Foramen Ovale Pulsatility Index as an Early Affected Doppler Study among Abnormal Growth Fetuses: A Recent Insight for Practice Based on a Prospective Study.

Background: Routine Doppler study is a common tool for early diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) patients. It aimed to determine the role of the Foramen Ovale Pulsatility Index (FOPI) study beside routine Doppler study among patients with FGR and SGA fetuses.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 35 FGR, 32 SGA, and 33 Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) fetuses.

Alteration in IFN-γ and CCL2 serum levels at first trimester of pregnancy contribute to development of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Objective: Pregnancy is a unique challenge for the immune system. Any disturbance in the immune system in the first trimester could result in further pregnancy complications. In this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of a group of cytokines in the first trimester of pregnancy with the onset of preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Effectiveness of pentoxifylline in severe early-onset fetal growth restriction: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial.

Objective: Management of pregnancy complicated by severe early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most challenging obstetrical issues. So far, there has not been a proven option for the treatment or improvement of this condition. Improper immune response during placentation leads to inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired utero-placental perfusion.

The effect of 150 and 80 mg doses of aspirin on preventing preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women.

Objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) is the common cause of neonatal mortality nationwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different doses of aspirin in preventing PTB in high-risk pregnant women. As secondary outcomes, other perinatal complications were compared.

Prenatal diagnosis of diphallia in association with bladder exstrophy: a case report.

Background: Penile duplication or diphallia is a rare congenital anomaly with unclear pathophysiological cause. Most cases of diphallia are reported postnatally; however, today with the use of a high-resolution ultrasound device, in-uterine diagnosis of many congenital anomalies is possible.

Case Presentation: Herein we report a multiparous mother at 25 weeks of gestation who referred due to an abnormal cystic structure protruding from a large abdominal wall defect located below the umbilicus that was noted during a routine exam.

Vaginal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin for success of termination in the second-trimester intrauterine fetal demise: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Aim: To compare the success rate of vaginal misoprostol versus intravenous (IV) oxytocin in termination of pregnancy in the second trimester intrauterine fetal death (IUFD).

Methods: This was an open-label randomized controlled study for 106 women with second trimester IUFD. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: women given vaginal misoprostol (400 mcg every 6 h up to 48 h) versus those given IV oxytocin (starting with 50 units up to a maximum of 300 units).

Diagnosis pitfall of interstitial pregnancy: a case report of a term pregnancy with abnormal placentation.

Background: Interstitial Pregnancy (IP) is a lethal condition due to high risk of sudden onset massive hemorrhage. Such conditions are managed as soon as diagnosed almost in the first trimester. There are a few case reports of IP conditions terminated after the second trimester.

Predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta growth factor for placenta accreta spectrum.

This study aimed to assess the maternal features, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placenta Growth Factor (PLGF) in the Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS); then, to determine a predictive value of VEGF and PLGF in the PAS. This prospective case-control study was conducted on 90 pregnant women including 45 PAS, and 45 Normal Placenta (NP). Maternal age, gravidity, C/S, and serum levels of VEGF and PLGF were assessed between NP and PAS, and among NP and PAS sub-groups, including Placenta Accreta (PA), Placenta Increta (PI), and Placenta Percreta (PP).

Prevalence of single umbilical artery, clinical outcomes and its risk factors: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Single umbilical artery (SUA) is found in 0.5-6% of all pregnancies worldwide. Although the association of SUA with some congenital malformations is mainly accepted, its effect on pregnancy/neonatal outcomes is still controversial.

A 5-year experience on perinatal outcome of placenta accreta spectrum disorder managed by cesarean hysterectomy in southern Iranian women.

Background: We aimed to investigate the risk factors of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder, management options and maternal and neonatal outcomes of these pregnancies in a resource-limited clinical setting.

Methods: All women diagnosed with placenta accreta, increta, and percreta who underwent peripartum hysterectomy using a multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary center in Shiraz, southern Iran between January 2015 until October 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Maternal variables, such as estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements and ICU admission, as well as neonatal variables such as, Apgar score, NICU admission and birthweight, were among the primary outcomes of this study.

