Relationship between low birth weight neonate and maternal serum zinc concentration

Zinc deficiency can lead to clinically relevant disturbances in tissue functions and particularly important for birth weight of neonates. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum zinc in pregnant women and the incidence of low birth weight [<2500 g] in their newborns. This case-control study was done on women who delivered low birth weight infants [Cases], and normal birth weight infants [Controls]. Blood samples got in all women within 5 minutes of delivery, and assessed the concentration of zinc using electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum concentration of zinc was compared. One hundred and seventeen mothers were enrolled, of them, 65 cases were low birth weight infants [1845 +/- 472 g] and 52 were controls [3166 +/- 435 g]. Mothers in the case and control groups did not differ in age, body mass index, and socioeconomic or demographic factors. Maternal zinc concentration differed between cases and controls; 753.34 +/- 15 micro g/l vs. 654.76 +/- 12 micro g/l respectively. Maternal zinc differed between premature and full term deliveries. Maternal zinc concentration was shown to affect birth weight and prematurity

effect of teaching by role playing on students' counseling and screening skills toward IUD clients

One of the most important barriers for using IUD [Intra Uterine Device] is inadequate provision of appropriate counseling. Since, employing new training methods is necessary for enhancing midwives' roles in providing appropriate counseling, this study was performed to compare the effect of two methods of traditional training and role playing on students' skills in counseling. In this experimental study, 62 midwifery students were randomly allocated in role playing and traditional training groups to participate in a 4 hour workshop about counseling skills for IUD clients. Before and after the workshop students' skills in counseling were assessed. The data gathering tools included a self evaluation form and evaluation checklists for assessing students' performance in counseling before and after IUD insertion. Comparisons were made using Chi square, Fisher exact text, t-student, Man-Whitney, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon by SPSS software. Results: The mean of students' score in counseling before and after IUD insertion was not different between the two groups in pretest, but the post-tests of the 2 groups in both skills were significantly different. There was a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores in both groups regarding the two skills. Teaching by role playing leads to a better learning of counseling skills. Employing this educational method is recommended for training counseling skills to students

Assessment of effect of Quran sound and music on intrauterine insemination

In this study, we've evaluated the effects of the voice of Quran and music as two kinds of complementary medicine on the intrauterine insemination. This clinical trial study was down on the 327 infertile couples, referred to the infertility center of MashhadUniversity of Medical Science in 2005. Infertile women were selected based on purpose. They divided randomizely into 3 groups include: Quran, music and control. Before, during and after IUI [intrauterine insemination], 110 patients listen to Quran, 105 patients listen to music and 112 patients were control groups. The patients were entered to the study that had good mental health by completing general health questionnaire. Data gathered via observe exam and experience. Analysis was down with use of T-test, Chi-square statistical tests by SPSS and Excel software. Mean of age in the female and male, infertility duration, job, induction ovulation method, endometrial wide and follicular count before treatment were not significantly different in the 3 groups. We had 18 IUI positive cases per cycle [16.36%] in Quran group, this rate in music and control groups were 10 [9.52%] and 6 [5.35%] respectively. Theraputic response was significantly different between music and control groups [P=0.007], which shows the effect of the voice of Quran in infertility treatment, but there was no significant differences between music and control groups [P=0.18] nor between Quran and music groups [P=0.1]. The effect of Quran sound on the infertility treatment by intrauterine insemination was more than music

[Evaluation of relationship between maternal hemoglobin concentration at the first trimester and occurrence of GDM]

