Periconceptional folic acid usage and its associated factors in eastern Sudan: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Several countries poorly adhere to the World Health Organization's recommendation of folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period, especially in limited-resource settings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the factors associated with folic acid usage in the periconceptional period among pregnant women at Gadarif Maternity Hospital in eastern Sudan. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted in eastern Sudan from April to September 2022. A total of 720 pregnant women in their first trimester were enrolled. The sociodemographic characteristics and clinical and obstetrical data of pregnant women in their first trimester were assessed using a face-to-face questionnaire. In addition, multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: In this study, the median (interquartile range) of the age and gravidity of the enrolled women was 26.3 (24.14-29.52) years and 2 (1-4), respectively. Of these 720 women, 423 (58.8%) used folic acid during the periconceptional period, while 27 (3.7%) women used folic acid in the preconceptional period. None of the investigated factors (age, residence, education, employment, body mass index, or gravidity) were associated with periconceptional use of folic acid. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a low prevalence of folic acid usage in preconceptional period among pregnant women in eastern Sudan. Additional efforts are needed to promote folic acid usage in the preconceptional period as well as in the first trimester.

Association of Selenium Levels with Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Several observational studies have shown inconclusive findings on the association between selenium levels and preeclampsia. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the association between selenium levels and preeclampsia. The databases PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies which investigated selenium levels with preeclampsia and which were published up to April 2022. The overall standardized mean differences (SMD) of selenium levels between cases and controls were measured. Sensitivity analysis, reporting bias, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were performed for the estimate. The meta-analysis was calculated using the "meta" package in the open-source software R. A total of 26 studies with 1855 preeclampsia cases compared with 3728 healthy pregnant controls were included. The level of selenium was significantly lower in cases of preeclampsia compared with the controls [SMD = - 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): (- 1.46, - 0.25); P = < 0.01). As there was significant heterogeneity [I2 = 96%, Cochran's Q = 620.47; P = < 0.01], the random effects model was used. A stratified meta-analysis revealed that selenium levels were significantly lower in the cases compared with the controls among pregnant women from the African continent [SMD = - 1.15 (- 1.65, - 0.65); P = < 0.01]. Likewise, the same pattern was observed among women from middle- and low-income countries [SMD = - 1.32 (- 2.22, - 0.42); P = < 0.01]. None of the investigated factors (Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality score, year of publication, and sample size) showed significant association with the selenium SMD. The level of certainty of this evidence is "low certainty," as calculated by the GRADEpro GDT online tool. This meta-analysis with low level of evidence certainty revealed that low selenium level is associated significantly with preeclampsia. This pattern is also observed in women from the African continent and women from low- or middle-income countries. Further studies with different prospective designs and detailed patient characteristics are needed to consolidate this evidence.

Association of Selenium Levels with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several studies have investigated the association between selenium levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, their results are not conclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to update and draw conclusions regarding the evidence from published studies that investigated selenium levels in relation to GDM. PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect were searched for studies related to selenium and GDM, published from the inception of each database through to July 2022. The meta-analysis was conducted by measuring the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the selenium levels of women with GDM and those pregnant without GDM (control group). Stratified meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis and reporting bias were applied. The "meta" package in the open-access software R was used to analyze all of the data. A total of 12 studies, including 940 pregnant women with GDM and 1749 controls met this study's inclusion criteria. The selenium levels were significantly lower in women with GDM compared with the control group (SMD = -0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): (-1.04, -0.28); p ≤ 0.001). Due to significant heterogeneity (I2 = 94%, Cochrane Q = 186.7; p ≤ 0.0001), the random-effects model was followed. The stratified meta-analysis showed that the selenium levels were lower in the cases compared with the normal controls in the third trimester (SMD = -1.85 (-3.03, -0.66); p ≤ 0.01). The same trend was observed in the studies published before the year 2014 (SMD = -0.99 (-1.70, -0.28); p ≤0.01) and those published in or after 2014 (SMD = -0.45 (-0.90, 0.00); p = 0.05). None of the investigated covariates in the meta-regression analysis (each study's geographic location, trimester of selenium quantification, World Bank economic classification, method of selenium determination, study design, study quality score, publication year and study's sample size) were significantly associated with the selenium SMD. The current evidence indicates that selenium levels are lower among women with GDM in comparison to those without GDM; however, after the correction of the reporting bias, the result was no longer significant. Further studies with more prospective designs are needed to confirm this evidence and explain the function of selenium in GDM throughout pregnancy.

