Search

Background & Aim: Early detection of developmental delays is essential for designing and implementing appropriate and timely interventions for all children, particularly those facing challenges at birth, such as low birth weight and the need for admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the developmental test scores of low birth weight infants with a history of NICU hospitalization to those of normal weight infants at a corrected age of 18 months. Material & Methods: This case-control study was conducted with 100 children in 2021. The children in the case group were selected using a census method, while those in the control group were selected through a simple random method. Data were collected using a screening questionnaire focused on age and developmental stages. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26. Descriptive statistics were employed to description of the data, and the chi-square test was utilized to compare the percentage of developmental status across various areas based on demographic characteristics between the two groups, with a 95% confidence level. Results: According to the chi-square test, there was no significant difference between the two groups in children's development across the areas of communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem solving, and social personality. However, in the area of problem solving, underweight children scored significantly lower than overweight children (p = 0.001). The gender of the children was significantly related only to developmental disorders in the area of problem solving (p < 0.02). Additionally, there was no significant relationship between a history of ventilator use and any of the areas of the developmental assessment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that most developmental areas of underweight children fell within the normal range and did not differ significantly from their normal-weight peers. However, underweight children demonstrated significantly lower problem-solving skills. Additionally, gender significantly influenced developmental challenges in problem-solving, whereas a history of ventilator use had no impact on development. It is recommended to create and implement intervention programs aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills in underweight children, particularly among girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: An unintended pregnancy denotes a conception that occurs without prior planning or intention by the couple involved. The repercussions of such pregnancies can be substantial for both the mother and the child, potentially resulting in inadvertent neglect of fetal health and influencing the quality of caregiving behaviors. These factors may contribute to adverse outcomes, such as low birth weight. This research aims to assess the impact of unintended pregnancy on newborn anthropometric parameters within the marginal neighborhoods of Bandar Abbas. Materials and methods: This study is a component of a prospective cohort project involving pregnant women residing in marginalized areas of Bandar Abbas City in 2015. A total of 1351 participants were enrolled in the cohort project, with 825 individuals included in this investigation. Among these, 132 were categorized into the exposure group representing unintended pregnancies, while 693 comprised the non-exposure (control) group, based on the proportion of unintended pregnancies in the original dataset. Our study delineates the associations between birth weight, height, head circumference, and the primary exposure variable of maternal unintended pregnancy. Data collection on unintended pregnancy and potential confounding factors was conducted through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews during the initial cohort visit, coinciding with the women's pregnancies. Confounding variables pertinent to each outcome were rigorously evaluated utilizing a causal analysis approach, facilitated by the dagitty software, with data management performed using SPSS version 24. Univariate analysis involved the utilization of Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance to explore the relationships between anthropometric indices and individual characteristics. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis entailed the application of multiple linear regression techniques. Results: Among the total of 1351 pregnancies investigated, 219 (16.2%) were identified as unintended. The mean age of mothers experiencing unintended pregnancies was 29.23±6.49 years, compared to 26.98±5.31 years for those with intended pregnancies. For unintended pregnancies, the mean and standard deviation of birth weight, height, and head circumference were calculated as 3059.24±501.11 grams, 48.52±3.11 cm, and 33.80±2.22 cm, respectively. Conversely, for intended pregnancies, these measures were 3080±17.17 grams, 48.63±2.65 cm, and 33.82±1.92 cm, respectively. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between birth weight and maternal age (P=0.041, r=0.056), paternal age (P=0.008, r=0.073), and maternal BMI (P<0.001, r=0.159). Additionally, Statistically significant positive correlations were noted between maternal BMI and infant height (P=0.022, r=0.062), as well as birth head circumference (P<0.001, r=0.102). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no evidence of an association between unintended pregnancy and birth weight (95% CI: -91.3 to 58.3, b= -16.5), height (95% CI: - 0.47 to 47.0, b= 0.01), or head circumference (95% CI: -0.32 to 0.34, b= 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a lack of substantial evidence supporting a correlation between unintended pregnancy and covariates including low birth weight, short height, and low head circumference. The outcomes of research in this domain exhibit inconsistencies, potentially attributed to variations in study design, methodologies for confounding variable management, demographic disparities among study populations, and other pertinent factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a family-centered sensory and motor interactive activities program in enhancing the motor and developmental abilities of infants between the ages of 12 and 24 months who have a medical history of low birth weight. The design of the study was combined methods (qualitative and quantitative). The statistical population comprised infants between the ages of 12 and 24 months who had a documented history of low birth weight in Tehran in 2022. The study sample comprised twenty-eight infants, ranging in age from twelve to twenty-four months, whose mothers were selected using a readily available sampling method. The participants were allocated into two groups—experimental and control—at random. The Children's Developmental Screening Scale, third edition of Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ3TM) was utilized in both cohorts. Two sessions of the family-centered program for mothers and sixteen sessions for children in the experimental group were taken into account. The statistical analysis software SPSS version 26 was utilized to analyze the data. Initially, the descriptive analysis of the variables, the normality of the assumptions, and the equality of the variance of the variables in the groups were examined. Subsequently, univariate analysis of covariance was employed to examine the research hypotheses. The results of the covariance analysis demonstrated that the family-centered interactive activities program for sensory and motor development was effective. A significant difference has been observed between the experimental and control groups with regard to developmental skills between the pre-test and post-test (P

Background & aim: In the present day, with the improvement of clinical care, the number of cases of premature and low birth weight babies who survive has increased. This group of babies usually achieve compensatory and faster growth than the average growth for their age and gender in the first two years of life. Also, small for gestational age (SGA) babies often have low birth weight (less than 2500 grams). These babies usually achieve compensatory growth at 2-3 years old. But if they cannot achieve this rapid compensatory growth, they may need therapeutic interventions including growth hormone administration. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine and investigate growth indicators as an important health assessment criterion in 2-4-year-old children with a history of prematurity and low birth weight. Methods: The present retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2018-2019 on 96 children between 2 to 4 years of age who were born prematurely or with a low weight (less than 2500 grams). The hospitalization records of these children hospitalized at Hafez and Namazi hospitals of Shiraz were examined. Parents were invited to participate in the study through an online application. Growth indices including head circumference, height and weight were measured by a trained physician. Body mass index and Z-score were calculated for these indices and growth indices at birth were collected from their hospital records. The collected data were analyzed using t-test, chi-score and analysis of variance. Results: 96 children were included in the study, 12.5% of children were small for their gestational age at the time of birth, and at the time of evaluation in the present study. All participants had reached the appropriate height and head circumference for their age, but 5 (41.6%) children were underweight. 45 (46.9%) children had growth disorder at the time of examination, 31 (32.3%) children were referred for laboratory evaluation and 3 (3.1%) children were treated with growth hormone. In this study, 33 (34.4%) children were underweight and 4 (4.2%) were short, 38 (39.6%) had a low body mass index (less than 2SD). Conclusion: Premature and LBW infants need more attention for growth in follow-ups. Physicians should be aware of growth delay or arrest to do the best intervention at the time. They may need to refer to a pediatric endocrinology clinic at the proper time.

