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We now have three options for emergency contraception the copper IUD, oral ulipristal acetate, and oral levonorgestrel. One of the most important considerations in using emergency contraception is the initiation of ongoing regular contraception. The special feature will discuss the opportunities and considerations for use of these three different methods of postcoital contraception.
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A meta-analysis of 19 studies involving first trimester screening for fetal anomalies has shown that a majority of major structural abnormalities can be diagnosed between 11 and 14 weeks and that even cardiac abnormalities can be identified with ultrasound with reasonable efficiency.
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Synopsis: In this study, women without allergies who consumed peanuts or tree nuts five times or more per month around the time of pregnancy compared to less than one time per month had reduced odds of having children with peanut or tree nut allergies.
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The association between oral contraceptive use and ovarian or breast cancer in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers are qualitatively similar to associations reported in the general population. Oral contraceptive pill use is inversely associated with ovarian cancer risk. However, it is also associated with a modest, but not statistically significant, increased risk for breast cancer. The analysis was unable to provide conclusive recommendations as to their use as preventive measures given these and other unmeasured risks. However, oral contraceptive pills appear safe for contraception in this population.
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While hospice use steadily increased and deaths in the hospital declined, intensive care unit care in the last month of life increased, according to two recent studies.
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There is a need for bioethicists to educate patients and providers at extended care homes on end-of-life issues.
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Regularly scheduled peer review, surveys of stakeholders, and demonstration of continuous improvement of policies are some approaches to improve ethics consults.
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Some bioethicists are expanding their role beyond case consultation into organizational ethics, but may encounter barriers such as lack of support from leadership.
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More data are being collected at the point of care with the goal of improving quality, but there is widespread uncertainty as to what kind of oversight quality improvement research requires.
