Survey on association between mycoplasma hominis endocervical infection and spontaneous abortion using polymerase chain reaction

Background: Mycoplasma infections are suggested as etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Mycoplasma hominis [M. hominis] infection and spontaneous abortion among pregnant women

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study that was conducted from August 2012 to January 2013, totally, 109 women were included with spontaneous abortion with gestational ages of 10-20 weeks [Cases], and 109 women with normal pregnancy with gestational ages between 20-37 weeks [Controls] in Sanandaj, Iran. Using specific primers and extracted DNA from endocervical swabs, a PCR test was conducted for detection of M. hominis infection in women. For comparison of qualitative and quantitative variables, independent Fisher tests were used and p<0.05 was considered significant

Results: The total frequency of M. hominis infection was 6 [2.75%] in women. The frequency of M. hominis infection was 2 [1.83%] in the case group [spontaneous abortion] and 4 [3.66%] in the control group, respectively. In both case and control groups, no association was seen between M.hominis infection and spontaneous abortion [OR=0. 49, CI 95%: 0.08-2.73, p=0. 683]

Conclusion: M. hominis was positive in the genital tract of some pregnant women, but it was not associated with spontaneous abortion. However, to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in women, foetus and neonate, routine screening and treatment for the genital Mycoplasma is recommended

[Effects of three educational intervention methods on repeated mammography among non-adherent women in Sanandaj]

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three tailored interventions for repeated mammography among non-adherent women using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework

Material and Methods: In this randomized trial, 360 women [and ge; 50 years] from Sanandaj, were randomly divided into 4 groups. Intervention groups were pamphlet group, face to face counseling group, telephone counseling group and the 4th group was control group. All groups were compared with one another before the intervention, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. The statistically significant level was considered as p<0.05

Results: Demographic characteristics [age, education, and income] were not significantly different before the intervention [p> 0.05]. In terms of perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers to mammography, mean scores of intervention groups had statistically significant differences six months after the intervention [p<0.01]. The highest rate of repeated mammography [50%] was observed in the face to face counseling group

Conclusion: This study provided empirical support for the Health Belief Model as a framework to conduct repeated mammography. In addition, face to face counseling was the most effective way

relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection and spontaneous abortion

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the etiology of most of sexually transmitted diseases. Colonization of C. trachomatis in the genital tract during early gestation has been associated with preterm birth, and preterm premature rupture of the membranes. The role of C. trachomatis on spontaneous abortion has not yet been proved completely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of C. trachomatis infection among pregnant women and its association with spontaneous abortion

Methods: This case-control study was conducted from August 2012 until January 2013. Totally, 218 women were included; 109 women with spontaneous abortion with gestation age between 10-20 weeks [cases], and 109 women with normal pregnancy with gestation age between 20-30 weeks [controls] in Sanandaj, Iran. DNA was extracted from endocervical swabs and a PCR test was conducted for detection of C. trachomatis infection in women using specific primers. Independent T-test and Chi-square were used for comparison of quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively, and p<0.05 was considered significant

Results: The total prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38[17.43%] in endocervical swabs of women. However, the number of cases with C. trachomatis infections was 25 out of 109[22.9%] in the case group and 13 out of 109[11.9%] in control group, respectively. Association between chlamydia infection and spontaneous abortion was statistically significant [OR=2.198, CI 95%: 1.058-4.56]

Conclusion: Our study showed that C. trachomatis infection was associated with spontaneous abortion. Thus, screening and treatment of pregnant women may prevent this adverse pregnancy outcome

Comparing the outcomes of physiologic delivery with non-physiologic delivery group

The main purpose of physiologic delivery is to rely on mother's body for childbirth. In physiologic delivery method pregnant women attend delivery preparation classes and they learn how to overcome fear and pain. This study compares delivery outcomes among women who participated in physiologic delivery with those who had undergone non physiologic delivery. All patients referred for physiologic delivery were assessed. Exclusion criteria were lack of PROM, post date, cephalopelvic disproportion, multi-fetal pregnancy, Meconium stain, blood pressure above 90/140, placenta previa and previous record of cesarean. Data was entered in SPSS 16 software and Fisher and Chi-square tests were used to compare vaginal laceration, episiotomy and Apgar score between two groups. Twelve out of 73 pregnant women [16.4%] in physiologic delivery group and 27 out of 69 pregnant women [39.1%] in non-physiologic delivery group needed episiotomy [P = 0.002]. Ten patients [13.7%] in physiologic delivery group and seven persons [10.1%] in the non physiologic delivery group were suffering from vaginal laceration [P = 0.51]. There was no significant statistical difference between newborns' Apgar score in two groups. Physiologic delivery can reduce the need for episiotomy without any further complications

Asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women referred to outpatient clinics in Sanandaj, Iran

OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence of asymptomatic urinary tract infection (AUTI) among pregnant women. We also determined the antibacterial susceptibility of the isolates to various antibiotics and associated risk factors in AUTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand five hundred and five consecutive pregnant women were included in the study. Mid-stream urine specimen for complete examination of urine was obtained. RESULTS: Of 1505 pregnant women, 134 (8.9 percent) had bacteriuria. The mean age of the all the pregnant women included in the study was 28.40 years with a standard deviation of 6.16. Age ranged from 15 to 45 years of age. The urine culture of the asymptomatic pregnant women (1505 cases) showed growth in only 134 cases (8.9 percent). Escherichia coli was the commonest organism 79 (58.96 percent) followed by CN Staphylococcus 22 (16.8 percent) and S aureus 18 (13.43 percent). Escherichia coli, which comprised 58.96 percent (79) of the isolates, were 88.62 percent, 87.35 percent, and 83.55 percent sensitive to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and cefotizoxime respectively. Similarly, E. coli were 89 percent, 70 percent, and 20 percent resistant to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and nitrofurantoin respectively (OR 1.57 95 percent CI 1.01, 2.44). After analyzing, four variables, hemoglobin levels seem to be independently associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria (OR = 9.41 (1.65-50.38). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women was 8.9 percent. The predominant organisms were Escherichia coli 79 (58.96 percent), followed by CN Staphylococcus 22 (16.8 percent). Most strains of Escherichia coli showed that they were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and gentamicin.

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal diabetic women; prevalence and related factors

Diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis are two frequent medical conditions with an increasing prevalence in elderly. This study is conducted to evaluate osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sanandaj, the provincial center of Kurdistan province in the west of Iran. From an initial population of 2500 women with type 2 diabetes, 242 postmenopausal women were randomly selected and were compared with 221 non-diabetic postmenopausal women, matched by age and body mass index [BMI]. Bone mineral density [BMD] was measured at the L2-L4 vertebrae [anteroposterior projection] and femoral neck with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]. The statistical significance was set at a P value of .05 or lower. Prevalence of femoral neck osteoporosis in diabetic women was 30.2 percent [73 cases] and osteopenia was 48.3 percent [117 cases]. Osteoporosis prevalence in spine was 7.9 percent [19 cases] and ostropenia was 46.3 percent [112 cases]. Osteoporosis in both femoral neck [P=0.001] and spine [P=0.04] were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Correlation between HbA1c and femoral neck [p=0.11, correlation coefficient=0.04] and also spine [p=0.10, correlation coefficient= -0.12] T score was not significant. No significant correlation was found between osteoporosis with presence of microalbuminuria [P=0.91], retinopathy [P=0.33], hypertension [P=0.70], ischemic heart disease [P=0.57] and insulin therapy [P=0.08]. This study shows that type 2 diabetic patients have significantly lower T score values and more frequency of osteoporosis than healthy postmenopausal women