Browse OB/GYN Clinical Alert Articles by Topic

Pregnancy Outcomes in Cancer Survivors

This study demonstrated that women with a prior history of chemotherapy exposure have a higher prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to those without a previous history, with no differences in neonatal outcomes.

Breast Cancer Screening: Tomosynthesis Is Beneficial for High-Risk Patients

This cohort study examined rates of advanced breast cancer diagnosis among women screened with digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Women with extremely dense breasts and who were at high risk for breast cancer benefited from DBT, with a 53% lower risk of developing advanced cancer compared to those screened with digital mammography alone. No differences were seen for women at low to average risk.

Permanent Contraception: How Effective Is it, Really?

In this retrospective cohort study using Medicaid claims data from 2008-2014 in California, the rate of pregnancy was 4.74% after hysteroscopic sterilization among 5,906 women and 5.57% after laparoscopic sterilization among 23,965 women. These rates are higher than reported previously.

Self-Assessment of Gestational Duration Among People Seeking Abortion

In a national sample of people seeking abortion, broadening screening questions beyond last menstrual period to self-assess gestational duration improves accuracy in determining eligibility for medication abortion using a 70-day threshold. In-person ultrasound may not be necessary.

Too Much Phthalate Exposure Could Induce Preterm Labor

Common chemical could lead to births occurring three weeks or more early.

Contraception for Patients with Disabilities

Contraception is an important part of healthcare for patients with disabilities, whether physical or intellectual. In 2018, investigators analyzed 2011-2015 survey data from the National Survey of Family Growth to estimate the use of contraception among women by disability status. These data show that individuals with disabilities may be treated differently than those without disabilities in terms of contraceptive care.

Pregnant, Influenza-Infected, and Hospitalized

Almost one-third of women ages 15-44 years hospitalized with influenza were pregnant and almost 5% required intensive care.

Obesity and Time to Pregnancy Among Those Discontinuing Contraception

Among people discontinuing contraception to try to become pregnant, those who were obese had a longer time to pregnancy compared to those who were underweight or optimal weight.

Supplemental Oxygen Therapy for Category II Fetal Heart Rate Tracings

This study demonstrated a statistically significant change in the use of supplemental oxygen therapy in women with category II fetal heart rate tracings in the absence of maternal hypoxia pre- and post-intervention, with no significant change in maternal or perinatal outcomes.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Increased Risk of Stroke

It has been established that women who have hypertension during pregnancy from any cause, compared to those without a history of hypertension, have an increased risk for subsequent stroke. Investigators in this study from Taiwan looked at the differences between the four major types of hypertensive disorders and the relative risks of subsequent stroke in women.