Articles tagged with Gynecology
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found a specific colonization of microbes in the reproductive tract is commonly found in women with ovarian cancer. The discovery strengthens evidence that the bacterial component of the microbiome is an important indicator for early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
Studies found underrepresentation of American Indian, Asian, Black, and Latinx groups in obstetrics and gynecology research. The disparity varies by race, ethnicity, subspecialty, and funder, with some subspecialties having more diverse trials than others.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that all U.S. OB-GYN subspecialties lack racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials and research publications. This absence has negative consequences, including biased tools for diagnosing endometrial cancer and unacceptably low sensitivity in the Black female population.
A study found that PPMC-owned practices focusing on clinical management lead to significantly lower C-section rates, while those focusing on financial management lead to higher rates. This suggests that the business strategies used by PPMCs can impact patient care.
A new study found that postpartum visit attendance declined by 5.8% during the pandemic, with uninsured women, Black women, and women under 19 facing the largest decreases. The study highlights the need to address health policy and system challenges to reduce ongoing disparities in postpartum care.
A new protocol at Cedars-Sinai improves the timeliness of treatment for women with severe pregnancy-related hypertension, reducing maternal stroke risk. Despite racial disparities in hypertension rates, the initiative found no significant delays in treatment based on race or ethnicity.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pregnant women taking Paxlovid had a reduced risk of severe COVID-19. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, included 47 participants who received Paxlovid therapy and monitored for outcomes and complications.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that more public health data is needed on the utilization of cervical cancer screening-associated services among older women. The analysis showed that over 1.3 million women received cervical cancer screening-associated services after age 65, with costs exceeding $83 million.
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a causal link between environmental phthalates and increased uterine fibroid growth. Exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, may activate a hormonal pathway that causes fibroid tumors to grow. This study explains the mechanisms behind this association.
A decades-long effort to lower the US stillbirth rate has stalled, with no progress made in reducing disparities between Black and White women. Despite advances in prenatal care and maternal health, excess stillbirths experienced by Black women have remained unchanged since the mid-2000s.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators finds that Enterococcus faecalis enhances its protective outer layer to resist natural immune defenses and antibiotics. The research suggests possible new ways to target these bacterial infections.
The IOF and ESCEO position paper recommends retaining the current WHO diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, which has served the field well. The paper suggests that distinguishing between diagnostic and intervention thresholds can help improve treatment of patients at high risk of fractures.
A study by King's College London found a significant correlation between deaths due to indoor household pollution and eclampsia rates. The researchers evaluated over 2,690 cases of eclampsia in eight low- and middle-income countries and discovered that indoor cooking with solid fuels increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
A Cedars-Sinai study found that a specific protein imbalance can predict the risk of developing severe preeclampsia. The blood test measures the ratio between two proteins involved in blood vessel development, which accurately predicted preterm preeclampsia with severe features over 90% of the time.
Research suggests that antibiotics used in ovarian cancer treatment can accelerate cancer progression and lower survival rates. Reintroducing healthy gut bacteria may slow down cancer growth and restore sensitivity to chemotherapy.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that specific immune system biomarkers are linked to the acquisition of both HIV and genital herpes. The researchers identified unique predictors for each disease, providing new targets for preventive treatments.
A recent study shows that a third of American women now face excessive travel times to obtain an abortion, with residents in the South facing the biggest jump. The share of women traveling over an hour for care has doubled, exceeding the US government benchmark for reasonable access to primary care. Black and indigenous women are dispr...
Research from the University of Pittsburgh found that high COVID-19 stress in women is associated with changes in menstrual cycle length, period duration, and spotting. The study suggests that these changes can have economic and health consequences for women, including increased costs for feminine hygiene products.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have counted more than 10,000 nerve fibers in the human clitoris, exceeding previous estimates of 8,000. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for phalloplasty surgery and improved sensation for transmasculine patients.
The program cuts the average time it took for new patients to get their first treatment from 97 days to just 41 days, while also allowing more than 1,000 new patients to begin treatments. The system has made significant improvements in efficiency and patient satisfaction, with appointment no-shows dropping by 50%.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-use online prediction tool to estimate complication risks for patients undergoing laparoscopic and open hysterectomies. The study found that women of Asian background are at higher risk of major complications after abdominal hysterectomy, with adhesions being the most significant risk factor.
The grant aims to disrupt systemic barriers hindering underrepresented groups' participation in the life sciences. Northwestern will hire 15 new tenure-track faculty and deploy innovative strategies to ensure their success.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that telemedicine can provide safe and effective abortion services without routine ultrasound exams. Women who received telemedicine care had treatment results similar to those who received standard care, and preferred the option.
Recent evidence suggests hormone therapy at menopause does not significantly increase the risk of invasive breast cancer. However, estrogen combined with progesterone increases breast cancer risk for women with an intact uterus. Menopause experts offer reassurance to women and their healthcare providers about the safety of hormone ther...
Advanced cervical cancer rates have been rising in the US, with a significant increase among White women and higher prevalence among Black women, particularly those in their mid-to-late 50s. The study found that obesity and older age at first birth may contribute to the rise in this type of cervical cancer.
A large prospective study found that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to those without the condition. The study analyzed data from over 112,000 women and found an association between endometriosis and stroke risk, suggesting that clinicians should consider the whole woman's health...
A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.
A phase III clinical trial found that taxane maintenance therapy did not significantly improve overall survival for women with advanced ovarian, peritoneal, and tubal cancers. The treatment resulted in significant gastrointestinal and neurological adverse events.
Researchers developed live-cell imaging to study chromosome segregation errors and their impact on embryonic development. They found that micronucleus formation during early cleavage division is a potential hallmark of preimplantation embryonic loss in cattle.