The effectiveness of nifedipine/indomethacin combination therapy and nifedipine monotherapy for postponing preterm birth (25-34 weeks of gestation) in Sudanese women: a randomized clinical trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Tocolytics are considered a standard treatment for women with threatened preterm delivery to allow time for maternal steroid administration and transfer to referral centers with neonatal intensive care units. However, there is controversy about the best tocolytic therapy to be considered as the first choice. The aim of this study is to compare the tocolytic effectiveness and tolerability of combination therapy with nifedipine and indomethacin versus nifedipine monotherapy among Sudanese women with preterm labor (PTL) as well as to compare the possible neonatal outcomes associated with each drug. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial to be conducted in the Medani Maternity Hospital, Sudan. Women aged 18-40 years that are diagnosed with preterm labor and have a gestational age between 25 and 34 weeks will be eligible to participate in this trial. The diagnosis of threatened PTL is defined as persistent uterine contractions "(four contractions every 20 min or eight contractions every 60 min)" with cervical changes "(cervical effacement ≤80% or cervical dilatation >two cm)". Patients will be eligible regardless of the presentation of the fetus. It will be randomly decided whether participants receive nifedipine/indomethacin combination therapy or nifedipine monotherapy. The primary outcome is the number of women who do not deliver and do not need alternative tocolytic drug (terbutaline). The secondary outcome is an estimated association with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The sample size will be 117 subjects in each arm of the study, according to a type I error of 0.05 and a study power of 80%. DISCUSSION: We expect higher effectiveness of the combination indomethacin/nifedipine tocolytic therapy compared with nifedipine monotherapy. We plan to suggest this combination therapy as the best option for postponing PTL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration: PACTR202004681537890 , date of registration: March 8, 2020.

Antenatal iron and folic acid supplementation use by pregnant women in Khartoum, Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The WHO recommends that all pregnant women in areas where anaemia is prevalent receive supplements of iron and folic acid. However, due to many factors, the use of iron and folic acid supplementation is still low in many countries. This study was conducted to assess the rates of iron-folic supplementation and the associated factors during pregnancy and the effects of taking iron-folic acid supplementation on rates of maternal anaemia and low birth weight (LBW) infants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khartoum Hospital, Sudan. Enrolled women answered a questionnaire on socio-demographics characteristics, their pregnancy and delivery. RESULTS: Of 856 women, 788 (92.1%) used iron-folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and 65.4% used folic acid. While place of residence, occupation and level of education were not associated with iron-folic acid usage, older age (OR = 3, CI = 1.4-6.3) and use of antenatal care (OR = 14.3, CI = 7.4-27.5) were associated with iron-folic acid use. Primiparity (OR = 3.8, CI = 1.9-7.6), maternal employment (OR = 3.9, CI = 2.25-6.77) and use of antenatal care (OR = 7.9, CI = 4.1-15) were the factors associated with folic acid. Using iron-folic acid was protective against anaemia (OR = 0.39, CI = 0.2-0.7) and LBW infants (OR = 0.3, CI = 0.17-0.68). CONCLUSION: There was a high rate of iron-folic acid supplementation use among pregnant women in Khartoum, Sudan, which was beneficial in preventing anaemia in expectant mothers and infants of LBW.

Decreased susceptibility to placental malaria in anaemic women in an area with unstable malaria transmission in central Sudan.

The interaction between iron level, iron supplementation, and susceptibility to infection, including malaria, remains a concern. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Medani hospital in central Sudan to investigate the relationship between anaemia and placental malaria. Obstetrical history was obtained; haemoglobin levels were determined. Placental tissue was obtained and malaria histology classified as active, chronic, past or no malaria infection. Among 324 women investigated, 7 (2·2%), 4 (1·2%), and 44 (13·6%) of the placentae showed active, chronic and past infection on histology examination respectively, while 269 (83·0%) of them showed no infection. Anaemia (haemoglobin <11 g/dl) was less frequent in women with placental Plasmodium falciparum infection, 27/55 (49·1%) vs 174/269 (64·7%), P=0·02. Anaemia was associated with a decreased risk for placental malaria, and the odds ratio for placental malaria (in both primiparae and multiparae group) was 0·2, 95% CI: 0·1-0·6, P=0·002 and it was 0·2, 95% CI: 0·03-0·7; P=0·02 for primiparae group. Thus, there is a strong relationship between anaemia and the absence of placental malaria.

