The Society of Gynecologic Oncology has released guidelines for surveillance of gynecologic cancer recurrence in women who have had a complete response to primary cancer therapy. The recommendations focus on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, advising against routine cytologic procedures or imaging unless necessary.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new technique to detect both genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos. This method allows for the simultaneous detection of single-gene mutations and aneuploidy, enabling couples to choose healthy embryos for implantation.
The FIGO PALM-COEIN classification system provides a universally accepted method for classifying abnormal uterine bleeding, facilitating communication among clinicians and researchers. The system categorizes causes of AUB into nine categories, enabling consistent and practical application of medical and surgical therapy.
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island found that pregnant women infected with H1N1 influenza during the 2009 pandemic were more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. The studies also tracked outcomes and determined the importance of timely antiviral treatment in pregnancy.
A new method for preventing premature birth has been announced, showing that treating pregnant women at risk with a low-cost progesterone gel can reduce the rate of early preterm delivery in women with short cervix by 45%. The study found that progesterone also reduced respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies.
A NIH study found that progesterone reduced the rate of preterm birth before 33 weeks of pregnancy among women with a short cervix. Infants born to these women were also less likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found a 22% relative increase in women among USMG applicants to general surgery programs, with a corresponding 40% increase in those entering training. This trend aligns with increasing equal gender enrollment of medical students.
A study of pregnant women using intrauterine devices found that over half had malpositioned devices, which may increase pregnancy complications. Regular sonograms after IUD placement can help confirm proper positioning and reduce risks.
A perinatal safety initiative led by Northwell Health has significantly reduced adverse obstetrical outcomes, including returning to the operating room and birth trauma, from 2% to 0.8% over a two-year period.
Researchers found a significant decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions when women received a one-year supply of oral contraceptives. The study suggests that a larger supply allows for more consistent use, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits or resupply trips.
A survey of hundreds of cancer survivors confirms that more than forty percent want medical attention for their sexual health needs. The researchers found that younger women and those who had been out of treatment for over a year were more likely to want medical care, highlighting the need for better support.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) has found that women using injectable or oral contraception, including DMPA and desogestrel, do not experience adverse effects on glucose and insulin levels. The research, conducted over three years, provides reassuring news for non-diabetic women using hormonal c...
New research finds nearly 25% of overweight and 16% of normal-weight reproductive-age women misperceive their body weight, leading to unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Clinicians are recommended to calculate BMI, screen for misperceptions, and counsel patients to address this issue.
Three papers were selected for the inaugural Contraception Article Award for their exceptional quality and impact on the field of family planning. The awarded articles cover topics such as bone mineral density recovery after contraceptive use, medical abortion follow-up, and postpartum intrauterine contraception cost-effectiveness.
A UCSF study confirms that a woman's race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status impact whether healthcare providers recommend the most effective form of contraception. The interaction between these factors also plays a role in clinicians' decisions.
A University of Michigan study found that in-country OB/GYN training programs significantly contributed to doctors' decision to remain in Ghana. The availability and presence of a viable training program played a crucial role, along with social and economic factors, in graduates' choices.
A new study by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that the birth control pill works equally well in women with obesity and thinner women. The study's findings strengthen the message to patients that the pill will only work if it is taken every day.
Research from Northwestern University found that healthy eggs require high levels of zinc to mature and be fertilized. The study may lead to advances in fertility treatment by enabling doctors to assess the best eggs for successful embryo formation.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a link between anti-TPO antibodies and placental abruption in pregnant women. The study of over 17,000 women found that antibody-positive women were three times as likely to experience placental separation during labor.
A new study found that planned home births are associated with a tripling of the neonatal mortality rate compared to planned hospital deliveries. Women giving birth at home experienced fewer medical interventions, but their infants had higher rates of respiratory distress and failed resuscitation.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel protein called Preimplantation Factor, which is crucial for successful pregnancy. The protein modulates maternal immunity and promotes early embryo attachment, influencing uterine cell remodeling.
