Anemia during pregnancy and birth outcome: a meta-analysis.

To determine the relationship between maternal anemia [hemoglobin (Hgb) < 10-11 g/dL] and various birth outcomes, a meta-analysis was conducted based on published literature identified by MEDLINE and manual search from 1966 through 1999. Odds ratios (OR) from selected studies were pooled according to the gestational age at anemia diagnosis. The meta-analysis shows that maternal anemia during early pregnancy was associated with slightly increased preterm birth [pooled adjusted OR (aOR): 1.

Trial of labour after caesarean section in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a policy of trial of labour for women with a previous caesarean section, delivering in hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design: A meta-analysis of 17 published reports.

Setting: Hospitals located in sub-Saharan Africa.

Oxytocics in developing countries.

Objectives: A prospective multicenter study of obstetric practices was conducted in three developing countries (Benin, Congo and Senegal) to analyze oxytocic use during labor. One of the objectives was to assess the possible negative effects of the treatment regimens instituted during the labor monitoring phase.

Methods: Four health districts participated in the study.

IUD use and the risk of ectopic pregnancy: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Because of inconsistent findings among case-control studies on the relationship between IUD use and the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a meta-analysis of published literature was conducted. From 1977 through 1994, 19 publications regarding 16 studies of ectopic pregnancy and IUD use were found by MEDLINE and manual search. The odds ratio (ORs) of ectopic pregnancy with current and past IUD use in each study were pooled.

[Ignorance and misconceptions in the use of contraceptive methods].

Good knowledge of the available contraceptive methods ensures better acceptability, continuity and satisfaction, and lower failure rates of these methods. This paper describes an inquiry on the contraceptive knowledge in 114 women attending three Brussels family planning clinics. Misconceptions, beliefs in false rumors, and considerable insufficiencies in knowledge were detected.