Paternal Environmental Toxicant Exposure and Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCurrent clinical efforts to predict and prevent preterm birth are primarily focused on the mother and have made minimal progress in improving outcomes. However, recent data indicate that paternal factors can also influence timing of birth. Herein, we will review recent human and murine data examining the contribution of the father to pregnancy outcomes with an emphasis on environmental exposures that can negatively impact fertility and the timing of birth.Recent FindingsHuman epidemiology studies now clearly indicate that a variety of paternal factors (age, race, weight, smoking status) can influen...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - June 21, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Is There a Role for MRI in the Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is based on evaluation of risk factors and imaging findings. Ultrasound (US) is widely available and relatively cheap; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is expensive and not universally available. We review performance, interpretation, accuracy, and pitfalls of MRI, and whether it has a role in the management of PAS.Recent FindingsRecent meta-analyses showed excellent diagnostic accuracy in depth of placental invasion. Specific MRI features (intraplacental T2 dark bands, myometrial disruption, uterine bulge, and uteroplacental or parametrial hypervasc...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - June 21, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Broad Band Ligament Hernia Revisited (85 Cases of Allen-Master ’s Syndrome; History and Perspectives)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to update readers on the characteristics and pathogenesis of internal hernia secondary to a defect of broad ligament of the uterus.Recent FindingsThe etiopathogenesis of the disease is controversial. There are two main hypotheses to explain the generation of the defect in the ligament. The first of them would explain this entity as a result of obstetric trauma, an inflammatory pelvic disease, or gynecological surgery. However, in the absence of them, the second hypothesis would speak of congenital defects due to rupture of cysts of the ligament itself. In either case, ...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - June 3, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Management of Induced Menopause in Gynaecological Cancers and Their Challenges
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe consequence of treatment for gynaecological cancers can cause sudden onset of intense menopausal symptoms, such as vasomotor symptoms, sexual dysfunction and emotional instability. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often effective and can overcome these unpleasant and severe symptoms. However, data regarding its safety remains controversial. The big question therefore is whether HRT in gynaecological cancer survivors is possible. This is due to the fear of disease relapse. So, the purpose of this study was to review the evidence regarding cancer recurrence or death following use of HRT in su...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - May 24, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

From Etiopathology to Management of Accreta Placentation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the etiopathology of the different grades of accreta placentation and evaluate its impact on management strategies and outcomes.Recent FindingsAccreta placentation is essentially the consequence of prior uterine surgery, mainly multiple cesarean deliveries which often result in large scar defects with absence of re-epithelialization by the endometrium. Invasive placentation is associated with high maternal morbidity and if undiagnosed before delivery can lead to massive obstetric hemorrhage leading to maternal death. The clinical symptoms of an adherent placenta accreta are very similar t...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - May 19, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Broad Band Ligament Hernias: A Case Report
AbstractPurpose of reviewInternal hernias account for 1% of all mechanical obstructions. However, internal hernias by defect of the broad ligament of the uterus are uncommon. This review aims to update our knowledge regarding this unusual pathology in order to understand its etiology and symptoms, and to aid in early diagnosis and management.Recent findingsSince the end of the nineteenth century, fewer than 100 cases of internal hernias secondary to a defect of the broad ligament have been described. It is known that this defect in the broad uterine ligament can be congenital or acquired, leading to symptoms such as chroni...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - April 2, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Vaginal Birth and Pelvic Floor Trauma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOver the last two to three decades, a growing body of research has shown that vaginal childbirth is more traumatic to mothers than generally assumed. Apart from obstetric anal sphincter tears which have been extensively studied, trauma to the levator ani muscle is a form of maternal injury that is less well recognised and often undiagnosed. In the context of an increasing push towards vaginal birth, this article will review the recent literature to better inform health care providers regarding the significance of pelvic floor trauma.Recent FindingsImaging studies have shown that levator avulsion, w...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - March 17, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Updates in Minimally Invasive Approaches to Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this article is to review and comment on the recent medical evidence regarding minimally invasive procedures for apical pelvic organ prolapse repair.Recent FindingsSacrocolpopexy remains the “gold standard” repair for apical prolapse for those who desire to maintain sexual function, and minimally invasive approaches offer equal efficacy with lower risk than open sacrocolpopexy. Similar to the impact on hysterectomy rates, the introduction of robotic technology has converted a large number of open abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedures to a minimally invasive approach in the USA. New...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - March 15, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Endocrine Disruptors and Pregnancy Loss