The impact of betamethasone on fetal pulmonary, umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry and its relationship with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Background: Prenatal corticosteroid administration is known to be an effective strategy in improving fetal pulmonary maturity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal betamethasone administration on fetal pulmonary and other arteries Doppler velocity and the correlation between RDS development and Doppler indices results.

Methods: Fifty one singleton pregnancies between 26 and 34 gestational weeks with a diagnosis of preterm labor were included in the exposed group and received betamethasone.

The Novel Ultrasonographic Marker of Uterocervical Angle for Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The alteration of the uterocervical angle (UCA) has been proposed to play an important role in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the evidence on the UCA predictive role in sPTB. In this study, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar were systematically searched from inception up to June 2020.

Association of placental chorangiosis with pregnancy complication and prenatal outcome: a case-control study.

Background: Chorangiosis is a vascular change involving the terminal chorionic villi in the placenta. It results from longstanding, low-grade hypoxia in the placental tissue, and is associated with such conditions as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), diabetes, and gestational hypertension in pregnancy. Chorangiosis rarely occurs in normal pregnancies.

Episiotomy wound healing by Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. and Boswellia carteri Birdw. in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Traditional Persian medicine manuscripts refer to plants such as Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. (myrrh) and Boswellia carteri Birdw. (frankincense), which could be used to improve wound healing process.

Treatment of women's sexual dysfunction using Apium graveolens L. Fruit (celery seed): A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Traditional manuscripts refer to plants such as Apium graveolens L. Fruit (celery seed), which could be used to improve sexual function among women. Since that time, local herbal shops in Iran continue to provide this herb as a natural aphrodisiac product.

COVID-19 and maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality: a systematic review.

Objective: This is the first comprehensive review to focus on currently available evidence regarding maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality cases associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, up to July 2020.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases to identify any reported cases of maternal, fetal or neonatal mortality associated with COVID-19 infection. The references of relevant studies were also hand-searched.

The effect of aspirin on preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery among healthy pregnancies with a history of preeclampsia.

Background: Due to the significance of preeclampsia (PE) and its adverse outcomes in the health of both mother and newborn, the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of aspirin on preventing the occurrence of PE, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm delivery in women with a previous history of PE.

Methods: The present clinical trial was conducted on 90 pregnant women with a previous history of PE referred to the Khalij Fars Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province Iran from April 2017 to August 2018. The subjects of the study were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control to receive either 80 mg of aspirin or placebo daily during the pregnancy.

Obstetrics Healthcare Providers' Mental Health and Quality of Life During COVID-19 Pandemic: Multicenter Study from Eight Cities in Iran.

Background: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become the most challenging issue for healthcare organizations and governments all over the world. The lack of evidence-based data on the management of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy causes an additional stress for obstetrics healthcare providers (HCPs). Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate depression, perceived social support, and quality of life among obstetrics HCPs.

Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) affects anti-oxidant capacity, DNA repair genes expression and, apoptosis in pregnant mouse placenta.

Objectives: The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to embryo and removes waste products from embryo's blood. As far as we know, the effects of exposure to Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) signals on placenta have not been evaluated.

Patients' self-reported factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among HIV-positive women in low- and middle-income countries: An integrative review.

Cervical cancer is among the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the strong evidence regarding cervical cancer screening cost-effectiveness, its utilization remains low especially in high risk populations such as HIV-positive women. The aim of this review was to provide an overview on the patient-reported factors influencing cervical cancer screening uptake among HIV-positive women living in LMICs.

The effect of mother's β-thalassemia minor on placental histology and neonatal outcomes.

Objective: β-thalassemia is a prevalent disease in Iran. The adverse effects of anemia on placental and neonatal outcomes have previously been shown. Women require additional iron during pregnancy and the anemia of women with β-thalassemia may adversely affect the neonatal outcome and increase placental abnormalities.

Effect of Acupuncture on Pregnancy-Related Insomnia and Melatonin: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objective: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on sleep quality and overnight melatonin secretion, measured as urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, in pregnant women.

Patients And Methods: This randomized, parallel, single-blinded (participant), controlled trial was conducted on 72 pregnant women with insomnia. Study participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention, 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment over a 3-week period, or control group by block randomization (1:1).