Articles tagged with Obstetrics
A 12-year study in Alabama found that rural counties with in-county obstetrical care had significantly better infant birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates and fewer underweight deliveries. The lack of access to obstetrical care was also associated with higher percentages of underrepresented minority residents.
A recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between the number of in-person health care visits and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant patients. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that necessary in-person care can be safely performed.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a significant decline in emergent medical, surgical, and obstetric hospitalizations during the early phase of COVID-19. The study reported a 35% decrease in weekly hospitalizations overall and a 45% decrease in hospitalizations not related to COVID-19.
The majority of women's healthcare units in the UK have adapted well to the initial COVID-19 outbreak, but there are concerns about long-term planning to prevent health issues from developing. Women's healthcare units provide essential services such as maternity, antenatal and gynaecology care.
A study published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology examined the effect of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) on stillbirth rates. The findings suggest that other public health measures are responsible for the decline in stillbirth rate in Scotland, not the GAP program.
A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who underwent weight loss surgery between pregnancies had lower risks of hypertension and preterm birth in their second pregnancy. The likelihood of adverse outcomes did not decrease to the level observed in the general population.
A new paper provides an updated national birth weight reference for the United States using the most recent, nationally representative birth data. The study aims to improve clinical indicator of morbidity and long-term health outcomes in children and their mothers by addressing previous limitations.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that female reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialists make $67,000 less than their male counterparts annually. Researchers attribute the pay gap to factors such as salary compression and women's reluctance to negotiate over salary.
A study of 102,236 deliveries in France found that higher staffing levels for obstetricians and midwives were associated with lower cesarean delivery rates. A 10% increase in staff levels was linked to a 2.5% decrease in intrapartum cesarean deliveries and a 3.4% decrease in elective cesarean deliveries.
Researchers found that hospitals with government ownership and lower delivery volumes had the poorest outcomes for both mothers and babies. Jointly considering morbidity outcomes for mom and baby is the best way to measure a hospital's obstetrics program quality.
A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that trauma to both mother and baby during vaginal deliveries, especially forceps deliveries, has increased. The rate of severe perineal tearing accounted for 87% of the cases of obstetric trauma among operative vaginal deliveries.
A recent study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology found that high volume gynecologic surgeons have significantly lower complication rates compared to low volume surgeons. This is especially concerning for women undergoing complex surgeries such as hysterectomies and gynecologic cancer treatments.
A study by UC San Francisco found that one in six women who underwent elective egg freezing experienced regret, despite being empowered by the procedure. Women with lower egg yields and inadequate information about the process were more likely to express regret.
Early career family physicians with broader scopes of practice report lower burnout rates, particularly in obstetrics and inpatient medicine. This association may inform policy levers and incentives for improving healthcare systems and physician wellness.
Research reveals exposure to air pollution during high school is correlated with menstrual cycle irregularity, potentially affecting reproductive health. The findings suggest reducing emissions could mitigate human disease implications.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that conception during intrauterine device (IUD) use is associated with higher risks of preterm delivery, low birth weight babies, bacterial infections, and fetal loss. The study tracked 221,800 deliveries over a 23-year period.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has developed a roadmap for improving the quality of ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology. A consensus curriculum and competency assessment tools have been established to standardize ultrasound training in residency programs, aiming to enhance patient safety and quality...
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology has found that epidural analgesia does not affect the duration of the second stage of labor, contrary to long-held beliefs. The research compared catheter-infused epidural anesthetic with a saline placebo and found no significant difference in duration or other outcomes.
Physician burnout rates are alarmingly high, affecting up to 75% of younger clinicians. Simple approaches like taking breaks, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress and fatigue. The key is early diagnosis and intervention, with awareness of symptoms and the use of stress reduction techniques.
A new study found that home-based HPV self-sampling is an acceptable way to participate in cervical cancer screening programs. Most women chose self-sampling due to its convenience, privacy, and reduced embarrassment.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that most women who become pregnant either stop or decrease drinking after a positive pregnancy test. The researchers suggest promoting early pregnancy awareness as an alternative to promoting alcohol abstinence among all women of childbearing age.
