Tehran University Medical Journal

Case Presentation: The patient was a 30-years old woman who presented with twin pregnancy in 31 weeks of gestation with a history of IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) in the current pregnancy. She referred to Ghaem hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in March 2017 because of severe lower extremities edema and 3+ proteinuria. Considering severe proteinuria (more than 6 gr/24 hr), edema, hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia, the nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed and she was treated with methylprednisolone, Hydrochlorothiazide and Fenofibrate. At last, premature rupture of membrane occurred at 36 weeks of gestation. Cesarean was done because of the breech presentation of both fetuses and two healthy neonates were born with an optimal Apgar score.

Background: Common treatment for infertile couples is the use of controlled ovulation hyperstimulation (COH) with intrauterine inseminations (IUI). IUI is used in cases such as ovulatory dysfunction, cervical factor infertility, male subfertility, and unexplained infertility. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between IUI outcome and special causes of infertility.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and a sampling method was available in this study, from January 2014 to August 2016, 994 cycles in 803 infertile couples referred to Royan Research Institute in Tehran were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were: male factor infertility, combined causes, ovarian disease, and infertility of unknown cause. To evaluate pregnancy, 12-16 days after IUI, it was considered positive if pregnancy test followed by transvaginal ultrasound at week 4 after IUI were positive.
  Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. T-test and chi-square were used to compare the case and control groups. Linear-by-linear test was also used to calculate the relationship between female age and clinical and multiple success rates. P<0.05 was considered significant for the results of these tests.

Background: For every pregnant woman, it is possible to have a child with chromosomal abnormalities. Although this possibility is not very high, by performing screening tests and considering the mother's background factors, we can largely realize the real extent of this possibility.
Many comorbidities (like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity) and high-risk exposures (like alcohol consumption) seem to have an important role in the development of chromosomal abnormalities. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors of a positive first-trimester screening test in the pregnant women.
Methods: This case-control study was done on pregnant women, who were referred to Yas Hospital for their first-trimester screening tests between April 2018 and February 2020. Of those who had positive screening test results, only ones with abnormal biochemical tests, were included in the study regardless of nuchal translucency (NT) examination results and were considered as cases, and the women with normal screening test results were considered as controls.

Background: Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRLS) is a clinical and radiological syndrome of heterogeneous etiologies that are grouped because of the similar findings on neuroimaging studies which may occur at any age. The pathogenesis of RPLS remains unclear, but it appears to be related to disordered cerebral autoregulation and endothelial dysfunction. The syndrome is more commonly seen in women, RPLS has been described in several medical conditions, with hypertensive encephalopathy, eclampsia, and the use of cytotoxic and immunosuppressant drugs being the most common conditions. Prompt recognition and treatment are important in preventing the permanent damage that can occur in this otherwise typically reversible condition. The pathogenesis of RPLS remains unclear, but it appears to be related to disordered cerebral autoregulation and endothelial dysfunction. This report aimed to introduce a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy following postpartum thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Case presentation: The patient was a 30-year-old primigravid woman at 33 weeks of pregnancy who was referred to the Ghaem hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad in July 2017 due to high blood pressure, blurred vision, headache and generalized tonic colonic seizure. She did not report in previous history of high blood pressure or seizure before pregnancy. With a diagnosis of eclampsia remote from delivery, she underwent a cesarean section. After delivery, generalized tonic colonic seizure repeated several times and a significant reduction in consciousness level happened. Renal failure also occurred, so she underwent daily plasmapheresis with a diagnosis of TTP. After 35 days, she was discharged with a good general condition.
Conclusion: In predisposing conditions, such as high blood pressure in pregnancy, in the case of clinical suspicion of posterior leukoencephalopathy, any attempt for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important factors in reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality.

