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

[Effect of positive predictive value of serum hematocrit levels on early detection of preeclampsia]

Preeclampsi which is a common and important disorder in pregnancy is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality. It is worthy to find out an appropriate screening test for it. This study aimed to assess serum hematocrit level as a screening test for preeclampsia. Using a randomized stratification, 660 women who were in the 24-28 weeks of gestation were recruited to the study from a prenatal clinic of Taamin Ejtemaei hospital in Tehran. Data were collected through observations and interviews. Data were recorded in a questionnaire and recording form. The women were followed up until delivery. Data were analyzed in SPSS. There was significant differences in 24-28 weeks serum hematocrit levels in preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women [P<0.001]. There were 58.6% sensitivity, 88.9% specificity, 33.7% positive predictive value, and 95.7% negative predictive value for serum hematocrit. A Serum hematocrit level in 24-28 weeks of gestation is a simple and inexpensive test that can help to detect high-risk preeclamptic women

effect of counseling on post traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth

Adverse childbirth experiences as a trauma can evoke fear and post-traumatic stress disorder in some women. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of counseling on post traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth. This research was a clinical trial which was conducted at Kamaly hospital in Karaj. Samples [300 women] who had experienced a traumatic childbirth were selected by a convenient sampling method and were randomized into an intervention [n=150] and a control [n=150] group. The intervention group received face-to-face counseling within 72 hours of birth for forty to sixty minutes in a session. The control group just received usual care after childbirth. The data collection tool was questionnaire, which was completed via interview. The measuring variables were demographic characteristic, reproductive history, maternity social support, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests [Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and generalized Fisher's exact test] by SPSS v.13 software. After 4-6 weeks of follow-up there was no significant difference regarding post-traumatic stress disorder between two groups [P=0.295]. At 3-month of follow-up, the intervention group reported less post-traumatic stress disorder comparing with the control group [P=0.001]. A midwife-led counseling plan is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder during a long term

[ relationship between seafood intake in early pregnancy and prevalence of preterm labor]

It is important to identify modifiable causes of preterm delivery and low birth weight; which are strong predictors of infants' later health status and survival. Research findings show that there are less low birth weight and preterm labors in the communities that have high intake of sea food. Consumption of Sea foods rich in w3 fatty acid can increase birth weight by prolonging gestation and reduce the risk of occurrence of preterm delivery. In this prospective cohort study, samples [n=1200] were selected among pregnant women with different pattern of seafood intake at 16th week of pregnancy receiving routine antenatal care in Gilan prenatal clinics. Subjects were selected by random sampling method. Women who had risk factors for preterm delivery or fish allergy were excluded. During 2004-2005 the pregnant women were visited monthly to determine their dietary habits [seafood intake]. Infants' weight and mothers' gestational age were determined at the time of delivery. Data were collected by means of a validated self-determined questionnaire and a check- list. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software package. Results showed that the per cent of term delivery [more than 37 gestational weeks] in women with more than 3 times, 1-3 times, and less than once sea food intake in a day is respectively 94.5%, 91%, and 91.5%. Moreover, birth weights more than 3000 gram in the neonates of these women were respectively 75.7%, 74.7%, and 71.2%. There was significant relationship between more than 3 times consumption of sea food in a month with gestational age [P<0.001] and birth weight [P<0.05]. Sea food consumption is effective in decreasing preterm delivery and low birth weight. Related nutritional educational programs for pregnant women are recommended

[Usage of communication skills by midwives and its relation to clients' satisfaction]

Because of importance of communication and its defects which has been observed in communication with clients, this study has been planned and done with the aim of investigation of usage of' communication skills by midwives and its relation to client's satisfaction. In a correlational study 50 midwives and 400 clients were investigated. Data collection method included observing midwife- client encounter using a checklist and interviewing clients to fill out satisfaction questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics included chi- square test, fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation [p<0/05] were used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that midwives' communication skills [verbal and non- verbal] was undesirable [62% and 56%]. There was no relation between demographic variables and midwives' communication skills application. Just there was a relation between marital status and non-verbal communication skills application. Also clients' satisfaction with midwives' verbal and non-verbal communication skills [50% and 48/4%] was related meaningfully to midwives' communication skills application. There was a relation between clients' satisfaction and their age, educational status service they needed. According to undesirable usage of communication skills by midwives, administering interim training programs for midwives is recommended. Also it seems better to include communication skills training to midwifery curriculum

Immunolocalization of Na+, K+-ATPase and lonocytes in the gills of catfish, silurus glanis

The regulation of the body fluid content [osmoregulation] of an aquatic animal, is performed by several organs. In fish, osmoregulatory mechanisms are based on the function of specialized cells [ionocytes] located in various tissues and organs including gills. Na[+],K [+]- ATPase is one of the [most] osmoregulatory enzymes enabling the use of ATP as a source of energy for ion transport through a Na[+],K[+] exchange pump cross epithelial membranes of ionocytes. The aim of this study was localization of this enzyme and ionocytes in the gills of S. glanis. For light microscopic observation, samples were fixed in Buin for 24 h dehydrated with ethanol, and embedded in paraffin. Serial section, 5 micro m thick, was stained by the Haematoxylin, Eosin and Methyl green. Immunolocalization of the Na[+],K[+] -ATPase was performed by immunofluorescence light microscopy with a Mouse Monoclonal Antibody IgG alpha 5 raised against the alpha-subunit of the Chicken Na+,K +/- ATPase [Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, University of Iowa, USA] and a Mouse Anti-fluorescein Antibody FITC [Jackson Immuno Research, USA]. In longitudinal sections of the gill, two series of lamellae were observed on both sides of the filaments. Gill filaments and lamellae were lined by special cells, contained pavement cells, mucous cells and ionocytes. The ionocytes were located in the basal parts of lamellae, inter-lamellar regions and in the apical parts of gill filaments. The ionocytes showed a ovoid-spheroid shape with a strong immunofluorescence of Na[+],K[+] -ATPase in the baso-lateral regions. In catfish, S. glanis, the ionocytes was found to be distributed on filaments and mainly in inter-lamellar regions. Na[+],K[+] -ATPase enzyme with a highly consistent immunoreactivity was observed in the baso-lateral parts of the ionocytes. These findings show that, in S. glanis, the filaments appear as the main site of osmoregulation and the gill lamellae are mainly devoted to respiration

[ study of the effect of vitex agnus-castus on the early menopausal complications in menopaused women]

Regarding to increasing of life expectancy, Women spend a greater proportion of their life in menopause that is associated with complications and makes disability for them. One of the safe treatments for these complications is herbal therapy. This research is a semiexperimental study. Randomized cluster sampling method was used to select 50 menopaused women ranging from 45 to 55 years old. Experimental group used vitagnus [40 drops daily] for three months. The data was collected by interviewing and a structured questionnaire and daily diary. The data was analyzed by descriptive [percent, mean, standard deviation] and inferencing [chi[2], t-test, Mcnimar, repeated ANOVA] statistical methods by SPSS software. The results showed a significant reduction in early menopausal complications after intervention [p<0.05]. The most major improvement in menopaused women was realated to hotflash [52.2%] and night sweat [51.3%]. The other complications showed moderate improvement. Vitagnus is effective in improving of early menopausal complications and therefore doctors and midwives can prescribe vitex instead of HRT in menopausal women