Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in OBGYN & Women’s Health for February 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Vitamin D Tied to Back Problems in Postmenopausal Women
FRIDAY, Feb. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Vitamin D deficiency is associated with lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and low back pain (LBP) in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Menopause.
Regardless of Weight, Metabolic Health Tied to New Diabetes
FRIDAY, Feb. 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is a significant increased risk for diabetes mellitus (DM) in postmenopausal women who are metabolically unhealthy, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in Menopause.
Reproductive Health Guidelines Issued for Rheumatic Diseases
THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an American College of Rheumatology guideline, published online Feb. 23 in Arthritis & Rheumatology, recommendations are presented for the management of reproductive health in women and men with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD).
Adults May Not Need Tetanus, Diphtheria Booster Shots
THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The incidence rates of tetanus and diphtheria are not significantly lower in countries that routinely vaccinate adults for these diseases, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
CDC: Prevalence of Obesity 42.4 Percent in 2017 to 2018
THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of obesity was 42.4 percent among U.S. adults in 2017 to 2018, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Fewer Women in Cardiovascular Trials, but Representation Improving
THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Men still dominate participation in cardiovascular clinical trials, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in Circulation.
Adding Pembrolizumab May Up Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with untreated stage II or III triple-negative breast cancer, pembrolizumab plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy, compared with placebo plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy, is associated with a significantly higher rate of pathological complete response, according to a study published in the Feb. 27 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Influence of Politics Has Not Waned in Opinions About ACA
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Public opinion about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains divided 10 years after its passage, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Health Affairs.
Telehealth May Aid Obstetric Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Telehealth interventions are associated with improvements in obstetric outcomes, according to a review published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Longer Lactation Might Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Longer duration of lactation is associated with a lower risk for type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Diabetes Care.
Age at Period Cessation Not Linked to CVD Risk Trajectories
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is little evidence for associations between age at period cessation and trajectories of anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Heart.
Mistreatment, Discrimination Still Common for Medical Students
TUESDAY, Feb. 25, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Mistreatment of medical students remains common for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities, according to a study published online Feb. 24 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Continuing Annual Breast Cancer Screening No Benefit in Over-75s
MONDAY, Feb. 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For women aged 75 years or older, continuing annual breast cancer screening does not result in significant reductions in eight-year breast cancer mortality compared with stopping screening, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Longer Hormone Therapy Tied to Less Muscle Loss in Menopause
FRIDAY, Feb. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Longer use of hormone therapy (HT) is associated with high muscle mass and a low prevalence of sarcopenia in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Menopause.
Major Malformations Up With Macrolide Prescribing in Pregnancy
FRIDAY, Feb. 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Prescribing macrolide antibiotics during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for major fetal malformation, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in The BMJ.
Late Mortality Up for Survivors of Early-Teen, Young Adult Cancers
THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Early-adolescent and young adult cancer survivors have increased mortality and morbidity risks compared with siblings or the general population, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in The Lancet Oncology.
Vaccine Effectiveness 45 Percent for Flu Virus Linked to ARI
THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) against any influenza virus associated with medically attended acute respiratory illness (ARI) is 45 percent for the current influenza season, according to research published in the Feb. 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Many Transgender Youth Intentionally Avoid Disclosure
THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most transgender youth voluntarily disclose their gender identity to health care providers (HCPs) outside of a gender clinic; however, almost half report having intentionally avoided disclosure, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates Tied to Autistic Traits in Children
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Gestational exposure to phthalates is associated with higher scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale II (SRS-2), as a measure of autistic traits and social impairment, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Ethnic Differences in Sitting Behaviors ID’d in Older Women
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Overweight/obese postmenopausal women have ethnic differences in sitting behavior and in the deleterious association between sitting behavior and cardiometabolic risk, according to a study published in the Feb. 18 issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association.
AAP Addresses Fertility Preservation for Children With Cancer
TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Medical and ethical considerations of fertility preservation in children with cancer are addressed in a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, published online Feb. 18 in Pediatrics.
