cfDNA testing predicts aneuploidy in low-risk pregnancies
March 1st 2014Massively parallel sequencing of maternal cell-free DNA (cfDNA testing) has been shown better at predicting fetal aneuploidies than standard screening in a new study among a general obstetric population. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the report by the CARE Study group was funded by Illumina.
Time-lapse photography and ART
March 1st 2014Time-lapse photography applied to embryo development is commonly called morphokinetics, because it combines the morphological criteria that are typically used for embryo grading/evaluation with the kinetics of development for each embryo at certain predefined checkpoints.
Monoclonal antibody increases cervical cancer survival
February 27th 2014Adding a monoclonal antibody (MAb)-bevacizumab-to combination chemotherapy may increase survival in patients with recurrent cervical cancer, according to results of a National Cancer Institute-funded randomized trial. Use of bevacizumab in cervical cancer is experimental; the MAb currently is approved to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer, and glioblastoma.
Teens likely to request early IUD removal
February 27th 2014Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an effective form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) with low complication rates, yet adolescents are more likely than adult women to request early removal of the devices, according to a new study in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
25-year study questions value of screening mammography
February 20th 2014A new study with up to 25 years’ follow up is reopening debate about the value of screening mammography in women aged 40 to 59. Published in BMJ, the Canadian research found that 22% of women in that screening population-or 1 in every 424-had an over-diagnosed breast cancer.
Perioperative antibiotics may improve outcome of cerclage
February 13th 2014Administration of perioperative antibiotics and indomethacin may significantly prolong gestation after second-trimester cerclage, according to a study presented at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine: The Pregnancy Meeting.
Have curves for spontaneous labor really changed?
February 13th 2014Rates of cesarean delivery have risen, and with them, interest in determining what influence-if any-progress and management of labor have on the uptick. A retrospective chart review presented at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine: The Pregnancy Meeting suggests that labor curves are unchanged and a better understanding of labor management is needed to reverse the cesarean trend.
Does the 39-week rule apply with multiple cesareans?
February 13th 2014“Term” delivery is defined as 39 weeks 0 days, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For women with repeat cesareans, that timing may not result in the best outcomes, say investigators from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.