ABSTRACT
Background: This study aimed to examine maternal serum concentration of ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) on Day 16 after embryo transfer and risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: In this study, we evaluated 125 pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF). ß-hCG concentrations were measured on the morning of Day 16 after embryo transfer. Baseline characteristics of the study participants were also recorded. Results: Concentrations of ß-hCG on Day 16 after embryo transfer were inversely associated with the higher risk of miscarriage (p < 0.001), but did not with pre-eclampsia and IUGR (p > 0.05). Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a reverse and significant association between ß-hCG and higher risk of miscarriage (σ = 0.531 and p < 0.001). There was a significant association between frozen embryo transfer and the risk of IUGR and pre-eclampsia (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively). Conclusions: Maternal serum concentrations of ß-hCG on Day 16 after IVF/embryo transfer were associated with the higher risk of miscarriage, but not pre-eclampsia and IUGR.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common disease in childhood which is considered as the forerunner of the acute diseases and simply can cause disability among the children. Since childhood and adolescence are the most important periods of growth and perfection and incidence of asthma can bring about distortion in this process, the present study done aimed to assess the effect of conducting high school training program on peers' performance with asthma. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study in which the performance rate of the students at the time of artificial attack of asthma was directly observed, assessed and compared through demographic data questionnaire and performance assessment check list. Eighty individuals from the second grade of high school students in 2010 in Isfahan City were randomly selected to participate in the present study, among which, 40 individuals were entered in the test group and 40 of them also were placed in the control group. After conducting the training program for the test group, which had been designed both by direct method (in person and face to face by asking and answering and group discussion) and by indirect method (using pamphlet and other educational materials), the level of the training effectiveness was assessed on the students' performance. RESULTS: The findings of the present study indicated that the performance of students at the test group increased from 2.2 (0.6) to 91.8 (1.3) which emphasized that the training program for the young adolescent peers had a positive effect on promoting their health. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of the present study and regarding to the importance and role of students as the future makers of the country, and also the cost-effectiveness of the training programs and the positive effect of peers on increasing the level of health among the students with asthma and consequently decreasing the school absence, it obviously seems necessary to generalize and expand these training programs.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Reflexology is one of the non-pharmacological pain relief methods, and since it is a non-invasive, inexpensive and applicable technique, it can be used by a skilled and trained midwife. This study aimed to review the effect of reflexology on the pain and outcomes of the labor. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 88 primiparous mothers referred to selected hospitals of Isfahan for vaginal delivery were selected using simple random sampling method and then randomized in two groups. Data collection tools were the demographic data questionnaire, profile and outcomes of the labor and the short-form of the McGill Questionnaire for Pain Rating Index (PRI) assessment. The intervention was general and specific reflexology in the active phase of labor. PRI was assessed before the intervention and four times after the intervention (3-5 cm, 6-8 cm and 9-10 cm dilatations and second stage of labor. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups before intervention. In the reflexology group, there was a significant difference between the PRI before and after the 4 stages intervention (p < 0.001). PRI was different significantly between studied groups after intervention (p < 0.001). The length of active phase of labor was different significantly between the two groups; but this difference was not significant during the second (p = 0.29), and the third (p = 0.27) stages. The difference between the 1(st) minute and the 5(th) minute Apgar score (p < 0.001) and rate of hemorrhage between the two groups were different significantly (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Reflexology can lead to decrease in the labor pain. Therefore, regarding to the safety of this technique, it can be replaced as an alternative for pharmacological methods.