Introduction: The relationship between chronic apical periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic evidence of chronic apical periodontitis in mothers with low-birth-weight preterm births infants. Materials and Methods: eighty nine women in postpartum period were included in this case-control study. The case group consisted of mothers of low birth weight (less than 2500 grams , n= 30), and preterm(less than 37 weeks, n= 29) infants and the control group was represented by mothers of newborns at term (n = 30). The CAP diagnosis was performed by using periapical radiographs through the periapical index in postpartum period. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests and one way ANOVA.Results: The results of this study showed that 53.3% of the mothers in the control group, 55.2% in the preterm delivery group, and 53.3% in the low birth weight group had chronic apical periodontitis, and no statistically significant difference was observed among the three groups (P˃ 0.05).Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it seems that the presence of periapical lesions in mothers may not be a risk for the preterm and low birth weight infants.Key words: Premature birth, low birth weight, chronic apical periodontitis

Aim and Background: The prevalence of low birth weight is one of the important sanitary indices in evaluating the prenatal care all over the world. So, recognition of risky factor related to low birth weight can help prevent the occurrence of being low birth weight. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of positive intervention on reducing depression, anxiety and stress in mothers with Infant’s low birth weight. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted as pre-test and post-test with control group. Statistical population included all mothers with Infant’s low birth weight in the city of Dezful. From among these mothers, 30 mothers were randomly selected and put into the experimental and control groups of 15 persons each. The DASS-22 Scale was the instrument of this study. First, the pretest was conducted on the two groups. Then, the experimental group was exposed to an eight-session training of group schema therapy these sessions were weekly held in group. At the end, the post-test was applied on both groups. One-way analysis of variance was used for intergroup changes using SPSS version 25 software and a significance level of P

Background & Aims: Sepsis is the principal cause of death in the first months of life and leads to 30- 50% of infant mortality in developing countries (1). The prevalence of sepsis is reported differently in many countries. In developed countries, the prevalence of sepsis is 1-4 per 1,000 live births, while in poor and developing countries it is almost ten times higher (2). Neonatal sepsis leads to 25.2% of all neonatal deaths in Iran (3). The clinical signs of neonatal sepsis are nonspecific and may be mixed with noninfectious disorders such as aspiration syndrome and respiratory distress syndrome (4,5). The most important factor in reducing infant mortality from sepsis is appropriate and quick treatment (6). On the other hand, the clinical signs of affected infants, including decreased neonatal reflexes, bradycardia, hypo/hyperthermia, respiratory distress, seizures, weakness and lethargy, apnea, and abdominal distension, are not sensitive enough to definitively diagnose sepsis. Blood tests and immunological tests also have less sensitive and specific compared to blood culture (7). Since sepsis is one of the most important causes of mortality and disability in the neonatal stage, with early diagnosis and treatment of the disease and improving the quality of care during delivery, neonatal survival can be increased, the clinical signs, predisposing factors, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of neonates with the diagnosis of sepsis who admitted to Afzalipour hospital in Kerman were evaluated. Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The statistical population was all infants admitted to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman from 2015 to 2017.The sample size was determined with the census method (sample size = 200 infants). Infants with Complete Blood Count (CBC), arterial gas measurement, C Reactive Protein (CRP), blood and urine cultures, and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were included in the present study. All neonates with a diagnosis other than sepsis were excluded from the study. Based on clinical and laboratory findings, neonates were classified into three groups: 1- Infants who had positive blood culture sepsis in addition to clinical and laboratory findings. 2- Neonates who had only laboratory and clinical findings of sepsis but their blood culture was negative. 3- Infants who had clinical signs of sepsis but were negative for laboratory findings and blood culture. All infants were treated with antibiotics immediately after the tests. Clinical and laboratory findings as well as the type of antibiotic and maternal and neonatal risk factors were collected using a checklist. Outcomes of treatment were expressed as improvement and discharge, complications, and death. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 (version 25, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Quantitative data were presented as Mean ± SD (standard deviation) and frequency and percentage. Results: The highest age of infants was related to the birth group (91%). 59.5% of infants were male and 40.5% were female. The mean duration of admission was 9.76. 1.05 days. The most common clinical signs were tachypnea (74%), poor nutrition (36%), apnea (32%), and hypo/hyperthermia (25%) respectively. The results showed that 91.5% of participants used ampicillin, 93% of them gentamicin, 84% of them used vancomycin, 52% of them used meropenem, 18.5% of them used metronidazole, 19.5% of them used amikacin, 18 % of them took cefotaxime, 19% of them used fluconazole, 1% of them used clindamycin and 1.5% of them used ceftazidime Regarding the frequency distribution of risk factors, the results showed that 23.5% of participants had PROM (Premature rupture of Membrane), 11 % had maternal urinary tract infection, 12 % had maternal fever and 91.5% had low birth weight. The results showed that the mortality rate for participants was 78% and the rate of discharge and recovery was 22%. The results showed that the mean number of white blood cells was 16.468 ± 0.103 × و 103 and the mean CRP of the participants was 22.6 ± 2.8. The results of this study also showed that 14.5% of participants had positive blood cultures and 85.5% of them had negative blood cultures. Conclusion: Systemic and local infections are very common in infants. Sepsis is a systemic response to infection and is divided into early, late and nosocomial types (17). The results showed that 59.5% of the participants who had early sepsis were male and 40.5% of them were female, which is consistent with the results of Khalili et al. (13). While in the textbooks, the incidence of male infants is twice as high as female infants (18). In the study of Arab Mohammadi et al., 60% of patients were boys and 40% were girls. In this study, the most common clinical symptoms were tachypnea (74%), hypo/hyperthermia (25%), and tachycardia (5%), respectively, which is consistent with the results of Hengst et al. (10) while it is not similar to the results of Khalili et al. (13), Santana et al. (9) and Vergnano et al. (14). In other textbooks, the most common clinical symptoms are fever, jaundice, respiratory distress, hepatomegaly, anorexia, vomiting, and cyanosis (19). In the study of Shiva et al. (20), a total of three symptoms of tachycardia, tachypnea, hypothermia had a sensitivity of 53.6% and a specificity of 100% in identifying sepsis with positive blood culture. In the study of Arab Mohammadi et al. (21), hyperthermia, jaundice, respiratory distress, hepatomegaly, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, and cyanosis were reported as the most common symptoms of sepsis. Investigation of 500 infants suspected of sepsis, temperature instability, and respiratory symptoms were the most common symptoms. The results showed that 14.5% of the participants had positive blood cultures and 85.5% of them had negative blood cultures. This rate (positive blood culture) was 15.4% for the study of Khan et al (22). This rate was 14% in the study of Manucha et al. (23) in India. The reason for the lack of positive blood culture is neonatal SEPSIS is one of the diseases in which the actual number of cases is much less than the number of suspected cases and laboratory-related problems also play an important role in this results (24). The prevalence of sepsis with positive blood culture has been reported in the study of Shiva et al. 25% (20), Samaei et al. 41% (25), and Hosseini et al. The results showed that the mean CRP of the participants in our study was 22.6. 2.8. According to textbooks, if CRP is performed in combination with other tests, it is effective in screening for sepsis, but if used alone as a primary test to look for infection, it helps in less than 10% of definite diagnoses (26, 27). CRP sensitivity has been reported from 46 to 74% in various studies (28). In the meta-analyzes about this subject, the first time CRP sensitivity was 39%, CPR specificity was 92.5%, positive predictive value was 53.2% and negative predictive value was 93.6%. Therefore, it seems that the serum level of CRP for the first time at the time of admission in infants suspected of early neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has no value in determining sensitivity (29). In the study by Zecca et al, the negative predictive value of CRP was 100% (30 %). A study by Cetinkaya et al on 100 infants suspected of having early neonatal sepsis showed that the diagnostic power of CRP increased over time and peaked 24 to 48 hours after the onset of sepsis, which is consistent with our study (31). Therefore, if serum CRP levels remain negative 24 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms, the high negative predictive value is 99%, and antibiotic therapy can be discontinued in the absence of strong clinical suspicion of sepsis (32). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Various factors, such as proper nutrition of the mother, affect the health of the mother and fetus. Weight gain of the mother during pregnancy is one of the valid criteria to evaluate her nutritional status. Considering that low birth weight babies are more at risk of death due to their special conditions, the present study was conducted aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and maternal weight gain during pregnancy with neonates' birth weight.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the information of all babies born in Fariman city in 2020 (n=2026) along with their mothers was collected through the Sina's electronic health record (Nutrition review form and breastfeeding consultation form, newborn care form and prenatal care form) and an organized interview, demographic information and weight, birth height, weight, mother's height at the beginning of pregnancy and at the end of pregnancy, mother's BMI, type of delivery, and pregnancy history were collected. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software (version 22) and Chi-square, Fisher and Mann-Whitney tests. P

