Cochrane review: Oxytocin may not be best for prevention of PPH
July 12th 2018A meta-analysis of 140 studies by investigators from the Cochrane Collaboration shows that oxytocin may not be the best choice for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, despite the current recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO). PLUS: Commentary on the findings from our Maternal Mortality Series Editor, Carolyn Zelop, MD.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Underdiagnosed and undertreated
July 12th 2018Despite the prevalence of GSM, the condition continues to be under-recognized and undertreated due to a combination of patient and provider factors. Providers need to take the initiative in screening and patient education.
Long-term maternal benefits of breastfeeding
July 11th 2018This article reviews recommendations for breastfeeding and current breastfeeding rates; positive maternal health outcomes associated with breastfeeding; and evidence-based practices that enable women to successfully achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Oxytocin suspect in cases with poor outcomes
July 11th 2018Oxytocin is one of the most frequently used drugs during labor but it can also become a major issue in a malpractice case filed after a labor and delivery if there is an adverse outcome. PLUS: Carolyn Zelop, MD, provides commentary on a lawsuit involving a patient death during pregnancy due to cardiomyopathy.
Pilot study finds oral SERM improves pain and sexual function
July 11th 2018An oral selective estrogen receptor modulator approved for treatment of mild to moderate dyspareunia in menopausal women reduced signs and symptoms of atrophy in the vulva, vestibule, urethral meatus and vagina region, according to results of a prospective open-label pilot study
Genetic testing plus mammography beneficial for determining breast cancer risk in younger women
July 10th 2018Mammography is sufficient to predict breast cancer risk in women aged ≥ 60, but in younger women, combining mammography and genetic testing improves the assessment, according to a retrospective case-control study
Fertility banking – how secure is it?
July 10th 2018Recent cryopreservation tank failures have focused a spotlight on procedures used by IVF facilities to safeguard patients’ reproductive tissue. The information here may help ob/gyns and their patients better understand the processes, management, and maintenance of IVF systems.
Does a mother’s diet influence her infant’s gut microbiome?
July 10th 2018A study by investigators from New England suggests that a mother’s diet during pregnancy and lactation may have an impact on the microbiome in her infant’s gut. PLUS: Are prenatal vitamin D levels tied to adverse pregnancy outcomes? ALSO: Results of a survey-based study of attending surgeons shows that they play a major role in whether women with breast cancer receive genetic testing.
Study: Higher BMI associated with reduced breast Ca risk in premenopausal women
July 3rd 2018While obesity has been shown to have a strong correlation with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, the results from a large-scale, multicenter analysis show that the inverse may actually be true for younger women. PLUS: Women with denser breast tissue have higher recall and biopsy rates and increased odds of screen-detected and interval breast cancer, according to a recent study.
Study: Candidiasis drug increases risk of spontaneous abortion
June 26th 2018An analysis by Danish investigators published in JAMA shows that taking oral fluconazole during pregnancy is associated with a significant increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Plus: What persuades parents to vaccinate for HPV? Also: Does prenatal exposure to lithium increase risk of congenital malformations?
Legally Speaking: Uterine rupture
June 19th 2018A patient filed a lawsuit on behalf of her child alleging negligence by her obstetrician in delaying the delivery when she was in the hospital contracting and had severe abdominal pain. Thus, her uterus was allowed to rupture, which caused the child’s severe brain injury. Plus more malpractice cases.
Study: Mifepristone pretreatment improves management of first-trimester pregnancy loss
June 19th 2018A recent study compared pretreatment with mifepristone followed by treatment with misoprostol against treating with misoprostol alone for the management of first-trimester pregnancy loss. Plus: Are patients less satisfied with MDs who reduce opioids? Also: Does infant exposure to hypertensive disorders or pregnancy affect neurodevelopment?