Comparison of Parameters of Fetal Doppler Echocardiography Between Mothers with and Without Diabetes.

Background: The current study aimed to compare fetal myocardial function and ventricular thickness in diabetic and normal pregnancies. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies in the second or third trimester who were referred for routine prenatal or anomaly ultrasounds within March 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled in the study. Women with a positive history of overt or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were considered the case group (n = 50), and women without GDM were considered the control group (n = 50). The study did not include women with multifetal pregnancy, hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, and polyhydramnios. A complete fetal Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), left myocardial performance index (MPI), E/A ratio, right and left ventricular wall thickness, and end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVST). The data were analyzed using three types of decision tree (DT) algorithms, and the performance of each DT was measured on the testing dataset. Results: The frequency of IVRT > 41 milliseconds was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. The mean MPI values were 0.53 ± 0.15 and 0.43 ± 0.09 (P < 0.05), respectively, and the mean IVST values were 3.3 ± 1.11 and 2.49 ± 0.55 mm (P < 0.05) in the case and control groups, respectively, but not different between the subjects with overt or GDM (P > 0.05). Additionally, in the case group, the mean left MPI values were 0.57 ± 0.18 and 0.49 ± 0.12 in participants with poor and good glycemic control, respectively (P = 0.12). Conclusions: Complete prenatal echocardiography performed in the second or third trimester is an appropriate tool for the diagnosis of fetal cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mothers and is suggested to perform for diabetic mothers, even those with good glycemic control.

Can fasting plasma glucose replace oral glucose-tolerance test for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has high prevalence worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) cutoffs at first prenatal visit and at 24-28th of gestational weeks to avoid obtaining full oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) in the diagnosis of GDM. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in Tehran, Iran during October 2016 and November 2017. All pregnant women reporting for the first routine prenatal visit before 20th week of gestational age were included in this study. Participants without overt diabetes mellitus at first prenatal visit, underwent OGTT at 24-28th of gestational weeks. RESULTS: Totally 952 pregnant women with mean age of 26.4 ± 14.1 years took part in this study. The prevalence of GDM was 12.7% (mostly diagnosed based on the FPG alone). FPG cutoffs 75 and 80 mg/dL at first prenatal visit and at 24-28th of gestational weeks can rule out the GDM with high sensitivity and negative predictive value, respectively. FPG cutoffs 85 and 90 mg/dL at first prenatal visit and at 24-28th of gestational weeks had high capacity, excellent specificity and positive predictive value in diagnosing GDM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Performing only the FPG and considering FPG cutoffs 75 and 80 mg/dL at first prenatal visit and at 24-28th of gestational weeks can be a useful tool predicting the incidence of GDM, respectively, and had similar diagnostic power.

Vitamin D supplementation for primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pain and systemic symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on female students aged 18 to 32 years with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency (25 [OH]D <30 ng/mL). The participants (n=116) received either 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or placebo capsules on a weekly basis for eight consecutive weeks. The outcomes were pain intensity (scored 0 to 10), number of days with pain, number of consumed pain-relief medications (per day), and severity of systemic symptoms (fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea; total score of 0 to 12). RESULTS: Compared with baseline, our participants who received vitamin D experienced significant reductions in pain intensity (-1.0 and -1.5 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of days with pain (-1.0 day at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of consumed pain-relief medications (-1.0 at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), and systemic symptoms severity (-1.0 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001). No significant improvements were observed in the placebo group in terms of these outcomes. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation in women with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency could improve systemic symptoms and reduce pain intensity, the number of days with pain, and the need for consuming pain-relief medications.

Increased risk of pre-eclampsia (PE) among women with the history of migraine.

The Objective of this study was to assess possible association of history of migraine with pre-eclampsia (PE). This was a retrospective study to compare history of migraine in 90 women affected by PE with 90 women without PE as the control group. They recruited by a nonrandomized consecutive sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire including demographic, medical, obstetrics, and migraine assessment sections. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results showed an increased risk of PE in women with history of migraine (odds ratio: 2.87; p < 0.05). Result demonstrated that migraine history in the case group is 14/4% and in control group is 5/6%. Gestational age (GA) at delivery and weight of neonate (WN) were significantly lower compared to control (GA: 37.3 +/- 2.6 vs. 38.7+/- 1.3 weeks T test; P < 0.01) (WN: 2930 +/- 690 vs. 3330 +/- 420; T test; P < 0.0). Cesarean section was more frequent in the PE group compared to the control group [37 (42%) vs. 14 (15.6%)]; chi square; p < 0.01]. The association of migraine with PE is the result of some similar mechanism leading to endothelial dysfunction. Frequent reports of an association between migraine and PE in different populations suggest a history of migraine as a risk factor for PE/gestational hypertension (GH).

