BackgroundShivering related to spinal anesthesia may interfere with monitoring and is uncomfortable. The aim of the present study was to investigate low-dose intrathecal meperidine for the prevention of shivering after induction of spinal anesthesia in parturients with cesarean section.MethodsThis was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including 100 parturients, of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II, scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia who were randomly assigned to a meperidine (0.2 mg/kg) plus hyperbaric lidocaine (5%, 75 mg, n = 50; group M) group or a placebo plus hyperbaric lidocaine (5%, 75 mg, n = 50; group L) group. Demographic and surgical data, adverse events, and the mean intensity for each parturient were assessed during the entire study period by a blinded observer.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two study groups regarding the demographic and surgical data (P > 0.05). The incidence of shivering during the entire study period significantly decreased in the group of parturients who received intrathecal meperidine (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in nausea and vomiting between the two groups.ConclusionsLow-dose intrathecal meperidine (10 mg) is safe and effective in reducing the incidence and severity of shivering associated with spinal anesthesia in parturients with cesarean section.

ObjectiveIn order to increase the number of mature oocytes usable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), we aimed to investigate the effect of co-culturing granulosa cells (GCs) on human oocyte maturation in vitro, the fertilization rate, and embryo development.MethodsA total of 133 immature oocytes were retrieved and were randomly divided into two groups; oocytes that were cultured with GCs (group A) and oocytes that were cultured without GCs (group B). After in vitro maturation, only oocytes that displayed metaphase II (MII) underwent the ICSI procedure. The maturation and fertilization rates were analyzed, as well as the frequency of embryo development.ResultsThe mean age of the patients, their basal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, and the number of oocytes recovered from the patients were all comparable between the two study groups. The number of oocytes that reached MII (mature oocytes) was 59 out of 70 (84.28%) in group A, compared to 41 out of 63 (65.07%) in group B (p=0.011). No significant difference between fertilization rates was found between the two study groups (p=0.702). The embryo development rate was higher in group A (33/59, 75%) than in group B (12/41, 42.85%; p=0.006). The proportion of highest-quality embryos and the blastocyst formation rate were significantly lower in group B than in group A (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively).ConclusionThe findings of the current study demonstrate that culturing immature human oocytes with GCs prior to ICSI improves the maturation rate and the likelihood of embryo development.

BackgroundPrevalence of chronic pain and its association with demographic characteristics have been reported by different studies from different geographical regions in the world. However, data from many Middle East countries including Iran (especially southern Iran) are scare. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the prevalence of chronic pain and its association with demographic, psychological and socioeconomic factors in an Iranian population.MethodsIn this population-based survey, the target population was comprised of subjects aged 20 to 85 years residing in Jahrom, southern Iran during 2009-2011. All eligible subjects were invited to participate in the study. Before a detailed questionnaire was given; face to face interviews were done for each individual.ResultsThere were 719 men and 874 women with an average age of 40.5 years at the onset of the study. Among the study population, 38.9% (620/1,593) complained of chronic pain, of whom 40.8% (253/620) were men and 59.2% (367/620) were women. Foot and joint pain were observed in 31.9%. Hip and spine pain, migraine and tension headaches, heart pain, and abdomen pain were observed in 21.5%, 15.5%, 9.5%, and 8.0% of chronic pain cases, respectively. There was a significant association among the covariables age, sex, overweight, educational level, income, and type of employment with chronic pain as the dependent variable (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur findings show the prevalence of chronic pain and its association with demographic, psychological and socioeconomic factors. Individuals with low incomes and less education became accustomed to pain due to a lack of knowledge.