Search

Objective: The ongoing pandemic of obesity is associated with an increase of weight loss surgeries in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to review clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for managing pregnancy following metabolic‐bariatric surgery. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of all CPGs that covered the management of pregnancy following metabolic‐bariatric surgery, 2010 through 2022, and that were published in English. Two authors independently scored the quality and usefulness of CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool (AGREE II). Results: From a total of 20 CPGs, consistent recommendations included the following: 1) contraception with long‐acting reversible contraceptives before surgery until the optimal time of pregnancy; 2) nutritional care by a dietitian; 3) considering gastrointestinal discomforts during pregnancy as a potential surgical complication; and 4) modified screening for gestational diabetes instead of glucose tolerance tests preventing post‐bariatric hypoglycemia. There was a lack of uniformity concerning surgery‐to‐conception interval and dose of supplements, as well as research gaps regarding the surgical type, mental health, delivery type, breastfeeding, neonatal care, and weight retention. Conclusions: All recommendations for managing pregnancy after metabolic‐bariatric surgery were deemed clinically useful. Although consistent recommendations should be implemented, inconsistencies should be the focus of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To assess variations in the presentation and clinical implications of pre‐eclampsia between Iranian and Afghan mothers at a maternity center in Tehran.We conducted a cross‐sectional study of Iranian and Afghan mothers diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia. Data were collected from March 2021 to February 2023 at a maternity center in Tehran, Iran. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses were employed to compare differences between Iranian and Afghan mothers, including Mann–Whitney U, Pearson χ2 tests, and logistic regression models.We included 822 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia, predominantly Iranian (75.5%) and Afghan (24.5%). Regarding the multivariate logistic regression model, Iranian mothers were older, with a higher proportion over 35 years. Although Afghan mothers showed higher gravidity counts and greater gestational ages at delivery, they had lower rates of hypothyroidism. Iranian women were more often categorized as obese than Afghan women, and the difference was statistically significant. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were significantly greater in Afghan women.Pre‐eclampsia poses significant maternal health risks, especially among Afghan refugees in Iran. Variances in age, gravidity, and hypothyroidism prevalence highlight the need for tailored healthcare strategies. Addressing cultural barriers and implementing targeted interventions can improve maternal and fetal outcomes in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is associated with decreased ovulation in the precursor stage which leads to ovarian failure in the end stage. Metabolic–bariatric surgery (MBS) can improve women's reproductive status, including the release of sex hormones, ovulation, and fertilization. Here, we report a spontaneous pregnancy following MBS despite potential ovarian insufficiency. A 38‐year‐old woman with severe obesity underwent three cycles of assisted reproduction that were not successful. Oligomenorrhea ≥ 4 months, laboratory indices, and previous poor ovarian response approved the diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve and could be considered as the precursor stage of POI. Then a gastric bypass was applied, and a spontaneous pregnancy occurred in the 22nd month after surgery, with 45.80% reduction in body mass index. MBS in women with obesity and idiopathic ovarian insufficiency may increase the chance of spontaneous ovulation and successful pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of screening cervical cancer tests as alternative standalone methods. The combined estimates of sensitivity of visual inspection with acetic acid, visual inspection with lugol's iodine, conventional pap smear, liquid-based cytology, High risk HPV testing by clinician, High risk HPV testing by self- sampling, cervicography were 64%, 80%, 55%, 70%, 70% and 67% respectively; the combine values of specificity of these screening strategies were 88%, 88%, 96%, 59%, 94%, and 95% respectively. Our findings draw attention to an attractive opinion to facilitate the collection of specimens for DNA HPV by patients in settings where they don't have access to a regular screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Preterm birth is the most important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Finding the best treatment regimen, of antenatal corticosteroids, has been under serious concern. To compare the efficacy of intravascular versus intramuscular betamethasone phosphate on neonatal outcomes in the cases of imminent preterm. Materials & Methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 136 eligible pregnant women with gestational age of 26-34 weeks and imminent preterm birth (delivery within 24 hours). They were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received