Early diagnose and management of GDM can decrease perinatal, neonatal and long-time infant problems. There is now accumulated evidence in the literature that high maternal Hemoglobin is associated with increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes which include low birth weight and preterm labor. In the no pregnant population, an association between hemoglobin concentrations with Diabetes Mellitus has been reported before. We decided that we study relationship between maternal Hemoglobin concentration at the first trimester and occurrence of GDM. In a retrospective study sample comprised 100 women. Age, weight, parity, Hemoglobin concentration and FBS at the initial antenatal visit and GCT during 24-28 weeks are recorded. In this study 36 women had GDM and the rest were health. Age, parity and Hemoglobin concentration emerged to be significant factors in incidence of GDM. High maternal Hemoglobin [more than 13 g/dl] at the initial pregnant visit [the first 14 week] is an independent risk factor for GDM

[Comparing 17 alpha - hydroxyprogesterone caproate and progesterone in oil for luteal phase support in IUI cycles]

Luteal phase support is practiced routinely in some medical centers in patients undergoing ovulation induction [OI] and intrauterine insemination [IUI] cycles. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of progesterone in oil with 17- alpha -hydroxy progesterone caproate [17- HPC] for luteal phase support. This prospective randomized clinical trial was done at Montaserieh Infertility Center in Mashad, Iran, from October 2005 to October 2006. In this study, 162 patients undergoing OI and IUI were randomly treated with either 17-HPC [250 mg/weekly, IM] or progesterone in oil [50mg/daily, IM] until serum beta -hCG was evaluated. In patients with positive beta -hCG results [Biochemical pregnancy], the treatment was continued until the 12th week of gestation. The data were analyzed using t-tests, Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test. P-values <0.05 were considered as the level of significance. The outcomes of IUI in both study groups were compared. No differences were found in the outcome of pregnancies, considering parameters such as biochemical pregnancy [p=0.69], clinical pregnancy [p=0.3] or ongoing pregnancy up to the 20th week [p=0.831]. Complications were significantly lower in 17-HPC group [p=0.002] and the patients' satisfaction was signi-ficantly higher compared to the other group [p=0.003]. The results of this study confirm that 17-HPC has the same effects as oily progesterone for luteal phase support in patients undergoing OI and IUI cycles and it could be used instead of progesterone in oil, although more studies are needed to support this replacement

[Evaluation of the efficacy of random urine analysis with urinary tape for the determination of proteinuria and its comparison with 24-hours urine collection in gestational hypertension]

Postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] is among the most common complications after anesthesia. This study aimed to compare pre-induction use of placebo and dexamethasone on decreasing the incidence of nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy in a group of Iranian women. In this double-blind clinical trial, 42 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly divided into two groups of equal size. Before the induction of anesthesia, normal saline was injected in placebo [P] group while 10mg dexamethasone was administered for the case group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was recorded in recovery room, and during the first 24 hours following the surgery. The incidence of nausea and vomiting showed a statistically significant decrease in patients receiving dexamethasone [p < 0.0001]. Use of 10mg dexamethasone before the induction of anesthesia may remarkably decrease the incidence of PONV, and is recommended for high risk groups especially in outpatient surgeries

relationship between maternal count of the fetal movements and non-stress test in the evaluation of fetal well-being in high risk mothers

Background and purpose: Fetal movement count and non-stress test are simple and non-invasive techniques used as first steps in the assessment of the fetal well-being. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal count of fetal movements and non-stress test

Methods and materials: This descriptive correlational study was carried out at the Gynecology and Obstetrics ward of the Imamreza Hospital in Mashad, Iran. The sample included 410 non-stress test and fetal movement counts [205 tests from each group] from 101 high risk mothers in their third trimester. Mothers recorded the fetal movements 30 minutes after breakfast. Active fetus was supposed to have at least 10 movements in 12 hours; otherwise, it was assumed to be inactive. Non-stress test was done at 9:00 pm every night. Biophysical profile was taken whenever the fetus came out to be inactive or non-reactive by either test; then, the results of either test were compared with biophysical profile