Introduction: One of the major problems in the field of obstetrics and gynecology is the issue of low birth weight and its outcomes. Since knowing the determinants of low birth weight in each region can help to design the interventions to reduce it, so, the present study was conducted aimed to determine the frequency of Low Birth Weight (LBW) and some related factors in Khodabandeh township.Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the needed information regarding demographic characteristics and history of pregnancy and childbirth of mothers were extracted from 936 records of deliveries performed in the first three months of 2019 from CIB System. Twenty-one records were excluded due to missed information. Data of 916 records was entered into SPSS statistical software (version 26) and was analyzed by Chi-square, Independent t-test and multiple logistic regression. P

Background and Objectives: Studies have shown that high levels of perceived stress during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preterm labour, low birth weight, and other complications. In this regard and also considering the role of education in reducing maternal anxiety and stress, the present study was designed and conducted in the primiparous mothers. Materials and Methods:: The present study is a quasi-experimental study with a control group. Participants include primiparous pregnant women in Ilam in 1398. Sampling was done by random cluster sampling. Cohen’s perceived valid stress questionnaire was used to collect data. To analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistical indices including analysis of variance, independent t-test and paired t-test were calculated using SPSS software. Results: The findings of an analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference between the perceived stress of pre-test to post-test (F-29.606 P-value = 0.007) and post-test to follow-up (F-62.502 P-value=019). Also, the results of paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference in perceived stress in the intervention group (P-value ≤ 0.05). The results of the present study did not show a statistically significant relationship between demographic variables and perceived stress (P_value≥0.05. Conclusion: The present study showed the effect of e-learning on reducing perceived stress in primiparous women. Therefore, this method of education is recommended as a useful method, without time and space restrictions to improve the attitude, awareness and practice of mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Zinc deficiency has been suggested as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since dealing with zinc deficiency is an easy and inexpensive method, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and zinc concentration of amniotic fluid and maternal plasma in the second trimester and biomarkers of the first and second trimester. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 102 pregnant mothers who were candidates for amniocentesis in Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan in 2018 through convenience sampling. Women with normal amniocentesis results were followed up until delivery in terms of adverse pregnancy outcomes (incidence of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, premature delivery, fetal death, and low birth weight) and were divided into two groups with adverse pregnancy outcomes (first group) and without adverse pregnancy outcomes (second group) and were compared in terms of zinc concentration in plasma and amniotic fluid. Findings: The concentration of zinc in the plasma of the mothers of the first group (59.53±15.88 µg/dl) was significantly lower than that of the mothers of the second group (71.44±19.25 µg/dl) (p=0.02). However, there was no significant difference in the concentration of zinc in the amniotic fluid of the two study groups. In this study, the best cutoff point to determine people at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was determined to be 60.5 µg/dl. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, there seems to be a relationship between low zinc concentration of plasma in pregnant women and adverse outcomes.

Background: one of the leading clinical problems for premature neonates especially with very low birth weight is the type and amount of feeding. The authors aimed to compare outcomes of slow versus rapid feeding in premature neonates hospitalized in Al-Zahra hospital, Rasht. Methods: This is a clinical trial that was conducted on 62 premature neonates aged less than 35 weeks of gestation who were referred to Al-Zahra Hospital from April 2015 to April 2016. They weighed 1000-2000 gr at birth. Samples were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention included neonatal feeding with breast milk or formula with feeding advancement of 30 cc/kg/day which was compared with the routine method of slow feeding (20 cc/kg/day). Neonates were assessed until discharge or the occurrence of Necrotizing enterocolitis. Data were reported by descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percent, and analyzed by independent samples t-test and chi-square test in SPSS software, version 22 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: All 62 patients finished the study including 31 neonates weighing 1000-2000 gr at birth in the intervention group and 31 neonates weighing 1000-2000 gr at birth in the control group. Neonates in the intervention group reached to full milk feeding of 150 cc/kg/day sooner (6.06±1.34 versus 9.45±2.39), return to birth weight faster (9.89±3.57 versus 12.9±6.46), had a lower duration of needing parenteral fluids (5.10±1.61 versus 8.86±3.81), and had a lower duration of hospitalization (9.97±4.03 versus 16.87±9.13) compared to controls. Results showed that there was no necrotizing enterocolitis in the intervention and control groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that initiating feeding by 30 cc/kg/day method shortened the duration of access to intravenous line and hospitalization and caused sooner discharge. Also, no adverse complication was noted. Therefore, it seems that further investigations assessing these methods can be help manage preterm neonates.

Background and Objectives: Pre-natal mental health problems are major causes of disease burden, especially in lower socio-economic groups of population. The present study used data of a prospective cohort study to estimate the risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress, on birth weight. Materials and Methods: This study used data of 398 pregnant women who were participants of the Bandar Abbas Pregnancy Cohort Study (BAPC) during 2017-2020. Data of depression, anxiety, and stress were collected using DASS-21items questionnaire in pregnancy. Low Birth Weight (LBW), as birthwieght below 2500 grams, was calculated according to infant`s vaccination log. Modified Poisson regression models with logarithm link function and significance level of 5% were applied to estimate the effect of depression, anxiety and stress on LBW. Results: Compared to the subjects without mental health problems, the risk of LBW increased by 8.03 times in the severe depression (95% CIs: 5.55-11.62), by 8.06 times in the moderate stress (95% CIs: 5.64-11.51), by 3.13 times in the severe anxiety (95% CIs: 1.18-8.31), and by 8.43 in the highly severe anxiety (95% CIs: 5.80-12.25). Conclusions: Severe and moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress all had statistically significant effects on LBW. Pre-natal screening services can help mitigate the burden of mental health by timely detection and referral. Moreover, designing and implementing consultation programs for pregnant women and their fsmilies, expecially their spouses, to provide emotional support and to improve marital relationship are amongst the suggestions.

