The NHLBI has published its first US clinical practice guidelines for von Willebrand Disease, a condition that affects 1 in 100 to 1,000 people. The guidelines provide recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of the three major types of VWD, emphasizing proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
The study found a 50% decline in cystic fibrosis births and a decrease in severe gene mutations, suggesting that prenatal carrier screening may be reducing the number of affected births. The authors attribute the decline to the gradual implementation of preconception and prenatal screening for CF.
A multicenter trial found that uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a viable alternative to hysterectomy for women with symptomatic fibroids. After two years, patients who underwent UAE reported health-related quality of life equal to those who had undergone hysterectomy.
A new study using neurophysiology technology will track pelvic floor damage in women before, during, and after pregnancy. The goal is to determine if vaginal birth affects pelvic floor strength and coordination, or if other factors like pregnancy itself play a role.
A large-scale study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found a strong link between physical abuse during pregnancy and premature births. Researchers surveyed 2660 Caucasian women and discovered that 24% of mothers of preterm newborns had experienced physical abuse, compared to 8% of those with term births.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a blood test that detects early stage ovarian cancer with 99% accuracy, building on previous work showing 95% effectiveness. The new platform uses six protein biomarkers instead of four, increasing specificity from 95 to 99.4%.
A multi-center study of 500 women found that more women preferred the contraceptive ring over the skin patch due to lower complication rates and higher satisfaction. The ring was also reported to have fewer side effects compared to the patch.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine implemented clinical patient safety interventions to standardize communication and interpretation of fetal monitoring, leading to a 60% decrease in adverse events over 2.5 years. The staff's perception of the safety climate also increased by 30%.
A study by Yale University researchers has identified a gene, ENPP1, linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in Hispanic women. The study found that this variant of the gene may be associated with deranged energy metabolism, a possible explanation for preterm births.
Researchers have developed a successful test vaccine that prevents the development of prostate cancer in 90% of young mice. The vaccine targets prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), which is over-expressed in early-stage prostate cancers, and has been shown to mount an immune response against the protein.
Researchers identified a significant association between genetic mutations in the TLR4 gene and inflammatory injury to the placenta, increasing the risk of preterm birth. Women with this mutation were five times more likely to experience placental inflammation, while babies with the mutation faced nearly five times the risk.
A study found that only 65% of Illinois public school sex education teachers covered the four basic topics required for comprehensive instruction. Additionally, 30% of teachers had never received sex-education training, and most lacked confidence in teaching these topics without such training.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that IVF twin pregnancies have a higher prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) compared to singletons. The study, which examined almost 2,000 patients, revealed a three-fold increase in CHD among IVF twins.
Researchers identify genetic mutations in MTHFR and Factor V as significant contributors to blood clots and tissue injury in the placenta. These mutations may lead to increased risks of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia.
A new study suggests that taking folic acid supplements for at least one year before pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of premature birth. The research found a 50-70% decrease in early preterm deliveries, with the greatest reduction seen in very early premature births.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that high doses of caffeine daily during pregnancy increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly among women consuming coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Women who consumed over 200mg of caffeine per day had twice the miscarriage risk compared to those with no caffeine intake.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 23% of neonates born between 23 and 32 weeks gestation have positive umbilical blood cultures for genital mycoplasmas, a frequent cause of congenital fetal infection. These infections are associated with increased risk of neonatal systemic inflammatory resp...
A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.
Researchers from University of Missouri and Imperial College London found that chemical markers on cancer and HIV-infected cells can fool the immune system, making it ineffective against vaccines. The study suggests that vaccines may be unlikely to work due to these shared sequences.
Researchers at USC suggest epigenetics plays a role in male infertility, with abnormal DNA methylation linked to low sperm counts. The study finds high levels of methylation in sperm DNA from men with fertility issues, potentially leading to new treatments for male infertility.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing poses risks of misleading patients and physicians due to lack of regulation. Physicians recommend consulting with doctors before ordering tests, as results may not be clinically valid or accurately interpreted.
A Phase 2 study found that eltrombopag elevated platelet counts to a safe level in over 75% of chronic ITP patients within two weeks, reducing bleeding symptoms. The therapy also showed similar incidence and severity of adverse effects compared to the placebo group.
A combination of common anti-HIV drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine with nevirapine during labor significantly reduces the risk of HIV-positive pregnant women developing resistance to a class of drugs, potentially improving future treatment options.
A common medication used to stop preterm labor is associated with increased risk of brain damage and intestinal problems in premature infants. However, use of the medication has not been linked to other serious complications. Obstetricians are now advised to limit its use to cases where babies are at greatest risk.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors experienced significantly lower rates of infertility due to ovulatory disorders. The key factors included dietary choices and physical activity, with higher scores associated with a lower risk of infertility.
A new study published in JAMA found that antiretroviral drug therapy and non-physician care, such as nursing, are essential in saving the lives of HIV-infected African children. The research showed significant improvements in CD4 cell counts and weight-for-age scores among children treated with antiretrovirals.
The MacArthur Foundation is funding Pathfinder International to implement a range of interventions, including the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, to treat postpartum hemorrhaging in developing countries. The program aims to reduce maternal mortality by addressing the leading cause of maternal death, postpartum hemorrhage.
A study found that two-thirds of women are interested in stopping their periods but lack understanding of the medical implications. Physicians, however, believe continuous oral contraceptive therapy is medically safe and acceptable, sparking a need for better patient-physician dialogue.
Researchers found that vaginal progesterone gel reduced the need for intensive care and decreased hospital stays for premature infants. The treatment may also help prevent early preterm birth among women with a short cervix, according to the study's results.