A study found that pregnant women with flu often experience symptoms like nausea and a rapid heartbeat. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.
Researchers analyzed medical records of over 239,000 women to find no significant difference in preeclampsia, preterm birth, or other complications. The study suggests that commonly used medications can be safely administered during pregnancy.
The current BMI standards misclassify many reproductive-age women as 'not obese', particularly whites and Hispanics. The study recommends ethnic-specific BMI cutoff values to produce proper diagnosis of obesity, especially for Hispanic women.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that epigenetic marks on human placentas change throughout pregnancy, potentially allowing for early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The study's findings suggest that genomic imprinting appears to be an ever-changing process in the placenta.
A Stanford University study found that acupuncture significantly reduced depression symptoms in pregnant women. The treatment was associated with a 63% response rate, compared to 44% for other groups. The researchers hope to raise awareness of the problem and provide an alternative to antidepressants.
Researchers from Loyola University Health System found a link between premature births and cerebral palsy, with inflammation of the umbilical cord being a common complication. The study suggests that managing inflammation may reduce the risk of certain complications in these infants.
Recent IOM guidelines recommend obese women gain more weight, contradicting research that shows higher BMI levels are associated with severe medical conditions. Obese pregnant women can safely limit weight gain through a nutrient-rich diet and physical activity under doctor guidance.
Researchers link beta 2 adrenergic agonists to increased autism risk in children of mothers treated for asthma and pre-term labor. Long-term neurophysiologic and behavioral impairment is also a concern with prolonged exposure to these drugs during pregnancy.
Researchers found that adding a genetic sonogram to non-invasive prenatal screening increases the detection rate of Down syndrome by up to 98%, while decreasing false positive rates. This maximizes the capacity for noninvasive detection with currently available technology.
A study ranked obstetrical residency programs based on maternal complication rates, finding that top-quintile programs had significantly lower complication rates compared to bottom-quintile programs. The rankings were consistent across individual types of complications, suggesting that these rates may reflect overall quality.
UCSF researchers found private cord blood banking to be cost-effective only for families with high likelihood of needing a stem cell transplant. The analysis revealed that the process is more expensive than expected, with an additional $1,374,246 per life-year gained.
Researchers identified 'early gainers' who averaged 24 pounds of weight gain over three years, linked to increased abdominal fat and metabolic syndrome. The study recommends physicians tailor counseling based on women's risk factors and suggest alternative contraception methods for those who gain significant weight.
Research conducted by Yale University researchers found that women with preeclampsia in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of hypertension after pregnancy. Additionally, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and low-birth weight tend to recur and increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies.
Researchers found evidence that magnesium sulfate administration significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in children at risk. However, a roundtable discussion highlighted the need for further clarification on its use due to conflicting results from well-designed trials and observational studies.
A new method detects protein biomarkers in body fluids, increasing the number of diagnostic tests for cancer. The technique is highly reproducible across laboratories and instruments, allowing for early cancer detection.
Women with excessive menstrual bleeding may have underlying bleeding disorders. The consensus conference recommends hematologic evaluations to diagnose conditions like Von Willebrand Disease, which affects 74-92% of women with menorrhagia.
A study highlights the need for hospitals to develop formal plans to address priority treatment for pregnant women and newborns in case of an influenza pandemic. Despite 78% having written plans, concerns remain about resource allocation, vaccination safety, and coordination with public health agencies.
Researchers at Temple University discovered that women who perceive their bodies as ideal, even if they are obese or overweight, can still experience health issues. The study found that African-American and Hispanic women underestimated their current body size more often than white women.
A collaborative Canada-France study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that metoclopramide worked faster to quell symptoms of nausea and vomiting than droperidol. The treatment protocol improved symptoms more quickly and provided a safer option for pregnant women.
