New ‘dipstick’ test for Zika, dengue
October 11th 2017A fast and cost-effective new dipstick test for Zika virus can distinguish between it and dengue viruses without cross-reactivity, according to a report in Science Translational Medicine. Also, results of a new randomized controlled trial-the largest of its kind to date-suggest that text messaging may help some pregnant women quit smoking.
Study: Early-term births linked to poorer CRF through young adulthood
October 10th 2017Longitudinal data from a prospective cohort study indicate that being born early term may negatively affect a child’s cardiorespiratory fitness. Plus: Is there a difference in PTB rate between branded and compounded 17P? Also, a review analyzes whether or not there are any benefits to placentophagy.
Meta-analysis on oocyte donation and perinatal outcomes
October 2nd 2017A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that in pregnancies conceived via assisted reproduction, risk of adverse perinatal outcomes may be higher with donated than with autologous oocytes. Plus: Do post-cesarean antibiotics reduce infections in obese women? Also: Researchers believe they have identified the genes associated with preterm delivery.
Were this infant’s delays secondary to misapplication of a vacuum extractor?
September 27th 2017The plaintiff alleged that the infant’s injuries were caused by traumatic damage during delivery; specifically, from the vacuum extractor. The plaintiff’s argument was that when the vacuum extractor pulled on the infant’s head it caused damage, evidenced by the intraventricular bleed.
Why you should be performing office hysteroscopy… now
September 27th 2017Office hysteroscopy (OH) remains a valuable but underutilized tool in evaluation and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. Fostering a clinic environment in which patients have access to a “one-stop shopping” experience has benefits for both them and the gynecologist. as well as the medical system.
A roadmap for medical device innovation
September 26th 2017Many ob/gyns will have ideas for novel medical devices, but most have no idea what is involved in bringing products to market. Jon Einarsson, MD, PhD, MPH, discusses some considerations when evaluating whether or not to turn an idea into something more.
Study: Annual ob/gyn visits declining
September 26th 2017Researchers note that the number of women who annually visit an ob/gyn has steadily declined since 2000. Plus: MAb may reduce risk of fracture in women with osteoporosis. Also, a study shows that postmenopausal hormone therapy is not associated with risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, or total cancer mortality.
How effective is the 9-valent HPV vaccine?
September 18th 2017One study looks at how successful the 9vHPV vaccine is in preventing HPV-related cervical, vaginal, and vulvar diseases. Plus: FDA approves first neonatal MRI. Also, researchers note that obstetric services in rural areas severely lacking.
Is genetic testing for cancer survivors underutilized?
September 13th 2017One study looks at whether or not women with histories of breast or ovarian cancer are receiving necessary genetic testing. Plus: Can in-office hysteroscopy reliably evaluate uterine pathology? Also, researchers say mammographic density changes should be monitored in patients undergoing hormone therapy as a possible indicator of breast cancer.
Talking to women about sexual dysfunction: Just do it!
September 7th 2017Female sexual dysfunction is not rare. In the United States, 44% of women are reported to experience some form of sexual dysfunction and 12% of these women report distress associated with dysfunction. Despite this high prevalence, many women never talk to their providers about their sexual difficulties or concerns and many providers fail to broach the topic with their patients.
Endometriosis and skin cancer: Is there a link?
September 6th 2017Results of a new prospective cohort study add to existing literature on the association between endometriosis and skin cancer and show that the connection is strongest for melanoma. The findings, published in Cancer Causes and Control, are by researchers from the United States and France.
Does breastfeeding help lower risk of endometriosis?
September 6th 2017A new analysis of data from Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II) shows that following the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ recommendations on breastfeeding may lower a woman’s risk of endometriosis. The association between the risk reduction and breastfeeding, the authors say, may be mediated at least in part by amenorrhea
Are hysterectomy volumes in the US really falling?
September 1st 2017Hysterectomy is the most common nonobstetric surgical procedure performed on women, with 1 out of 9 women undergoing it in their lifetime. Recent reports have indicated a sharp decline in the number of hysterectomies performed annually in the United States.
Brain injury allegedly caused by forceps
September 1st 2017When the head of a Kansas woman's baby did not descend easily, the nurse-midwife managing the labor sought an obstetrician’s intervention. The obstetrician used forceps to assist the delivery. The parents sued the obstetrician after the delivery alleging the infant suffered a skull fracture, lacerated ear, bruising around his scalp, and bleeding in the brain as a result of the forceps. What's the verdict? Plus more cases.