Is there an association between platelet and blood inflammatory indices and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus?

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent medical complication in pregnancy. Early diagnosis of GDM can influence maternal/neonatal outcomes. To assess the association between platelet and blood inflammatory indices and the risk of GDM occurrence using the complete blood count (CBC) test. We also aimed to determine the sensitivity of each parameter for an early screening of this disorder during pregnancy. METHODS: This case-control study included 2 groups of 110 pregnant women with and without GDM. The women in each group were compared after the routine screening for GDM and after the CBC test at 24-28 weeks' gestation after being matched according to the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and Medcalc version 14.8.1 software. RESULTS: There were statistically significant intergroup differences in white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), MPV to platelet ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and Rh values. The values of lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and blood group were not significantly different between groups. The logistic regression analysis showed the predictive values of WBC, platelet, MPV, and PCT in GDM. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve for all 3 variables, the level below the PCT chart was more than that of the others. CONCLUSION: Increasing platelet and inflammatory indices on the CBC test in the second trimester of pregnancy seemed to be associated with the probability of GDM occurrence.

Non-invasive prenatal test to screen common trisomies in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: Recent years have witnessed a shift from invasive methods of prenatal screening to non-invasive strategies. Accordingly, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma has gained a considerable deal of interest from both geneticists and obstetricians. Efficacy of this method in identification of common aneuploidies has been extensively assessed in singleton pregnancies. However, a limited number of studies have addressed the twin pregnancies. In this context, the present study is aimed at identification of the efficacy of NIPT in twin pregnancies. METHODS: NIPT was performed on twin pregnancies to screen trisomies 13, 18 and 21. Pregnant women referring to Nilou Clinical Laboratory between March 2016 and December 2018 were included in this research. RESULTS: In the current study, a total 356 twin pregnancies were screened in search for trisomies 13, 18 and 21. 6 cases exhibited positive NIPT results in which the presence of trisomies 13, 18 and 21 was confirmed by fetal karyotype in 1, 2 and 2 cases, respectively. One twin pregnancy showed normal karyotype. The combined false-positive rate for these trisomies was 0.28%. No false negative case was observed. The combined sensitivity and specificity of NIPT in twin pregnancies were 100 and 99.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study verify the feasibility, sensitivity and specificity of NIPT in twin pregnancies.

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Human Papillomavirus and HPV Vaccination in Iranian Population: A Systematic Review.

Background and objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. This systematic review was performed to provide an overview of knowledge and attitude about HPV infection and HPV vaccine in Iranian population. Materials and Methods: The information was identified by searching international and national databases; pubmed/MEDLINE (NCBI), Embase (Elsevier), Google Scholar, Scientific Information Database, MagIran, and IranDoc. The current research was performed using the terms of medical subject headings (MeSH) and combinations of the keywords including: "human papillomavirus" or "human papillomavirus vaccine" with the words "knowledge," "awareness," "attitude" and "Iran." Studies were evaluated according to the checklist of STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). Results: A total of 10 observational studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. The overall knowledge and awareness of the Iranian population (parents, women, university students, medical students, nurses and hospital staff) about HPV and HPV vaccination was low; however, the attitude toward this issue was positive and strong. Conclusion: Due to the low levels of knowledge about HPV infection and its methods of prevention, efforts should be increased to enhance the knowledge of the general population about HPV infection and vaccination in order to prevent its incidence and complications.

Comparison of the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group Criteria with the Old American Diabetes Association Criteria for Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on two sets of criteria, namely the old criteria suggested in 2009 by the American Diabetes Association and new criteria of the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group. We also evaluated the predictive power of the risk factors of GDM. METHODS: Pregnant women from three outpatient clinics in Tehran, Iran, participated in this cross-sectional observational study. During the first perinatal visit, demographic data, medical histories, weight, and height of mothers were recorded. The mother's fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. The prevalence of GDM, based on the two criteria, was estimated and its predictive factors were investigated. RESULTS: Of 1,117 pregnant women, 156 (15.6%) and 71 (7.1%) patients had GDM based on the new and old criteria, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that older age at pregnancy (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.006 - 1.107; P = 0.03), higher body mass index (OR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.15 - 1.3; P < 0.001), family history of diabetes (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.11 - 3.5; P = 0.02), and history of macrosomia (OR = 7.8; 95% CI: 1.96 - 30.9; P = 0.004) were independent predictive factors for GDM. CONCLUSIONS: Using the new criteria, the prevalence of GDM increases by 2.2 folds compared to the old criteria. Several factors can independently predict the occurrence of GDM.

