Effect of acupressure by sea-bands on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

To determine the effect of continuous acupressure at P6.applied by Sea-Bands with acupressure buttons on the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy during the 8-20 weeks. A two-group quasi-experimental posttest-only and posttest-repeated measure in seventeen medical clinics or offices in southern Tehran was carried out. A convenience sample of Persian-speaking; healthily pregnant women in their 8-20 weeks of pregnancy; who had at least one episode of nausea, vomiting, or both before their prenatal clinic/ office visit where they were recruited. The women were randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups. Treatment group [1] applied Sea-Bands with acupressure buttons to both wrists for 4 days and removed the Sea-Bands for 3 subsequent days. Placebo group [2] applied the Sea-Bands with out acupressure buttons to both wrists on the same time schedule as group 1. Self-reported daily diaries of the number of times per day that participants experienced nausea, the severity of nausea, the number of vomiting episodes per day, and the severity of vomiting were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the treatment group had significantly less frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy while wearing the Sea-Bands than did the placebo group. The treatment group also had significantly less frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy while wearing the Sea-Bands than when not wearing the Sea-Bands. Sea-Bands with acupressure buttons are a noninvasive, inexpensive, safe, and effective treatment for the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

[Incidence of neural tube defect in neonates at teaching hospitals of Tehran]

Neural tube defect [NTD] is the second common congenital disorder after cardiac disease. The most prevalent forms are anencephaly and spina bifida. Many factors are involved in this anomaly. Recent studies suggest environmental parameters as well as genetic factors. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the incidence of neural tube defect and its influencing factors in neonates at teaching hospitals of Tehran. Neonates at five hospitals were assessed during three years. Of 38473 reported births, 143 cases had neural tube defect. 11.9% of their mothers had previous medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, psychiatric problems and cardiac disorders. 5.6% of mothers had preeclampsia during their pregnancy. NTD occurs during 28 days after conception. Since many conceptions are unplanned, it can be prevented by continuous consumption of folic acid over reproductive years

[Prevalence of leg cramps during pregnancy and effects of supplemental therapy]

Leg cramps are common painful spasms especially in the lower extremities during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to find a suitable alternative in the treatment of the disease. 217 patients reported leg cramps with different degrees and frequencies among 401 pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancies who visited the Prenatal Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital from July to December 2002. After preliminary evaluations for ruling out electrolyte imbalances or insufficient supply of dietary micronutrients, patients were randomly allocated into supplemental therapy [Calcium, magnesium or vitamin B intake for 2 weeks] and control groups. The groups were compared after 4 weeks according to their complete relief from leg cramps. The clinical findings and the data collected from the patients were analyzed by chisquare and t-student tests and a logistic regression model using the SPSS [V.[10]] software. There was a significant improvement in patients receiving vitamin B with 71% complete and 19% relative relief from leg cramps, compared to 9% complete relief in the control group- 29% and 52% in the groups receiving magnesium and calcium respectively [p<0.0001]. Although the high prevalence of leg cramps [55%] in the patients was not necessaryly related to dietary habits, but it seemed that supplementing symptomatic patients with vitamin B could be beneficial

Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and calcium in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most important cause of oligoovulation and anovulation in women of reproductive age and in infertile women. Considering insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in this syndrome, it is believed that calcium, as well as vitamin D, will have a unique role in correcting the impairment in insulin secretion and help the development of oocytes in mammals. Therefore, this study was carried out with the objectives of evaluating the effects of calcium on human ovulation and on the size of follicles in comparison with the current use of metformin. In this research, all PCOS patients [In accordance with the Rotterdam criteria and diagnosis confirmation by a gynecologist] who attended the infertility unit of Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center from 2004 to 2005, after expressing their willingness to participate in the research were assigned to three 20-patient treatment groups as it follows: The cases were treated daily with: 1] Calcium/Vit. D [1000/mg], 2] Calcium/Vit. D [1000 mg] and metformin [1500mg] or 3] Metformin [1500mg] tablets for 3 months and were followed up for 3 more months. After this 6-month period, the size of dominant follicles, regularity of menses and pregnancy were checked for. After data collection and entry, statistical analysis [Kruskal Wallis, t-test, ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equation [GEE] Regression] on the basis of the hypothesis, with a significance level of p=0.05 was performed by using SPSS software [Version 11]. Considering the response to treatment by the patients [Dominant follicle >/= 12mm in size], GEE showed that the response was significantly higher during the 5[th]-6[th] months in the Calcium/Vit. D and metformin treatment group than the ones from the other groups [p= 0.03]. Considering the effects of metformin in reducing and regulating insulin production, and vitamin-D in regulating and correcting serum insulin levels, simultaneous administration of these two medications is suggested for the treatment of insulin impairment and reduction of androgen levels for better oocyte maturation