Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in OBGYN & Women's Health for August 2014. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Report Highlights Progress, Challenges in Health IT
FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Progress has been made toward widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), although there are still barriers to adoption of advanced use of EHRs, according to a report published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Group-Based Intervention Cuts Gestational Weight Gain in Obese
FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A group-based weight management intervention can reduce gestational weight gain for obese women, according to a study published in the September issue of Obesity.
AMGA: Physician Turnover Still High in 2013
THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For the second year running, physician turnover remains at the highest rate since 2005, according to a report published by the American Medical Group Association (AMGA).
Doctors Frequently Experience Ethical Dilemmas
THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For physicians trying to balance various financial and time pressures, ethical dilemmas are common, according to an article published Aug. 7 in Medical Economics.
Cancer Patients With Depression Often Untreated
THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with cancer and depression frequently do not receive effective treatment; however, an integrated program is effective in patients with cancer, and specifically lung cancer, according to three studies published online Aug. 28 in The Lancet Psychiatry, The Lancet, and The Lancet Oncology.
Abstract - Walker
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract - Sharpe
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract - Walker
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Team Approach Improves Practice Efficiency
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The increasing administrative requirements of a medical practice are requiring a team-based approach to care, and physicians must learn to manage the team, according to an article published Aug. 7 in Medical Economics.
Oral Contraceptive Equal to Antibiotics for Acne Care
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- At six months, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are comparable to systemic antibiotics for acne management, according to a review published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
In-Utero Exposure to Gestational Diabetes Ups Later Diabetes Risk
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- In-utero exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the likelihood of developing diabetes or prediabetes among obese adolescents, according to a study published online Aug. 25 in Diabetologia.
Reduced Risk of Brain Injury on MRI With Early EPO in Preemies
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Early administration of high-dose erythropoietin is associated with a reduced risk of brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in premature infants, according to research published in the Aug. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Ban Indoor Use of E-Cigarettes, U.N. Health Agency Says
TUESDAY, Aug. 26, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Joining a number of other health agencies, the United Nations' World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday recommended that countries regulate electronic cigarettes and ban their use indoors until studies prove that "vaping" is harmless to bystanders.
Full Article
AHA Press Release
WHO Statement
Medicaid Office Visit Payment Tied to Cancer Screening Rates
TUESDAY, Aug. 26, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Increased Medicaid reimbursement for physician office visits is associated with a greater likelihood of Medicaid beneficiaries receiving common cancer screening tests, according to a study published online Aug. 25 in Cancer.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Low Weight at Birth Ups Risk of Diabetes in Black Women
TUESDAY, Aug. 26, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Low birth weight is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in black women, independent of body mass index, according to research published in the September issue of Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
New Rules for Religious Objections to Health Care Law
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Responding to a Supreme Court ruling handed down late in June, the Obama administration on Friday proposed a compromise path that it said would allow women to obtain contraceptives through their health plan, while respecting the views of companies that objected to the provision on religious grounds.
Restrictive, Non-Solicitation Covenants Are Valid
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Restrictive and non-solicitation covenants are valid and can be enforced, according to an article published Aug. 5 in Medical Economics.
Breastfeeding Racial Disparities May Start With Hospitals
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Key practices that support breastfeeding are much less common in medical centers where the black population is higher than average, according to a report published in the Aug. 22 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Guidelines Presented for Electronic Cigarette Use
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Recommendations have been developed regarding electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and published online Aug. 24 as an American Heart Association (AHA) policy statement in Circulation.
State of the Art Review: Eating Disorders in Children, Teens
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A new review presents recommendations for the management of eating disorders (EDs) in children. In addition, other research indicates that there has been a recent increase in the prevalence of eating disorders not otherwise specified who do not meet weight criteria (EDNOS-Wt), relative to anorexia nervosa (AN). The review and study have been published online Aug. 25 in Pediatrics.
Abstract - Campbell and Peebles
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract - Whitelaw
Full Text
Consumer Reports Advises Pregnant Women to Avoid Tuna
MONDAY, Aug. 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- In a new review of seafood safety, Consumer Reports is advising that pregnant women avoid eating tuna due to concerns about mercury exposure. Adults who eat 24 ounces (1.5 pounds) or more of seafood per week should also avoid seafood with high mercury levels, including sushi made with tuna, the independent product testing group said.
U.S. to Tighten Access to Certain Narcotic Painkillers
FRIDAY, Aug. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is going ahead with tough new controls on painkillers containing hydrocodone, which has been tied to a surge in dangerous addictions across the United States.