Background: Spinal anesthesia is a type of neuraxial anesthesia that brings ample benefits. However, due to the fear of this type of anesthesia, many pregnant people refuse to experience it. In this study, we aimed to investigate the levels and causes of fear of spinal anesthesia in candidates for cesarean section.
Methods: The current study is a cross-sctional study performed on 67 patients undergoing cesarean section who were referred to the operation room of Shariati Hospital, in Tehran from September 2018 to September 2019. Matthey questionnaire, which consisted of three sections (demographic information, history of spinal anesthesia and fear of anesthesia), was filled out by candidates and after collecting information, the data were analyzed by SPSS software.

Background: Sigmoid volvulus is a rare complication in pregnancy. The clinical presentation is similar to that of non-pregnant volvulus, although the symptoms can be masked by the enlarged uterus and physiological changes during pregnancy and it can be challenged and delayed in diagnosis and treatment. Delay in diagnosis can also lead to ischemia, necrosis and perforation of the intestine, which can have adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Case Presentation: A primigravid woman with gestational age of 31 weeks was admitted to a 3^rd level center with abdominal pain and abdominal distention. From the beginning of pregnancy, the patient complained of bloating and epigastric pain, And had used herbal medicine for defecation. The patient's constipation had worsened since six days before admission to the hospital. She had no vomiting and her general condition was good. Abdominal Supine X-rays were reported completely dilated sigmoid and she was treated with a possible diagnosis of ileus. Due to the progression of symptoms and abdominal distension, rectosigmoidoscopy was performed for her, and scattered mucosal erythema was seen. Discoloration of the purple mucosa was seen from a distance of about 35 cm from the annulus and the secretions inside the sigmoid lumen were seen as blood. Ischemic necrosis and sigmoid volvulus were strongly suggested for the patient and she was immediately transferred to the operating room. The abdomen was opened with a midline incision. A 30 weeks uterus was seen and sigmoid volvulus was confirmed. Detorsion and colostomy were done. Due to the unprepared intestine and the possibility of leakage from the site of anastomosis, sigmoidectomy was not performed. After 4 days, the patient was discharged in a good general condition and became a candidate for sigmoid colon resection after delivery.

Results: Out of 98 subjects, 24 (24.5%) had positive rectovaginal culture. Individuals treated with antibiotics based on positive culture results did not show a significant difference in terms of observed pregnancy outcomes compared with the control group. Conclusion: The prevalence of GBS colonization was significantly higher in patients with a history of vaginal discharge than in those without a history. Due to the small number of studies conducted in Iran, it is recommended to conduct studies with a larger sample size in order to explain a more appropriate protocol in terms of effectiveness and economics.

Background: The aim of this study was to find the causes of failure of natural childbirth in late-term pregnancy that can be useful for managing childbirth in these pregnant mothers and to design a solution to increase natural childbirth.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the community of pregnant women with a late-term pregnancy of more than 41 weeks. The studied sample includes 148 pregnant mothers who were referred to Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol from March 2018 to February 2020. Mother's age, Body Mass Index, gestational age, number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, length of hospitalization, the state of the cervix and preparation method of the cervix for termination of pregnancy were extracted and recorded from patients' files. Data were compared in two groups of pregnancy termination methods (natural childbirth and cesarean delivery). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software, version 22 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA) and Chi-square test and Student’s t-test statistical tests and logistic regression model fitting. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: In this study, 167 pregnant women with late-term pregnancy were studied. The age of pregnant women is reported with mean of 26.03 and standard deviation 5.98 of years. The high Bishop variable, with odds ratio of 0.44, is a variable protective factor for cesarean delivery (P=0.001). Higher body mass index with odds ratio of 1.09, is also known as a risk factor for cesarean delivery (P=0.01), so that for each unit of increase in Bishop score, the chance of cesarean delivery decreases by 56% and for each unit of increase in body mass index, the chance of cesarean delivery increases by 9%. Conclusion: This study showed that nearly half of cases of late pregnancies lead to normal delivery. High body mass index reduces the chance of normal delivery in late term pregnancies. But a higher Bishop score can be effective in the success of natural delivery.

