Pregnancy Block

Birmingham host to investigational treatment trial which could improve outcomes of pregnancies affected by severe haemolytic disease

A clinical study in Birmingham has found that nipocalimab can improve the survival rate of unborn babies with rare fetal anaemia. The majority of pregnant patients who received nipocalimab gave birth at or after 32 weeks without needing an intrauterine transfusion, resulting in a perinatal survival rate of 92%.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2024

Vaccine shows promise against CMV, a virus that causes birth defects

An experimental mRNA vaccine against CMV elicited promising immune responses, outperforming a previous vaccine candidate in preventing the virus from infecting epithelial cells. The new vaccine may protect adults against CMV, potentially preventing women from passing the infection to their babies during pregnancy.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 12, 2024

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Study finds low anti-Ro titers are not associated with fetal heart block

Researchers found that pregnant women with very low titers of anti-Ro antibodies are not at risk for fetal atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious disorder affecting the heart's electrical system. In contrast, high-titer antibody pregnancies can benefit from ambulatory fetal heart rhythm monitoring to detect AV block.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·DateNov 7, 2023

Novel autoantibodies are implicated in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and other pregnancy disorders

Researchers found novel autoantibodies implicated in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and recurrent pregnancy loss. These autoantibodies are also associated with infertility and endometriosis-associated infertility.

SourceKobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Physicians should consider HCQ to reduce the risk of recurrent congenital heart block

Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the recurrence rate of congenital heart block in subsequent pregnancies, regardless of health status. The study evaluated 74 mothers who had a previous child with congenital heart block and were exposed to HCQ during pregnancy.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·DateNov 9, 2019

New contraceptive microbicide in clinical trials

BufferGel, a vaginal microbicide, maintains normal vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs, preventing pregnancy. The compound is currently in advanced clinical trials for its ability to block HIV transmission.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateFeb 25, 2003

Epilepsy Drugs Can Lead To Unplanned Pregnancy

A Johns Hopkins study found that over 1 in 5 neurologists and obstetricians had patients with epilepsy who developed unwanted pregnancies due to anti-epilepsy drugs interfering with birth control pills. Increasing birth control medication levels or switching to non-interfering medications can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 1, 1996

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.