Home OBGYN and Women's Health January 2016 Briefing – OBGYN & Women’s Health

January 2016 Briefing – OBGYN & Women’s Health

Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in OBGYN & Women’s Health for January 2016. 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.

Demand for Medical Office Space High and Increasing

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Demand for medical office space for ambulatory care is at a high point and looks likely to continue increasing, according to an article published in Forbes.

Soy Foods May Blunt Reproductive Harm From BPA

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Soy intake may modify the association between bisphenol A (BPA) and fertility in women undergoing assisted reproduction, according to research published online Jan. 27 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Earlier Age at Menarche Linked to Increased Risk of GDM

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Earlier age at menarche is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), according to a study published online Jan. 26 in Diabetes Care.

Pre-Op MRI Improves Accuracy for Predicting Extent of DCIS

FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can add to mammography in predicting the extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.

AMA Highlights Top Four Issues to Promote in State Legislation

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The top four issues that will be promoted in state legislation in 2016 were discussed at the 2016 American Medical Association (AMA) State Legislative Strategy Conference, according to a report published by the AMA.

Estimated Due Date App to Replace the Pregnancy Wheel

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new estimated due date (EDD) calculator has been launched, which reconciles the discrepancy in due dates between the first ultrasound and date of the last menstrual period, according to a report published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Flavonol Intake May Contribute to Weight Maintenance

THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Increased consumption of most flavonoid subclasses is inversely associated with weight change over time, according to a study published online Jan. 28 in The BMJ.

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~1% of Physicians Account for One-Third of Malpractice Claims

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A small number of physicians account for a considerable proportion of all paid malpractice claims, according to a study published in the Jan. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Alternative Payment Models Can Help Improve Patient Care

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Alternative payment models (APMs) have been and are being developed that can allow physicians to offer new and improved services to their patients, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Clinical Significance of Varying Degrees of Neutropenia Explored

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Neutropenia is associated with viral infections and hematological malignancies in a dose-dependent manner, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

Guidance Issued for Infants With Suspected Zika Infection

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Interim guidelines have been developed for the evaluation and testing of infants born to mothers who traveled to or resided in an area with Zika virus transmission during pregnancy. The guidelines were published in the Jan. 26 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Prenatal Vitamin D Supplements Don’t Reduce Asthma

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There’s been speculation that a daily vitamin D supplement taken in pregnancy might lower the odds for asthma in children. However, two new studies find no evidence for such an effect. Both studies are published in the Jan. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Extended Elevated Recurrence Rates for ER-Positive Breast CA

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive disease have elevated annualized hazards of recurrence during extended follow-up, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

USPSTF Recommends Depression Screening for All Adults

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends depression screening in the general adult population, including pregnant and postpartum women. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the Jan. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Possibility for Health Care Legislation Changes in 2016

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Given the current political climate and issues of bipartisan concern, 2016 could see certain changes to health care legislation, according to a report published in Medical Economics.

Varicella Zoster Vaccine Linked to Corneal Inflammation

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Varicella zoster virus vaccination has been linked to corneal inflammation, but the number of such cases is small, according to research presented recently at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Las Vegas.

ACP Presents High-Value Care Advice for Hematuria

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical guideline published online Jan. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommendations relating to evaluation of hematuria are presented for clinicians.

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Risk of Malignancy Can Be Quantified Using Simple Rules

TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of ultrasonography features can help identify the risk of malignancy for patients with an adnexal tumor, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Better Value Care at Hospitals With Best Nursing Environments

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hospitals with better nursing environments provide better value care, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in JAMA Surgery.

About 1 in 7 Colorectal Cancer Patients Younger Than 50

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in seven colorectal cancer patients are under 50, and younger patients are more likely to have advanced-stage cancer, according to a report published online Jan. 25 in Cancer.

Only Severe Preeclampsia Linked to Antiβ2GP1 Immunoglobulin G

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Severe preeclampsia (S-PEecl), but not non-severe preeclampsia (NS-PEecl), is associated with antiβ2GP1 immunoglobulin (Ig)G, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

New Position Paper Developed for Introduction of Gluten in Infancy

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations, published online Jan. 13 in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, have been issued for the introduction of gluten in infants.