Background: Among diseases causing acute lower abdominal pain in women, isolated fallopian tube torsion is a rare cause that occurs mainly in women of reproductive ages and if left untreated can lead to fertility problems. Immediate diagnosis and timely surgery are urgent and necessary to preserve the fertility of females. Successful pregnancy with simultaneous involvement of isolated fallopian tube torsion is one of the rare operations in the world.
Case Presentation: The reported case is a 37-year-old pregnant woman (Gravid 2, with 33-week gestational age) with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in August 2020 who presented to the Maryam Hospital in Karaj in August 2020. The patient was examined in the operating room under anesthesia, and pain in the right and lower abdomen was observed. There was no anorexia, and on examination, there was severe tenderness in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) area. There was no pain in other parts of the abdomen. Ultrasonography in the patient's tenderness showed an image of a tubular and cystic structure measuring 30×10 mm. In CBC test, leukocytosis with high PMN (Polymorphonuclear), (WBC: 11700 mm3 and Neutrophil: 78%) was observed. During laparotomy, isolated torsion of the right fallopian tube observed, half of which was cyanotic. Due to the confirmation of fimbriae necrosis during surgery, preservation of uterine tube integrity, fallopian tube detorsion, excision of cyanotic fimbriae and hemorrhagic cyst of fimbriae, intra-abdominal fluid suction and fimbriae repair performed. The patient discharged in good condition after two days and gave birth to a healthy baby at 38 weeks of gestation by cesarean section.

Conclusion: Isolated fallopian tube torsion should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis in patients that have acute lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive ages and even adolescents. Early diagnosis and early surgical intervention are critical to maintaining the fallopian tube and fertility in the future. Laparoscopy is one of the main diagnostic tools for assessing, management and maintenance isolated torsion of the fallopian tube.

Background: birth weight is associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity .In recent studies, fetal growth is related to the risk of developing type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. The mother’s nutrition and metabolism are major determinants of fetal growth. Some complications of low birth weight are hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, intrauterine death. Any substance or hormone that can cross the placenta may affect the fetal growth and birth weight, including the maternal lipid during pregnancy. The effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on neonatal birth weight has been documented. Lipids and amino acids usually are not considered in the clinical management of pregnancy because there is less known about the role of these nutrients in the well-being of the pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the relationship between levels of serum lipids in pregnancy and fetal birth weight.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 170 pregnant women referred to Kerman medical university clinics in Iran from March 2019 to April 2020. After explaining the objectives of the study and gaining informed consent from the individuals, the maternal lipid profile during the first trimester of pregnancy, was measured within the first visit through a sample taken from the maternal blood. Pregnant women were monitored during pregnancy, and the variables were measured (Age, BMI, weight, frequency of pregnancy, weight gain in pregnancy, lipid and blood glucose profiles). The results of the samples were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA).
Results: The results indicated that the newborn weight increases with an increment in the maternal blood cholesterol (P=0.001) and triglyceride (P=0.001) levels. In addition, it was found that the increasing HDL (P=0.867) and LDL (P=0.803) levels of the pregnant women’s blood, does not lead to the birth weight increase of the infants.

Conclusion: Results of our study generally indicate that triglyceride and cholesterol levels are related to fetal birth weight. Studies with high sample sizes are recommended to investigate all neonatal weight gain variables.

Case Presentation: The patient is an 18-year-old woman, 20 weeks pregnant, who came to the Emergency department of Bentolhoda Hospital in Bojnurd with diffuse  sudden onset of abdominal pain in the September of 2023. On examination, the patient's vital signs were unstable, which was due to the presence of hemorrhagic shock. In the examination of the patient's abdomen, or generalized tenderness and rebound tenderness? was evident, suggesting peritonitis. According to the ultrasound report, abundant free fluid and fluid containing blood was drained from the abdomen under ultrasound guidance. The patient underwent surgery with the diagnosis of hemorrhagic shock with a midline incision of the abdomen above and below the umbilicus. In the performed surgery, evidence of splenic artery aneurysm rupture was evident. For the patient, ligature and resection of splenic vessels (artery and vein) and splenectomy were performed. After surgery and stabilization of the patient's condition, fetal health ultrasound was performed, and the fetus had no heartbeat. Therefore, medical induction of abortion was performed, and after 48 hours, the fetus was completely expelled, and then mother was transferred to the ward. And four days after the surgery, she was discharged with general improvement. No remarkable adverse effects were observed after surgery. Conclusion: One of the rare diseases is splenic artery aneurysm, which is difficult to diagnose due to its asymptomatic rupture and high mortality rate.