A new review highlights effective interventions for managing health complications from female genital mutilation, sparking further research on addressing the needs of millions affected worldwide. The World Health Organization's guidelines provide a crucial starting point, but more work remains to determine the most effective treatments.
A new study establishes World Health Organization fetal growth charts using ultrasound measurements during pregnancy in 10 countries. The research found that natural variation in fetal growth differed significantly between countries and was influenced by maternal age, height, weight, and parity, as well as fetal sex.
A study in CMAJ found that closure of planned obstetric services in BC did not affect rates of adverse outcomes or serious adverse outcomes during labor and delivery. Higher-risk deliveries occurred at larger hospitals before closures took place, explaining the lack of impact on event rates.
Despite full standard investigation, the cause remains unknown in most stillbirth cases. The study highlights the need for further research to improve post mortem techniques to better detect a cause of death. New techniques may help support families and reduce the impact of identifying small babies as a risk factor.
A study from Northwestern University found that some FDA-approved high-risk medical devices used in obstetrics and gynecology were not effective in clinical trials. The authors recommend increasing the burden of proof required for device approval and relying on higher quality studies.
A multicenter cohort study found no differences in Apgar scores, cord pH, or postpartum bleeding between out-of-hours and in-hours deliveries. However, women who delivered out-of-hours had slightly lower rates of cesarean section and instrumental delivery.
The International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics identifies key factors associated with intimate partner violence, including infertility/subfertility as a risk factor in low- and middle-income countries. The research contributes to efforts to establish ways to identify individuals at risk and develop successful interventions.
Researchers argue that mandatory FGM reporting as child abuse is not an effective solution and propose a three-step approach: educating health workers, women at risk, and incorporating antenatal screening. This proactive strategy relies on awareness, training, and proper documentation to make a positive change.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada found that less invasive hysterectomies resulted in quicker recoveries, fewer complications, and cost savings for The Ottawa Hospital. The research showed a significant increase in minimally invasive surgeries from 40% to 74% between 2005 and 2012.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that chlorhexidine-alcohol is significantly more effective in preventing surgical-site infections after cesarean sections. The research, which included 1,147 patients, showed a nearly half reduction in infection rates compared to iodine-alcohol.
A new algorithm assesses adnexal masses with ultrasound, identifying 89-99% of patients with ovarian cancer. The approach allows for individualized patient management and potentially levels the playing field in expert interpretation.
Gynecologists argue the FDA's warning on power-morcellation is based on flawed data and may limit access to safe, effective treatment options for women. The study group suggests that better preoperative identification and new techniques could improve patient outcomes.
Babies born in English NHS hospitals at the weekend have a higher risk of death within seven days and increased rates of other complications. Researchers estimated around 770 newborn deaths and 470 maternal infections per year above expected levels if performance was consistent across different days of the week.
A US study found that physicians who spend more resources are less likely to face malpractice claims, regardless of whether it's for defensive or non-defensive reasons. The study analyzed data from nearly 19 million hospital admissions and found associations across seven specialties, with family medicine physicians being the exception.
A new study published in The BMJ found that higher-spending physicians face significantly fewer malpractice claims, with malpractice rates ranging from 1.6% to 4.1% per physician-year across specialties. This suggests that increased spending may signal defensive practice and reduce errors or liability.
A new study by researchers at USC, Harvard and Stanford universities found that spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk. The study analyzed Florida physician and claims data and found an inverse correlation between adjusted hospital spending per physician year and malpractice claim rates.
Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and developmental abnormalities. Current guidance is inconsistent and often misleading, leaving women uncertain about safe levels of consumption.
Northwestern Medicine researchers aim to develop new treatments for uterine fibroids using novel targets and pathways. The NIH grant supports projects focused on progesterone effects, nuclear receptors, and AKT pathway modification.
Research reveals that women outnumber men in 7 medical specialties, with the highest representation in pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology. However, significant disparities remain in black and Hispanic trainee numbers compared to the U.S. population.