Anaemia, zinc and copper deficiencies among pregnant women in central Sudan.

Anaemia is a widespread problem in many parts of the world especially in tropic areas. Among pregnant women, it has negative consequences on maternal and perinatal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of anaemia, iron, zinc and copper deficiencies among pregnant women in Wad Medani hospital, central Sudan and to examine the relationship of these micronutrients with haemoglobin (Hb) levels. One hundred four (52.5%) out of 200 pregnant women had anaemia (Hb < 11 gm/dl) and 3 (1.5) % had severe anaemia (Hb < 7 gm/dl). Iron deficiency (S-ferritin < 15 µg/l), iron deficiency anaemia (<11 gm/dl and S-ferritin < 15 µg/l) were prevalent in 25 (12.5%) and 13 (6.5%) of these women, respectively. Ninety (45.0%) and eight (4.0%) of these women had zinc (<80 µg/ml) and copper (<80 µg/ml) deficiency, respectively. In 24 (12.0%) of these women, there were ≥2 deficiencies of these elements. S-copper was not [corrected] significantly lower in patients with anaemia. While age, parity, gestational age, ferritin, zinc and copper were not predictors for anaemia, women who practiced pica were at higher risk for anaemia (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.4-7.9, P = 0.004). Gestational age was significantly inversely correlated with haemoglobin (r = 0.161, P = 0.03), S-ferritin (r = 0.285, P = 0.001) and S-zinc (r = 0.166, P = 0.02). Thus, dietary and supplement interventions are required to prevent and control anaemia in this setting. Further research is needed.

Anaemia, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency among pregnant women in an area of unstable malaria transmission in eastern Sudan.

A cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2007 and January 2008 to investigate the prevalence and types of anaemia among pregnant women of eastern Sudan. Socio-demographic and obstetrical data were collected using a questionnaire. Haemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, serum folate and vitamin B(12) were assessed using standard laboratory methods. Two hundred and seventy-nine pregnant Sudanese women were recruited. Anaemia (Hb <11 gdl) and iron deficiency (ferritin <15 microg/l) were prevalent in 80.3 and 14.3% of the study sample, respectively. Of the total sample, 11.1% had iron-deficiency anaemia. Serum folate (<6.6 ng/ml) and vitamin B(12) (<150 pg/ml) deficiency was reported in 57.7 and 1%, respectively, and none of the women had both folate and vitamin B(12) deficiencies. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that ferritin, serum folate and vitamin B(12) levels were not significantly associated with anaemia. Thus, there was a high prevalence of anaemia and folate deficiency. Measures to control these should be considered.

Care-seeking behavior for Fever in children under five years in an urban area in eastern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the basic elements of malaria control. The mother's perceptions about the cause of the fever, duration of sickness, accessibility and the anticipated cost of treatment, frequent use of traditional medicine, and judgement of the severity of the fever are the most important determinants for effective treatment of fever in children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kassala city, in Eastern Sudan to investigate the caregivers' care-seeking behaviour related to fever among children < 5 years. Data was collected by trained social workers using a structured questionnaire and was analysed by means of SPSS. RESULTS: Three-hundred fifty housewives were interviewed. The majority (85.7%) had had at least basic education and 244 (69.7%) were full-time housewives. A total of 237 (67.7%) mothers were found to have adequate knowledge about malaria. Malaria was perceived by only 143 (40.9%) of the respondents as a cause of low grade fever and this percentage was almost doubled in the case of high fever. There were similar findings with respect to the selection of treatment sources and the use of antimalarial drugs. High fever urged 319 (91.1%) to seek advice from health workers and 281 (80.3%) to take drugs other than chloroquine. CONCLUSION: The intensity of fever (low/ high) governed the respondent's perceived causes of fever, decision about available treatment options and the type of antimalarial drugs they used. Health education programmes should focus on the importance of seeking early advice, compliance with prescribed treatment and awareness and handling of danger signs before presenting at health facility.

