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As the new kid on the OB/GYN Clinical Alert block, and as the generalist among the editors, I intend to focus on topics that come up commonly in my own practice of obstetrics and gynecology. The beauty of having this format is that cutting edge science can be presented, but also sacred cows can be challenged.
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Moderate levels of activity, including walking, are associated with substantially lower risks of hip fracture in postmenopausal women.
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Delay in treatment to allow for fetal maturity is safe in patients with early stage I cervical carcinoma associated with pregnancy.
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A single dose of 1.5-mg levonorgestrel and a single low dose of 10-mg mifepristone are effective methods for emergency contraception.
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Ventilation/perfusion scanning appears to be safe and effective, at least in ruling out significant clinical pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients. However, prospective studies over longer time periods should be undertaken to validate these conclusions.
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The FDA has mandated a Black Box warning for all estrogen and estrogen/progestin products for use by postmenopausal women. The new warnings are based on analysis of data from the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) study that was published July 2002.
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In the best of all worlds, there wouldnt be research conflicts of interest. Investigators would be focused on the intent of research uncovering previously unknown information. However, the reality falls a little short of the ideal, which is why many IRBs have had to deal with conflict of interest issues in addition to their primary goals and duties.
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Changes to federal regulations regarding research protections for pregnant women and fetuses now require investigators to obtain the informed consent of a fetus or neonates father before certain types of research may proceed.
