New evidence on prognostic features, prevention and treatment of congenital Cytomegalovirus infection
This study concluded that CMV HIG was ineffective at reducing the risk of congenital CMV among women with primary CMV in early pregnancy. Summary Congenital CMV infection remains a significant cause of disability. There is currently no vaccine available, with the best preventive strategy being patient education on transmission as well as hygiene measures to reduce risk of exposure. Experimental therapies have been investigated in recent years and there is evidence supporting the use of Valaciclovir. Data for the efficacy of CMV HIG remains inconsistent and administration is currently limited to clinical trial settings. ...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - August 28, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: WOMEN'S HEALTH: Edited by Joseph Aquilina Source Type: research

Artificial intelligence and automation of systematic reviews in women's health
This article describes the main fields of artificial intelligence with examples of its application to systematic reviews. These include the capabilities of processing natural language texts, retrieving information, reasoning, and learning. The complementarity and interconnection of the various artificial intelligence techniques can be harnessed to solve difficult problems in automation of reviews. Computer science can advance evidence-based medicine through development, testing, and refinement of artificial intelligence tools to deploy automation, creating ‘living’ evidence syntheses. Summary Groundbreaking, high-qu...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - August 28, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: WOMEN'S HEALTH: Edited by Joseph Aquilina Source Type: research

The accuracy of haemoglobin A1c as a screening and diagnostic test for gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of test accuracy studies
Purpose of review Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse pregnancy complications. Accurate screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes are critical to treatment, and in a pandemic scenario like coronavirus disease 2019 needing a simple test that minimises prolonged hospital stay. We undertook a meta-analysis on the screening and diagnostic accuracy of the haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test in women with and without risk factors for gestational diabetes. Recent findings Unlike the oral glucose tolerance test, the HbA1c test is simple, quick and more acceptable. There is a growing body of evidence ...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - August 28, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: WOMEN'S HEALTH: Edited by Joseph Aquilina Source Type: research

Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: an overview
Purpose of review Examine recent evidence of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses regarding the effect of maternal vitamin D status and supplementation over obstetrical and offspring outcomes. Recent findings Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin [25(OH)D] progressively declines during pregnancy because of fetal physiological demands and adjustments. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in women with low vitamin D status may improve fetal growth and reduce the risks for small-for-gestational-age, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes. Mothers with sufficient vitamin D levels have offsprings ...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - August 28, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: WOMEN'S HEALTH: Edited by Joseph Aquilina Source Type: research

Simulation-based teaching and models for caesarean sections: a systematic review to evaluate the tools for the ‘See One, Practice Many, Do One’ slogan
Purpose of review Caesarean sections are the most commonly performed procedure globally. Simulation-based training for caesarean sections can provide healthcare practitioners a safe and controlled environment to develop this life-saving skill. We systematically reviewed the use of simulation-based training for caesarean section and its effectiveness. Embase, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 2019, without language restriction, for studies that included methods of simulation for caesarean section. Studies were selected and data extracted in duplicate. Synthesis analysed common themes o...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - August 28, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: WOMEN'S HEALTH: Edited by Joseph Aquilina Source Type: research

Editorial introductions
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - August 28, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIONS Source Type: research

Gynecologic surgery tracking in obstetrics and gynecology residency
Purpose of review This review aims to describe the influence of changes in obstetrics and gynecology on residency training and how tracking may help address emerging concerns around quality and safety in gynecologic surgery. Recent findings As has been shown in a variety of other surgical fields, recent evidence confirms that surgeries with higher volume gynecologists are associated with fewer complications, decreased cost, and an increase in use of minimally invasive surgery. Attending physicians and residents feel graduating obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) trainees are unprepared to perform major surgery independ...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

Diagnosing endometriosis before laparoscopy: radiologic tools to evaluate the disease
Purpose of review The current gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is laparoscopy with tissue biopsy. This review presents new evidence regarding advanced imaging for more optimal clinical assessment and preoperative evaluation for endometriosis. Recent findings A systematic approach to the imaging evaluation of endometriosis using transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging has been proposed by expert groups and societies. Evidence suggests that new imaging techniques improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and facilitate improved preoperative mapping of endometriotic lesions. Summary The clini...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