A study at Yale-New Haven Hospital found that implementing simple clinical interventions, including communication training and standardizing procedures, significantly improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The rate of adverse events decreased by 60%, while the staff's perception of safety increased by 30%.
Postmenopausal women who breastfed for at least a month had lower rates of diabetes and high cholesterol. Longer durations of breastfeeding resulted in significant reductions in heart attack risk, with those nursing for over a year being 10% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
A new procedure using saline-infusion sonography allows doctors to visualize and diagnose diseases in the lining of the uterus, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study found that the procedure correctly diagnosed benign polyps and cancers more often than blind biopsies.
Lawrence Platt and Ernest Feleppa receive top awards for their contributions to medical ultrasound, with Platt recognized for clinical science and Feleppa for basic science research, both funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Women who undergo bariatric surgery experience reduced risk of medical and obstetric complications during pregnancy. The study showed a significant decrease in gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and severe pre-eclampsia. However, there was a higher rate of cesarean births among women who had undergone bariatric surgery.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that DMPA users gained an average of 11 pounds and increased their body fat by 3.4 percent over three years. Nonhormonal contraception reversed this weight gain, with women losing nearly four pounds over two years.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that brain activity patterns differ in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder compared to those without the condition. The research suggests that increased attention to one's own responses to erotic stimuli may play a role in sexual dysfunction.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a prenatal testing method for identifying tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in the womb. The technique, which sequences TSC genes in amniotic fluid cells, has been shown to detect nearly 93% of mutations, offering improved treatment options for affected families.
A new guide from Northwestern University helps doctors navigate fertility preservation strategies for cancer patients. The guide aims to increase awareness and improve treatment options for adolescents and younger adults facing cancer diagnosis.
Marshall Lindheimer, a renowned expert in kidney function and blood pressure control during pregnancy, has made significant contributions to the understanding of preeclampsia. His research has led to the development of treatments for transient diabetes insipidus during pregnancy.
A new study published by the American Cancer Society found that black women with uterine cancer are more likely to die from the disease than their white counterparts. The researchers discovered that black patients were diagnosed at younger ages and had more advanced and aggressive tumors, which contributed to the survival disparity.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) have jointly funded a new study on ovarian cancer symptoms, aiming to develop a systematic screening process. Dr. Barbara Goff will lead the three-year study, which seeks to create a symptom index for early detection.
A Michigan State University study reveals that nearly 70% of minority women trust healthcare organizations, leading to lower breast cancer screening rates. The study found that African-American women had the highest levels of mistrust, with 39% strongly agreeing that health-care organizations don't keep information private.
A study found that measuring lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness can predict uterine scar defects and anticipate high-risk patients for subsequent uterine rupture. Women with full LUS thickness under 2.3mm and single-layer muscular closure are at increased risk.
Researchers at Yale University have identified misfolded proteins in the urine of pregnant women as a potential cause of preeclampsia. The discovery, made using proteomics and a novel dye test, offers a new approach to early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
A randomized trial of 1,800 pregnant women with periodontal disease found that routine gum treatments do not reduce the risk of early delivery. The study suggests that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy is safe, but standard periodontal care is not enough to prevent preterm births.
Researchers found that women who experienced complications due to hypertension in their first pregnancies are at a higher risk of hypertension after pregnancy. The study, conducted on over 11 million women, also showed that each subsequent affected pregnancy compounds the risks.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that leaving the ovaries intact during surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer has no survival benefit compared to removing them. This approach could spare women from surgery-induced early menopause, hot flashes, and increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that behavioral weight-loss programs can significantly reduce urinary incontinence in overweight and obese women. Participants who lost an average of 17 pounds experienced a 47% reduction in incontinence episodes compared to those in the control group.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that anxiety and depression before and during fertility treatment have no influence on cancellation rates or pregnancy success. The research involved 783 women and showed that levels of depression or anxiety did not predict pregnancy rates or cancellation rates.