Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501A Message from the Editorial Board: Keeping Our Journal Strong for Maternal and Neonatal Health1248710.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21578ENMahtaMazaheriMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260524In 2025, the journal faced an unexpected pause in publication and delays in uploading several articles because of internal restructuring and external disruptions. The editorial transition coincided with the transformation of our center into an independent Research Institute, while war, internet interruptions, and international sanctions significantly affected academic communication and manuscript processing, limiting our ability to maintain the regular publication schedule. Despite these challenges, the transition has offered an opportunity to strengthen the journal’s foundations. Becoming a dedicated Research Institute enhances research capacity, supports interdisciplinary collaboration, and improves institutional backing for high-quality scientific publishing. This issue has been prepared to provide clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with reliable and up-to-date information, including scientific and clinical guidance, and educational resources on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, bridging the gap between bench science, bedside interventions, and public health policy. From 2026, the journal will adopt a continuous article publication model, allowing accepted manuscripts to be published online as soon as they are ready. This approach will reduce delays and speed up knowledge dissemination. Efforts to strengthen peer review, streamline manuscript handling, and align with international standards will support our long-term goal of indexing in major databases and expanding the journal's scientific impact.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_487_cbdedf296e3d4aff48be772ec8bc5685.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501Prevalence of Spontaneous and Induced Abortion and Its Associated Factors in Iran: A Narrative Review31248810.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21579ENZohrehSahebiStudent Research Committee‚ Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery‚ Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences‚ Yazd‚ IranAzamZare ArashloueiStudent Research Committee‚ Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery‚ Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences‚ Yazd‚ IranMahshidBokaieResearch Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260524<strong>Background:</strong> The primary goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of various abortion types and to identify the most significant associated factors within Iran by aggregating findings from nationwide studies.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was conducted as a narrative review, entailing a systematic search of both national and international databases (2010-2025) to analyze quantitative epidemiological findings regarding abortion and its<br />related determinants in the Iranian context.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The data indicated that approximately 73,000 to 80,000 illegal and unsafe abortions are performed annually in Iran, with a lifetime prevalence of 12-14% among women of reproductive age. The most significant underlying causes were identified as financial problems, social pressures, and legal restrictions. Spontaneous abortion was found to affect<br />19-26% of the female population. Severe reproductive health inequities were observed; female sex workers experienced induced abortion at rates 2.5-3 times higher than the general population (35-37% vs. 12-14%).<br />Reported complications included depressive symptoms in over 50% of cases and chronic reproductive issues in 7-11% of women.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This review demonstrates that abortion in Iran, despite legal restrictions, remains a troubling issue, resulting in tens of thousands of unsafe abortions annually with severe health complications for women. Restrictive<br />laws have not effectively reduced the incidence rates but have driven the practice underground. Given certain methodological limitations, these findings should be utilized to inform policy-making with appropriate caution.<br />A harm-reduction approach emphasizing contraceptive access, sexual health education, and targeted counseling for vulnerable groups is urgently needed.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_488_d9cc158785fb296687663f6be7d45b76.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501Dynamic Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Immune Reprogramming in the Postpartum Mammary Gland: Implications for Maternal Health and Breast Cancer Risk132549110.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21580ENSamaneHeydariMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranSadeghSafaeiMonoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, IranJournal Article20260525The mammary gland is a uniquely dynamic organ, undergoing profound structural and functional transformations throughout the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. These changes are orchestrated by a complex interplay between systemic hormones and the local microenvironment.<br />Recent studies identify the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the innate immune landscape as critical determinants of both physiological tissue homeostasis and pathological progression. Postpartum breast cancer (PPBC), defined as breast cancer diagnosed within ten years following childbirth, represents a distinct clinical entity characterized by increased<br />aggressiveness, higher metastatic potential, and poor prognosis. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent updates in mammary gland biology, focusing on the triphasic pattern of collagen regulation, the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and lysyl oxidase (LOX) in tissue remodeling, and the emergence of an immunosuppressive "wound-healing" environment during involution.<br />We explore molecular regulatory nodes, including microRNAs and calpains, and the impact of environmental exposures on breast tissue composition. By integrating data derived from high-resolution spatial profiling and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, this article aims to provide an understanding of how the postpartum mammary microenvironment supports tumorigenesis, highlighting potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve maternal health outcomes.