FDA report a disservice to fibroids patients
April 9th 2018The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has done women a disservice by incompletely examining the evidence for risk and benefits associated with morcellation for women undergoing surgery for suspected fibroids. Of note, within days of the FDA report, the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ) of the US Department of Health and Human Services published a more rigorous and complete analysis of available data with entirely different results and conclusions. Thirty-six signees recommend that Contemporary OB/GYN’s readers review the AHRQ findings and decide which report serves women best.
Burnout and depression in medical students and mentors
April 9th 2018From our own experience in academic medicine, Dr. Ed Funai and I can vouch for the fact that most medical students are going into medicine for the right reasons-to help others via a career wedded in both science and humanity. Ironically, those same medical students are also experiencing record levels of burnout, substance abuse and depression as they enter their third and fourth years.
Local resistance impacts cost-effectiveness of antibiotics for UTI
April 5th 2018Findings from a recent study indicate that trimethoprim 200 mg BID for 3 or 7 days is the most effective antibiotic for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) when levels of local resistance to the drug are < 30%. However, when it is ≥ 35%, a single dose of fosfomycin 3g or nitrofurantoin 100 mg BID for 7 days is more cost-effective.
Are vaginal estradiol tablets better for VVS than OTC moisturizer or placebo?
March 27th 2018Results of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) suggest that over-the-counter moisturizer may be just as effective as vaginal estrogen tablets for treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms (VVS) in postmenopausal women. Plus: Does a Mediterranean diet help protect bones in postmenopausal women? Also: Metformin, an oral diabetes medication, seems to reduce the likelihood of late miscarriage and premature birth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to results of a multicenter study.
IVF storage tank failures spark reviews, lawsuits
March 20th 2018Failure of liquid nitrogen storage tanks at two major infertility centers has led to a review of procedures at those and other similar facilities by them and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Plus: Does MHT affect cardiovascular health? Also: Hirsutism treatment and diagnosis updated.
How to prepare for postpartum hemorrhage
March 13th 2018The aim of this paper is not to outline a specific medical-surgical algorithm for managing PPH, but rather to give an overview for system-wide preparedness that should be considered in planning to mitigate this frequent, potentially life-threatening, obstetrical emergency.
New data on vaginal ring support benefits for HIV prevention
March 13th 2018Interim data from two studies of a dapivirine vaginal ring-DREAM and HOPE-lend further credence to the potential benefits of using the device for HIV prevention. Plus: FDA authorizes direct-to-consumer BRCA1/BRCA2 test. Also: A new Zika virus test extends window for accurate diagnosis.
SERM Ospemifene Reduces Vestibular Nerve Fiber Sensitivity
March 12th 2018A newly published pilot study is the first to show that the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) ospemifene effectively normalizes vestibular innervation sensitivity, in addition to confirming that it relieves postmenopausal vestibular signs and symptoms.
Sex hormones only part of the equation in modulating HSDD
March 6th 2018According to a literature review, apart from the essential role that sex hormones play in modulating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) through therapeutic interventions, a comprehensive understanding of the biologic mechanisms underlying the disorder is imperative.
Is waist-to-hip ratio a better predictor of MI than BMI?
March 6th 2018According to research, the size of a woman’s hips and waist may be the best indicators of her risk of a heart attack. Plus: Adverse risks of pregnancy over 40. Also: Active surveillance of CIN2 is a viable treatment, according to a study.
USPSTF: Ovarian cancer screening not recommended for low-risk women
February 20th 2018In a new statement, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is recommending against ovarian cancer screening for women who have no symptoms and no hereditary cancer syndromes. Plus: Breast MRI screening results in higher biopsy rates, according to a study.