Background & objectives: Low birth weight is considered one of the most serious health problems in the world that puts tremendous pressure on the health care system and family. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between some maternal risk factors and low birth weight. Methods: The present study was a cross- sectional study performed on 264 cases. The data gathering tool was a checklist with two parts to compare two groups in this research. The first part was related to the infant's characteristics (sex, weight, and gestational age of the newborn), and the second part related to maternal characteristics. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Inferential statistics including Mann–Whitney u, chi-square, fisher exact test and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between the variables. Results: In this study, the level of education was lower in mothers with term low birth weight neonates (p=0.024), also normal delivery was reported more frequently among mothers with low birth weight infants (p=0.0001). Also, the mean BMI and the weight at the beginning of pregnancy and overweight in mothers with term neonates and normal weight were greater (p=0.0001, in all). The first minute Apgar score and the fifth minute Apgar score were lower in mothers with low-birth term infants (p=0.002 and p=0.0001). Also distinguished that the gestational age (week) was lower in mothers with low-birth term infants (p=0.0001). Conclusion: According to the results, increasing progress the pregnancy per week makes it possible to increase the normal weight of newborns by 3.11%.

Background and Aim: Pregnancy is a critical period for the offspring’s metabolic development. Nutrition during pregnancy due to its role in the development of mental and physical abilities in infants is important .The current study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and its outcomes in infants in Urmia city. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 410 pregnant women referred to health centers in Uremia were selected by cluster random sampling. Food information was collected using the validated 147-items Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The demographic information of mothers was collected by interview. Factor analysis was used to identify the major dietary patterns. Results: In this study, three main dietary patterns were identified and named the first, second, and third groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Preterm Birth (PTB) increased with adherence to the first dietary pattern (LBW: OR = 1.15, PTB: OR=1.05), while the risk of Small for Gestational Age (SGA), (OR=0.89), and Large for Gestational Age (LGA), (OR = 0.8) decreased in this pattern. The second dietary pattern was inversely associated with LBW (OR = 0.73) and LGA (OR = 0.83), While it was positively associated with PTB (OR = 1.26) and SGA (OR = 1.04). The third dietary pattern was inversely associated with all the above outcomes and this difference was significant for LGA (OR=0.68). Conclusion: The present study showed a relationship between LBW, SGA, PTB, LGA indices, and maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy. Prospective studies have been suggested to confirm these findings.

Objective (s): Perceived social support is considered to be an important predictor of health outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and delivery outcomes among pregnant women with low socio-economic status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran. Through cluster sampling, nine hospitals randomly were selected in five regions of Tehran including north, south, east, west, and city center. A sample of pregnant women with low socio-economic status receiving care was recruited. Data were collected by a validated questionnaire. Results: In all 400 pregnant women were studied. Of these 53.5% percent scored low in perceived social support. There was a significant relationship between perceived social support (p= 0.04) and perceived social support from family (p= 0.03) with gestational age at the time of delivery. Need for NICU care was higher in neonates born to mothers with lower perceived social support score (P = 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicated that pregnant women with low socioeconomic background received lower social support. In addition prenatal social support was associated with gestational age at the time of delivery and need for NICU care for newborns. Further research is needed to determine the effect of social support on other aspects of maternal and neonatal health.

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is a very sensitive and useful index for child's health. Therefore, evaluation of the related risk factors is very noticeable. So, this study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between maternal cardiovascular diseases risk factors and low birth weight risk in neonates. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2018 on 250 newborn infants, of which 125 with low birth weight were considered as case group and 125 with normal weight as control group. They were randomly selected from eligible individuals. Data were analyzed by statistical tests including crosstab, t-test, Chi-square and logistic regression with regard to error less than α = 0.05. Results: Some risk factors of maternal cardiovascular diseases including physical inactivity (P = 0.007), exposure to smoke and tobacco (P = 0.005), triglyceride (P = 0.008), cholesterol (P = 0.028), salt intake (P = 0.004), inadequate consumption of fruit (P = 0.05), inadequate consumption of vegetables (P = 0.03), and consumption of fast food and drinks (P = 0.01) had significant relationship with LBW in neonates. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, some maternal risk factors of cardiovascular diseases such as exposure to tobacco smoke and smoking, salt intake, fast food and drinks, lack of fruits and vegetables consumption, lack of activity and high levels of triglyceride can be considered as risk factors for LBW.

Background: Attentions have recently been paid to the effects of contact with lead (Pb) and blood lead levels (BLL) on prenatal complications. Given the high prevalence of preterm labor and its following neonatal complications, this study aimed to evaluate the BLL in pregnant mothers and its relation with preterm labor. Methods: Throughout a cross-sectional analytical descriptive study, 63 women with preterm labor and 63 cases with term labor participated. A blood sample was obtained from each mother by the same nurse and BLLs were compared between the two groups. Other collected data included mother’s age and sex, and neonates’ head circumference, height, and weight. Findings: Newborns in term and preterm groups weighed 2009.80 ± 70.1 and 3239.44 ± 35.80 grams respectively; their mean height was 50.46 ± 0.10 and 44.00 ± 0.40 cm, and their mean head circumference was 34.47 ± 0.1 and 31.49 ± 0.30 cm, respectively. The mean BLL of mothers in term and preterm newborns was 2.05 ± 0.10 and 3.01 ± 0.1 μg/dl, respectively (P = 0.04). Conclusion: BLL in mothers with preterm labor was significantly higher than in mothers with preterm labor.

Background and Objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an evolutionary disorder in the retina of premature infants. Nowadays, the prevalence rate of retinopathy has increased due to the advancement of medical facilities and the increased survival of preterm infants. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of ROP and its related risk factors among infants admitted to and examined at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) affiliated to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all premature infants selected with census sampling methods and with a gestational age of fewer than 34 weeks who were hospitalized in NICU for four weeks or more. The premature infants were investigated regarding the incidence of retinopathy and its risk factors. Results: Out of 80 neonates under study, 24 (30%) cases suffered from ROP, of which 16 and 8 neonates were in stage I and II of ROP, respectively. Moreover, the mean gestational age of newborns was 29.71±2.16 weeks, and more than 75% of ROP were observed in neonates under 29 weekschr('39') gestational age. In addition, the results revealed that ROP correlated significantly with gestational age, low birth weight, 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores, the need to resuscitation, the use of inotropic drugs, and duration of oxygen therapy. However, there was a significant relationship between low birth weight and retinopathy based on the results obtained from logistic regression. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of ROP stands on average regarding the results obtained from Iranian and foreign published data. Among the independent variables that affect retinopathy, low birth weight was the only significant variable affecting the incidence of retinopathy.

