Articles tagged with Obstetrics
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 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.
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.
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.
A clinical opinion published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that maternal oxygen supplementation during labor may not benefit the fetus and could be harmful. The authors recommend reserving oxygen for mothers with hypoxia only, pending further research.
Women who experience fertility problems are more likely to stay with their partner if they have a child after infertility evaluation. After 12 years of follow-up, nearly 27% of women were no longer living with the partner if they did not have a child.
New research reveals vulvodynia affects Hispanic women more frequently than black women, with higher incidence rates in younger women and those with pre-existing pain disorders. The study found that nearly 10 million women experience vulvodynia at any given time, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
A study analyzing 11 years of data found that less than 1% of NHS doctors prompt performance concerns each year. Doctors in the late stages of their career are six times more likely to be referred for remedial help, highlighting a need for greater attention to mental wellbeing among staff.
New research reveals that large labor wards with 3,000 to 3,999 deliveries annually have lower obstetric injury claims and higher approval rates compared to smaller units. The study found that greater availability of in-house obstetricians and auxiliary specialists contributes to better patient outcomes.
A recent survey of US obstetrics and gynecology residents found that fewer than one in five receives formal training in menopause medicine. The study suggests that ob/gyn residency programs need to address this training gap, as the number of menopausal women is expected to increase due to an aging population.
Despite a decline in spontaneous stillbirths, stillbirth rates in British Columbia, Canada, have increased by 31% over the past decade, according to a study published in CMAJ. The increase was mainly due to prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy terminations of fetuses with congenital anomalies.
A rapid laboratory test for pregnant women to detect Group B strep has been developed and is highly valid, identifying GBS colonization in six and a half hours. This new test could help reduce the overuse of resources and minimize bacterial resistance by targeting patients with threatened preterm labor.
A nationwide survey of obstetricians and gynecologists found that many doctors perform routine pelvic exams in low-risk women due to misconceptions about ovarian cancer screening. The study suggests that the exams may be performed for non-clinical reasons, such as reassurance or expectation, rather than medical necessity.
A study found that online information on 'designer vagina' procedures is often inaccurate and lacks standard terminology. Researchers call for clearer guidelines to improve standards and empower women to make informed choices.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology challenges the benefits of planned home birth, citing higher rates of unexpected complications, emergency transports, and perinatal mortality. The authors argue that a hospital-based approach can provide a safer and more satisfying experience for patients.
A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.
A collaborative maternity care program in Vancouver reduced cesarean deliveries by 25% and shortened hospital stays by 22 hours for mothers and babies. The program also increased breastfeeding rates, with midwives delivering 42% of births compared to obstetricians.
A new study found that caring for patients with fecal incontinence costs over $4,000 per person each year, making it a significant economic burden. The condition affects 8.3% of adults and can lead to depression and social isolation.
A scheme supporting midwives in rural Nigeria has improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes by redistributing healthcare workers. The Midwife Service Scheme helps address health inequities between urban and rural areas, offering a potential model for low-income countries.
Dr. Joshua A. Copel, a renowned expert in maternal and fetal medicine, will receive the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award. He has significantly contributed to the scientific progress of medical ultrasound through his innovative research efforts.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal analysis reveals a gap in consent policies for pelvic exams under anesthesia. The updated policy statement for medical students requires explicit consent, but residents are not subject to the same requirements, leaving some women less protected.