A recent US study found that fetal electrocardiogram ST segment analysis does not improve outcomes during labor and delivery or decrease cesarean deliveries compared to conventional fetal heart rate monitoring. The research involved 11,108 randomized patients and found no significant differences in negative outcomes.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has selected Elsevier to publish its journal JOGC, a leading peer-reviewed publication on obstetrics and gynaecology. The partnership aims to improve the journal's content and services for its members and the wider medical community.
Cerebral palsy cases can be attributed to genetic mutations in up to 45% of cases, according to a study by the Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group. The research suggests that genetic sequencing techniques will increase the identification of genetically caused cerebral palsy cases.
A large study found that most women, regardless of their background, experience urinary urgency and stress incontinence during menopause. The strongest associations with seeking care were worsening and persistence of symptoms, highlighting the importance of discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider.
Experts recommend using ultrasound as the first line of imaging for patients with pelvic symptoms due to its cost-effectiveness and safety. Ultrasound has evolved to be an effective tool for evaluating gynecologic patients, providing accurate results without radiation exposure.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation is associated with fewer postoperative complications and improved quality of life compared to abdominal surgery. The study used decision-tree analysis to compare outcomes according to the probability of compli...
A proactive labor induction practice from 37 weeks gestation improved perinatal outcomes in Denmark, reducing neonatal deaths and asphyxia risk by almost half. The study found decreases in macrosomia and peripheral nerve injury but an increase in shoulder dystocia.
Researchers found hormonal IUDs and contraceptive implants to be highly effective one year beyond their approved duration of use, with no pregnancies reported in the implant group. The study aims to enroll a total of 800 women to determine if these methods are effective for up to three years beyond FDA-approved duration.
A study of over 3,000 women in Michigan found that nearly 40% did not receive alternative treatment before their hysterectomy. Nearly two in five women under 40 had unsupportive pathology, suggesting that treatment guidelines are often not followed.
Women with mobility disabilities experience pregnancy-related problems, including falls, urinary issues, and breathing difficulties. The study's findings provide preliminary insights for women and obstetrical practitioners to plan ahead.
Researchers at UCSF have identified patterns of genetic activity that can be used to diagnose endometriosis and its severity, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery. The test uses machine learning to analyze gene expression patterns in uterine lining cells.
A study analyzed data from over 100,000 deliveries and found that quality indicators were not correlated with hospital-level obstetric quality of care. Maternal and neonatal complications still varied significantly between hospitals, highlighting the need for improved care measures.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found a synthetic molecule called PreImplantation Factor (sPIF) that protects against neuronal death and brain injury. The study suggests that sPIF mitigates brain damage through a novel pathway, potentially treating perinatal brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new Dutch study finds that elective C-sections significantly reduce infant mortality in breech presentations, with a 10-fold increase in fetal mortality for vaginal deliveries. Researchers analyzed 58,320 term breech births and found that elective C-section rates increased from 24% to 60%, resulting in a decrease of infant mortality.
Researchers found a 57% decrease in wound complications when sutured incisions were used compared to staple closure. Suturing takes 9 minutes longer to complete than stapling, but has a clear benefit for women.
A UCSF-led study found that nearly 80% of obstetricians agree that physicians have a role in helping patients reduce exposures to environmental health hazards. However, only one in five physicians routinely ask about these exposures or receive training on toxic chemicals' effects.
A Yale University study found a 50% drop in obstetric malpractice liability claims and payments after implementing patient safety measures, including standardized care and teamwork training. The hospital's efforts reduced liability claims by 95%, saving over $47 million.
A new study by UTMB researchers discovered that exposure to oxidative stress, triggered by cigarette smoke, leads to premature aging of the placenta. This can result in preterm birth, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The findings suggest alternative strategies may be needed to prevent preterm births beyond current interventions.
Dr. Charles Rardin suggests hospitals and physicians consider four issues to promote a balanced approach to Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), including case criteria, quality management, and support for all forms of MIS. This approach is necessary to ensure patients receive the best care and avoid 'robotic factories'.
Researchers identified a link between fetal growth and the risk of stillbirth, finding that fetuses with restricted or excessive growth had a higher risk. The study suggests that obstetricians should focus on identifying fetuses at the extremes of growth for prevention strategies.