Background: Neonatal mortality is accounted for significant percentage of under 5 year old mortality rate. In spite of decline in child mortality rate and with huge progress in the field of neonatal medicine, neonatal and specially early neonatal death are one of the important causes of infant mortality rate so evaluating the causes of neonatal death and specially early neonatal death is very important in every geographic area .Therefore we decided to evaluate the early neonatal mortality rate and find out their etiologies in one of the referral hospital in Tehran. Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study which had been done In neonatal ward and neonatal intensive care unit of Shariati hospital during 8 years. All neonates who were born in this time period and expired within first week of life were evaluated for causes and time of death .registered information were analyzed. Results: 2050 neonates were born and 189 early neonatal death were recorded. More than half of dead neonates were under 2500 gram weight at birth and the most prevalent cause of death were respiratory diseases and then congenital anomalies. Conclusion: Because the most important cause of early neonatal death was low birth weight, maternal support during pregnancy and appropriate monitoring of fetal weight and health play an important role in declining neonatal mortality .Proper intervention for treatment of neonatal respiratory diseases will decrease neonatal death.

Introduction: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neuro-behavioral syndrome that is characterized by a lack of attention, irritability, high activity, distressed behaviors, especially in boys. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was conducted on 120 children aged 6 years. 60 children with low birth weight (less than 2500 g) as exposed group and 60 children with birth weight more than 3000 g as non-cohort Exposure to information collection was collected through a questionnaire distributed to families. At the end of the study, the relative frequency of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders in low birth weight children was investigated Results: The relative frequency of composite ADHD in the exposed group was 26/7% and in the non-exposed group was 18/3% (P-value: 0/274). The mean ADHD of the compound type in the exposure group was 5/060 and in the non-exposed group was 3/400 (P value: 0/033). In this study, the relative frequency of composite ADHD in terms of sex, feeding during infancy and birth was considered. The results showed that the p value was not significantly different, but probably not due to the quantitative size of the sample. Conclusion: Relative frequency of composite ADHD in children with low birth weight was 26/7%, but this level was not statistically significant, ie, ADHD is not associated with low birth weight. But in terms of medicine, this relative frequency is almost 1/5 times higher than the non-exposed group.

Background: Since Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness, the identification of contributed risk factors is crucial. In recent years, great attention has been paid to maternal factors. The reason is that maternal factors can directly affect fetus via intrauterine hypoxia. However, the results of this studies are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal factors on the development of ROP. Methods: In a prospective study, 150 premature infants with the gestational age of less than 32 weeks and birth weight of less than 1500 grams were examined. They divided into two groups based on ophthalmologic examination; those with ROP and those without ROP. Variables of study including maternal age, injection of corticosteroid in the last week of pregnancy, history of maternal diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, hypertension, anemia, thyroid, renal, cardiovascular and rheumatologic diseases were compared between groups. Results: Forty-seven infants (31.33 %) had ROP. The mean age of gestational age was 27.89 weeks in ROP group and 29.06 weeks in non-ROP group. The mean birth weight was 1180.53 grams in ROP group and 1079.44 grams in non-ROP group. There were no statistically important differences regarding to maternal factors between two groups. Conclusion: The above mentioned maternal factors have no effect on the development of ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Iodine therapy after surgery is the gold standard treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. It is important to evaluate the effect of this treatment on future pregnancies of women who received iodine therapy. This review article was performed with aim to evaluate the pregnancy complications in patients who received iodine therapy with diagnosis of DTC. Methods: In this nonsystematic explanatory review article, three medical databases including ISI Web of Knowledge, Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched for related articles with the keywords of: thyroid AND (carcinoma OR cancer OR neoplasm) AND (iodine OR 131 OR radioiodine) AND (pregnan* OR labor OR parity OR gravid*). The English articles which published from 1950 were searched. Review articles, case reports and cross-sectional studies were excluded. Finally 7 articles included in the review. Results: Based on the 7 relevant studies, intrauterine fetal death, preterm labor, congenital malformation, low birth weight and neonatal death at first year of birth were similar in the studied groups. However, the differences between the studied groups in some studies were related to total number of abortions, induced abortions and lower incidence of live birth. Conclusion: The risk of pregnancy complications is not higher in women who received iodine therapy. The lower incidence of live birth and higher incidence of induced abortion in some studies can be related to mental and psychological effect of fear of iodine therapy impact on pregnancy in patient, physician, or the people around her.

Background and Aim: Primary experience of intrauterine period is the essential basis of the life for the embryo. Therefore paying attention to it can lead to reduced health inequities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with low birth weight in Iran Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on the studies conducted in Iran. We searched seven databases (Iranmedex, Magiran, SID, Irandoc, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus) by using keywords of social determinants of health, low birth weight and equivalents of them to find relevant articles published between 2000 and 2016. Data from relevant studies were extracted by two persons separately and evaluated by using the Stroop checklist. After extracting the required data, they were combined using a random model and the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated by the I2 index. STATA-11 software was used for data analysis. Result: Thirty articles were analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The sample size included 42142 people. The overall odds ratios for the relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with LBW were estimated as 1.52 (1.24%-1.85: %95 CI) and 2.24 (1.85%-2.71: %95 CI) respectively. Conclusion: Considering the importance of low birth weight in the health of newborns, basic measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of this problem by identification of its risk factors and people at risk, improvement of living standards and regular prenatal care, counseling before pregnancy and improvement of the nutritional status of pregnant women. Keywords: Low birth weight, Pregnancy outcome, Social determinants of health, Meta –analysis. Received: May 13, 2017 Accepted: Apr 9, 2018

Background and Aim: Since birth weight is one of the most important health indicators, we decided to investigate the factors related to the low birth weight (LBW) of the infants in the south of Kerman Province. Material and Method: This case-control study included 300 cases of neonates in Jiroft City. 150 neonates with low birth weight (less than 2500 g) were placed in the case group and our control group included 150 neonates with normal birth weights. Data were extracted from the health documents of the neonates and categorized into four groups including demographic data of the parents, pregnancy data, parental risk behaviors and infant characteristics. Using SPSS software version 20, data were analyzed by single and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Single-variable regression analysis showed the possibility of having LBW neonate was higher in the mothers over 35 years of age, or with a history of illness, smoking and drug abuse compared to the neonates in other groups. Also, poor care, old age of fathers and high maternal weight were associated with an increased rate of LBW. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant difference between all the above - mentioned variables except the age of the fathers, in relation to LBW of the neonates. In addition, low birth weight was more likely in the babies born through cesarean section and neonates born to the mothers with high school diploma compared to the neonates in other groups. Conclusion: Prevention of pregnancy at an older age, motherschr('39') education about avoiding drug use and smoking, as well as prenatal care are suitable measures for prevention of LBW. Keywords: Low birth weight, Pregnancy, Birth weight, Risk factor. Received: Oct 24, 2017 Accepted: Apr 9, 2018