The study found that uterine transplantation is an effective method to remedy infertility, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 33% and cumulative live birth rate exceeding expectations. The procedure also showed positive health outcomes, including improved quality of life and low rates of anxiety and depression.
A mouse study suggests that active testosterone therapy can lead to fewer and less developed eggs retrieved during IVF. Discontinuing testosterone therapy appears to have no significant impact on reproductive capacity, however.
Research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that COVID-19 pandemic stress led to disturbed ovulation in many women. Nearly two-thirds of participants experienced short luteal phases or anovulation, indicating a significant impact on reproductive health.
A Phase 3 study found fezolinetant to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. The treatment also improved sleep disturbances, supporting its use for treating moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
Researchers found that nearly 80% of women with blocked fallopian tubes could conceive naturally after a simple diagnostic procedure and treatment, called selective salpingography and fallopian tube recanalization. The study suggests that this treatment could provide clarity on infertility and offer a life-changing option for many women.
A new study finds that progesterone does not prevent preterm birth in women who have had a previous preterm birth. The research calls for revised guidelines on the use of vaginal progesterone in these patients.
Research suggests that mothers-to-be on high-salt diets may increase their children's risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. The study found that offspring exposed to a high-salt environment in utero had higher blood pressure and increased predisposition to hypertension, even after weaning.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nemvaluekin alfa and pembrolizumab, compared to standard chemotherapy for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The trial aims to provide a novel treatment option with better efficacy and safety profiles.
A new study found that family medicine physicians face multiple barriers, including lack of training and institutional restrictions, to providing medical abortions. The study highlights the need for stronger exposure and training opportunities to strengthen access to safe abortion options.
A recent poll found that menopause symptoms significantly impact older women's sex lives, with 84% of women experiencing symptoms in the past year. Despite this, only 44% have discussed treatment with their healthcare provider, while 28% reported symptoms interfering with sexual activity.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that neighborhood poverty and crowding are associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,991 pregnant patients and found disparities in SARS-CoV-2 positivity among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new quality improvement study from Cedars-Sinai found that comprehensive nurse training is key to successfully screening women for postpartum depression. The initiative identified framing the screening as part of family wellness and normalizing the transition to parenthood as helpful strategies.
A cohort study of nearly 1,000 pregnant persons in NYC found that neighborhoods most affected by racism and economic inequality had higher rates of COVID-19 infection and preterm births. The researchers linked structural racism and community unemployment to increased risk of preterm birth.
A new study by UCSF and UCLA finds that nearly half of US OB-GYN residency programs may lack abortion training if Roe v. Wade is overturned, posing significant risks for patient care. The researchers estimate that 44.8% of programs are in states where abortion will be banned, while 43.9% of residents have received training in these sta...
A new study found that hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization procedures have higher-than-expected failure rates of five to six percent at 5 years post-procedure. The study, led by Dr. Aileen Gariepy, used Medicaid claims data to compare the effectiveness of these methods.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
In a study published in BMJ Open, researchers found that abortion rates remained stable in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with no significant changes in timing or decision-making. Women who sought abortions did not hesitate to proceed, citing supportive care and reassuring healthcare systems.
The ATHENA-MONO trial shows significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with Rubraca as maintenance therapy. Benefit was observed across all patients, including those with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA mutant tumors.
The study found that homologous recombination repair mutant type (HRRmt) was prognostic of progression-free survival and predictive for olaparib activity in women with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Patients with BRCA mutations showed clinically significant activity when treated with experimental drugs.
Researchers found that adding atezolizumab to chemoradiation treatment was safe and demonstrated immune activation in women with node-positive, locally advanced cervical cancer. The study also showed increased peripheral blood T-cell receptor clonal expansion and tumor-associated T-cell clones.
A Phase 3 clinical study of selinexor as maintenance therapy for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer showed a 30% decrease in hazard for progression or death compared to the placebo-controlled group. Patients with functional p53 genes saw the most pronounced effect, with median progression-free survival at 10 months longer.
A recent study found that mutant clones expand in the normal endometrium through a rhizome structure, which arises from a common ancestral clone. This expansion increases the risk of developing endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The study proposes a new model of clonal expansion in the normal endometrium.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
Researchers found that high levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) may cause follicles to mature too quickly, leading to problems with ovulation and fertility in women with PCOS. AMH was previously thought to be a passive byproduct of the disorder.
A meta-analysis of over 3,000 studies found that women with one ovary have a 30% lower chance of becoming pregnant and giving birth after IVF. The study suggests that surgical removal of an ovary has an adverse effect on fertility.
The NRG-GOG 0281/LOGS trial demonstrated that trametinib significantly reduces disease progression and improves response rates in women with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary/peritoneum. The study found a trend towards higher overall survival rates when compared to standard of care options.
In Bangladesh, cesarean sections have increased significantly from 3.88% in 2004 to 33% in 2017/18, but the disparity in access between wealthy and poorer women has grown. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address this issue.
Researchers found that advanced paternal age and obesity are associated with lower implantation rates in couples experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. The study analyzed nearly 800 couples who underwent IVF treatment, revealing a 12.6% increased risk of implantation failure for every one-unit increase in BMI.
A 2018 clinical trial found that patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent open surgery had higher progression-free survival rates than those who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Researchers now propose a series of steps to reevaluate the use of MIS in cervical cancer treatment.
The NRG Oncology GOG 0261 trial demonstrated that paclitaxel and carboplatin is a non-inferior alternative to paclitaxel and ifosfamide for treating women with uterine carcinosarcoma. This regimen offers improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to the current standard of care.