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Objective:To investigate the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in multiparas after the second delivery.Methods:From June 2017 to September 2019, 300 multiparas with an average age of (31.7±4.0) years (26 to 43 years) after the second delivery were recruited at 6 weeks postpartum from two hospitals in Wenzhou. There were 171 multiparas with two natural births,36 multiparas with one natural birth and one caesarean delivery, and 93 multiparas with two caesarean deliveries. The interrectus distance (IRD) was measured with palpation at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after delivery. Data on age, height, weight before pregnancy and delivery, baby′s birth weight, abdominal circumference before pregnancy and delivery, fetus number, delivery mode and occupation type were collected. Strength and endurance of abdominal muscle was assessed using manual muscle testing and curl-ups, low back pain was assessed using Oswestry disability index(ODI), urinary incontinence was assessed with International Consultation on Incontinence guestionnaire-incontinentia urinae (ICIQ-UI) short form (ICIQ-SF), and quality of life was assessed using 36-item short form health survey (SF-36).Results:Prevalence of DRA was 51.7%(155/300), 39.3%(116/295) and 27.7%(80/289) 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after delivery, respectively. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age ( OR=1.39, 95 %CI:1.02-1.91, P=0.38), abdominal circumference ratio ( OR=2.31, 95 %CI:1.23-4.33, P=0.01), twins ( OR=11.41, 95 %CI:2.15-60.76, P<0.01), and cesarean section ( OR=1.44, 95 %CI:1.06-1.95, P=0.02) were the risk factors of DRA at 12 months after delivery. At 12 months after delivery, the multiparas with DRA had weaker strength and endurance of abdominal muscle ( Z=-3.62, P<0.01; Z=-8.91, P<0.01), more serious low back pain ( Z=-2.10, P=0.04), and lower quality of life on physical health ( t=-3.34, P<0.01) than the multiparas without DRA. No difference in prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and quality of life on psychological health was found when comparing multiparas with and without DRA (χ 2=0.66, P=0.42; Z=-1.18, P=0.24; t=0.91, P=0.36). Conclusion:Multipara after the second delivery has great likelihood for DRA.Age, abdominal circumference ratio, twins, and cesarean section are the risk factors of DRA. DRA is related to abdominal muscle dysfunction, low back pain, and quality of life.
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Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a kind of progenitor cells with high potential of proliferation, which exist in the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood. Under certain conditions, EPCs can differentiate into mature vascular endothelial cells. Many studies have shown that EPCs could delay the onset and development of atherosclerosis by promoting the repair of the endothelium and neovascularization. EPCs have also been considered to be a biological marker for cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations demonstrate that EPCs can mediate the effect of some anti-atherosclerosis drugs. This paper reviews the role of EPCs in atherosclerosis and the influence of drugs on EPC function. The feasibility and the problem of using EPCs as a treatment strategy are also discussed.