intramuscular betamethasone phosphate, and group B received a similar dose of betamethasone phosphate intravenously. Women were followed up to delivery, and their neonatal outcomes were compared. Results: Women of the two groups (68 women in each group), did not show a significant difference in maternal age, BMI, gravidity and parity, gestational age at the time of admission and delivery, history of miscarriage and assisted reproductive techniques, delivery route, sex and weight of newborns, and Apgar score in minutes 1 and 5. The need for NICU admission, duration of hospitalization, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant requirement, and intubation were lower in the IV betamethasone group. There were no significant differences between the two groups according to necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and neonatal death. Conclusion: Using IV betamethasone, in cases where there is no enough time to complete the 24-hour betamethasone course due to the possibility of impending delivery, may reduce neonatal complications due to quicker onset of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Labor induction is an important issue in modern obstetrics. One of the important factors for the success of induction of labor is the Bishop score of cervix. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of dilapan with extra-amniotic saline infusion and oral misoprostol for cervical ripening in term pregnancies. Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 120 nulliparous pregnant women with the Bishop score of less than 5. Group one, group two and group three received dilapan, extra amniotic saline infusion (EASI) and misoprostol respectively. All three groups were compared for duration from beginning of the intervention up to cervical ripening and Bishop Score of ≥7, duration of active phase and the second stage of labor, number of deliveries in the first 24 h, duration from beginning of the intervention up to delivery, rout of delivery as well as neonatal weight, neonatal Apgar score; hyper- stimulation, and need for oxytocin and oxytocin doses administered after 12 h of intervention. Results: The number of deliveries in the first 24 h after intervention were not significantly different between the three groups. There was no significant difference between the three groups according to duration from beginning of the intervention up to cervical ripening and Bishop Score of ≥7, duration of active phase and the second stage of labor, duration from beginning of the intervention up to delivery, rout of delivery as well as neonatal weight, neonatal Apgar score; and hyperstimulation. The Bishop Score was higher in the misoprostol group 6 h after intervention [dilapan: 4.32 ± 1.38, EASI: 5.47 ± 1.28, and misoprostol: 6.72 ± 1.61 (p =.000)], Oxytocin requirement [dilapan: 38 (95%) women, EASI: 37 (92.50%) and misoprostol: 30 (75%) women, p =.013], and required dose [dilapan: 7543 ± 2465 miu/ml, EASI: 5758 ± 1615miu/ml and misoprostol: 4930 ± 2589miu/ml, p =.000] were lower in misoprostol group. Conclusion: Dilapan is an effective and safe method for cervical ripening in full term gestations. In cases where misoprostol and EASI cannot be used or are not desirable, dilapan can be used as an alternative. Trial registration number and registry website: IRCT20091023002624N25 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the most important concern after delivery. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an anti-fibrinolytic agent, has been suggested for prevention and treatment of PPH. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find the effects of TXA on the amount of bleeding following vaginal delivery and its adverse effects. Materials and methods: The study was performed as a randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial on low risk pregnant women who delivered vaginally. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Women in the intervention group received 10 mg/kg infusion of TXA in 100 mL normal saline and the control group received one vial of distilled water (as placebo) in 100 mL normal saline. The primary outcome was amount of bleeding after delivery. The secondary outcomes were decreased in hemoglobin level, need for additional uterotonic agents and need for blood transfusion. All were evaluated 6 h after delivery and compared in the two groups. Participants were followed up to six weeks after delivery for any TXA side effects. Results: Two hundred and seven women finished the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic data and risk factors for bleeding. Mean blood loss and need to misoprostol was more in the control group (p=.033 and p=.000, respectively). Hemoglobin level was higher in the TXA group 6 h after delivery. None of the subjects needed blood transfusion, uterine balloon tamponade or emergency hysterectomy. Adverse effects were higher in the TXA group, however, there were no side effects between weeks 3 and 6 in both groups. There were no thromboembolic events during six weeks after delivery. Conclusions: Tranexamic acid can reduce the amount of bleeding after vaginal delivery in low risk women without having serious complications. Also, it may decrease the need for additional uterotonic agents. Trial registration number and registry website: IRCT20091023002624N22. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]