Conclusion: High body mass index of the mother and weight gain during pregnancy can cause complications in the mother and the fetus. Therefore, prenatal care should be done more carefully and health care providers should place mothers who have abnormal body mass index and inappropriate weight gain in pregnancy in the high-risk group and under special care to minimize maternal and fetal complications.

Background: The type of delivery significantly affects a woman's life and her newborn's health. Various factors, including medical conditions, personal preferences, and cultural influences, shape this decision. Increasing cesarean delivery rates have raised concerns about associated risks. This study examines the health impacts of different delivery types on mothers and newborns in Yazd hospitals, with a focus on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study involved a substantial cohort of 69,321 mothers who delivered in Yazd between March 21, 2018 to March 20, 2022. Comprehensive data were collected from Iman Hospital and relevant online patient records. To analyze the relationship between delivery type and health outcomes, independent samples t test and chi-square test were utilized. Additionally, odds ratios were calculated to assess relative risks concerning various maternal and neonatal outcomes. SPSS 26 software was employed for all analyses, with a significance level set at 5% to ensure robustness in the findings.

Background: Maternal and neonatal complications in twin and multiple pregnancies are higher than in singleton pregnancies. The purpose of this study is to investigate maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin or multiple births.
Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, 266 pregnant women with twins and multiples were selected in a goal-based manner who had medical records in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahwaz from March 2020 to March 2022. This study is based on the purpose of selection and then the required information was extracted from the archive department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahwaz. A two-part checklist was used to collect data, and then the collected information was analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical tests.

Results:  The observations of this study show that the highest frequency of the total number of births is from March 2020 to March 2021 (6729 people), while the highest ratio of the number of twin or multiple births to the total number of births is from March 2021 to March 2022 (4.63 percent). The frequency of stillbirths is the highest from March 2021 to March 2022 (62.96 percent). There is a significant difference in fetal complications of twin and multiple births, premature birth, low birth weight and intrauterine growth delay between twin and multiple births (P-value<0.05) and for fetal anomaly and death from March 2021 to March 2022. Comparison of the two years under study shows no significant difference was observed between twin and multiple births (P-value>0.05). Pre-eclampsia was observed in 7.8 percent for twin births and 6 percent for multiple births, which statistically has no significant difference between them (P-value=0.331) and for diabetes, placental abruption and placenta Previa. There is a significant difference between twin and multiple births (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of multiple pregnancy shows an increase compared to previous studies in Iran, and prevention of premature birth and careful monitoring of the fetus can improve the outcome of twin or multiple births.

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) significantly impacts perinatal mortality and maternal-fetal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of maternal risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes and the role of care in the occurrence of outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 317 pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan, between April 2020 and April 2022. Data were collected from medical records, including demographic information, risk factors, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients were categorized into two groups: those receiving care (24-34 weeks of gestation) and those undergoing pregnancy termination (less than 24 weeks or more than 34 weeks). The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, while the T-student test was applied for quantitative variables.

Results: In this study, the average age of patients was 29.42±6.56 years. The most common risk factors for PPROM were 20.2% for abortion records, 20.2% for urinary infections, 18% for cervical insufficiency, and 13.6% for gestational diabetes. Comparing maternal outcomes between the two groups revealed that chorioamnionitis occurred more frequently in the care group (18% vs. 2%, P=0.0001), as did emergency cesarean sections (37% vs. 4.5%, P=0.0001) and NICU hospitalization (71% vs. 17%, P=0.001). In the next stage, a regression test identified the independent effects of variables on maternal and newborn outcomes without intervention or confounding factors. The analysis indicated that mothers in the care group experienced significantly more complications than those in the pregnancy termination group, and their babies also faced significantly more complications. Conclusion: The study results indicate that a history of abortion, urinary infections, cervical insufficiency, and gestational diabetes are significant risk factors for PPROM. Expectant management of PPROM is associated with more neonatal and maternal complications than pregnancy termination. Thus, timely identification of these risk factors allows healthcare providers to educate mothers and potentially prevent and manage them, significantly reducing the incidence of PPROM and its complications.

