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Risk of stillbirth is four times higher after IVF/ICSI compared to spontaneous pregnancies

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who conceive through IVF or ICSI have a significantly higher risk of stillbirth compared to those who conceive spontaneously. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 singleton pregnancies and found a four-fold increased risk of stillbirths among women who had IVF/ICSI.

Migraine may be linked to heart disease

A recent study published in Neurology found that people with migraine are at an increased risk of heart attack and other risk factors for heart disease. The study involved 6,102 participants with migraine and 5,243 without, and found that those with migraines were nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to those without.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 10, 2010

IQ among strongest predictors of CVD -- second only to cigarette smoking in large population study

A large population study found that lower IQ scores were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and total mortality, surpassing the risk linked to smoking. The study also identified other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and low physical activity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateFeb 9, 2010

Difficult childhood may increase disease risk in adulthood

A study found that individuals who experienced psychological or social adversity in childhood may develop lasting emotional, immune, and metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of age-related diseases. Adverse childhood experiences were linked to depression, high inflammation levels, and metabolic risk factors in adulthood.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 7, 2009

Plasma levels of GGT and ALB and their genetic correlations with cardiovascular risk factors

This study found that variations in plasma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin (ALB) levels are genetically influenced and correlate with cardiovascular disease risk factors. The researchers identified chromosomal regions containing genes that affect GGT and ALB variation, which may also influence cardiovascular health.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateNov 24, 2009

Anxious pregnant mothers more likely to have smaller babies

A new study reveals that anxious pregnant women are more likely to have affected babies, with anxiety during the third trimester predicting significantly smaller births. Women with severe anxiety in the first and second trimesters also show significant impact on birth outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateOct 27, 2009

Lifestyle changes remain important in fighting peripheral arterial disease

Researchers found that modifying risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes remains vital to combating peripheral arterial disease. While some patients with blocked leg arteries may not exhibit symptoms, early detection and treatment are still essential to prevent progression and potential complications.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateOct 21, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers analyzed the clinical and cost-effectiveness of early H1N1 vaccination, finding that vaccinating 40% of the population in October or 35% in November could save costs and shorten the pandemic. Expanded vaccination and antiviral prophylaxis are also effective against avian flu, with a focus on mitigating the pandemic potentia...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 5, 2009

Multiple strokes rather than underlying vascular risk factors increase risk of post-stroke dementia

A systematic review found that post-stroke dementia rates varied greatly, but were closely related to stroke characteristics and complications. The authors suggest that optimum acute stroke care and secondary prevention measures could reduce the burden of dementia. Further studies are needed to identify independent predictive factors.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 23, 2009

Seasonality of mortality: Summer vacation link?

Researchers suggest a link between lower mortality rates in September and the preceding summer vacations in Mediterranean countries. The study found that extreme heat and cold are associated with increased risk of death, but also noted a physiological effect of increased vitamin D synthesis and stress-relieving benefits of time off.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 21, 2009

What are the risk factors for rebleeding after negative angiography?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that underlying malignancy, liver cirrhosis, and hematemesis are key predictors of rebleeding after negative angiographic findings. The research team analyzed 128 patients with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding who had negative initial angiography results.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 16, 2009