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Background & Objective: Aluminum (Al), the 3rd common element in the earth’s crust has a significant toxin potential for humans. Although the knowledge of Al toxicity has markedly improved in recent years, there is relatively little information regarding the embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of Al. the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of short-term exposure of pregnant mice to Aluminum Chloride on the external organ formation of their fetuses. Materials & Methods: Mature NMRI mice (24-33 g) were used in this study. Day 0 of pregnancy defined as the day in which the vaginal plug was found. Plug-positive mice were randomly divided into size groups. The first, second and 3rd groups of animals were given IP injection of single dose of AlCl3 at 150 mg/kg/day on days 10, 11 and 12 of gestation respectively. Mice in the 3 other groups (Controls) received single injection of 0.3 ml saline on days 10, 11 and 12 respectively. Mice were killed on day 15 of gestation. Live fetuses were weighed and examined for external abnormalities. Results: The fetal body weight was significantly reduced in all Al-treated groups (P<0.05). The proportions of external malformations in 10th, 11th and 12th days treated were 47.0%, 37.0% and 33.1% groups respectively with significantly increase comparing to controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that a single dose of the Al administered to pregnant mice can cause external malformations in their fetuses.

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Background and Objective: Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug that causes significant malformations such as neural tube defects (NTDs), cardiac, skeletal and craniofacial defects if it is consumed during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of folic acid on prevention of birth defect due to Carbamazepine in Balb/c mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Sixty Balb/c timed-pregnant mice were divided into 4 experimental and 2 control groups. Two experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg (group I) and 60 mg/kg/body weight (group II) of CBZ on gestational days (GD) 6 to 15. Two other experimental groups (group III and IV) received similar doses of CBZ with folic acid supplement (3 mg/kg/day) by gavages route for 10 days before pregnancy and 15 days after GD0 (gestational day 0). Two control groups received normal saline or Tween 20 (polysorbate 20). Dams underwent cesarean section on GD18 and embryos were collected. External examination was done and data concerning malformations, weight and crown- rump of fetuses were collected and analyzed by using SPSS-11.5 software and ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: The mean weight and crown-rump of the fetuses in both experimental groups I and II were significantly reduced. Also in both experimental groups I and II various malformations were detected such as open eyes, limb defects, scoliosis, facial deformity and NTDs. The mean weight and crown-rump of fetuses in the folic acid treated groups did not show any meaningful differences in comparison with fetuses in experimental groups I and II. Also, meaningful reductions in eye, vertebral, limb and facial defects were seen in fetuses of group III. In experimental group IV, reduction of vertebral and limb defects were observed. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of folic acid (3 mg/kg/body weight) before and during pregnancy can reduce birth defects due to CBZ in Balb/c mice fetus.

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Background and Objective: Birth defects are important causes of childhood morbidity and disability. This study was done to determine the incidence and pattern of birth defects in live birth in cities of Golestan province, north of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 92420 live births in 13 hospitals in Golestan province, northern Iran from 21 January 2008 to 20 March 2011. The newborns were examined for the presence of birth defects. Gender, type of birth defects and residency of parents according to city in Golestan province was recorded for each newborn. Results: The incidence rate of birth defects, in Gorgan, Kordkoy, Aliabad and Gonbad was 20.46, 12.53, 10.86, and 8.99 per 1,000 live births, respectively. The incidence rate of birth defects western area (including Kordkoy, Bandargaz and Kordkoy), center (Gorgan, Capital city) and eastern area (including Aliabad, Gonbad, Minodasht and Kalaleh) of Golestan province) was 9.3, 20.46 and 8.79 per 1,000 live births, respectively. Cardiovascular anomaly was the most frequent birth defects. Conclusion: The incidence rate of birth defects varies in diferent area of Golestan provine and overally was lower than the other region in Iran.

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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<0.05). There was relationship between birth weight and neonatal mortality (Odds Ratio=29.6). Conclusion: Prematurity and low birth weight were the most important causes of neonatal mortality in Maraveh Tapeh county in Golestan province, north of Iran.