Results: In 86.3% of the recordings, the fetuses were active. Nonstress tests were reactive in 78% and non-reactive in 19%. Reactive non-stress tests were observed in 88% of the active and 114.3% of the inactive fetuses. 85.7% of the inactive fetuses had non-reactive non-stress tests [p=0.0001]. A significant relationship was found to exist between the results of maternal count of fetal movements and non-stress test [p=0.0001]. Also, a significant relationship existed between the time required to feel 10 movements and non-stress test [p=0.0005]. The sensitivity, specificity and the negative predictive value of the test of fetal movements count were 15%, 85% and 93% respectively; corresponding figures for the non-stress test were 93%, 76% and 98% respectively

Conclusion: In many cases where maternal report was inactive fetus, the result of the non-stress test was reactive. However, the test of fetal movements count is of acceptable specificity and negative predictive value

Pain tracker diagnostic instrument: effect on patients' satisfaction with their interactions with the primary care physician

In a r and omized trial, the pain tracker instrument was evaluated as a diagnostic screening tool and for its effect on patients' satisfaction with their interactions with the primary care physician. The instrument form was filled in by the physician after asking the study patients about symptoms. Control [n = 53] and study patients [n = 49] were interviewed and the instrument's effect was analysed from responses to 15 statements. The pain tracker group were significantly more satisfied with the physician relationship than were controls [mean satisfaction score 85 +/- 8 versus 61 +/- 9]. A direct linear correlation was found between patients' assessment of the visit and overall satisfaction [r = 0.86]. The pain tracker can be an important component in history taking and a useful diagnostic screening tool in pain presentations

Comparison of the efficacy of PGE2 suppository and cervical foley catheter with pre - induction ripening of the cervix

An increasing success in induction of labor and subsequent termination of pregnancy in presence of unfavorable cervix requires cervical ripening in order to reduce complications and to diminish the rate of cesarean sections as well as the duration of labor. However, there is no consensus on the efficiency of conventional methods for cervical ripening. To determine and compare the effects of PGE2 suppositories and inflated Foley catheter on pre-induction ripening of the cervix. In a quasi-experimental study, 70 pregnant women with a gestational age between 14 and 28 weeks and unfavorable cervix, requiring induction of labor were randomly allocated into to 2 groups. For each mother, digital cervical examination was performed before and at regular intervals to determine the Bishop score. One group received vaginal suppository of 3 mg dino-prostone that was re-administered after 6 hours, if necessary. For the other group, a Foley catheter balloon was inserted in the internal os of cervix that was filled with 30 mL sterile normal saline and kept under traction. Serum oxytocin augmentation was given to both groups after 12 hours as a routine. The outcome variables including the change in cervical Bishop score, beginning of uterine contractions and complications during and after labor were assessed. Student's t test and Chi-square were used for the analyses of data. Result: Induction to delivery time in Foley catheter group [15.0 +/- 7.7 h] was significantly [p<0.01] lower than that of PGE2 group [20.8 +/- 5.8 h]. The rate of post-partum curettage for residual placenta or post-partum infections which required hospitalization and other complications were similar in both groups. The time saved for cervical ripening in Foley catheter group was 6.4 +/- 4.2 h

[ relationship between total motile sperm count and success of intrauterine insemination]

Incidence of infertility is approximately 10-15% and intrauterin insemination [IUI] is the suitable method in cases of male infertility. This survey is done on 1017 persons among couples that were being treated with 1258 IUI cycles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether total motile functional sperm count [TMFSC] can be predictive of IUl success or not. In all patients after checking and preparing them for ovulation induction, Semen sample was prepared according to WHO with swim-up procedure and 0.8mI of suspension over sperm pellet was used for insemination. The examination of spermogram and motile functional sperm count was done after sperm processing. There was a trend toward an increasing percentage of conception with increasing total motile functional sperm rate count and the least of TMFSC was 20x 10[6] for and with increased TMFSC, success of IUl will increase also. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle was 13.2% and per couple was 16.14% in the infertile couples. This study indicated that the causes of infertility have not any effect on IUl success rate. The duration of infertility has significant difference in pregnant and non pregnant groups