventing preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women is of prime importance. The omega-3 supplementation may reduce the risk of preeclampsia. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of omega-3 supplementation on high risk pregnancy for preeclampsia in the city of Qazvin. This was a single-blind randomized clinical trial conducted on 100 high risk pregnant women for preeclampsia over a period between 14 to 18 weeks of gestation in the city of Qazvin, Iran. Fifty patients were assigned to omega-3 group and another 50 to placebo group. Women were given a daily supplementation of 1000mg omega-3 or placebo until delivery. Later, preeclampsia and pregnancy outcome were assessed in both groups. Data were analyzed statistically using t-test, chi square test, Mannwhitney, and Fisher exact tests. There were significant differences between the omega-3 and placebo groups regarding the rate [p=0.015] and intensity [p=0.01] of preeclampsia. Statistically, a significant correlation between the omega-3 group and outcome of pregnancy including the birth weight [p=0.000] and apgar score [p=0.002] was found. Our results suggest that supplementation with omega-3 during pregnancy reduces the risk of preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women. Thus it seems necessary to promote educational programs on nutrition for pregnant women

[Effect of amniotomy in latent and active phases on rate of cesarean section]

Increase in number of cesarean sections has caused some alarming advices by clear-sighted authorities. So, it is necessary to study the factors affecting the rate of cesarean sections. To compare the effect of amniotomy on mode of delivery in both active and latent phases. This was an analytical cohort study carried out at Kosar hospital, Qazvin [Iran] in 2003-2004. The study population consisted of all admitted women [n=305] whose labor was induced by amniotomy. The patients were further divided into two groups marked as study group [n=174] and comparison group [n=131] based on being in latent phase or active phase, respectively. Statistical analyses was performed using t-test, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests. Cesarean section was significantly higher [p=0.001] in study group than in comparison group, 19 [10.9%] vs. 2 [1.5%]. Non-progressive labor during the first stage of labor showed to be considerably higher in study group [p=0.001]. Also non-progressive labor during the second stage was [2.9%] in study group [1.5%] in comparison group with no statically significant difference. Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns showed no significant difference, statistically. Oxytocin administration in study group was [43.7%] and in comparison group [4.6%] showing statically a significant difference [p=0.000]. Regarding our data, cesarean section, none progressive labor during the first stage, and oxytocin administration were all higher in latent phase group than in active phase group. It sees that early amniotomy may increase the need for cesarean section