Complications in Pregnant Women and Newborns Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: One of the high-risk groups exposed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was pregnant women at risk of pregnancy complications due to a weakened immune system and inability to use various drugs to treat COVID-19. Accordingly, this study was conducted to investigate the complications in pregnancy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on all pregnant women in Shahroud, Iran. The time interval from February 18, 2019, to February 17, 2020, was considered before the COVID-19 pandemic and from February 18, 2020, to February 17, 2021, was considered the COVID-19 pandemic. Sampling was conducted by census and included 6851 pregnant women. The required information was extracted from hospitals' health deputy registration system and high-risk pregnancy registration program. Result: Based on the findings, hypertension disorder, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, cesarean section, hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), preterm birth, and hospitalization in other hospital wards increased by 1.88%, 1.93%, 0.12%, 0.45%, 5.45%, 1.00%, 1.20%, and 1.40%, respectively, in 2020 compared to 2019. A statistically significant difference was also observed between them (p < 0.05). Also, the regression results showed that the chances of high blood pressure, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), placental abruption, and cesarean section were increased by 10.91, 1.53, 5.51, and 2.83 times, respectively. Conclusions: Pregnancy complications have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is a need to take appropriate health and medical measures to reduce the risks associated with the COVID-19 epidemic for pregnant women and neonates.

Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and adverse clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has been recognised as a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy and clinical adverse effects using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: Databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library and Science Direct were searched until June of 2023. Data analysis using statistical test fixed- and random-effects models in the meta-analysis, Cochran and meta-regression. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale checklist (NOS).Results: A total of 46 relevant studies, with a sample size of 1,554,141 were entered into the meta-analysis. Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth (OR: 1.8, CI 95%: 1.6-2.0), low birth weight (LBW; OR: 2.0, CI 95%: 1.5-2.6), premature rupture of membranes (PROMs; OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.8-3.0), abortion (OR: 4.3, CI 95%: 2.0-9.0), stillbirth (OR: 2.5, CI 95%: 1.2-5.0), placental abruption (OR: 2.2, CI 95%: 1.4-3.3) and placenta previa (OR: 1.9, CI 95%: 1.5-2.4).Conclusions: Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with preterm birth, LBW, PROMs, miscarriage, stillbirth, placental abruption and placenta previa. Therefore, physicians or midwives need to be aware of the possibility of these consequences and manage them when they occur.

Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the relative risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, abortion, stillbirth, placental abruption and placenta previa.

Geographical Distribution of Colorectal Cancer in Southwestern Iran Between Years 2011 and 2019.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Various genetic, individual, and environmental factors are associated with this disease. Today, the role of environmental and geographical factors has been considered. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to determine the cumulative incidence and geographical distribution of colorectal cancer in Khuzestan province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed ecologically to determine the cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer and its geographical distribution in Khuzestan province between 2011 and 2019. The required information was extracted from the cancer registration program of the Ministry of Health and after refinement and replication. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer in Khuzestan province between 2011 and 2019 was estimated at 40.18 per 100 000 people. The highest cumulative incidence was related to Ahvaz city (95.87 per 100 000 people) and the lowest was related to DashtAzadegan city (25.35 per 100 000 people). The highest cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer, based on climate conditions, is in dry geographical areas (63.77 per 100 000 people), based on average annual rainfall, is in areas with an average rainfall of 100-200 mm (66.28 per 100 000 people), and based on land use, belonged to areas with agricultural use (74.57 per 100 000 people). CONCLUSION: The cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer is relatively high in Khuzestan province. The cumulative incidence of the disease was higher in the central regions of the province than in other regions. Also, based on geographical areas, the cumulative incidence of the disease was higher in areas with arid climates, the average rainfall was 100-200 mm, and in areas with agricultural land use.

Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts after Disaster and Mass Casualty Incidents in the World: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: After accidents and disasters, people suffer from mental disorders due to physical, economic and social injuries. These include anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Due to the fact that some of these measures can endanger a person's life, it is important to pay attention to these psychological factors. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts after disasters in the world. Method: The present study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt after disaster in the world. Accordingly, all articles published English-language from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2020 were extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Psych Info, Science Direct and Google scholar and evaluated. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the fixed and random effects model in meta-analysis and Cochran test. Results: A total of 33 studies with a sample size of 61,180 people entered the meta-analysis process. Accordingly, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was estimated at 12.9% (CI95%: 10.3% -15.5%) in the whole population, 10.6% (CI95%: 6.1% - 15.0%) in males and 15.8% (CI95%: 10.0% - 21.6%) in females. Moreover, prevalence of suicide attempt after disasters was estimated at 8.8% (CI95%: 6.6% - 11.0%). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt is high and prevalence of Suicide idea in women was about three times higher than in men.