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_491_27056bc277d16c4530e7f9217b913d6a.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501AI Applications in Diagnosing Rare Genetic Disorders263050210.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21581ENMelinaBitarafanDepartment of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260712Rare diseases (RDs) represent a broad category of conditions that individually affect a relatively small proportion of the population but collectively impact millions of people worldwide. Because of their clinical heterogeneity and frequently nonspecific symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a prolonged process, with many patients experiencing years of uncertainty before receiving a definitive diagnosis. Approximately 80% of rare diseases have a genetic basis, and the majority are chronic conditions with limited treatment options. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable tool for addressing these challenges. Using Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, AI systems can process and analyze large volumes of genomic, phenotypic, and clinical data, improving both the speed and accuracy of diagnosis. AI-based platforms such as Phenomizer and Face2Gene assist clinicians in recognizing disease-associated phenotypic patterns and prioritizing potential diagnoses. In addition, AI facilitates patient screening using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and contributes to treatment optimization as well as disease management. Within neonatal medicine, AI is increasingly applied to facilitate the diagnosis of rare diseases through rapid genomic data interpretation, syndrome recognition based on facial features, and screening for inherited metabolic disorders. Despite these advances, several limitations remain, including restricted data availability, concerns regarding data privacy, and the need for greater transparency and trust in AI-driven healthcare applications.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_502_5d52bf84aca451beaeac353475cd7821.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501Effect of Body Positioning on Gastrointestinal Tolerance in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants Fed Enriched Breast Milk in a NICU in Yazd, Iran314149210.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21582ENMarziehPourakramiSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMohamad HoseinLookzadehMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranZahraPourmovahedDepartment of Nursing Education, Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260526<strong>Background:</strong> Feeding preterm infants with unfortified breast milk can lead to growth delays and nutritional deficiencies. To address this while promoting breastfeeding, commercial human milk fortifiers are commonly used. However, gastrointestinal intolerance, including gastric residue, remains a significant concern in these infants. This study investigates the impact of body positioning on gastrointestinal tolerance in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants fed enriched breast milk.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> A crossover clinical trial was conducted on 60 VLBW preterm infants admitted to the NICUs of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran, in 2023. Infants were divided into two groups (n=30 each) via convenience sampling. In Group 1, infants were first placed in the prone position after feeding, followed by the right lateral position, with<br />gastrointestinal tolerance assessed 3 hours post-feeding using a standardized checklist. Group 2 followed the reverse order.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The majority (86.7%) of infants exhibited effective tolerance, with minimal gastric residuals (<20%) before and after feeding. No statistically significant differences in gastrointestinal outcomes were detected between the prone and right lateral positions (p > 0.05). These findings do not establish equivalence between the two positions, but they suggest that both may be considered as options in NICU feeding management.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The present study detected no significant difference in gastrointestinal tolerance between prone and right lateral positioning in VLBW infants, with no observed increase in adverse effects such as vomiting or abdominal distension. The results indicate that both positions may be acceptable for clinical use; however, formal equivalence has not been demonstrated. Further studies with larger samples and equivalence designs are needed before the two positions can be considered fully interchangeable.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_492_84ad8c5572168e4c4f9672cfe9ac7334.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501Investigating the Factors Influencing the Preference for Cesarean Sections among First-Time Pregnant Women Visiting Comprehensive Health Service Centers in Yazd City424948910.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21583ENHasanJafariHealth Policy and Management Research Center, Department of Health Management & Economics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMohammad KazemRahimiHealth Policy and Management Research Center, Department of Health Management & Economics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranNajmehAsadiStudent Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranFarnooshGhomiYazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Noncommunicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260525<strong>Background:</strong> For numerous women, the selection of a childbirth method presents a significant decision, often shaped by a multitude of factors, notably those of a social and familial nature. In light of this, researchers undertook an investigation into the determinants influencing the choice of cesarean section among women experiencing their first pregnancy and utilizing comprehensive health service centers in Yazd City.
<strong>Methods:</strong> The present study utilized a descriptive-cross-sectional design. The collection tool was a standard questionnaire with 34 items (psychological, environmental, cultural-social factors, obstetric conditions factors, and birth outcomes) in the form of a five-point Likert scale. The results of the analysis of the data collected by SPSS software version 26 were used to describe and analyze the obtained data using descriptive indices (such as standard deviation, mean, etc.) and Spearman's correlation coefficient.