Topical hemostatic and tissue-sealing agents in gynecologic surgery
Purpose of review To review current topical hemostatic agent use and how it pertains to gynecologic surgery. Recent findings Recent literature suggests some benefit of topical hemostatic agents (THA). THAs confer reduced bleeding and shorter operating room time in women undergoing hysterectomy for cancer and in abdominal myomectomy. THA use in women undergoing ovarian cystectomy is associated with a decreased reduction in ovarian reserve. Potential complications of THA use include abscess formation, small bowel obstruction, inflammation, allergic reaction, and transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Evidence for use of...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

Perioperative pain management in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence-based interventions for perioperative pain management in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Recent findings With particular emphasis on preemptive interventions in recent studies, we found preoperative counseling, nutrition, exercise, psychological interventions, and a combination of acetaminophen, celecoxib, and gabapentin are highly important and effective measures to reduce postoperative pain and opioid demand. Intraoperative local anesthetics may help at incision sites, as a paracervical block, and a transversus abdominus pl...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

Updates in uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas
This article provides an updated review of novel findings regarding UAE. Recent findings Despite an abundance of observational studies and several small randomized controlled trials, large scale long-term comparative efficacy studies are lacking. Although short-term outcomes continue to be favorable, recent trials show reoperation rate of up to 35% in 10 years and may raise some concerns regarding ovarian reserve, fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Summary UAE remains a safe and effective alternative to surgery in the management of leiomyomas. A deeper investigation into understanding this treatment's optimal use in v...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

The impact of race on hysterectomy for benign indications
Purpose of review To review current literature evaluating racial disparities in benign hysterectomy care in the United States. Recent findings Evidence shows that black women are half as likely to undergo minimally invasive hysterectomy and have an increased risk of surgical complications compared with white women. Patient level differences including fibroids, prior surgical history, medical comorbidities, and obesity have been implied to account for the increased rate of abdominal hysterectomy in black patients; however, inequalities remain even after controlling for clinical differences. Societal factors including i...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

An updated guide to the diagnosis and management of cesarean scar pregnancies
Purpose of review To review the current literature on the diagnosis and management of cesarean scar pregnancies Recent findings The incidence of cesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs) is increasing as a result of the increasing cesarean section rate, improved diagnostic capabilities, and a growing awareness. CSPs are associated with significant morbidity and early diagnosis is key. Diagnosis is best achieved with transvaginal ultrasound. Sonographic diagnostic criteria have been developed over decades and recently endorsed by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and other professional societies. The current categorizatio...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

Enhanced recovery after surgery in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery surgical patients: one size fits all?
Purpose of review Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs aim to expedite functional recovery and improve surgical outcomes without increasing complications or cost. First championed by colorectal surgeons, ERAS protocols are now widely utilized among surgical subspecialties. The present review focuses on use of ERAS pathways in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) and risk factors for suboptimal outcomes in this population. Recent findings Studies across multiple fields has shown benefit to adoption of ERAS protocols. However, lack of protocol standardization among institutions, implementation of int...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research

Cost-effective minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: emphasizing surgical efficiency
Purpose of review The United States has the highest healthcare costs among developed countries. This review evaluates surgical practices and equipment choices during endoscopic hysterectomy, highlighting opportunities for the gynecologic surgeon to reduce costs and maximize surgical efficiency. Recent findings There are opportunities to economize at every step of the endoscopic hysterectomy. When surgeons are provided education about instrumentation costs, the cost of hysterectomy has been shown to decrease. Colpotomy has been found to be the rate-limiting step in laparoscopic hysterectomy; use of a uterine manipulato...
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - July 30, 2020 Category: OBGYN Tags: MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC PROCEDURES: Edited by Matthew T. Siedhoff and Nisse V. Clark Source Type: research