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) (

Background and Objectives: Low birth weight is one of the most widespread public health problems associated with high infant mortality. This study aimed to identify maternal risk factors affecting low birth weight neonates in Rafsanjan hospitals. Materials and Methods: This case-control study consisted of 120 low birth weight infants (less than 2500 grams) as the case group and 120 normal weight infants (2500 grams and more) as controls in 2018. The data were collected by a randomized checklist from the records of the delivery mothers in the hospitals of Rafsanjan and were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test and logistic regression. Results: According to the results of the tests, the number of prenatal care and gestational age at birth was lower in the case group than in the control group, but the history of low birth weight was higher in the case group. Logistic regression for the history of low birth weight (OR=4.196, p=0.008) in the case group was more than the control and mean birth interval (OR=0.992, p=0.036) and gestational age at birth delivery (p<0.001, OR=0.61) was lower in the case group than in the control group. Conclusion: Findings showed that low number of prenatal care, having low birth weight, preterm delivery, and low birth interval have a role in low birth weight. Therefore, increasing pregnancy care coverage and paying attention to mothers who have low birth weight and preterm birth and increasing the interval between births can decrease low birth weight infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal age during pregnancy and maternal hematological parameters and anthropometric status in neonatal. Subjects and Methods: In this study, 32 mothers aged 35 years and older (case group) and 292 mothers aged 20-35 years (control group) were examined. Maternal age and hematologic parameters were evaluated before delivery. The weight, height and head circumference were measured in infants. The relationship between prenatal age of mothers and infant’s anthropometric indices were calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The comparison between the two groups showed no significant difference in the type of delivery, history of abortion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hematological parameters. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the sex, weight, head circumference and height of the infants. A significant negative correlation was observed between prenatal age of mothers with the number of monocyte (Mid) cells (P <0.05), number of red blood cells (P<0.05), number of white blood cells, and granulocytes (P<0.001) in mothers. Also, a significant correlation was observed between the prenatal age of mothers with number of low birth weight (LBW) (Positively, P<0.01), weight (Negatively, P<0.01), head circumference (Negatively, P<0.001) of infants. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the number of infants with LBW increases with increasing mother's age. Also, maternal age can have significant associate with some maternal hematological parameters and the anthropometric indices of infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Weight is the most important growth factor in newborns and perceived self-efficacy is known as an effective factor weigh gaining. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mother's infant massage on neonatal weight and perceived self-efficacy of mothers with low birth weight infants. Materials and Methods: 80 infants were divided into intervention and control groups in this qusiexperimental study in neonatal intensive care unit. 40 low-birth weight infants received massage by their mother for 60 days, 15 minutes a day, and only normal care was taken in the control group. At the end of the study, weight gain and selfefficacy scores were analyzed standard statisctical methods. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the mean weight changes in the intervention group (2120.88± 385.26) and control (1760.88 ± 220.31) at the tenth day of birth and two months (P = 0.001). The results of independent t-test showed a significant increase in self-efficacy scores and its dimensions in the two intervention groups compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Low-birth-weight infant massage improves weight gain and promotes perceived self-efficacy in mothers. Due to the low cost of this method, it is suggested to teach massage techniques as one of the essential training during discharge in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnancy is one of the most common background factors of sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can cause physical and psychological problems in pregnant women and may also cause some problems for fetus. This study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between sleep disorders during pregnancy with premature labor and low birth weight (LBW). Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was performed in 2012 on 400 pregnant women at third trimester who continuously referred to the Ganjavian hospital in Dezful. Data collection tools were the questionnaire of demographic and obstetrics information and the standard questionnaires of Intensity Sleepiness Index, Sleepiness Scale, Pitisburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 19) and Chi-square test. P

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation in children and should be diagnosed and treated at the earliest time. The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism is high in preterm infants with low and very low birth weight. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases to 19 April 2014. We did not consider any time limitation; English-language papers were included. Irrelevant studies were set aside after studying their title, abstract, and full text. Two reviewers extracted the data; besides, the third reviewer checked their extracted data. In final, the data extracted from related studies. Findings: Normal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at third to sixth days of birth in low- and very-low-birth-weight preterm infants did not indicate normal thyroid function. In addition, TSH level of more than 10 mIu/l at the second week of the birth did not have a diagnostic value. A TSH level of 10-15 mIu/l, after a normal TSH value, posed the diagnosis of hypothyroidism with delayed TSH rise. Serum levels of free-T4 (FT4) and T4 would be normal at 2 to 8 weeks after the birth. Conclusion: It is recommended to repeat the screening of preterm newborns with low and very low birth weight by measuring TSH and FT4 levels simultaneously at two, six and ten weeks after the birth; the threshold of TSH = 10 mIu/l should be considered to select positive and suspected cases of the disease.

Background and Objective: Neonatal mortality rate is one of the most important health criteria, worldwide. Understanding the major neonatal mortality causes will help to plan for better pregnancy, prenatal and neonatal care systems. This study was conducted to determine the neonatal mortality risk factors in Maraveh Tapeh County in Golestan province, north of Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, according to either death or live in 28th day after birth, 52 neonates were considered as case group and 201 neonates were considered as control group. Data collection questionnair were adjusted and completed for each neonate. Results: Neonatal mortality rate was 11.76, 13.36 and 6.46 per 1000 live birth in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Five main causes of death were prematurity, events, birth defect, respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis, respectively. There was a significant relation between death and prematurity, birth weight and gender (P

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy in low age has been proposed as one of the important factors causing risks and adverse outcomes. One of these complications is low birth weight (LBW), which is an important health indicator in any countries. In this study, texts related to Environmental and Biological Factors Influencing Infant’s Low Birth Weight in teenage mothers was reviewed. Methods: In the present study, articles indexed in the databases Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, were used. Results: In the present study, a total of 22 articles related to teenage pregnancy and low birth weight were studied. Also, all factors influencing infants’ low birth weight in teenegers were evaluated in the areas of biological and environmental factors. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that environmental and biological parameters are factors influencing low birth weight in teenage pregnancy. Thus, to reduce social problem of low birth weight and to improve this indicator in both environmental and biological issues, health intervention is necessary.

Abstract Background: Birthweight less than 2500 grams is the major indicators of neonatal and infant health. The studies on animals show that copper and zinc deficiency in pregnancy is associated with fetal growth and congenital abnormalities. Therefore, our study was conducted to evaluate the role of these two elements on human embryos. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, cord blood of all infants born in Nik-Nafs Maternity of Rafsanjan was Collected for 1 year. Then, serum was separated and saved. In total, 64 samples including 9 infants with congenital anomalies, 21 infants with a weight equal to or less than 2500 grams and 34 healthy infants were selected randomly as control group. The level of copper and zinc in cord boold was measured by the spectrophotometric method and data analysis was carried out by SPSS 17 Software and statistical methods involving Chi-square, T-test and analysis of variznce. Results: No significant relation was shown between the levels of copper and zinc withbirth weight and congenital abnormalities. Also, there was not any significant correlation between these two teo elements and some pregnancy risk factors such as type of delivery, premature rupture of membrane, placental decolman, placental previa, preeclampsia, gravidity, height, head circumference and Apgar scores. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the levels of copper and zinc in cord blood are not associated with incidence of low birth weight, congenital malformations and pregnancy risk factors.

