Hilights From Fertility And Sterility
July 26th 2011In an extensive, multi-center clinical treatment trial, Canadian researchers evaluated the outcomes of 538 cases of uterine artery embolization for fibroids. Between 20% and 50% of women develop uterine fibroids, benign tumors in the muscular tissue of the uterus that can seriously impact their health and well-being.
Abreast of Pneumatic Maturity: Lamellar Body Count Predicts Lungs in Good Shape
July 26th 2011The ability to quickly, cost-effectively and accurately predict fetal pulmonary maturity would be a helpful adjunct in the management of problem pregnancies when either delivery or administration of glucocorticoid are management options.
The Implications of Genetic Testing: It’s More Than A Simple Blood Test
July 26th 2011Virtually half of the articles about genetic testing in the lay press contain the words "simple blood test". In a high-tech medical world of complicated imaging, medications and surgeries, reporters seem intrigued that much genetic testing can be performed on a blood specimen.
Poll: Do You Use Office-Based Uterine Evacuation in Early Pregnancy Failure Care?
July 26th 2011A recent survey of ob/gyns (N = 308) reported that respondents who indicated they had prior training in office uterine evacuation and/or induced abortion also reported using office uterine evacuation more frequently as compared to those providers without any training. The operation room was used more often by those respondents who did not have any induced abortion training.
The Ultrasound Detection of Chromosomal Anomalies
Adapted from "The Ultrasound Detection of Chromosomal Anomalies
Committee Recommends Withdrawal of Breast Cancer Indication From Bevacizumab
July 25th 2011FDA approval for bevacizumab (Avastin) as treatment for metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer should be withdrawn, according to a unanimous vote (6-0) of the FDA’s Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee. The committee convened at the request of the drugmaker (Genentech) to appeal an earlier decision by the FDA to remove the indication for bevacizumab to treat locally recurrent or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer.
ACOG Committee Opinion: Screening for Vitamin D Not Recommended
July 24th 2011Routine screening of pregnant women for vitamin D deficiency is not recommended, according to a new Committee Opinion of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Although severe vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked with abnormal skeletal development, congenital rickets, and bone fractures in newborns, most pregnant women obtain enough vitamin D through prenatal vitamins, fortified milk and juice, fish oils, and sunlight exposure.
Implantable Devices Should Be Offered as First-Line Contraception
July 24th 2011The most effective forms of reversible contraception available to date are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.1 According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), LARCs are safe for almost all women of reproductive age, including nursing mothers, adolescents, and women who have not yet had a child, and The College recommends them as first-line contraceptive methods.
Placental Localization by Transperineal Sonography in Antepartum Hemorrhage
July 22nd 2011Transperineal and transabdominal sonography were done for 180 patients attending Benha University Hospitals at 28-40 weeks gestational age with an antepartum hemorrhage in the period between July, 1995 and October, 1996.
Maternal Serum Marker Screening for Down Syndrome
July 22nd 2011Prenatal screening for Down syndrome is continuously being refined. Initially, the screen was limited to the health care provider's consideration of the mother's age at delivery, once the association between advanced maternal age (i.e. maternal age 35 or older at delivery) and increased risk for Down syndrome was recognized.
First-Trimester Aneuploidy Screening A Combined Approach
July 22nd 2011Prenatal testing for Down syndrome has gained importance--and urgency--as more women delay pregnancy into their later reproductive years. A first-trimester screening technique that combines use of maternal serum markers with ultrasonographic assessment may offer reliable answers sooner than do other available tests.