Closure or Non-Closure of Peritoneum in Cesarean Section: Outcomes of Short-Term Complications

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide. The complications following a CS include fever, wound infection, post-operative pain and bleeding which are not usually found in a normal vaginal delivery. Traditionally, suturing of peritoneal layers for CS patients has been done, but in some studies it has been shown that this procedure could be eliminated without affecting the rate of morbidity. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes of two different cesarean delivery techniques. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 cases who underwent CS were randomly assigned equally to either closure of both the visceral and parietal peritoneum or no peritoneum closure. Duration of operation, pain scores, analgesic requirements, alterations in hemoglobin levels and febrile morbidity were assessed accordingly. Results: Pain scores, analgesic requirements assessed at 24 hours and operation duration were significantly lower in the non-closure group as compared to the closure group. Febrile conditions and changes in hemoglobin levels were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Non-closure of both visceral and the parietal peritoneum when performing a CS produces a significant reduction in pain, fewer analgesic requirements and a shorter operation duration without increasing the febrile morbidity and changes in hemoglobin levels as compared to the standard methods

The Effect of Short Duration Sperm Exposure on Development of Preeclampsia in Primigravid Women

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications, and affecting about 3 of pregnancies. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact short duration of exposure to sperm on development of preeclampsia. Methods: The duration of sperm exposure with the biological father (cohabitation without barrier methods) <3,<6 months were evaluated among 120 primigravid women with preeclampsia and 120 women without preeclampsia in a case-control study. Results: The short duration of exposure to sperm was more common in women with preeclampsia compared with controls (29.2 versus 14.2 for <3 months, adjOR 2.6 (95 CI=1.32-5.13) and (45 versus 29.2 for <6 months, adjOR 2.4 (95 CI=1.35-4.32). Regardless of the contraceptive method, short duration of cohabitation was more common in preeclamptic group (14.2 versus 5.8 for <3 months, adjOR 3.38 (95 CI=1.28-8.92) and (29.7 versus 13.3 for <6 months, adjOR 2.64(95 CI=1.24-5.79). Conclusion: It was concluded that short duration of exposure to sperm was more common in women with preeclampsia compared with controls. © Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Effect of Ginger on Relieving Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Nausea and vomiting are common and unpleasant complications in pregnancy. Although many alternative therapists support the use of ginger for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to support its use in this condition Objectives: The present study was performed to assess the effectiveness of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Patients and Methods: This seven-day clinical trial was performed on 120 eligible pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate nausea and vomiting before 16 weeks gestation. They were divided into; ginger, placebo and control groups, by block randomization. Women were asked to record their nausea and vomiting for three days, and then participants received either ginger capsules, or a placebo for four days. No intervention was done with the control group. Data measure was self-recorded symptoms according to the Rhodes Index. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, ANCOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test, for the quantitative and qualitative variables. Results: There were no statistical differences in the baseline demographics between the three groups apart from age of marriage and wanted or unwanted pregnancy. An ANCOVA test (covariance test) showed significant differences in mean scores after the intervention in the three groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Ginger was effective for the relief of mild to moderate nausea and vomiting in pregnant women at less than 16 weeks gestation

Dependency in Activities of Daily Living Following Limb Trauma in Elderly Referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan-Iran in 2013

Background: Activities of daily living (ADL) are an important indicator of health and independence in elderly. It provides useful information for proper planning in the field of elderly care. Trauma in elderly population is frequent and can negatively affect the independence in ADL. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate elderly independence in activities of daily living (ADL) following limb trauma and its related factors in patients referred to trauma emergency ward of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan, Iran, in 2013. Patients and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 200 traumatic patients admitted to trauma emergency ward of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in 2013. The questionnaire used in this study had three parts as demographic data, information related to trauma and ISADL (independency scale of activities of daily living). ISADL was completed in emergency ward to declare pretraumatic status; it was also completed 1 and 3 months after trauma. Statistical analysis was conducted by Chi-square test, One-way and two-factor ANOVA, and Multiple regression analysis. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, version 16. Results: The average age of participants was 70.57 ± 9.05 years. In total, 80.5% of the elderly were completely independent in ISADL before trauma; this decreased to 13.5% one month after trauma. Besides, 32% of the elderly were completely or relatively dependent three months after trauma. Two-factor ANOVA showed a significant association between the scores of ISADL, the time interval and the type and location of an injured organ, and having the surgery as a treatment. Conclusions: More than three-quarters of the elderly were independent in ISADL before the trauma, but trauma in elderly patients had a substantial negative effect on patients' ability and ADL function

Comparison of Knee-High and Thigh-High Graduated Compression Stockings in Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke

Background: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Prophylaxis and treatment of DVT in these patients is very difficult because there are some limitations regarding the use of anticoagulant drugs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of knee-high and thigh-high graduated compression stockings in preventing DVT in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: In this clinical trial, 88 patients with hemorrhagic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either thighhigh or knee-high graduated compression stockings as prophylaxis for DVT. The prevalence of DVT was studied using clinical symptoms and Doppler ultrasound. Chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Results: In the thigh-high stockings group, 11 patients (26.8%) and in the knee-high stockings group, 18 patients (38.3%) were affected by DVT during the study. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.25). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of DVT. Therefore, either knee-high or thigh-high stockings can be used as prophylaxis, depending on patients’ will, cost and ease of use