Background and Objective: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most important problems in the world. Many morbidity are more prevalent in LBW included in attention deficit and hyper activity disorder (ADHD). This study was done to find the Relation between low birth weight with attention deficit and hyper activity disorder in children. Methods: This historical cohort study was done on 226 rural children in Yazd province, central area of Iran. ADHD symptoms were evaluated in LBW and NBW using DSM-IV criteria. Results: Frequency of ADHD was 22.8% in LBW and 12.5% in NBW (P

Background: Birth weight is probably the most important factor affecting neonatal mortality and morbidity. Compared with normal weight infants, low-birth-weight (LBW) infants may be more at risk for many health problems. The prediction of low birth weight is important as it may cause mental and physical health problems in childhood and adulthood. We assessed a computer-aided diagnosis system to classify infants to low or normal birth weight categories. Methods: In the present study, the association between the low birth weight and the intake of about 40 types of macro- and micronutrients during the first (1st Tr), second (2nd Tr.) and third (3rd Tr.) trimesters was assessed based on demographic and reproductive characteristics, physical activity and nutrients intake in pregnant women. The dataset used in this study contained 526 pregnant women with 95 input features. The used classifiers were k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN), and two Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Classifiers (ANFC-SCG: Scaled Conjugate Gradient, ANFC-LHs: Linguistic Hedges). Also, sequential feature selection (FS) was applied on the low birth weight risk factors to reduce the feature space. Findings: The accuracy of the classifiers kNN, PNN, ANFC-SCG and ANFC-LHs were 48%, 50%, 50% and 50% without feature selection and 93%, 83%, 80% and 83% with feature selection, respectively. Conclusion: Among the tested classifiers, the statistical power and type I error (α) of the best configuration (FS-kNN; k = 3) were 96% and 0.10 in the Leave-One-Out validation framework, showing that the proposed diagnosis system is clinically reliable. Also, using Leave-One-Out cross-validation, the guarding against Type III error was granted.

Background and aim: Birth weight is related to many factors and specific medical conditions that have been existed or developed in during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate some determinants of birth weight in Qazvin. Methods: In this cross- sectional descriptive-analytic study in 2010, 3076 women with the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) entered into the study. The univariate and multivariate predictors for birth weight were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM). Results: Average neonatal birth weight was 3248.18 ± 458.36 gr and maternal age was 25.33 ± 5.70 years. The prevalence rate of low birth weight and macrosomia were 6.67% (205 newborns) and 3.15% (97 newborns), respectively. Univariate predictors for heavier birth weights are multi-parity, male neonates, term & post term neonates, neonates of non-preeclampsia mothers and mothers above 18 years old. Upon multivariate, most of the univariate predictors remain except mother’s age lost its influence on birth weight Season of Birth became statistically significant with spring (P= 0.01) and winter (P= 0.01) having bigger babies compared to summer period. Conclusion: Some of determinants of birth weight are non- modifiable and interventions on them are not possible, but by adjusting some factors such as selection of the appropriate age for pregnancy, it is possible to have optimal birth weight.

Background and Objective: Some changes in newborns growth indices are related to several risk factors; though, a distinct etiology is unknown. Due to the available evidence about highly concentrated levels of lead in our province particularly in comparison to non-contaminated regions, this study was designed to evaluate the relationship between lead levels of umbilical cord blood and newborns birth weight variations in Zanjan, Iran. Materials and Methods: 300 newborns were enrolled in this case-control study in Zanjan province. Cord blood samples were obtained from 150 low birth weight (LBW) infants (birth weight lower than 2500 gr) as the case group, and 150 normal weight infants (weight= 2500-4000 gr.) as the control group. The blood lead level was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-test. Results: Umbilical cord blood lead level was significantly high in LBW newborns (79.17±37.10 g/L) in comparison with the control group (73.4±42.9g/L). there was not this type of relationship(raised mean level of umbilical cord blood lead in LBW newborns compared to normal weight newborns)in newborn groups who distributed based on mother's age and education level variables but there was significant statistical differences in mean level of lead in both these groups in according with gender variable. Conclusion: High blood level of lead in cord blood samples can potentially be considered as one of the reasons for LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction & Objective: Low birth weight is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although in different studies the effect of kangaroo mother care on the growth of low birth weight infants had been examined, this study was planned to determine the effect of duration of KMC on the growth of LBW infants in NICU, Fatemieh hospital, Hamadan, 2012. Material & Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial on 115 under weight infants who were randomly assigned into two groups. Up to 4 hours a day new born infants in the first group and more than 4 hours the second group, were cared for by their mother using KMC method. Both groups were analyzed and evaluated with regard to their weight, body tempera-ture, oxygen saturation, frequency of feeding, and infection in the third and fifth days after KMC. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, Χ2 and t-test. Results: Mean (SD) weight, oxygen saturation, frequency of feeding in the group receiving Kangaroo care more than 4 hours were more than the recipients of kangaroo care less than 4 hours (P

مقدمه: کم وزنی نوزاد از مهم‌ترین مشکلات بهداشتی به خصوص در کشورهای در حال توسعه می‌باشد که با عوارض زیادی همراه است. منیزیم یک عنصر ضروری برای بسیاری از آنزیم‌ها است و در دهه‌های اخیر، بسیار مورد توجه قرار گرفته است و می‌تواند باعث کاهش زایمان زودرس و تولد نوزاد نارس و کم وزن گردد. از این رو، مطالعه‌ی حاضر با هدف بررسی رابطه‌ی بین سطح سرمی منیزیم مادر با کم وزنی نوزاد زمان تولد صورت گرفته است. روش‌ها: در این مطالعه‌ی مورد- شاهد، 21 نوزاد کم وزن (مورد) و 39 نوزاد با وزن طبیعی (شاهد) مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. اطلاعات توسط معاینه‌ی بالینی کودک، مصاحبه با مادر و انجام آزمایش‌های خون مادر جمع‌آوری گردید. برای اندازه‌گیری منیزیم سرمی مادر، از روش اسپکتروفوتومتری جذب اتمی استفاده گردید. داده‌ها پس از جمع‌آوری، وارد نرم‌افزار SPSS نسخه‌ی 18 گردید و با استفاده از آزمون‌های آماری t مستقل و 2χ تجزیه و تحلیل شد. یافته‌ها: میانگین سطح منیزیم سرم در مادران گروه مورد (07/0 ± 24/2 میلی‌گرم) به صورت معنی‌داری کمتر از مادران گروه شاهد (09/0 ± 61/2 میلی‌گرم) بود (001/0 = P). سطح پایین منیزیم سرم مادر عامل خطر تولد نوزاد کم وزن شناخته شد. نتیجه‌گیری: سطح سرم منیزیم مادر یک پیش‌گویی کننده و عامل خطر برای تولد نوزاد کم وزن می‌باشد. از این رو، برای کاهش بروز تولد نوزاد کم وزن به عنوان یکی از مهم‌ترین علل مرگ نوزادان، می‌توان با استفاده از تجویز خوراکی‌های حاوی منیزیم و مشاوره‌ی تغذیه‌ای اقدام نمود.

Background: Most of the studies support the statement that maternal periodontitis may be a risk factor for infants with preterm delivery and low-birth-weight (PLBW) . The aim of the present research was to determine the effects of periodontal treatment on incidence of PLBW among women with mild to moderate periodontitis. Methods: 60 pregnant women received dental and periodontal examination [probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP)]. 30 of these pregnant women (the treatment group) received professional oral hygiene treatment including plaque and calculus removal and root planning at the beginning and end of 8th month of pregnancy. The control group just received the periodontal examination. The mean length of pregnancy and birth-weight were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was determined using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent-sample t, Mann-Whitney U, Pearson and Spearman tests. Findings: The incidence of PLBW in treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.006). No correlation was found between clinical parameters and the time of pregnancy or infant's weight. There was a weak positive correlation between the infant's weight and the improvement of clinical parameters. Conclusion: The results support the hypothesis that maternal periodontal disease is associated with infant prematurity and low birth weight. Therefore, the periodontal treatment can contribute to optimal date of delivery and achieving greater birth-weight.

