Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk Arasoo

Effects of Ramadan fasting on fetal health: A systematic review

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 07-06-2023

DOI: 10.1111/AJO.13706

Abstract: Ramadan fasting (RF) is mandatory for all healthy Muslims in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Although pregnant women are exempt from fasting, many make the decision to practise it. Concerns that fasting during pregnancy harms the fetus remain, as there are no firm recommendations regarding its safety. To provide a systematic review on the effects of RF on fetal health. We conducted a literature search for peer‐reviewed articles through Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) until 31 December 2021. All case–control and observational cohort studies that reported on fetal outcomes of pregnant women who underwent RF for at least one day during pregnancy are included. Two researchers independently reviewed the eligibility of all studies. A third researcher resolved any conflict between researchers. Findings are extracted from eligible papers and presented as narratives. Fourteen articles are included based on eligibility criteria, with a total s le size of 2889. Studies demonstrate negative associations between RF and neonatal weight, amniotic fluid index, preterm birth and growth parameters mainly during the second and third trimesters. However, the evidence is not strongly supported. There is limited data to elucidate the relationship between RF and fetal health, hence the need for more studies to provide a better understanding.

Association between Chlamydial Infection with Ectopic and Full-Term Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 06-10-2022

DOI: 10.3390/TROPICALMED7100285

Abstract: Ectopic pregnancies (EPs) are potentially fatal if not recognized early. Evidence of an association with chlamydial infection in South East Asia is lacking. This case-control study aims to (i) compare chlamydial infection in women with EP to women who delivered a full-term pregnancy, (ii) investigate classical factors associated with EP, and (iii) investigate rupture status in EP. Seventy-two women with a confirmed diagnosis of EP and sixty-nine who delivered a full-term pregnancy in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia were recruited from November 2019 to January 2022. Demographic and relevant clinical data and intraoperative findings were documented. Blood s les for testing IgG levels of chlamydia were obtained. Women with EP were more likely to have tested positive for chlamydia than those with a full-term delivery (34.7% vs. 13.0%, AOR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.67–10.48, p = 0.002). The majority did not have the classic risk factors associated with EP. An amount of 52.8% presented with a ruptured EP, with 84.2% of ruptures occurring after six weeks of gestation. An amount of 44.2% had an estimated blood loss of more than 500 cc, with 20% losing more than 1500 cc of blood. The prevalence of prior chlamydial infection in women with EP is significant enough to necessitate a review of early pregnancy care.

Monash University Malaysia

Location: Malaysia

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Royal College Of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists

Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Sincere IVF @ Medini

Location: Malaysia

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Universiti Malaya

Location: Malaysia

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