Organizations Can Help Docs Retain Their Independence
FRIDAY, Aug. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Ways for physicians to remain in independent practice are highlighted in an article published Aug. 7 in Medical Economics.
Endogenous Hormones Improve Breast Cancer Risk Models
FRIDAY, Aug. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Inclusion of endogenous hormones in prediction models improves prediction of invasive breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Breastfeeding Moms Have Lower Depression Risk
THURSDAY, Aug. 21, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Breastfeeding cuts new mothers' risk of depression by half, according to a study published online Aug. 21 in Maternal and Child Health.
Health Highlights: Aug. 20, 2014
Abstract
Full Text
White Women More Likely to Seek Fertility Treatment
THURSDAY, Aug. 21, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- White, straight women are much more likely to seek treatment for infertility than minority, bisexual or lesbian women, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in Health Psychology.
Full Article
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Pre-, Postnatal Smoke Exposure Affects Later Allergic Disease
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in utero or during infancy impacts the development of allergic disease up to adolescence, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in Pediatrics.
Organized Processes Help Practices Hire Well
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A defined process is necessary to help physicians hire the right staff for their practice, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Neonatal Vitamin K Refusal Tied to Nonimmunization
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- While neonatal vitamin K refusal is rare, parents who refuse vitamin K are less likely to immunize their child, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in Pediatrics.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
CDC: U.S. Teen Birth Rate Down From 1991 to 2013
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- From 1991 to 2013 there has been a consistent decrease in U.S. teenage birth rates, according to a report published online Aug. 20 by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
ACOG: All Pregnant Women Should Receive Influenza Vaccine
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- All pregnant women should receive influenza vaccine, regardless of their stage of pregnancy, according to an American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee Opinion published in the September issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Docs Must Consider Liability When Ordering Screening Tests
TUESDAY, Aug. 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians and health care providers must be aware of their potential liability when ordering screening tests, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Boxed Warnings Are Common in Novel Therapeutics
TUESDAY, Aug. 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Boxed warnings are common on recent drug approvals, and many occur years after approval, according to a research letter published online Aug. 15 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Cancer Screening Common in Those With Low Life Expectancy
MONDAY, Aug. 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer screening is common among those with limited life expectancy, and more frequent colorectal cancer screening than recommended does not provide benefit, according to two studies published online Aug. 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract - Royce
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract - van Hees
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Has Lasting Benefit for Teens
MONDAY, Aug. 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccine seems safe and effective for adolescents, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in Pediatrics.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Brisk Walking May Cut Breast Cancer in Black Women
MONDAY, Aug. 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Exercise may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for breast cancer in African-American women, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Approves Avastin for Late-Stage Cervical Cancer
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The anti-cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) has been newly approved to treat aggressive and late-stage cervical cancer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a news release. The new approval is for use in combination with other anti-cancer drugs, including paclitaxel, cisplatin, and topotecan.
Antibiotic Regimens Similar for Premature Membrane Rupture
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- There is no difference in fetal or maternal outcomes among women with preterm premature rupture of membranes who receive azithromycin instead of erythromycin, according to a study published online Aug. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Vitamin D May Affect Success Rate for In Vitro Fertilization
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Vitamin D levels may affect the pregnancy rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to research published online Aug. 14 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Gaps Remain in Efforts to Cut Newborn Mortality/Morbidity
THURSDAY, Aug. 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- In some countries, coverage is lacking for the use of pharmacologic interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with preterm births, according to research published online Aug. 13 in The Lancet.
