A comparison between induction of labor with 3 methods of titrated oral misoprostol, constant dose of oral misoprostol and Foley catheter with extra amniotic saline infusion (EASI), in women with unfavorable cervix.

Different methods of cervical ripening and induction of labor have been used in the cases of unfavorable cervix with different levels of success, but no method has been found to be the best option. The purpose of the present study was to find the effects and side effects of three different methods of cervical ripening and induction of labor. These three methods were oral titrated misoprostol, constant dose of oral misoprostol and Foley catheter with extra-amniotic saline infusion.

The effects of sequential use of oxytocin and sublingual nitroglycerin in the cases of retained placenta.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of adding sublingual nitroglycerin to oxytocin, for delivery of retained placenta after vaginal delivery.

Method: The study was performed as a placebo controlled clinical trial on women who did not finish delivering placenta after 30 min of active management of the third stage of labor. In case group, 1 mg nitroglycerin and in the control group, placebo was prescribed sublingually.

Evaluation of vaginal fluid β-human chorionic gonadotrophin for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate vaginal fluid β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) for the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Material And Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed on 123 pregnant women who were in the third trimester of their gestation (28-37 weeks). The patients were divided into three groups: (i) PPROM group (41 cases); (ii) suspected PPROM group (42 cases); and (iii) intact membranes control group (40 cases).

Value of serum urocortin concentration in the prediction of preterm birth.

Aim: Preterm delivery is a serious problem during pregnancy with remarkable neonatal adverse effects. Prediction of preterm delivery in women with preterm uterine contractions or signs of preterm labor is critical because if these women are identified they can be referred to tertiary centers. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of maternal serum urocortin concentration for predicting preterm delivery in women with signs of spontaneous preterm labor.

Risk factors for pre-eclampsia: a study in Tehran, Iran.

This study evaluated some risk factors for pre-eclampsia, which is one of the most problematic complications of pregnancy. This was a retrospective case control study conducted on 318 pre-eclamptic women (case group) and 318 women who were normotensive at the time of delivery as the control group. Evaluated factors were: maternal age, gestational age, nuliparity, mother's educational status, maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal hemoglobin and blood Rh, familial history of pre-eclampsia, history of pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy, marital relations, urinary infection (UTI) during the present pregnancy, season of delivery, and method of contraception.

Comparison of pregnancy outcome among nulliparas with and without microalbuminuria at the end of the second trimester.

Objective: To evaluate the rate of poor pregnancy outcome among nulliparas who had microalbuminuria at the end of the second trimester of their pregnancy.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed on 490 nulliparous women who were at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. Urine tests for albuminuria and creatinine measurements were performed in all women and the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated.

Evaluation of the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT or Kegel exercise) and assisted pelvic floor muscle training (APFMT) by a resistance device (Kegelmaster device) on the urinary incontinence in women: a randomized trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or Kegel exercise with and without assistance by a resistance device (Kegelmaster device) on the urinary incontinence in women.

Study Design: A randomized clinical trial was performed on 91 women with the complaint of urinary incontinence. In the assisted pelvic floor muscle training (APFMT) group (n=41), after complete training, Kegelmaster device were used twice daily for 15 min each session, for a total duration of 12 weeks.

Comparison of the efficacy and adverse effects of nifedipine and indomethacin for the treatment of preterm labor.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of nifedipine versus indomethacin in the treatment of preterm labor.

Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 79 women with labor pain at 26-33 weeks of gestation were treated with either oral nifedipine (n=40) or rectal indomethacin (n=39).

Results: Twenty-three (59%) women in the indomethacin group, and 10 (25%) in the nifedipine group did not respond to treatment (P=0.

Subcutaneous sterile water injection for labour pain: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: About 30% of women experience severe continuous low-back pain in labour, but limited options are available to reduce this pain especially in developing countries and remote areas.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous sterile water injection in reduction of labour pain compared with placebo.

Methods: One hundred (100) consecutive patients were enrolled in a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Association between lamellar body count and respiratory distress in neonates.

Objective: Assessment of fetal lung maturity by a simple and rapid test has a pivotal role in obstetric managements. Lack of modern laboratory techniques in our country made us investigate whether lamellar body count (LBC) can be applied efficiently in the evaluation of fetal lung maturity.

Methods: Lamellar body count was assessed in 104 unspun amniotic fluid samples taken from pregnant women admitted at Akbar Abadi Hospital, Tehran, Iran between May 2003 and November 2003 whose fetuses were at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).