Effect of Aslagh Capsule, a Traditional Compound Herbal Product on Oligomenorrhea in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Three-Arm, Open-label, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Oligomenorrhea is a common complaint in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There are some useful medicinal recommendations such as Aslagh product (include fennel fruits, carrot seeds, chaste tree fruits) in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of oligomenorrhea in PCOS. Hence, the present investigation was designed to compare Aslagh capsule with metformin on the oligomenorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty women aged between 18-43 years with oligomenorrhea due to PCOS were randomly divided into Aslagh, metformin, and Aslagh + metformin groups. The occurrence of menstrual bleeding was considered as the primary outcome. Menstrual cyclicity, duration, and volume of the bleeding were also evaluated. RESULTS: Occurrence of menstrual bleeding was 87.2% in all patients, with no significant difference between the three groups (P> 0.05). Menstrual cyclicity significantly improved from baseline in Aslagh and Aslagh + metformin groups (P=0.02). Duration of menstrual bleeding was significantly higher in Aslagh group in the first and the second menstrual bleeding cycle compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in the volume of the bleeding after the intervention in any of the three groups. The occurrence of menstrual bleeding in Aslagh group was significantly (P=0.03) higher than the other two groups in the fourth month (drug-free period). CONCLUSION: Aslagh capsule showed beneficial effects similar to metformin in the treatment of oligomenorrhea in PCOS women and could be suggested for use as an alternative treatment in these patients.

Urogenital chlamydia trachomatis treatment failure with azithromycin: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia Trachomatis is one of the most common pathogens transmitted through the genital tract in humans that leads to urogenital infection. OBJECTIVE: Given the high prevalence of chlamydia infection and its adverse effects on the health of women and men, the present meta-analysis was conducted to determine the rate of treatment failure with azithromycin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases including MEDLINE, ISI - Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Science Direct were searched for articles published between 1991 and 2018. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 and Cochrane Q-Test. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to compare the prevalence rates on different levels of the variables. RESULTS: A total of 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria were ultimately assessed. The pooled estimate of azithromycin failure rate was 11.23% (CI 95%: 8.23%-14.24%). Also, the azithromycin failure rate was 15.87% (CI 95%: 10.20%-21.54%) for the treatment of urethritis, 7.41% (CI 95%: 0.60%-14.22%) for cervicitis, and 7.14% (CI 95%: 10.90%-3.39%) for genital chlamydia. The pooled estimate of failure rate difference was 2.37% (CI 95%: 0.68%-4.06%), which shows that azithromycin has a higher failure rate in the treatment of chlamydia compared to doxycycline and other examined medications. The meta-regression results showed that the patient's age contributes significantly to the heterogeneity for azithromycin treatment failure rate (ß░=░0.826; p░=░0.017). CONCLUSION: Azithromycin has a higher failure rate than doxycycline and other studied medications in treating urogenital chlamydia infections.

The Importance of Sleep Hygiene in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from the View of Iranian Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as the most common hormonal disorder in women at reproductive age. Recent studies have revealed a high prevalence of sleep disorders in PCOS, suggesting that it is an amendable factor for these patients; however, the sleep was not considered in their treatment plan. According to the Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), sleep is an important item in the lifestyle modification of all diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the importance of sleep hygiene in PCOS from the view of ITM and Modern Medicine. In this study, some keywords about "sleep and PCOS" were searched in medical databases and some ITM books. Lifestyle modification is one of the first steps in treatment of patients with PCOS in which the emphasis will be mainly on exercise and diet. Despite proof of the high prevalence of sleep disorders in these patients, modification of sleep is not considered in their lifestyle. ITM as a holistic medicine emphasizes on lifestyle modification under the title of "Settah-e-Zaruria" (In Persian), the six essential schemes for the prevention and treatment of all diseases. Management of sleep is one of these schemes. There are many advices about sleep hygiene in both ITM and modern medicine. It seems that lifestyle modification should be expanded in PCOS patients to include more options, and sleep hygiene should be considered in their lifestyle alongside food and exercise.