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn modern society, we are exposed to a wide variety of manufactured chemical compounds, called “endocrine-disrupting chemicals” (EDCs). EDCs interact with hormone receptors and have a detrimental effect on reproduction, a complex and hormonally regulated process. Two widely prevalent groups of EDCs are bisphenols and phthalates. This review aims to evaluate and summarize current research on EDCs and their proposed relationship with increased rates of pregnancy loss.Recent FindingsMost research focuses on one of many bisphenols, bisphenol A or BPA. Studies of BPA in animals have shown a causativ...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - March 10, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Caring for Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe US opioid epidemic continues historic trends of disproportionately affecting women. However, attention to the rise in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and other types of neonatal care often overshadow the urgent need for improved and more wide-ranging maternal treatment in the peripartum period.Recent FindingsThis review aims to highlight the trends in maternal morbidity and mortality related to substance use disorder (SUD), to discuss the under-funding of woman-focused interventions, and to discuss medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options for women with SUD. We found that the rate...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - March 5, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnostics: Recent Developments Using Circulating Fetal Nucleated Cells
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to highlight recent research advances in noninvasive prenatal diagnostic methods.Recent FindingsRecent studies developing noninvasive prenatal diagnostic (NIPD) methods have been focused on either fetal nucleated red blood cells (fNRBCs) or circulating trophoblasts (cTBs). Enriched cTBs were successfully utilized for whole genome profiling and short tandem repeat (STR) identification to confirm feto-maternal relationship. However, further analysis of isolated fNRBCs remains confined to examining fetal cytogenetics.SummaryInvasive prenatal diagnostic procedures, amnioce...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - January 21, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Update on Permanent Contraception for Women
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe completed this review to update readers on the current literature and controversies surrounding different approaches to permanent female contraception.Recent FindingsPermanent contraception continues to be a popular method of pregnancy prevention. The withdrawal of the Essure ® hysteroscopic approach to permanent contraception from the US market and the increased use of salpingectomy to decrease risk of ovarian cancer have changed options available to women. Current studies support allowing adult women who desire no future pregnancies to access permanent contraception r egardless of age, parity...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - November 3, 2018 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Factors Associated with Adolescents ’ Choice to Use Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to update the published literature to summarize our understanding about the associated factors with adolescents ’ willingness to use long-acting reversible contraceptives.Recent FindingsLong acting reversible contraception (LARCs), specifically intrauterine devices and implants, have been successful in preventing unintended pregnancy and repeat pregnancy among adolescents. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about eligibility, fears of the insertion procedure, and health effects prevent adolescents from choosing them.SummaryA total of 1316 articles were identified and only nine me...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 29, 2018 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

A Comprehensive Update on Stillbirth Prevention: from Preconception to Postpartum, Individuals to Public Health Administrations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStillbirth is a devastating event for the pregnant woman, families, and care providers alike. No preventable stillbirths should be tolerated, no matter how low the incidence is. The rate of reducing stillbirth rate is less than satisfactory and warrants continued efforts. Indeed, massive researches from all specialties bloomed in recent years. Some interventions are with good evidence and feasible to be practiced, while others are preliminary but exciting to be investigated further. The purpose of this review is a comprehensive overview of the recent studies on stillbirth prevention. An emphasis is...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 23, 2018 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Contraception for Women with Epilepsy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize the current available literature on contraception for women with epilepsy, and to provide recommendations for women with epilepsy on enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs and on non-enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs.Recent FindingsA recent study has confirmed the safety of the levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine device for women with epilepsy, with no effect on seizure control or anti-seizure drug levels. Other recent studies have found low serum etonogestrel or levonorgestrel levels in women on enzyme-inducing anti-seizure drugs and the etonogestrel or l...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 17, 2018 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research