Evaluating the effects of copper supplement during pregnancy on premature rupture of membranes and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) supplementation during pregnancy on the rupture of membranes and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Study was conducted as a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. In one group, Cu in a dose of 1000 mg per day, and in the other group, placebo was prescribed orally from 16th week of pregnancy. RESULTS: The women of the two groups did not have significant difference according to age, gestational age at recruitment, BMI, and socioeconomic conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between case and control group regarding the incidence of PPROM, PROM, preterm labor, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, preeclampsia, and the incidence of placenta abruption. There was a 75% and 90% decrease in depressive symptoms in 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester in supplemented group, respectively. Also, there was a 45% and 80% decrease in anxiety symptoms in 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester in the supplemented group, respectively The rate of infection during pregnancy was significantly higher in control group (p = 0.046). There was no difference between the two groups according to neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Cu supplementation during pregnancy could not influence positively on ROM; however, it could improve some mood status of the women.

Evaluation of the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT or Kegel exercise) and assisted pelvic floor muscle training (APFMT) by a resistance device (Kegelmaster device) on the urinary incontinence in women: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or Kegel exercise with and without assistance by a resistance device (Kegelmaster device) on the urinary incontinence in women. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial was performed on 91 women with the complaint of urinary incontinence. In the assisted pelvic floor muscle training (APFMT) group (n=41), after complete training, Kegelmaster device were used twice daily for 15 min each session, for a total duration of 12 weeks. In the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) group (n=50) after complete training, kegel exercises were done (including perineal muscle contractions for 6-8s with 6s rest in between), twice daily for 15 min each session and for a total duration of 12 weeks. These two groups were then compared according to the scores of special questionnaires for quality of life, strength of pelvic floor muscles, capability to participate in social activities, severity of urinary incontinence, and the number of involuntary urine passage, taken before, and after 1 and 3 months after finishing interventions. RESULTS: 85 women out of 91 women finished the study (46 in the PFMT group and 39 in the APFMT group). Strength of pelvic floor muscles, capability to participate in social activities, score of quality of life according to three world questionnaires of IQOL (incontinence Quality Of Life), IIQ (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire), UDI (Urogenital Distress Inventory), showed no difference between the two groups 1 and 3 months after interventions. Pair t test showed a significant improvement in both groups 1 and 3 months after intervention, according to IQOL score (P=0.000), UDI score (P=0.000), IIQ score (P=0.000), strength of pelvic floor muscles, (P=0.000), capability to participate in social activities (P=0.000), severity of urinary incontinence (P=0.000) and the number of involuntary urine passage (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor muscle training with or without Kegelmaster show no apparent difference to each other, however, these two methods are effective for improvement of urinary incontinence in women.