Clinicopathological features of primary central nervous system lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomic location, immunologic, and clinicopathological features of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). METHODS: From May 1993 to December 2004, at Shohada Hospital, Tehran, Iran, the clinical data of 110 PCNSL patients, including the age, sex, duration of symptoms, radiological findings, site of tumors, immune status, and history of immunocompromised state (such as organ transplantation, radiotherapy, steroid therapy or AIDS) were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with PCNSL was 47.02 +/- 15.8 years. There were 42 female and 68 male patients. One hundred and six cases (96.3%) were diagnosed as B-cell lymphoma. Most of the PCNSL in our study are unifocal. More than 70% of tumors were in a cerebral hemisphere and periventricular location, usually involving the corpus callosum or basal ganglia. No patients had been in immunocompromised states. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure or changes in personality, vision, or motor function are most common. Seizures are seen in approximately 10% of patients. The number of PCNSL cases showed a gradual rise in incidence. CONCLUSION: The results of this single hospital 12-year survey of PCNSL are in agreement with data from other single institutions and regional surveys concerning clinical features. However, in contrast with the literature, most of our patients were immunocompetent. The age at diagnosis is also lower than in most reports.

Perceived needs in women with gestational diabetes: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is the most common medical complication of pregnancy. It can be associated with many complications for mother and fetus. Gestational diabetes is also one of the main health issues in Iran. Therefore, the present study is aimed at a deeper understanding of women's experiences of gestational diabetes and their perceived needs to inform future lifestyle interventions. METHODS: This qualitative content analysis study was carried out in 2015. Participants were pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the 24th to 36th week of pregnancy, who were referred to the clinics affiliated with Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University in Tehran, Iran. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants, using semi-structured questions. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was carried out for data analysis. Interviews continued until data saturation was obtained. Data were coded in MAXQDA software (version 11). RESULTS: Content analysis highlighted two themes; educational needs and need to support. The former was featured with five main categories: information sources, education process, unknown and known, weaknesses of public information system, and eagerness to learn. The latter was featured with two main categories: family support and social support. CONCLUSION: Clarifying the needs of the mothers with gestational diabetes, leads to better and proper education planning and a program toward the improvement of health, self-care, and prevention of diabetes.

Causalgia: a meta-analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Causalgia is not familiar to most physicians whose training and experience are limited to civilian practice. HYPOTHESIS: Through a thorough review of the literature, we attempted to determine the boundaries of causalgia and separate it from other sympathetically related disorders. DATA SOURCES: Database search for English-language articles in MEDLINE and Index Medicus up to the year 2000 as both keyword and subject under causalgia. STUDY SELECTION: References that described any new cases referred to as "causalgia" by their authors were included in a meta-analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: One hundred ten articles contained a total of 1528 cases of causalgia. High-velocity missiles caused at least 77% of the injuries. In 72% and 90% of the cases reported, the time from injury to onset of pain was within 1 week and 1 month, respectively. Median nerve alone or in combination with other nerves (56%) and sciatic trunk injury (60%) were the most common nerves involved. In 92%, the nerve injury was incomplete. The most prominent clinical manifestations included burning pain in 86%, increased sweating in 73%, relief with application of cold in 62%, warmth in 50%, paresthesias in 96%, absence of anesthesia in 81%, and sensitivity to stimuli in 98%. Response to sympathetic blocks was observed in 88%. Finally, a total of 94% of the patients undergoing sympathectomy were cured. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of causalgia are easy to recognize and treat, with excellent results. Causalgia always follows a somatic nerve injury, usually partial, and is associated with near-constant, very severe pain distal to the injury in the extremity, varied in nature but characteristically with a predominantly burning quality. An effective anesthetic block of the appropriate part of the sympathetic chain frequently immediately relieves the pain. Most cases are cured by surgical sympathectomy.

Cardiac surgery in an Iranian teaching hospital: outcome and risk factors.