Retinopathy prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis study based on neonatal and maternal risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity is the abnormal development of retinal arteries in preterm neonates less than 32 weeks and weighing 1500 g, and less, which can lead to visual impairment during life and blindness. This study aims to investigate the relationship between some clinical characteristics of neonates and mothers with Retinopathy of prematurity in the world via a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between maternal and neonatal clinical variables with Retinopathy of prematurity in the world from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2020. Accordingly, all English articles published on the topic were searched in scientific databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus. The articles were searched independently by two researchers. Statistical analysis of data was performed using fixed and random effects model statistical tests in the meta-analysis, Cochran, meta-regression, I2 index, Funnel plot, and Begg's by STATA software program, version 14. RESULT: A total of 191 studies with a sample size of 140,921 persons were including in the meta-analysis. Accordingly, Preterm delivery ≤28 weeks (OR:6.3, 95% CI:4.9-8.1), Birth Weight ≤1000 g (OR:5.8, 95% CI:4.8-6.8), Birth Weight ≤1500 g (OR:4.8, 95% CI:3.8-6.1), PROM (OR:1.2, 95% CI:1.0-1.4), induced fertility (OR:1.9, 95% CI:1.1-3.0) and Chorioamnionitis (OR:1.5, 95% CI:1.0-2.2) There was a statistically significant association with retinopathy. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present meta-analysis, the risk of retinopathy of prematurity in neonates born at 28 weeks and less, LBW (weight 1500 g and less), neonatal hypotension, chorioamnionitis, and induced fertility increases.

Investigating the incidence rate and geographical distribution of congenital hypothyroidism among neonates in Isfahan province using geographic information system (GIS) between 2002 and 2015.

Background Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the main causes of mental retardation in neonates. The disease is associated with genetic, climatic and environmental factors. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and correlation of geographic factors with CH in Isfahan province in order to explain the role of climatic factors in the incidence of disease in this province. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and geographical distribution of CH in neonates born in the Isfahan province from the beginning of 2002 to the end of 2015. To estimate the geographic distribution, the ArcGIS software (version 10.3) was used and to investigate the relationship between geographical factors and CH, the Poisson regression test and dispersion diagrams were used. Data analysis was done using the SPSS16 software. Results According to the results of the screening of 1,006,404 neonates born in Isfahan, the mean incidence rate of CH in all infants was 2.3, and that in male and female infants was 2.39 and 2.2 per 1000 live births, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the city of residence (p = 0.01), climatic conditions (p = 0.044), annual precipitation (p = 0.027), sunlight (p = 0.01) and CH. However, there was no significant relationship between the mean altitude above sea level (p = 0.6), land use (p = 0.4) and relative humidity (p = 0.24). Conclusions Based on the findings of this study, the incidence rate of CH in Isfahan province was higher than the average of the country. Moreover, among the geographical factors, climatic conditions, annual precipitation and sunlight were associated with CH.

The relationship between some neonatal and maternal factors during pregnancy with the prevalence of congenital malformations in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Congenital malformations are one of the main causes of death and disability in children. These malformations arise during embryogenesis and fetal development during pregnancy due to exposure to some environmental factors and genetic mutations. Given the high prevalence of congenital malformations in Iran, the current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between some neonatal and maternal factors during pregnancy with the prevalence of congenital malformations in Iran. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis study. All studies conducted in Iran were extracted between 2000 and 2016 during a search in internal and external databases of Medlib, Medline, Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Magiran, SID, Cochrane, Irandoc, and all articles published. Then, the required data were entered into the Spss16 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL); and the model of fixed and random effects was analyzed in meta-analysis, Cochran, meta-regression using statistical tests. Results: A total of 30 studies with a sample size of 928,311 patients were enrolled. Baby's gender (1-1.55: CI95%) OR: 1.25, preterm delivery (1.71-3.69: CI 95%) OR: 2.51, low birth weight (1.13-2.67: CI95%) OR: 1.74, age older than 35 for the pregnant mother (1.41-6.3: CI 95%) OR: 2.98, multiple births (1.14-3.46: CI 95%) OR: 1.99, mother suffering from chronic diseases (1.68-3.31: CI 95%) OR: 2.36 are significantly related with the risk of congenital malformations. Conclusion: Based on the results the baby's gender, premature birth, low birth weight, mother's age, consanguineous marriages, multiple births, family history of congenital malformations, and the risk of chronic diseases in the mother during pregnancy increase the birth of children with congenital malformations. As a result, control or modification of the above factors implementing a health and education intervention program can reduce the birth of children with congenital malformations.

The prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy in Iran and the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence during pregnancy is a public health crisis, because it affects both mother and fetus simultaneously, resulting in irreversible consequences for mothers and their newborns. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy in the world and Iran as meta-analysis. METHODS: This study is a meta-analysis on the prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy in the world and Iran that was conductedon Persian and English published articles up to 2015. To this end, through searching the information by key words and their compounds at SID, Medlib, Irandoc, Google scholar, Pubmid, ISI, Iranmedex, Scopus and Magiran, all related articles were extracted independently by two trained researchers. The results of studies analyzed using the STATA and Spss 16 software. RESULTS: In the initial searching of 167 articles, 33 articles related to Iran, 40 articles related to other parts of the world and totally 73 articles met inclusion criteria for study. The prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy were estimated in the world 17% (CI 95%: 15% -18%) and in Iran 28% (CI 95%: 23%-32%). The prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy in Iran is 11 percent more than the world. CONCLUSIONS: According to the present meta-analysis results, the prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy in Iran is high. Given that sexual violence during pregnancy causes damage to the mother and infant, it is recommended that the relevant authorities with the implementation of intervention and educational programs reduce the prevalence of sexual violence during pregnancy.

Relationship between Demographic Factors and Violence during Pregnancy in Iran: A Meta-Analysis Study.

Objective: Domestic violence is the most common form of violence against women and a major health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between demographic factors and domestic violence during pregnancy through meta-analysis. Method : This meta-analysis study was conducted in Iran. All the articles published during 2001 up to Jun 2018 were extracted independently by 2 trained investigators from domestic and foreign databases including, Science Medlib, SID, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Irandoc, Medline, Scopus, Magiran, and Google Scholar with keywords and their compounds. The results of studies pooled using the random effects model Cochran and I2 tests were used to check heterogeneity. Data were analyzed using Stata Ver. 11.2. Results: A total of 28 articles with the sample size of 15 020 people were included in the study. The findings of the meta-analysis showed that low level of maternal education (OR:1.68) (CI 95%:1.15, 2.46), low education level of the spouse (OR:1.73) (CI 95%:1.31, 2.29), unemployment of the husband (OR:1.61) (CI 95%: 1.05, 2.48), and smoking of the husband (OR:2.51) (CI 95%: 1.64, 3.84) were important factors in the increase in domestic violence during pregnancy. Having 3 children or fewer (OR: 0.30) (CI 95%: 0.16, 0.56) and enough and regular visits to physicians to receive adequate prenatal care (OR: 0.31) (CI 95%: 0.16, 0.57) were deterrent for violence during pregnancy. Conclusion: Based on our findings, level of education, unemployment, prenatal care, smoking, and number of children are associated with violence during pregnancy. Thus, paying attention to these factors and controlling them can reduce violence during pregnancy and its adverse consequences.

Estimated Incidence Rate of Multiple Sclerosis and Its Relationship with Geographical Factors in Isfahan Province between the Years 2001 and 2014.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease associated with inflammation of the central nervous system in humans. This disease is the most common neurological disease, especially in young people. Various factors, including biological, genetic, and environmental factors, are effective on the prevalence of MS disease. This study intends to determine the relationship between geographical factors, and the prevalence of MS disease was performed. METHODS: This ecological study was carried out on 2000 patients with diagnosis of MS during the years 2001-2014 in Isfahan province. All patients' data including age, sex, marital status, year, and location of patients were extracted from the files. Arc geographic information systems version 10.3 software was used for geographical maps, and for statistical analysis of data, SPSS.16 software ANOVA tests, independent t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis were used. RESULTS: Based on recorded cases of MS, the highest and lowest cumulative incidence of diseases was related to the city of Isfahan (75.92 in one hundred thousand) and Aran Bidgol (1.16 in one hundred thousand), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between the incidence and height above sea level (P = 0.001), the average annual rainfall (P = 0.001), and land use (P = 0.001). With increase in the height above sea level and the average annual precipitation, the incidence of disease decreased. CONCLUSIONS: MS disease incidence is high in Isfahan province. The distribution of the disease is not the same in the cities of this province, and some cities have a higher incidence. Furthermore, the incidence of the disease is influenced by geographical factors such as height above sea level, average annual rainfall, and land use. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant authorities by the implementation of screening programs in high-risk areas take action to identify and treat patients in the early stages.