A fixed-dose 24-hour regimen of artesunate plus sulfamethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in eastern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combination therapy is increasingly being adopted as first-line antimalarial therapy. The choice of appropriate therapy depends on efficacy, cost, side effects, and simplicity of administration. METHODS: the efficacy of fixed co-formulated (f) artesunate-sulfamethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine (AS+SMP f) administered at time intervals of 12 hours for a 24-hour therapy was compared with the efficacy of the same drug given as a loose combination (AS+SMP l) with a dose interval of 24 hours for 3 days for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in eastern Sudan. RESULTS: seventy-three patients (39 and 34 in the fixed and the loose regimen of AS+SMP respectively) completed the 28-days of follow-up. On day 3; all patients in both groups were a parasitaemic but one patient in the fixed group of AS+SMP f was still febrile. Polymerase chain reaction genotyping adjusted cure rates on day 28 were 92.3% and 97.1% (P > 0.05) for the fixed and loose combination of AS+SMP respectively. Three (4.1%) patients (one in the fixed and two patients in the loose group of AS+SMP) in the study suffered drug-related adverse effects. Gametocytaemia was not detected during follow-up in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: both regimens of AS+SMP were effective and safe for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in eastern Sudan. Due to its simplicity, the fixed dose one-day treatment regimen may improve compliance and therefore may be the preferred choice.

Artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria during pregnancy in eastern Sudan.

Malaria during pregnancy is associated with serious adverse effects; these could be avoided with effective treatment. Artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS+SP) is a promising antimalarial combination; however, few data are available on its safety during pregnancy. The present study was carried out in New Halfa Hospital, eastern Sudan, between September 2004 and March 2005. Thirty-two pregnant Sudanese women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were treated with AS+SP at a mean of 29.7 weeks of gestation. The patients were followed-up until delivery and the babies were followed-up until the age of 1 month. The drug was well tolerated, the parasitaemia was cleared and the patients were symptom-free within 2 days. All the patients delivered full-term live babies. One of the babies died on the fourth day; none of the women died and there was no miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital abnormalities in the newborn babies. Thus, this small descriptive study failed to detect unintended effects of AS+SP during pregnancy.

Artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and effective treatment with an appropriate drug form the main components of the World Health Organization's strategy to reduce malaria related mortality. The few available drugs might be safeguarded if combined with artesunate. The addition of artesunate to a standard antimalarial treatment substantially reduces treatment failure, recrudescence and gametocyte carriage. METHODS: During late 2004, the efficacy of artesunate (4 mg/kg. day, on days 0-2) plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (25 mg/kg, on day 0) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria was investigated in four sentinel areas in Sudan, with different malaria transmission (Damazin, Kassala, Kosti, and Malakal). RESULTS: Two hundreds and sixty-nine patients completed the 28-day follow-up. On day one, 60 (22.3%) patients were febrile and 15 (5.5%) patients were parasitaemic. On day three, all the patients were afebrile and aparasitaemic. While two patients (0.7%, Kassala) showed late Clinical and Parasitological Failures, the rest (99.3%) of the patients demonstrated Adequate Clinical and Parasitological Response. A gametocytaemia were detected during the follow-up in one patient (0.37%, Kassala). Adverse drug effects were detected in 32 (11.9%) patients. CONCLUSION: The study showed that AS plus SP is an effective, safe drug in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Sudan.

Artemether in the treatment of falciparum malaria during pregnancy in eastern Sudan.

This study was carried in New Halfa Hospital, eastern Sudan from October 1997 to February 2001. Twenty-eight pregnant Sudanese women infected with Plasmodium falciparum were treated with intramuscular artemether (six injections, 480 mg) after failure of chloroquine and quinine therapy. The patients were followed-up until delivery; the babies were followed-up until the age of 1 year. Artemether was given to one patient in the tenth week of gestation, to 12 during the second trimester, and to 15 during the third trimester. It was well tolerated, the parasitaemia was cleared and the patients were symptom-free within three days. One patient (3.5%) delivered at 32 weeks and the baby died six hours after delivery. The other 27 (96.5%) delivered full-term live babies. None of the pregnant women died and there was no abortion, stillbirth or congenital abnormalities in the newborn babies.