Cardiac surgery in Iran has been associated with different facilities, equipment and patient populations in comparison to countries from which most of the academic papers used for identification of risk factors related to outcome and subsequent establishment of risk stratification models originate from. During a 15-month period all patients admitted for adult cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) in a university affiliated teaching hospital were enrolled in a prospective study. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze data for mortality and morbidity. There were 730 adults (63% male, 37% female), with age ranged from 16 to 82 (mean, 51.4 +/- 14.4). A mortality rate of 5.3% and morbidity of 14.8% (major + minor) were observed in the whole group. Factors correlated with mortality were: age (p = 0.019), emergency surgery (p < 0.0001), redo cardiac surgery (p = 0.01), left ventricular (LV) aneurysm (p < 0.001), presence of catastrophic states (p < 0.001), low ejection fraction (p = 0.04), history of hypertension (p = 0.05), the individual surgeon (p < 0.0001), and CPB duration (p < 0.0001). Factors affecting morbidity included: female gender (p = 0.04), age (p = 0.03), emergency surgery (p = 0.001), redo surgery (p = 0.008), and catastrophic states (p < 0.001). The mortality in our study group may be compared with reports presented in the literature. Factors such as age, emergency surgery, redo cardiac surgery, and catastrophic states are statistically related to both mortality and morbidity.

Comparison of lifestyle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy women.

Given the high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and that a lifestyle is recognized effective in development of many diseases, this study aimed to compare lifestyle of women with PCOS and healthy women. Nor are there sufficient studies on the difference between lifestyle of these people with that of healthy people. Furthermore, studies show that changes in lifestyle improve this disease. This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on 65 women with PCOS and 65 healthy women of 18 to 45 years old who presented to hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2013. The subjects were selected using multi stage random sampling method. The data were collected using questionnaires for diet, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and unhealthy behaviors and were analyzed in SPSS v. 17, using descriptive statistics, Man-Whitney, independent t, Chi-square and logistic regression tests. The results showed there was a significant relationship between PCOS and inappropriate diet (p=0.009), low physical activity (p=0.009), but no relationship was observed between PCOS and unhealthy behaviors. Given the results obtained, training and awareness raising is necessary for women and girls especially about appropriate diet and regular physical activity.

Uterine Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries in the second and third trimesters for the prediction of gestational outcome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the value of uterine artery Doppler sonography during the second and third trimesters in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in low-risk women. METHODS: From July 2011 to August 2012, a total of 205 singleton pregnant women presenting at our antenatal clinic were enrolled in this prospective study and were assessed for baseline demographic and obstetric data. They underwent ultrasound evaluation at the time of second and third trimesters, both included Doppler assessment of bilateral uterine arteries to determine the values of the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) and presence of early diastolic notch. The endpoint of this study was assessing the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery, for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, stillbirth, placental abruption and preterm labor. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 26.4±5.11. The uterine artery PI and RI values for both second (PI: 1.1±0.42 versus 1.53±0.59, p=0.002; RI: 0.55±0.09 versus 0.72±0.13, p=0.000 respectively) and third-trimester (PI: 0.77±0.31 versus 1.09±0.46, p=0.000; RI: 0.46±0.10 versus 0.60±0.14, p=0.010 respectively) evaluations were significantly higher in patients with adverse pregnancy outcome than in normal women. Combination of PI and RI >95th percentile and presence of bilateral notch in second trimester get sensitivity and specificity of 36.1 and 97% respectively, while these measures were 57.5 and 98.2% in third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, it seems that uterine artery Doppler may be a valuable tool for the prediction of a variety of adverse outcomes in second and third trimesters.

Correlation between placental thickness in the second and third trimester and fetal weight.

PURPOSE: To investigate relationship between placental thickness during the second and third trimesters and placental and birth weights. METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2012, a total of 250 singleton pregnant women presented at our antenatal clinic were enrolled in this prospective study. All recruited women were assessed at the 1st trimester screening for baseline demographic and obstetric data. The placental thickness was measured trans-abdominally by placing the ultrasound transducer perpendicularly to the plane of the placenta, in the area of the cord insertion at second and third trimester. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to establish the degree of relationship between placental thickness and birth and placental weights. RESULTS: Of 250 recruited participants, 205 women were able to complete the study. The mean age of cases was 26.4 ± 5.1. Values of mean birth and placental weights were 305.56 ± 657.0 and 551.7 ± 104.8 grams respectively. Ultrasonographic measures of placental thickness in second and third trimester and changes between them were 21.68 ± 4.52, 36.26 ± 6.46 and 14.67 ± 5.67 mm respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between placental thickness and birth weight in the second and third trimesters (r=0.15, p=0.03; r=0.14, p=0.04 correspondingly). CONCLUSION: According to our study, birth weight has a positive relation with both second and third trimester placental thickness; however, placental thickness change could not predict low birth weight.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in patients who remained symptomatic after completion of sexually transmitted infection treatment.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common causes of illness in the world and have far-reaching health, economic and social consequences for many countries. Failure to diagnose and treat STIs at an early stage may result in serious complications and sequels. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients who remain symptomatic after completion of their first episode of treatment for STI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 49 patients suffering from symptoms or signs of sexually transmitted infections despite their first complete anti STI treatment. Conducting physical exam and smear preparation from vaginal discharge, diagnosis was confirmed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method on every patient's first-voided urine sample. RESULTS: Among the etiologic factors investigated in this study, Chlamydia was reported in 17 patients. Trichomoniasis, Candidiasis, Gonorrhea and nonspecific germs were next organisms with 11, 9, 6 and 6 patients, respectively. Sixteen specimens were PCR positive (32.65%), while 33 patients had negative PCR results (67.34%) for Chlamydia trachomatis. CONCLUSION: Gonorrheal infection was the most prevalent infection in patients with completed treatment (6/10), which must be remembered in patients follow ups, because this prevalence warrants empirical therapy for Gonorrheain similar clinical conditions. Chlamydia trachomatis was the responsible organism in approximately a quarter of patients (17/75) who despite their full compliance on anti-Chlamydial treatment still suffered from signs and symptoms of STI. This rate also recommends empirical therapy for Chlamydia trachomatis in the similar clinical signs and symptoms.