Background: Improvement of growth, nutrition and calories intake in neonates is derived by massage. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trials settled in Vali-e-Asr Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) ward in 2012. The control group consisted of 19 infants who were not massaged on them. 15 infants in the intervention group received massage therapy for 10 days, three times a day by trained massage theurapist. Massage last 15 minutes and was done one hour after feeding. Massages were done in 2-7 days neonates. Weight gain, intake calories and oral feeding were compared between studied groups. Data was registered in SPSS v.18 and was analyzed via compatible statistics tests. Results: There were no significant different anthropometric measures at birth (weight-head circumferences and height) and gestational ages of delivery between two groups. Massages had no side effects on cases. Caloric intake at the end of 10 days (end of intervention) showed significant differences between the two groups (P=0.04). But no differences was shown for weight gain. Cases who received massage reached sooner to oral feeding but this difference was significant at 90% significance level (P=0.08). Conclusion: After 10 days, massage therapy increases oral nutritional intake but to find more accurate details requires further studies to be planned.

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth are one the most important causes of death in the world and therefore are considered as one of the major health problems. Global statistics demonstrates an increase in the prevalence of low birth weight in the developing countries. Low birth weight infants are exposed to complications such as major neurosensory impairements, cerebral palsy, cognitive and language delays, neuromotor developmental delay, blindness and hearing loss, behavioral and psychosocial disorders, learning difficulties and dysfunction in scholastic performances. The majority of infant's death and developmental disorders were due to disorders relating to prematurity and unspecified low birth weight. Infants weighing less than 2500 g, is a major determinant of both neonatal and infant mortality rates and, together with congenital anomalies (e.g., cardiac, central nervous system, and respiratory), contributes significantly to childhood morbidity. Various studies indicate that low birth weight infants are suffering from physiological and psychosocial disabilities, two to three times more than the other children. At school age, preterm and low birth weight infants have poorer physical growth, cognitive function, and school performance. These disadvantages appear to persist into adulthood and therefore have broad implications for society. Although the survival rates have increased dramatically and the incidence of morbidities has decreased, the complications are still considered to be associated with economical and social burdens. Most children with Low birth weight suffer from multiple disabilities. Therefore, they need special and consistent care. On demand of reducing the infant mortality rate, the need to decrease the complications in low birth weight and preterm infants should be considered by the policy makers in health care system. In this review article, we assessed current evidences on developmental outcomes of low birth weight and preterm newborns.

Background: Recent studies have suggested that impaired fetal growth are indicators that may be present in the first trimester. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between crown-rump length (CRL) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) measurements in first trimester for low birth weight (LBW).Methods: This prospective cohort study were on 120 pregnant women in first pregnan-cy trimester, in Women's Hospital Mirza Kochak Khan in 2011-2012. Gestational age according to crown-rump length and gestational age according to last menstrual period (LMP), neonatal weight, small for gestational age, pregnancy associated plasma protein-A and low birth weight were recorded. Main outcome measures was weight and gestational age at birth. Statistical tests used included descriptive statistics, t-test, χ² and all tests were two-tailed and differences with P

Objective: Birth weight is one of the most important ,simplest and common determinations for assessments infants status in each country. this study has been designed to investigate the articles that published in its prevalence and related factors. Materials & Methods: This study is a review articles that focuses on the prevalence and association factors whit low birth weight in the last 10 years. Articles were searched in 6 data base (PubMed ،Iranmedex ،SID، Irandoc، Scholargoogle، magiran) ، the refrences of each articles with the use of keywords : low birth weight ,infant mortality ,risk factors,related factors, prevalence and social determinants of health. Results: Overall, 36 articles were assess,14 article reported low birth weight related factors and 22 articles reported prervalence and its related factors, that in 70% prevalence was (5-12%) and in 5 articles prevalence were reported( 13-19/1%).association factors that were reported include demographic ,socioeconomic ,lifestyle factors and social support. demographic factors had the most relationship whit low birth weight. Conclusion: Although there was some different in their studies (differences in the definition of low birth weight, non or low reporting , low sample size, etc),the overall prevalence of low birth weight is relatively high in Iran so we suggest education, increasing prenatal care particularly for high –risk age groups that can be useful for reducing the consequences of this adverse pregnancy outcome

Background and Aim: Low weight at birth is one of the main health indexes in evaluating pregnancy period care, and recognizing its related factors is very important. The aim of this study was a comparison of pregnancy age, height, the distance between two pregnancies, gaining weight during pregnancy, economical condition, nutrition, general health of the mothers with low and normal birth weight. Materials and Methods: The research method was casual-comparative conducted as field-work. From all newborns born since (Jan 2008 to Nov 2009) 168 low birth weight babies with their mother and 157 newborns with normal weight from 20 maternity center at Guilan province were randomly selected. Mothers filled general health questionnaire with the reliability of 0.82. The data were analyzed using SPSS Software. Results: There was a significant difference among mothers (case and control ) in terms of pregnancy age, height ,distance between two pregnancies, increasing weight during pregnancy, economical condition, nutrition condition and general health (mental), (p0.01). Conclusion: Various factors affected newborns weight at birth. Therefore, decreasing the rate of low weight will be one of the main social health indexes requiring cooperation of counter- groups and different organizations such as the Ministry of Health and treatment, psychotherapy, counseling centers and radio/television.

Background and Aim: Low weight at birth is one of the main health indexes in evaluating pregnancy period care, and recognizing its related factors is very important. The aim of this study was a comparison of pregnancy age, height, the distance between two pregnancies, gaining weight during pregnancy, economical condition, nutrition, general health of the mothers with low and normal birth weight. Materials and Methods: The research method was casual-comparative conducted as field-work. From all newborns born since (Jan 2008 to Nov 2009) 168 low birth weight babies with their mother and 157 newborns with normal weight from 20 maternity center at Guilan province were randomly selected. Mothers filled general health questionnaire with the reliability of 0.82. The data were analyzed using SPSS Software. Results: There was a significant difference among mothers (case and control ) in terms of pregnancy age, height ,distance between two pregnancies, increasing weight during pregnancy, economical condition, nutrition condition and general health (mental), (p0.01). Conclusion: Various factors affected newborns' weight at birth. Therefore, decreasing the rate of low weight will be one of the main social health indexes requiring cooperation of counter- groups and different organizations such as the Ministry of Health and treatment, psychotherapy, counseling centers and radio/television.

Background and Objectives: Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem. LBW is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is no consensus in the literature as to whether maternal copper nutrition is associated with pregnancy outcome or fetal growth. Methods: This case-control study was carried out at Alavi Hospital in Ardabil between August 2008 and August 2009. 56 women who had delivered low-birth- weight infants (