[Factors affecting time to pregnancy, Kermanshah, Iran, 2011]

The time needed to achieve a wanted pregnancy is referred to as time to pregnancy [TTP]. Due to differences in lifestyles and geographical locations in different countries, factors affecting TTP may be different in various countries. This study was conducted in 2011 to determine factors affecting time to TTP in Kermanshah, Iran. In this case-control study 174 women with TTP>12 months [cases] and 587 women with TTP/= high school diploma; OR=0.854, CI 95%=0.741-0.984], frequency of intercourse in a week [OR=0.728, CI95%=0.631-0.839], blood group A compared to O [OR=0.639, CI95%=0.405-1.01], and non-exposure to smoking [OR=0.606, CI95%=0.380-0.965]. On the other hand, factors increasing TPP were a woman's irregular menstrual cycle [OR=3.701, CI95%=2.127-6.441], lack of physical activity [OR=1.920, CI95%=1.263-2.918] and a body mass index [BMI] higher than 25 [OR=2.221, CI 95%=1.489-3.312]. According to the results of this study, a high BMI and lack of exercise increase, while factors such as frequency of intercourse decrease the length of TTP. Couples seeking medical intervention for pregnancy often disregard factors associated with TTP. It is recommended that care-providers support these couples, promote their awareness, and give them suitable advice

Predictive value of plasma haematocrit level in early diagnosis of pre-eclampsia

While pre-eclampsia is the most common complication of pregnancy, a definitive screening test for early diagnosis is still elusive. In this study, haematocrit value was assessed as a screening test for pre-eclampsia in 660 women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy attending a hospital in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Mean haematocrit values were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic than non-pre-eclamptic women; 37.7% [SD 2.0%] and 35.9% [SD 1.7%] respectively. The receiver operating characteristics curve showed that the most appropriate cut-off point for the haematocrit test in this sample of women was 38%; at this value the sensitivity was 58.6% and specificity was 88.9%; positive and negative predictive values were 33.7% and 95.7% respectively. The haematocrit, done as a routine screening test for anaemia at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, may also be useful as a screening test for early diagnosis of pre-eclampsia

[Outcomes of bicanalicular silicone intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction]

To evaluate the success rate of bicanalicular silicone tube intubation in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction [CNLDO]. Hospital records of 71 cases of bicanalicular silicone intubation in 62 children with CNLDO were reviewed. Success was defined as resolution of symptoms and signs such as epiphora and discharge 6 months after removal of the silicone tube. Mean age was 3.64 +/- 1.8 [range 1.4-9.5] years. Mean duration of intubation was 6.0 +/- 4.8 [range 1-30] months. The overall success rate was 85.9% including 87.5% for primary and 84.2% for secondary procedures. There was no significant change in success rate of primary [P= 0.09] or secondary [P= 0.13] procedures with increasing age. Intubation duration greater than 6 months was not associated with increasing success rate [P=0.51]. Pre-planned removal of tubes [<3 months] because of dislodgement occurred in 4 eyes [5.6%] but had no significant effect on success rate [P=0.09]. Bicanalicular silicone intubation is an effective treatment for children with CNLDO at any age. Duration of intubation greater than 6 months does not improve the success rate. Pre-planned removal of the tube [<3 months] because of dislodgement is the most common complication but does not seem to increase the risk of failure