New guidance on an old problem: Management of intrapartum fetal heart rate tracings
December 1st 2010The publication of the National Institute of Child and Health and Human Development recommendations for fetal heart rate interpretation in 1997 brought a major shift in the approach to intrapartum monitoring by standardizing the reading, analysis, and documentation of FHR and uterine contraction tracings.
Docosahexaenoic acid not much use during pregnancy?
December 1st 2010Contrary to the findings of previous studies, 800 mg/d of DHA delivered via fish oil capsules does not lower levels of postpartum depression in mothers or improve cognitive or language development in their offspring during early childhood, according to one trial.
FDA issues safety announcement for bisphosphonates
December 1st 2010In a safety update, the US Food and Drug Administration announced that information about the risk of atypical fractures of the thigh in patients who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis must be added to the "warnings and precautions" section of the drugs' labels.
Immunization advised for pregnant women
November 1st 2010The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice recommend that all women who are pregnant between October and May receive inactive influenza vaccine.
Laparoscopy is the least costly surgical option for endometrial cancer
November 1st 2010Investigators at Duke University performed an analysis of laparoscopic, robotic, and open abdominal hysterectomy for treatment of endometrial cancer comparing the hospital-related and societal costs associated with each of these procedures.
Preventive surgeries benefit women with breast cancer gene mutations
November 1st 2010Among women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, prophylactic mastectomy and salpingo oopherectomy reduce the high risks for breast and ovarian cancer, and the latter procedure improves survival, according to results from a large prospective study.
Birth outside a level 3 hospital puts some infants at risk
November 1st 2010A meta-analysis of 41 studies of neonatal or predischarge mortality among live-born infants weighing less than or equal to 1,500 g or those born at less than or equal to 32 weeks' gestation showed that these very low birth weight or very preterm infants were at significantly higher risk of death if they were born in a facility other than a level 3 hospital.
Alcohol increases breast cancer recurrence risks after early diagnosis
November 1st 2010Among women with a previous diagnosis of early state breast cancer, just 3 to 4 alcholic drinks per week could increase their risk for disease recurrence and death, especially if they are postmenopausal, overweight or obese.