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Considerable Symptom Burden With Adjuvant Endocrine Tx

MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for primary breast cancer have considerable symptom burden, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Patient Satisfaction With Doctors May Be on the Rise

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More Americans than ever are satisfied with their visits to the doctor, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll in September.

ACOG Supports CDC’s Zika Virus Travel Precautions

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a statement and practice advisory in support of new guidelines aimed at shielding pregnant women from the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

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CDC: Increasing Rate of Gastroschisis Seen in U.S.

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The birth defect gastroschisis among U.S. infants has increased over the past 18 years, according to research published in the Jan. 22 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Many Seniors Getting Unneeded Mammography, PSA Screens

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many older Americans are unnecessarily screened for breast and prostate cancer, according to a research letter published online Jan. 21 in JAMA Oncology.

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Excessive Mortality Observed in Anorexia Nervosa

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mortality is increased among patients with eating disorders, with higher mortality for those with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared with bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS), according to a study published online Jan. 15 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Study Looks at Impact of FDA Safety Alert on Morcellation

FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The use of minimally invasive hysterectomy decreased and postoperative complications increased following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety communication discouraging use of laparoscopic power morcellation during hysterectomy or myomectomy for treatment of uterine fibroids, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Four Methods Can Diagnose Fetal Nasal Bone Hypoplasia

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Four methods can be used for diagnosing fetal nasal bone (NB) hypoplasia in the second trimester in order to predict Down’s syndrome, according to a study published online in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.

Depressive Symptoms Linked to Coronary Artery Calcium

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Depressive symptoms seem to be associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) in older men and women, according to a study published in the Feb. 1 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

Opt-Out Testing in the ER May Boost HIV Testing Rates

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — “Opt-out” testing could significantly increase the number of patients who agree to be tested for HIV, according to research published online Jan. 19 in The BMJ.

Blood Test May Help Guide Appropriateness of Antibiotic Rx

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they’re closer to developing a blood test that distinguishes between viral and bacterial respiratory infections. The findings are published in the Jan. 20 issue of Science Translational Medicine.

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Pregnancy Ups Metastasis, Recurrence, Death in Melanoma

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women diagnosed with melanoma during or just after pregnancy are at greater risk from the cancer than other women, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Mutations in TUBB8 Linked to Form of Female Infertility

THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For a small number of women with a rare form of infertility, mutations in a particular gene may be the cause, according to a study published in the Jan. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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A-Fib May Pose Bigger Threat to Women

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Atrial fibrillation is a stronger risk factor for stroke, cardiac events, heart failure, and death in women than it is in men, according to an analysis published online Jan. 19 in The BMJ.

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CDC Issues Zika-Virus Guidance for Health Care Providers

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials issued guidelines Tuesday for health care providers whose pregnant patients may have traveled to countries — especially Brazil — where the mosquito-borne Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly.

Ob-Gyns Received Considerable Payment From Industry in 2014

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In 2014, obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) received substantial payments from industry, according to a study published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

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Guidelines Provided for Correct Way to Dismiss Patients

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — As insurers place increasing emphasis on evaluating physicians based on quality measures, management of noncompliant patients is becoming more complex, and can lead to patient dismissal, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

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CDC: HIV Testing Rates Still Low Among Teens, Young Adults

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An estimated 50 percent of young Americans infected with HIV don’t know they have it, according to research published online Jan. 19 in Pediatrics.

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Physicians Choose Less Aggressive Care at End of Life

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians facing death are less likely to demand aggressive care, according to two research letters published in the Jan. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on death, dying, and end of life.

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ACP, CDC Offer Antibiotic Rx Guidelines for ARTIs

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Physicians and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued new guidelines for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in adults. The guidelines were published online Jan. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Doesn’t Top Sham for Hot Flashes

TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with moderately severe menopausal hot flashes, Chinese medicine acupuncture is not superior to noninsertive sham acupuncture, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Greater Transparency Being Promoted in Research

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Greater transparency is being promoted in clinical research, according to a health policy brief published online Jan. 14 in Health Affairs.