BMI Explains Risk of Diabetes From Prenatal Smoke Exposure
THURSDAY, Aug. 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The association between maternal and paternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of type 2 diabetes in daughters is largely explained by body mass index throughout the life course, according to a study published online Aug. 4 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Extra Time Spent Counseling, Coordinating Care Billable
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 13, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Extra time spent counseling patients and coordinating care can be billed using evaluation and management (E/M) and prolonged service codes, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Cesareans for Term Breech Deliveries Improve Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 13, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Increased rates of elective cesareans have improved the neonatal outcomes for singleton term breech deliveries, according to a study published online Aug. 11 in ACTA Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Meta-Analysis Strategy Impacts Estimation of Tx Outcome
TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Estimation of treatment outcome varies with the meta-analysis strategy, according to a study published in the Aug. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Recent Physical Activity Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For postmenopausal women, recent recreational physical activity is associated with a lower risk of invasive breast cancer, according to research published online Aug. 11 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
RCTs Show Bisphosphonates Don't Prevent Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Data from two randomized controlled trials suggest that bisphosphonate use does not protect against postmenopausal breast cancer, according to research published online Aug. 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Falling Insulin Requirements Linked to Placental Dysfunction
TUESDAY, Aug. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For women with preexisting diabetes, falling insulin requirements correlate with increased risks of adverse outcomes associated with placental dysfunction, according to a study published online July 28 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
EHR Adoption Increasing, But Stage 2 Criteria Often Not Met
MONDAY, Aug. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Most U.S. hospitals and office-based physicians have adopted electronic health records (EHR), according to two studies published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract - Adler-Milstein
Full Text
Abstract - Furukawa
Full Text
Review: Effects of Depression Tx in Pregnancy Unclear
MONDAY, Aug. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The current evidence is inadequate for assessing the benefits and harms of depression treatment in pregnancy and the postpartum period, according to a review published online July 7 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Issues to Consider With Integration of Telemedicine
FRIDAY, Aug. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Integrating telemedicine raises various considerations, including operational and legal issues, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Guidelines Issued for Managing Listeriosis in Pregnancy
FRIDAY, Aug. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Recommendations have been developed for pregnant women with presumptive exposure to Listeria monocytogenes. These guidelines were published as a Committee Opinion online Aug. 5 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
VA Health Care Reform Bill Signed Into Law
THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A bill signed into law Thursday by President Barack Obama is meant to provide veterans with easier access to government-paid health care.
Health Highlights: Aug. 7, 2014
CDC: Millions Given Access to Breast, Cervical CA Screening
THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Millions of American women have benefited from a breast and cervical cancer screening program offered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a new report. The report was published online and in an Aug. 15 supplement edition of the journal Cancer. The report features 13 new studies evaluating numerous features of the screening program.
New Mutations Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Mutations in PALB2 and germline mutations in the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) tumor-suppressor gene causing MEN1 correlate with increased breast cancer risk, according to two studies published in the Aug. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text - Antoniou (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Full Text - Dreijerink
Clues to How Heavy Drinking in Pregnancy Harms Child's Brain
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- When a woman drinks heavily during pregnancy, the harmful effects on her child's brain development appear to continue over time, a new study indicates. The study was published online Aug. 4 in the journal Cerebral Cortex.
Full Article
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Acupuncture Cuts Comorbid Symptoms of Cancer Pain
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Electroacupuncture (EA) may reduce comorbid symptoms of pain in women with breast cancer who have aromatase inhibitor (AI)-related arthralgia, according to research published online July 30 in Cancer.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
For Women With PCOS, IVF Outcomes Vary With BMI
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), body mass index (BMI) impacts outcomes, according to a study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Women Over 75 May Still Benefit From Mammograms
TUESDAY, Aug. 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Women 75 and older may still benefit from routine mammograms, according to new research. The study was published online Aug. 5 in Radiology.
Full Article
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Intrinsic Imaging Phenotypes ID'd for Breast Cancer Tumors
TUESDAY, Aug. 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Intrinsic radiologic phenotypes exist for breast cancer tumors and are associated with prognostic gene expression profiles, according to a study published in the August issue of Radiology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Inadequate Weight Gain in Overweight Moms Tied to SGA
TUESDAY, Aug. 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For overweight and obese women, inadequate weight gain is associated with increased risk of small for gestational age (SGA), according to a study published in the August issue of the America Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Major Obstetrical Complication Rates Vary Across U.S. Hospitals
TUESDAY, Aug. 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The rates of major obstetrical complications vary considerably across hospitals in the United States, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Many Physicians Have Secondary Income
MONDAY, Aug. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Many physicians report earning income from sources other than their primary practice/employer, according to an article published July 24 in Medical Economics.
Maternal Access to Green Space Impacts Birth Weight
MONDAY, Aug. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Maternal proximity to green spaces is associated with increased birth weight, according to a study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Optimal Red Blood Cell Folate Level About 1,000 nmol/L
MONDAY, Aug. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The optimal population red blood cell folate level for prevention of neural tube defects could be defined as approximately 1,000 nmol/L, according to research published online July 29 in BMJ.
Oral Contraceptive, Breast Cancer Link Varies by Formulation
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Recent use of oral contraceptives is associated with increased breast cancer risk, which varies by formulation, according to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of Cancer Research.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Guidelines Issued for Cardiac Management of Noncardiac Sx
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Recommendations have been developed for perioperative cardiovascular management of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. These revised guidelines were published online Aug. 1 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
CMS Recognizes Telehealth in New Physician Fee Schedule
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued proposed rules for updates to the Physician Fee Schedule and will accept comments until Sept. 2, according to an article published July 7 in Medical Economics.
More Than Half of General Surgery Residents Want to Quit
FRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A majority of categorical general surgery residents seriously consider leaving residency, according to a study published online July 30 in JAMA Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)