Factors affecting Thai pregnant women's decisions concerning prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for β-thalassemia.

Aim: To investigate the factors influencing decisions concerning prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy for β-thalassemia in Thai pregnant women.

Methods: A total of 142 Thai Buddhist pregnant women waiting for PND were asked to undertake semi-structured interviews regarding their reasons for PND and their decisions and reasoning concerning pregnancy if the fetus was found to be affected. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic content approach.

Comparison of Mannequin Training Satisfaction with a Conventional Box Trainer and a Low-Fidelity Fetoscopic Surgical Simulator for Selective Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation.

Background: A low-fidelity fetoscopic surgical simulator (FSS) for training of selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) was developed.

Objective: To evaluate and compare training satisfaction with an FSS and with a conventional box trainer (BT).

Methods: The BT consisted of a cleaned human placenta attached to the inside of a plastic storage box with a watertight lock cover and an ultrasound-transparent rubber skin.

Psychological effects of fetal diagnoses of non-lethal congenital anomalies on the experience of pregnant women during the remainder of their pregnancy.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of prenatal fetal diagnoses of non-lethal anomalies on the psychological well-being of pregnant women throughout their pregnancy.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-five pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire (the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) to assess their anxiety levels at multiple follow-up visits. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 pregnant women after completion of the questionnaire.

A novel method to derive amniotic fluid stem cells for therapeutic purposes.

Background: Human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells have become an attractive stem cell source for medical therapy due to both their ability to propagate as stem cells and the lack of ethical debate that comes with the use of embryonic stem cells. Although techniques to derive stem cells from amniotic fluid are available, the techniques have limitations for clinical uses, including a requirement of long periods of time for stem cell production, population heterogeneity and xeno-contamination from using animal antibody-coated magnetic beads. Herein we describe a novel isolation method that fits for hAFS derivation for cell-based therapy.

Reverse twin-twin transfusion syndrome after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of chorionic anastomoses: a case report.

A case of severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) which developed at menstrual age of 17 weeks underwent a fetoscopic laser ablation of the anastomosing vessels. The vascular equator of the anastomoses was noticed to be deviated due to marginal cord insertion of the recipient fetus. The procedure was accomplished uneventfully.

Influence of water intake on the waiting time prior to gynecologic transabdominal ultrasound.

Objective: To investigate the effect of volume of water intake on the length of time before the bladder is sufficiently full prior to undergoing transabdominal ultrasound.

Methods: Ninety-three patients scheduled for transabdominal ultrasound were enrolled between November 2007 and April 2008 and randomly allocated to 3 study groups by volume of water intake: 300, 400, and 500 mL. The total waiting time was recorded when the bladder was sufficiently full to undergo transabdominal ultrasound.

Satisfaction of healthy pregnant women receiving short message service via mobile phone for prenatal support: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The main objective was to compare the satisfaction levels of antenatal care between healthy pregnant women who received short message service (SMS) via mobile phone for prenatal support, and those who did not. The second objective was to compare the confidence, anxiety levels and also pregnancy outcomes.

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Prevalence and associate factors for striae gravidarum.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associate factors for striae gravidarum in Thai pregnant women.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Material And Method: Two hundred and eighty women who gave first birth and were admitted to the postpartum wards in Siriraj Hospital were recruited.