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Design of Physician Satisfaction Surveys Affects Results

MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patient satisfaction scores are influenced by the design and implementation of patient surveys, according to an article published in the January-February issue of Family Practice Management.

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Diagnostic Imaging Down With High Deductible Health Plans

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. patients whose health insurance plans have high deductibles undergo fewer diagnostic imaging tests, according to a study published in the February issue of Medical Care.

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Electronic Cigarettes May Hinder Smoking Cessation Efforts

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — E-cigarette use actually lowers smokers’ chances that they’ll quit tobacco by about 28 percent, according to an evidence review published online Jan. 14 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

CDC: Average Age of First-Time Mothers in U.S. Still Rising

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 2000 to 2014, the age of first-time mothers increased 1.4 years — from 24.9 years old on average to 26.3 years, according to a January data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Geographic Variation in HPV Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevalence

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is geographic variation in the proportion of head and neck cancers attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV), according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Head & Neck.

Prophylactic Antibiotic Choice Impacts Post-Hysterectomy SSI

FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing hysterectomy, prophylactic antibiotic choice impacts the risk of surgical site infection rates, according to a study published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

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Zika Virus Concerns May Curb Travel for Pregnant Women

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pregnant women in the United States may be warned against traveling to Latin American and Caribbean countries where mosquitoes are spreading a virus that may cause brain damage in newborns.

Health Coverage Improved As Result of Affordable Care Act

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act is working as intended, extending health care coverage and ensuring that hospital care is financially compensated, according to two research letters published in the Jan. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Geographic Factors Impact HPV Vaccine Initiation in Teen Girls

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Initiation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is highest among teen girls in poorer communities and in populations that are mainly Hispanic or mixed race, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Pathway to Heroin Described in NEJM Commentary

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. researchers are challenging a leading theory about the nation’s heroin epidemic, saying it’s not a direct result of the crackdown on opioids. The commentary has been published in the Jan. 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Lower Live Birth Rate With Minimal Stimulation IVF

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization (mini-IVF) is associated with reduced live birth rates compared with conventional IVF, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Screening Rates Down With Increasing Patient Panel Size

THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The number of patients under a primary care physician’s care (panel size) correlates with cancer screening, continuity, and comprehensiveness dimensions of care, according to a study published in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

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Newborn Abstinence Sx Up, Tied to Increasing Prenatal Opioid Use

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Between 2000 and 2009, the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome among newborns rose from 1.2 to 3.4 per 1,000 live births, Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reported in an editorial published online Jan. 12 in The BMJ.

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Incidence of Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Examined

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is variability in radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality associated with digital mammography screening, according to a study published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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No Benefit for Delaying Pregnancy After Early Loss

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For couples with early pregnancy loss, there is no indication of improved live birth rates with delayed next attempt at pregnancy, according to a study published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

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Yoga Positions Linked to Increase in Intraocular Pressure

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with and without open-angle glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) increases shortly after starting yoga exercises with head-down positions, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in PLOS ONE.

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False-Positive Mammography Results Are Common

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing digital mammography screening, false-positive results are common, especially among younger women and those with risk factors, according to research published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Infant Delivery and Feeding Methods Affect Microbiome

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A vaginal birth and breastfeeding make a notable difference in the bacterial composition of an infant’s gut, according to research published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Review: Paroxetine Use in Pregnancy Tied to Malformations

TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Gestational exposure to paroxetine in the first trimester is associated with increased risk of major congenital malformations and major cardiac malformations, according to a review published online Nov. 27 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

USPSTF Recommends Biennial Screening Mammography

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published online Dec. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Polyhydramnios With Normal U/S Linked to Adverse Outcomes

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Polyhydramnios with normal prenatal detailed ultrasound examination is associated with increased risk for adverse outcomes, including fetal malformations, genetic syndromes, neurologic disorders, and developmental delay, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in Pediatrics.