Progesterone May Prevent Miscarriage in Certain Women
TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Progesterone may be beneficial for women with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of miscarriage, according to two studies published online Jan. 30 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Abstract/Full Text – Coomarasamy
Abstract/Full Text – Ogwulu
Medtronic MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pumps Recalled
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — More than 322,000 MiniMed 600 Series Insulin Pumps have been recalled by Medtronic due to a defect that could cause them to malfunction and put users at risk for serious harm or death.
FDA Requests Market Withdrawal of Belviq Due to Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A clinical trial of the weight-loss drug Belviq (lorcaserin) shows an association with an increased risk for cancer, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requesting that its maker withdraw the drug from the U.S. market.
Telemarketer Access to Medicare Information to Be Investigated
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — An investigation into how telemarketers may be obtaining seniors’ personal Medicare information will be launched by the U.S. Health and Human Services inspector general office.
AP News Article
More Information: HHS
U.S. Life Expectancy to Reach 85 by 2060
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Nearly a quarter of all U.S. residents will be older than 65 by 2060, and life expectancy will reach an all-time high of 85 by that year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
AP News Article
Perinatal Outcomes Poorer With Cryopreserved Donor Oocytes
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), use of cryopreserved versus fresh donor oocytes is associated with marginally, but statistically significant, lower odds of a good perinatal outcome, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Having More Sexual Partners Tied to Increased Odds of Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The odds of reporting cancer are increased for men and women with a history of 10 or more lifetime sexual partners, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health.
Massachusetts Health Reform Tied to Decrease in Advanced Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Following state health reform, there was a decline in advanced-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses in Massachusetts, according to a study published in the February issue of Medical Care.
No Sign of Vertical Transmission of COVID-19 Found in Late Pregnancy
THURSDAY, Feb. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There currently is no evidence of intrauterine infection caused by vertical transmission in women who develop 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia in late pregnancy, according to research published online Feb. 12 in The Lancet.
Caregivers Are in Need of Better Health Care Coverage, Access
THURSDAY, Feb. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Unpaid adult caregivers are at higher risk for not having insurance and putting off necessary health services due to cost, according to a study recently published in Rehabilitation Psychology.
Risk for Complications From Mesh Implant Does Not Diminish
THURSDAY, Feb. 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Continued surveillance after mesh use in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs is necessary, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
2011 to 2018 Saw Decline in Problems Paying Medical Bills
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2018, there was a decrease in the percentage of families having problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months, according to a February data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Studies Explore Prevalence of Skin Cancer Among Sexual Minorities
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of skin cancer among sexual minorities and transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) adults is explored in two studies published online Feb. 12 in JAMA Dermatology.
Abstract/Full Text 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
High BMI May Cut Overall Survival in HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) treated with pertuzumab and/or trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m² is associated with worse overall survival but does not affect progression-free survival to first-line chemotherapy (PFS1), according to a study published online Jan. 15 in the Journal of Cellular Physiology.
Elevated FPG May Increase Adverse Outcomes in GDM Pregnancies
TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Elevated fasting plasma glucose, compared with elevated postload glucose, in pregnancies in women with gestational diabetes is associated with a higher risk for adverse maternal and infant outcomes, according to a study published in the January issue of Diabetic Medicine.
Use of General Anesthesia May Up Risk for Postpartum Depression
TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — General anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with increased odds of severe postpartum depression (PPD), suicidal ideation, and self-inflicted injury, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in Anesthesia & Analgesia.
Breast Development, Puberty Starting Earlier in Girls Worldwide
TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Across the world, young women are entering puberty at increasingly earlier ages, according to a review published online Feb. 10 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Genetic Basis for Testosterone Levels Differs According to Sex
TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The genetic determinants of testosterone levels differ between the sexes, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Nature Medicine.
Empathy Declines as Students Progress Through Medical School
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Students become less empathic toward patients throughout medical school, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in Academic Medicine.
Seniors Have Concerns About Affording Health Insurance
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Many adults aged 50 to 64 years are concerned about their ability to afford health insurance, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Telepsychiatry Services Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Two studies published online Feb. 5 in Psychiatric Services show the successful use of telepsychiatry services in different settings.
