Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 6, 2024
Date Accepted: Jan 14, 2025
Metaverse in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism: A prospective randomized study
ABSTRACT
Background:
The integration of digital medical technology is undergoing rapid transformation, and although the Metaverse's widespread adoption is notable, its application in thyroid diseases remains unexplored. Adverse pregnancy outcomes are frequently associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy.
Objective:
To meticulously evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this Metaverse platform in the management of pregnant SCH women.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was carried out at Fujian Provincial Hospital, China. From July 2022 to July 2023, 60 pregnant patients diagnosed with SCH were randomly divided into two groups: the standard group (n=30) and the Metaverse group (n=30). Both cohorts were administered levothyroxine sodium tablets (L-T4). Additionally, participants in the Metaverse group were granted access to virtual medical consultations and Metaverse-based games. The study primarily assessed adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, while secondary measurements included offspring neurobehavioral development and maternal psychological well-being. The trial is registered under number ChiCTR2300076803.
Results:
Adverse maternal outcomes occurred in 43.33% (13/30) of the standard group and 36.67% (11/30) of the Metaverse group (P=0.598). The incidence of neonatal adverse outcomes was 33.33% (10/30) in the standard group, compared to 6.67% (2/30) in the Metaverse group (P=0.01). The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores did not differ significantly between the groups. Notably, the Metaverse group demonstrated improved Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores compared to the standard group (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively).
Conclusions:
The intervention utilizing the Metaverse significantly reduced the incidence of neonatal adverse outcomes and benefitted the mental health of expectant mothers. Maternal adverse outcomes and neonatal neurobehavioral development in the Metaverse group were found to be on par with the standard group. Clinical Trial: The trial is registered under number ChiCTR2300076803. (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html).
Citation
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Copyright
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