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Breast Implants Linked to Chronic Pulmonary Silicone Embolism

MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Chronic pulmonary silicone embolism related to saline breast implants has been detailed in a letter to the editor published in the January issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

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Research Supports Annual Mammograms for Elderly Women

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Regular mammograms still benefit elderly women, according to research published in the December issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

New Guidelines Say Limit Added Sugars to <10 Percent of Calories

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers five overarching guidelines that encourage healthy eating patterns, rather than focusing on individual dietary components such as food groups and nutrients as in previous editions.

Truncating Variant Prevalence Up in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy have a prevalence of truncating variants similar to that seen in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

U.S. Cancer Mortality Rates Down 23 Percent Since 1991

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Since peaking in 1991, cancer mortality rates in the United States have dropped by 23 percent, according to findings included in Cancer Statistics, 2016, the American Cancer Society’s latest annual report on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival. The report was published online Jan. 7 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Exposure to Oral Contraceptives Not Tied to Birth Defects

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to oral contraception in early pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects, according to a study published online Jan. 6 in The BMJ.

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Blood Test May Help Rule Out Preeclampsia in Short Term

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A sFlt-1:PlGF ratio of 38 or lower appears to help rule out preeclampsia in women in whom the syndrome is suspected clinically, according to a study published in the Jan. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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LARC Deemed Safe for Women With Cardiovascular Conditions

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women with cardiovascular conditions, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) appears safe with few complications, according to a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

Positive Effects of Psychological Treatments Maintained in IBS

THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Psychological therapies such as relaxation and hypnosis can offer long-term benefits for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study published online Dec. 22 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Premature Menopause Tied to Risk of Depression Later in Life

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Premature menopause may increase a woman’s later risk of depression, according to research published online Jan. 6 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Varies Across Minority Groups

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening varies for different minority groups, according to research published online Dec. 30 in Diabetes Care.

Considerable Subclinical Cardiac Disease in Childhood CA Survivors

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Adult survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for subclinical cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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DHEA Suppository May Ease Menopausal Vaginal Symptoms

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women, suppositories containing the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may reduce vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during sex without raising overall estrogen levels, according to research published online Dec. 28 in Menopause.

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Oral Fluconazole Exposure Linked to Spontaneous Abortion Risk

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of oral fluconazole in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion, according to a study published in the Jan. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Inherited Mutations in 18 Percent With Ovarian Cancer

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pathogenic germline mutations are common in women with ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinoma (OC), according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Oncology.

Many Patients Using E-Mail As First Method of Provider Contact

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic conditions, the ability to communicate with their doctor via e-mail may help improve their health, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Managed Care.

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Researchers Argue in Defense of the Annual Check-Up

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Arguments urging doctors to abandon routine physical exams are based on insufficient evidence, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Jan. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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FDA Tightens Rules for Using Mesh Implants in Prolapse Repair

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strengthened rules regarding the use of vaginal mesh implants to treat pelvic organ prolapse in women, according to a news release issued by the agency.

Infertility Treatment Not Linked to Children’s Development

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Infertility treatment seems not to be associated with children’s development through age 3 years, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in JAMA Pediatrics.

High Dose of Vitamin D Tied to Higher Risk of Falls in Elderly

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Higher monthly doses of vitamin D have no benefit on lower extremity function and correlate with increased risk of falls compared with lower doses in elderly adults, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Axillary pCR Linked to Improved Breast Cancer Survival

TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women with breast cancer treated with primary systemic chemotherapy (PST), achieving axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Oncology.

Women in Oregon No Longer Need Rx for Birth Control

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Oregon has become the first state to allow women to obtain birth control without a doctor’s prescription.

Health Highlights: Jan. 4, 2016

Hawaii Becomes First State to Raise Smoking Age to 21

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hawaii has become the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21 for both traditional and electronic cigarettes. State health officials hope the new law, effective Jan. 1, will make it harder for teenagers to try smoking or to develop the deadly habit, the Associated Press reported.

Health Highlights: Jan. 4, 2016

β-Genus Human Papillomavirus Poses Skin Cancer Risk

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — β-genus human papillomavirus (β-HPV) is a risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in otherwise healthy individuals, according to a review published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Dermatology.

Not All PCPs Strongly Recommend HPV Vaccine

MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pediatricians and family physicians (FPs) do not always strongly recommend the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in Pediatrics.

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