Demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics of maternity patients: a Canadian clinical cohort study.

Objective: To determine the demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics of a representative Canadian obstetrical population.

Design: A one-year cohort study of all maternity patients who were followed to delivery, using detailed patient questionnaires containing more than 60 demographic and clinical variables, and three microbiological evaluations during gestation - first trimester, 26 to 30 weeks, and labour and delivery. Outcome measurements included birth weight and gestational age.

Use of metformin for ovulation induction in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome with or without evidence of insulin resistance.

Objective: To determine whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and abnormal insulin levels treated with metformin had different rates of ovulation and pregnancy from women with PCOS and normal insulin levels.

Methods: The outcomes of treatment with metformin in 146 infertile women with PCOS were analyzed using a retrospective cohort study design. Baseline characteristics and initial blood work results were recorded.

A prospective cohort study of pregnancy risk factors and birth outcomes in Aboriginal women.

Background: Aboriginal women have been identified as having poorer pregnancy outcomes than other Canadian women, but information on risk factors and outcomes has been acquired mostly from retrospective databases. We compared prenatal risk factors and birth outcomes of First Nations and Métis women with those of other participants in a prospective study.

Methods: During the 12-month period from July 1994 to June 1995, we invited expectant mothers in all obstetric practices affiliated with a single teaching hospital in Edmonton to participate.