Diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopausal women
May 1st 2003A diagnostic work up holds the challenge of ruling out uterine malignancy and hyperplasia, as well as pinpointing the noncancerous cause of the bleeding. An expert in the field outlines the most appropriate assessment tools to help accomplish these goals.
A practical approach to low-molecular-weight heparin in gynecologic surgery
May 1st 2003Thromboembolic complications are common after gynecologic surgery. All too often, DVT is discovered on autopsy. The authors offer a practical evidence-based perspective on prophylaxis with external pneumatic compression and LMWH.
The metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women
May 1st 2003Although nearly 40% of women have metabolic syndrome and the incidence is rising, the condition remains underdiagnosed. Clinicians who treat postmenopausal women should increase their awareness of the metabolic derangements associated with the syndrome and consider them when weighing hormone therapy options.
Cover Story: Looking for a better way to manage endometriosis-related pain
April 16th 2003Why do some women have debilitating symptoms while others don't even realize they have the disease? In light of unanswered questions on the effectiveness of medical versus surgical treatment, an expert proposes a conservative strategy that begins with medical therapy and proceeds to laparoscopy.
Simplex (differentiated) VIN: an underappreciated threat
April 16th 2003Simplex(differentiated) vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia--probably the immediate precursor of most HPV-negative invasive squamous-cell vulvar carcinomas--is easily missed or misdiagnosed. The women who are most at risk are those with vulvar dystrophy or a prior cancer.
How to treat pregnant patients with asthma
April 16th 2003A proactive, stepwise approach to management of asthma in pregnancy can help ensure a good perinatal outcome. Focus on preventing acute asthma attacks because they can leave both mother and fetus vulnerable to progressive hypoxia and potentially disastrous consequences.
MRI-guided focused U/S: novel therapy for leiomyomata
April 15th 2003New, noninvasive treatments are always welcomed by women with fibroids and their clinicians. MRI-guided focused U/S holds promise as a nonsurgical way to accurately target fibroids with no damage to adjacent tissue and minimal side effects.