A Saint Louis University study suggests severely obese women should lose weight during pregnancy, while obese women who are pregnant should gain less weight. Limiting weight gain reduces the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and has babies with normal birth weights.
According to a study published in Fertility and Sterility, nearly 60% of IVF procedures performed on women over 35 result in successful pregnancies. The researchers found an excellent pregnancy rate for patients undergoing single blastocyst transfer, with 62.2% conceiving and 51.1% having pregnancies beyond the first trimester.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that multiple corticosteroid injections in pregnant women are linked to an increased rate of cerebral palsy among children. The study suggests that exposure to repeat courses should be limited to minimize this risk.
A multi-center study found that repeated courses of steroids given to premature babies may increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The study, led by Dr. Ronald Wapner, followed 556 infants and found that six out of 248 who received multiple steroid courses had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
A study found that half of women prescribed medications linked to birth defects do not receive contraceptive counseling. Women filling prescriptions for these medications are no more likely to use contraception than other women, highlighting the need for increased awareness among physicians and women who may become pregnant.
The Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine is part of a national team researching ways to preserve or restore fertility in women with cancer. Researchers are studying methods to freeze and store ovary tissue and grow follicles in culture, aiming to help young cancer patients have children.
Most women who think they have a vaginal yeast infection actually don't, according to Saint Louis University researcher Susan Hoffstetter. Women are often misdiagnosed and treat themselves with anti-fungal medicine, worsening symptoms.
A national team of scientists is investigating fertility preservation for women with cancer through the $20 million program. MU researcher John Critser will receive funding to study cryopreservation methods of human eggs, aiming to improve efficiency and challenges in the process.
The Oncofertility Consortium seeks to alter the medical world's approach to female cancer patients, promoting a new consciousness to protect their reproductive health. Researchers will investigate fertility threats posed by cancer treatment and develop strategies to improve communication with newly diagnosed patients.
Researchers found that Metformin improves glucose uptake and survival of early embryos in mice with insulin resistance. The drug may benefit women with type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome trying to conceive. Improved embryo quality could lead to more successful pregnancies.
The first comprehensive national survey of older adults' sexual attitudes and behaviors found that most people ages 57-85 consider sex an important part of life. However, nearly half reported at least one sexual problem, including lack of desire, vaginal dryness, or erectile dysfunction.
A team of U-M researchers, including gynecologists and engineers, will use the grant to examine damage to pelvic muscles during vaginal deliveries. They aim to develop preventive strategies to reduce injury rates, which affect up to 300,000 women per year.
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) risk escalates when even one partner is African-American, increasing preterm birth risks. BV affects up to 50% of women in some populations and can lead to herpes and other STIs.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that few older women with significant risk factors for lifetime exposure to HIV showed interest in being tested. The study, which analyzed data from 514 women aged 50-95, found that only 22% of participants expressed interest in HIV testing.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are acceptable for women at high risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found lower rates of complications and greater acceptability with the Mirena IUS.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that weekly progesterone injections did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in women pregnant with twins. In contrast, previous research showed that these injections reduced additional preterm births by one-third in women whose previous babies were born prematurely.
Researchers found that progesterone treatment did not decrease the risk of premature birth in women carrying twins compared to placebo injections. In contrast, earlier studies showed a significant reduction in preterm birth among pregnant women with a history of preterm delivery and single-baby pregnancies.
A Mayo Clinic-led collaborative study finds that focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids offers sustained symptom relief and durable outcomes. The more complete destruction of tumors by focused ultrasound results in improved quality of life and lower incidence of severe side effects.
A study of long-term female cancer survivors found that they valued sexuality but were not adequately prepared for the sexual issues introduced by their cancer or treatment. Discussing sexual consequences with physicians matters greatly to these patients, yet infrequent conversations occur.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that magnesium sulfate, commonly used to arrest preterm labor, has more mild to serious side effects than the alternative treatment nifedipine. The research suggests that physicians should consider side effects when choosing which drug to prescribe.
Researchers found that mice exposed to ozone before infection died more often than those breathed filtered air. Female mice were also less likely to survive pneumonia exposure compared to males, regardless of genetic variation. The study suggests considering the impact of environmental pollutants on health by gender.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a new regulatory target for the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which may lead to new treatments for Fragile X syndrome. The study also found implications for autism, as both conditions share common physiological pathways.
Research from Group Health finds a link between low libido during menopause and disrupted sleep patterns. Women experiencing reduced sexual desire are also more likely to report poor sleep quality and depression symptoms.
International studies show high efficacy for HPV vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing pre-malignant changes of the cervix and protects against serious HPV-related diseases, including high-grade cervical pre-cancers.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are studying a gene that may play a role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by insulin resistance, hirsutism, and other symptoms. The study aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying PCOS and potential markers for risk.
A recent study has found that maternal alcohol use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of extreme preterm delivery. The effects are more pronounced among women aged 30 years and older. Researchers also found that cocaine use was associated with an increased risk, while smoking had a lesser impact.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that Botox injections can reduce prostate size and alleviate urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Up to 73% of patients experienced improved quality of life and reduced symptoms for up to a year after treatment.
A study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that muscle-derived stem cell injections strengthened sphincter muscles, improving bladder control and quality of life for women with stress urinary incontinence. The treatment was safe and effective, with long-term improvements observed.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that green tea's catechins protected normal and cancerous bladder cells from inflammation. The findings suggest herbal supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a $7 million grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study endometriosis and its effects on fertility. The research aims to develop new therapies and better understand embryo implantation and pregnancy.
A quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing high-grade vulval and vaginal lesions that can lead to cancers. The vaccine reduced the risk of all high-grade vulval and vaginal lesions by 49% in a population of sexually active young women.