<strong>Results: </strong>Based on the results, no significant relationship was observed between the factors influencing the tendency to cesarean with age, education, and occupation. Among the dimensions of cultural-social factors, it has the highest average (29.20 ± 6.36), followed by psychological factors in the second place (26.97 ± 6.46). The lowest average was related to environmental factors (16.42 ± 4.28).
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> Considering the significant impact of existing cultural and social influences, it is essential for the media to assume an educational responsibility by engaging knowledgeable and compassionate experts to raise public awareness. This goal should be achieved through identifying, correcting, and improving women’s perceptions and beliefs regarding natural childbirth.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_489_fd7ba51a50176ec30536848a50437e78.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501Chest CT Abnormalities and Disease Severity in Hospitalized Children with COVID 19: A Retrospective Cohort Study505849010.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21584ENBozorgmehrSamanianChildren Growth Disorder Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMehranKarimiMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranAmir PashaAmel ShahbazDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranFarimahShamsiCenter for Healthcare Data Modeling, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranRezaNafisi MoghadamDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260525<strong>Background:</strong> Although COVID-19 is generally milder in children, a subset develops severe pulmonary involvement requiring hospitalization. Evidence linking chest CT abnormalities to clinical outcomes in hospitalized children is limited. We evaluated CT findings and their association with clinical presentation, disease severity, oxygen saturation, and short-term outcome.
<strong>Methods:</strong> This retrospective cohort study included 82 RT‑PCR‑confirmed COVID‑19 patients aged 1 month 18 years admitted to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran. Clinical data and CT images (interpreted by a radiologist) were extracted from medical records. Associations were tested with chi‑square/Fisher’s exact tests.
<strong>Results: </strong>CT abnormalities were present in 63 patients (76.8%). Ground‑glass opacity was most common (50%), followed by consolidation (29.3%), atelectasis (14.6%), and pleural effusion (8.5%). Severe/critical disease was significantly more frequent in the abnormal‑CT group (76.2% vs. 36.8%, P = 0.006). Oxygen saturation <94% was strongly associated with CT abnormalities (95.8% vs. 71.8%, P = 0.02). All six deaths occurred among patients with abnormal CT (P = 0.03). No significant associations were found for fever, cough, respiratory distress, or age group. Age group (1 month–1 year, 1–5 years, 5–13 years, 13–18 years) was not significantly associated with CT findings.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> In hospitalized children with clinically indicated chest CT, pulmonary abnormalities were frequent and associated with severe disease and hypoxemia, while symptoms alone did not predict radiologic involvement. All deaths occurred in the abnormal‑CT group. Routine CT screening is not supported, and findings require prospective validation.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_490_b1a542b0abc369e368edb1eeb2b82a2c.pdfShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesJournal of Integrated Maternal and Pediatric Care2645-40688120260501A Comparison between the Two Surfactants, Beracsurf and Curosurf, in the Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in Premature Infants596651510.18502/wjpn.v8i1.21585ENZoheirFardidMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranSeyed RezaMirjaliliMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMahmoodNoorishadkamMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMahmoodVakiliDepartment of Community and Preventive Medicine, Health Monitoring Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMaryamSaeida-ArdekaniMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMohamad HoseinLookzadehMother and Newborn Health Research Center, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20260721<strong>Background:</strong> Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants results from surfactant deficiency. Given the high cost and limited availability of Curosurf, we compared its outcomes with the Iranian surfactant Beracsurf. <strong>Methods:</strong> This descriptive cross-sectional study included premature infants (≤34 weeks) with RDS who met surfactant criteria. We assessed hospitalization duration, mechanical ventilation time, delivery mode, CPAP duration, Apgar score, gestational age, and clinical outcomes (discharge/mortality). Complications (pneumothorax, pulmonary/intraventricular hemorrhage, BPD, ROP, NEC), surfactant redosing frequency, and time to FiO₂<40% were compared between groups. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of 80 infants were divided into two equal groups (40 each). Baseline demographics were similar (P>0.05). Beracsurf recipients required significantly longer mechanical ventilation (3.25 vs. 2.22 days, P=0.01) and CPAP (3.05 vs. 2.41 days, P=0.04) than Curosurf recipients. No significant differences were observed in other complications, hospitalization duration, or mortality. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Curosurf provided significantly shorter durations of respiratory support compared to Beracsurf. Other outcomes and complication rates were comparable. Further large-scale studies are warranted to guide clinical and economic decisions.https://wjpn.ssu.ac.ir/article_515_93cd8840df49115a6410b0d7f0719e65.pdf