Browse OB/GYN Clinical Alert Articles by Topic

Antenatal Steroids for Very Early PTB

A large European multicenter study has shown that antenatal corticosteroid administration in patients at risk for imminent very early preterm birth (24 to 31 weeks) will decrease perinatal mortality and morbidity substantially, even after only three hours of exposure.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, and Quality of Life in Women

Irritable bowel syndrome has a negative effect on women’s quality of life and affects one-third of women who present for care with fecal incontinence.

Do Antibiotics Reduce Hormonal Contraceptive Effectiveness?

This is a systematic review of studies evaluating the effect of concomitant non-rifamycin antibiotic use on hormonal contraceptive effectiveness. Although data are limited, there is no evidence to support the existence of drug interactions.

Reproductive Rights in 2017: Follow-up and Call for Advocacy

The Trump administration has made good on a number of promises to roll back reproductive rights. As clinicians, we need to fight back to ensure access for our patients to essential services. This article seeks to document where we stand as of summer 2017, and present opportunities for engagement.

Is Bariatric Surgery the Antidote for Female-associated Cancers?

This study investigated gastric surgery as a prevention for female-associated cancers. Women with a body mass index of ≥ 38 kg/m² who had surgery had an average of 28 kg of weight loss compared to the control group. This resulted in a statistically significant decrease in endometrial cancer.

Video Colposcopy: Does It Reduce Patient Anxiety?

This German randomized, controlled trial of 225 women naïve to colposcopy found that video colposcopy did not reduce patient anxiety during the procedure. However, the authors found that the real-time video feed increased participants’ understanding of their disease.

17 P vs. Vaginal Progesterone

A recent randomized study suggested that vaginal progesterone is at least as good as, and may be superior to, intramuscular 17 alpha-hydroxy progesterone caproate in preventing recurrent preterm birth, but shortcomings in the study indicate that more investigation is needed.

Obesity: The New Epidemic

Obesity has risen significantly worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in women throughout their lives. Risks include infertility, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

AUGS Consensus Statement: Anticholinergic Medication Use and Cognition in Women With Overactive Bladder

Available evidence has shown significant associations between anticholinergic medication use and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Behavioral therapies for overactive bladder should be first-line treatment. If these treatments fail and pharmacologic treatment is considered, providers should counsel patients on associated risks, prescribe the lowest effective dose, and consider alternative treatments in patients at risk.

Opioid Prescriptions After Cesarean Delivery: How Much Should We Prescribe?

This cross-sectional survey of 720 women found that 85% filled an opioid prescription after cesarean delivery, and the median number of tablets dispensed was 40. The median number of tablets consumed was only 20 tablets and the number dispensed did not correlate with patient satisfaction, pain control, or the need for a refill.