Doplervelocimetria da arteria uterina no segundo e terceiro trimestres para predicao dos resultados gestacionais / Uterine Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries in the second and third trimesters for the prediction of gestational outcome

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo longitudinal foi avaliar o valor da ultrassonografia Doppler das artérias uterinas no segundo e terceiro trimestres de gestação para a predição de desfecho adverso da gravidez em mulheres de baixo risco. MÉTODOS: De julho de 2011 até agosto de 2012, 205 gestantes de feto único atendidas em nossa clínica de pré-natal foram incluídas no presente estudo prospectivo e avaliadas em termos de dados demográficos e obstétricos. As pacientes foram submetidas à avaliação de ultrassom durante o segundo e terceiro trimestres, incluindo avaliação Doppler das artérias uterinas bilaterais, visando determinar os valores do índice de pulsatilidade (IP) e do índice de resistência (IR), bem como a presença de incisura diastólica precoce. O desfecho do presente estudo foi a avaliação da sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor negativo preditivo (VNP) da ultrassonografia Doppler das artérias uterinas para a predição de desfechos adversos da gravidez, incluindo pré-eclâmpsia, natimortalidade, descolamento prematuro da placenta e trabalho de parto prematuro. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das gestantes foi de 26,4±5,11 anos. Os valores de IP e IR das artérias uterinas para o primeiro (IP: 1,1±0,42 versus 1,53±0,59, p=0,002; IR: 0,55±0,09 versus 0.72±0.13, p=0,000, respectivamente) e para o terceiro trimestre (IP: 0,77±0,31 versus 1,09±0,46, p=0,000; IR: 0,46±0,10 versus 0,60±0,14, p=0,010, respectivamente) foram significativamente maiores em pacientes com desfecho adverso da gravidez em relação às mulheres com desfecho normal. A combinação de IP e IR > percentil 95 e a presença de incisura bilateral apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade de ...

PURPOSE: The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the value of uterine artery Doppler sonography during the second and third trimesters in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in low-risk women. METHODS: From July 2011 to August 2012, a total of 205 singleton pregnant women presenting at our antenatal clinic were enrolled in this prospective study and were assessed for baseline demographic and obstetric data. They underwent ultrasound evaluation at the time of second and third trimesters, both included Doppler assessment of bilateral uterine arteries to determine the values of the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) and presence of early diastolic notch. The endpoint of this study was assessing the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery, for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, stillbirth, placental abruption and preterm labor. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 26.4±5.11. The uterine artery PI and RI values for both second (PI: 1.1±0.42 versus 1.53±0.59, p=0.002; RI: 0.55±0.09 versus 0.72±0.13, p=0.000 respectively) and third-trimester (PI: 0.77±0.31 versus 1.09±0.46, p=0.000; RI: 0.46±0.10 versus 0.60±0.14, p=0.010 respectively) evaluations were significantly higher in patients with adverse pregnancy outcome than in normal women. Combination of PI and RI >95th percentile and presence of bilateral notch in second trimester get sensitivity and specificity of 36.1 and 97% respectively, while these measures were 57.5 and 98.2% in third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, it seems that uterine artery Doppler may be a valuable tool for the prediction of a variety of adverse outcomes in second and third trimesters. .