Background: Abortion is the termination of pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy, which may be spontaneous or induced. In general, therapeutic abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy in order to save the mother's life and prevent birth defects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of legal abortion in women referring to Amir al-Mominin Ali hospital in Zabol city.
Methods: This study is a descriptive-cross-sectional study. The studied population included women who had a legal abortion on March 1, 2022 to September 1, 2022 at Amir al-Mominin Ali Zabol Hospital (Zabol-Iran). The tool used was a checklist made by the researcher and approved by the faculty members of Zabol University of Medical Sciences. The researchers collected the necessary information, including demographic information, obstetrics and mother's illness, fetal disorders, test results, ultrasound screenings, pathology results of patients and other conditions that led to the issuance of an abortion license.

Results: In the specified period of time, there were 100 abortion cases that were investigated, and 78 (78%) of these abortions had maternal causes and 22% had fetal causes. The most common maternal causes of abortion were cardiovascular problems (7%) and mothers' age. Also, the most fetal causes were cerebrospinal causes (23%). Mothers who had abortions of maternal origin were significantly older than mothers with abortions of fetal origin (p=0.009). Conclusion: The present study showed that in Sistan region, most cases of legal abortion depended on fetal reasons and mothers' age.

Background: Changes in the heart during pregnancy, especially changes in the left side of the heart, have been evaluated in various studies. However, alterations in the right ventricle have not been well studied. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the changes in echocardiographic indices of the right ventricle in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 pregnant women, as case group, in their second trimester who were referred to the perinatology clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, were examined by trans-thoracic echocardiography From April 4, 2023, to April 10, 2024. The results of the control group were compared with 30 age-matched non-pregnant and healthy women, as the control group. Exclusion criteria included multiple gestation, maternal age > 40, underlying cardiovascular disease, and significant obstetric or fetal complications. Hemodynamics and demographic data including age, height, weight, and body mass index were recorded and compared. Also, the anatomical and functional indices of the right ventricle were evaluated and compared.
Results: 60 participants were enrolled in this study. The two investigated groups were similar in terms of age, but the weight, height, and BMI were significantly different in the two groups; Such that weight and body mass index were significantly higher in pregnant women and height in non-pregnant women (p<0.05). Comparison of echocardiographic indices showed that tricuspid regurgitation gradient (TRG) and fractional area change (FAC) were significantly different in the two groups (in pregnant women, TRG index was higher and FAC index was lower (p<0.05)). Right atrium area, RV length, base of RV, mid of RV, and Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion showed no significant differences between case and control group.
Conclusion: FAC and TRG indices were significantly different between pregnant women and the control group. Paying attention to the changes in the normal values of these variables in pregnant women can be useful in improving the diagnosis of disorders and preventing the occurrence of cardiac events during pregnancy.
 

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. Early diagnosis and treatment has been associated with reduction in maternal mortality and has shifted treatment to conservative methods. The most widely used drug for Medical treatment is methotrexate (MTX). This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of early changes (day 1/4) in serum β-HCG levels in managing tubal pregnancy with single-dose MTX.
Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 135 eligible women with tubal pregnancy who received a single dose of methotrexate, were included. Methotrexate was administered intramuscularly (50 mg/m²), and serum β-HCG levels were measured on days 1, 4, and 7 following the injection. The percentage change in serum β-HCG levels compared to the initial values was calculated. Treatment failure was defined as the need for surgery and/or additional dose of methotrexate.
Results: The treatment success rate was 67% while the treatment failure rate was 33%. Among patients whose β-HCG levels increased on day 4 compared to day 1, the treatment failure rate was 86%. In contrast, for patients with decreased β-HCG levels, the failure rate was only 19%. The changes in β-HCG levels from day 1 to day 4 indicated that a decrease of less than 20% in β-h-CG levels on day 4 compared to day 1 was associated with a sensitivity of 72.2% ( CI95%: 62.2% to 82.4%) and a specificity of 80% (CI95%: 66.18% to 89.1%). This change in β-HCG levels also exhibited a positive predictive value of 60% and a negative predictive value of 88% for predicting treatment failure.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, changes in β-HCG levels on days four and seven may serve as predictive factors for the failure of single-dose methotrexate treatment in patients with tubal pregnancy.