Abstract/Full Text – Freeman (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Shore (subscription or payment may be required)
Single Dose of HPV Vaccine May Cut Preinvasive Cervical Disease
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Receipt of one, two, or three doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among females aged 15 to 19 years is associated with reduced incidence of preinvasive cervical disease at five years compared to that seen in unvaccinated females, according to a study published online Feb. 10 in Cancer.
Sexual Minority Youth More Likely to Attempt Suicide
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — More teenagers are identifying as sexual minorities, and sexual minority youth have high prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts, according to two studies published online Feb. 10 in Pediatrics.
Higher Birth Weight May Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness Later
MONDAY, Feb. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Higher birth weight for births at-term are associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in young adulthood regardless of body mass index, according to a study published online Jan. 31 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Arterial Stiffness Increased Within Year of Final Menstrual Period
FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Changes in arterial stiffness are greater within one year of a woman’s final menstrual period (FMP), according to a study published online Jan. 23 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Prenatal Tobacco Exposure May Raise Risk for Pediatric Psoriasis
FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Prenatal tobacco exposure is associated with an increased risk for pediatric psoriasis, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Number of Nurse Practitioners More Than Doubled 2010 to 2017
FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2010 to 2017, there was a substantial increase in the number of nurse practitioners in the United States, with a corresponding reduction in the size of the registered nurse workforce, according to a report published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
GI Bleeding in OAC-Treated A-Fib Patients Indicates CRC Risk
FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Lower-gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is associated with high risks for colorectal cancer in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in the European Heart Journal.
Overweight and Obesity May Up Risk for Several Common Cancers
THURSDAY, Feb. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Hospital-diagnosed overweight and obesity is associated with an increased risk for several common cancers, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Many Americans Misinformed About Heart Disease Prevention
THURSDAY, Feb. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Many Americans are misinformed about the risk for heart disease, particularly in women, and are confused about modifiable risk factors, according to a survey released by the Cleveland Clinic to coincide with American Heart Month.
Cleveland Clinic Press Release
Reference Pricing Linked to Lower Prices Paid by Employers
THURSDAY, Feb. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Reference prices are associated with lower prices paid by employers and lower cost sharing by employees, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
Seasonal Sun Variation Tied to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Seasonal variation in vitamin D status may explain seasonal variation in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
Cluster Headache Ups Sickness Absence, Disability Pension Days
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with cluster headache have more sickness absence and disability pension days than matched references, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Neurology.
Prenatal Vitamin D Does Not Reduce Asthma, Wheeze at Age 6
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among children at risk for asthma, prenatal vitamin D supplementation does not affect the incidence of asthma or recurrent wheeze at age 6, according to a study published in the Feb. 6 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Lung Cancer Incidence Rates Up for Young Women Versus Men
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In recent years, a trend has emerged for higher lung cancer incidence rates among young women versus young men, and these findings are widespread across countries, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the International Journal of Cancer.
Tramadol Linked to Increased Hip Fracture Risk in Adults Aged ≥50
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, initiation of tramadol is associated with an increased risk for hip fracture compared with initiation of codeine, ibuprofen, and other commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Vegetarian Diet Tied to Lower Risk for Urinary Tract Infection
TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A vegetarian diet is associated with a reduced risk for urinary tract infection (UTI), according to a study published online Jan. 30 in Scientific Reports.
Modeling Studies Show Cervical Cancer Could Be Eliminated
TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Two modeling studies show how cervical cancer could be eliminated and mortality could be reduced, according to two studies published online Jan. 30 in The Lancet.
Abstract/Full Text – Brisson
Abstract/Full Text – Canfell
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
U.S. Adult Immunization Schedule Updated for 2020
MONDAY, Feb. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical guideline published online Feb. 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) outlines its 2020 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule.
Whether HPV Vaccination Will Prevent Cervical Cancer Unclear
MONDAY, Feb. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Methodological problems and study limitations for trials of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine create uncertainty about its ability to prevent cervical cancer in the long term, according to a review published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Mothers With Autism Face Higher Rates of Postpartum Depression
MONDAY, Feb. 3, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Mothers with autism face unique challenges, and the stigma of being autistic can further exacerbate communication issues, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in Molecular Autism.
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