Browse OB/GYN Clinical Alert Articles by Topic

Smoking Cessation and Preterm Birth

A study using Ohio state birth data showed that women who stopped smoking by the end of the first trimester had the same rates of preterm birth as nonsmokers. Women who stopped in the second trimester had preterm birth rates similar to those who smoked all the way through pregnancy.

New Prescription Drug Labeling for Pregnant and Nursing Women

The FDA has updated the requirements for the pregnancy and lactation sections of drug labeling to allow pregnant women and their healthcare providers to be better informed about the risks and benefits of medications while pregnant or nursing. This article discusses the new Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule that went into effect in June 2015 and is being phased in over the next three to five years.

PCOS and Hormonal Contraception: A Tale of Two Syndromes?

Emerging evidence supports that two metabolic phenotypes exist among women with PCOS. For metabolically healthy PCOS patients, managing menstrual symptoms, anovulation and androgen excess with COCs provides a simple and well-tolerated treatment regimen. In contrast, PCOS patients with metabolic syndrome are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, and COC use may contribute to hyperinsulinemia, adverse lipid changes, and endothelial changes associated with adverse cardiovascular risk. The use of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device combined with spironolactone (to manage hyperandrogenism) and metformin (to manage hyperinsulinism) may offer advantages to metabolically unhealthy PCOS patients.

Oligohydramnios: How to Best Diagnose It and What It Really Means

A multicenter randomized, clinical trial involving large numbers of patients has shown that using the maximal vertical pocket instead of the amniotic fluid index to detect oligohydramnios more than halves the amount of inductions for the diagnosis of oligohydramnios without affecting the overall outcome.

Genetic Testing: Who Should Be Tested and What Should They Be Tested For?

Genetic testing has changed rapidly over the past three years, so to prevent cancer, it is critical that obstetricians-gynecologists take a complete family history, identify women at risk, and make appropriate referrals for genetic counseling with potential testing to prevent cancer.

Is an Even Safer Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill Available?

ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: New study has many advantages, including ascertainment of important confounding variables.

HPV Vaccines: Why Are We Failing to Vaccinate so Many of Our Adolescents?

Given that this cancer is such a world health problem and the cost of screening is large and unreliable, HPV vaccines should substantially reduce the incidence and cost of both screening for and treating hrHPV-related diseases.

What Is the Best Way to Perform a Paracervical Block?

ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: A randomized, controlled trial of first-trimester suction D&C procedures.

Factor V Leiden Mutation and Combined Hormonal Contraception? Is Thrombosis Risk Acceptable?

A meta-analysis of cohort studies supports that women with mild thrombophilias like heterozygote Factor V Leiden mutation can use combined hormonal contraception if other reliable methods are not acceptable.

Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: When to Deliver?

A recent large multicenter, randomized clinical trial has shown that delivering patients with premature preterm rupture of membranes at 34 weeks, rather than pursuing a watchful waiting approach until 37 weeks, does not afford greater protection against neonatal sepsis.