Background: Thyroid disorders are common among young women, and hypothyroidism ranges clinically from subclinical to overt disease, potentially causing various maternal and fetal complications. Determining the appropriate levothyroxine (LT4) dose during pregnancy is crucial for maintaining maternal euthyroidism and optimising pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the dose requirements of LT4 in pregnant women with and without a prior history of hypothyroidism, and to investigate the association with Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) levels.
Methods: This hospital- and clinic-based study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 among 146 pregnant women attending a private clinic or Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 146 pregnant women diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH, n=62) or overt hypothyroidism (OH, n=84) were randomly selected. Participants were divided into groups based on their history of hypothyroidism and received LT4 treatment. LT4 requirements were determined according to trimester-specific TSH ranges: >10 mIU/L or 2.5-10 mIU/L in the first trimester, and 3-10 mIU/L in the second and third trimesters. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive statistics (mean±SD, frequency, and percentage) and analytical tests, including the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: Pregnant women with overt hypothyroidism showed a statistically significant difference in mean LT4 dose between those with and without a prior history of hypothyroidism (P<0.05). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in LT4 requirements among women with subclinical hypothyroidism. TPO Ab positivity was associated with higher LT4 requirements, particularly in women with overt disease. Dose adjustments were most frequent during the first trimester, with incremental increases observed in subsequent trimesters. These findings support individualized monitoring, iodine testing, adherence checks, and coordinated antenatal endocrinology care to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Following the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in early pregnancy, LT4 dosing should be tailored according to disease severity, prior history of hypothyroidism, TPO Ab status, and study location to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.

Background: Maternal substance abuse during pregnancy is a significant global public health concern, affecting approximately 10% of pregnant women worldwide and leading to serious adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. Given Iran’s geographical location and its role as a transit route for narcotics, the prevalence of substance abuse, particularly opium and its derivatives, is notably higher than in many other countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of substance abuse and the most commonly used substances (including opium, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methadone, amphetamines, and cigarettes) among pregnant Iranian women from 2000 to 2024.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, and Iranmedex for articles published between January 2000 and January 2024. Studies investigating the prevalence of substance abuse in pregnant Iranian women were included. Case studies, reviews, letters to the editor, and studies without quantitative data were excluded. Two researchers independently extracted data. Extracted information included: author name, year of publication, province/city, sample size, mean age of participants, type of substance used, and incidence or prevalence rate. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index.
Results: Out of 127 identified articles, 22 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall estimated prevalence of substance abuse among pregnant Iranian women was 3.3% (CI 95%: 2.4-4.5), with high heterogeneity (I²=83%). The most prevalent substances were opium (1.7%), cigarettes (1.3%), methadone (0.5%), heroin (0.3%), crystal methamphetamine (0.2%), amphetamines/methamphetamines (0.1%), cannabis (0.4%), and alcohol (0.2%). Polydrug use was reported at 0.7%. A rising trend in substance abuse prevalence was observed, increasing from 2.1% in 2000-2009 to 3.8% in 2015-2024. A temporal trend analysis of the incidence of substance abuse showed that the incidence of substance abuse in Iranian pregnant women increased from 2.1% in 2000-2009 to 3.8% in 2015-2024. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses showed that the exclusion of low-quality studies did not significantly affect the results. The funnel plot indicated a low probability of publication bias.
Conclusion: Substance abuse among pregnant Iranian women remains a serious challenge, necessitating broader preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: neonatal withdrawal syndrome, opium, pregnancy, substance abuse.