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Safety concerns over new female sterilization device

A large study published in The BMJ found that women who underwent hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure device had a significantly higher risk of reoperation following complications. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 and 44,000 women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 13, 2015

Kawasaki disease and pregnant women

Researchers at UC San Diego have found that the health risks to pregnant women with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) are low with proper management and care. The study, published in British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, also notes that the long-term risk for adults with KD is not known.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMar 6, 2014

Family history doubles aortic stenosis risk

A study found that patients with a first degree relative registered with aortic stenosis have a 2.04-fold increased risk of developing the condition. This risk is doubled in those with ischaemic heart disease and family history, highlighting the importance of genetic factors and familial clusters in the development of aortic stenosis.

Consuming alcohol before first pregnancy linked with increased risk of BBD & breast cancer

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a link between drinking alcohol before first pregnancy and an increased risk of breast cancer and benign breast disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 91,000 women, suggests that breast tissue is particularly susceptible to carcinogens during this pe...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 2013

Your history may define your future: Tell your doctor

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients who use a web-based risk appraisal tool are more likely to have important family history documented, leading to better cancer screening and reduced mortality. The tool may help increase communication between physicians and patients about their risk factors.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

To dictate or not to dictate?

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that doctors who dictated their patient notes had significantly worse quality of care compared to those who used structured documentation. Doctors who used free-text notes had better quality of care in providing influenza vaccinations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 21, 2012

Family history -- a significant way to improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment

A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that systematically collecting family medical history is a significant tool in helping GPs spot patients at high risk of heart disease. The study identified an additional five percent of patients who would benefit from prevention measures, highlighting the potential for low-cost...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2012

The scoop on the dangers of snow shoveling

A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.

SourceQueen's University·JournalClinical Research in Cardiology·DateNov 23, 2011

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine finds that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women, and this risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest limiting alcohol intake to lower risk or avoid increasing it.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2011

Risk of blood clots in veins hereditary

Researchers mapped hereditary factors for venous thromboembolism in the Swedish population, finding higher risks in children of parents with VTE. Hereditary factors are significant at younger ages and occur equally in men and women, making a parental history an important risk factor to include in medical histories.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Hematologist·DateMay 30, 2011

Heart attack patients with depression less likely to receive priority care in emergency rooms

A study published in CMAJ found that heart attack patients with a history of depression received lower priority care in emergency departments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This disparity may be due to healthcare staff assuming symptoms are anxiety-related rather than an actual heart attack.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 28, 2011

Where did you get those eyes and that brain?

A family history of Alzheimer's disease significantly increases the risk for developing the disorder, with a new study suggesting that which parent has the disease is crucial. Researchers found altered levels of amyloid and oxidative stress proteins in adult children of mothers with Alzheimer's, increasing their risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2010