Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in OBGYN & Women’s Health for July 2018. 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.
FDA Warns of the Dangers of ‘Vaginal Rejuvenation’
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite their growing popularity, there’s no evidence that so-called “vaginal rejuvenation” procedures are either safe or effective, according to a statement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Weak Recommendation to Screen for Bacteriuria in Pregnancy
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low-quality evidence supports screening for elevated bacteria levels in urine during the first trimester for non-symptomatic pregnant women, according to a clinical guideline published in the July 9 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
One in Four Older Adults With Diabetes Uses Alternative Meds
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than 25 percent of older U.S. adults with diabetes use some type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a research letter published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open.
Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
AMA Opposes Proposed Cuts, Gag Orders for Reproductive Health
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly objects to the Trump administration’s plan to withhold federal family planning funding from Planned Parenthood and other entities, according to a statement released by the organization.
AMA Statement
AMA Wire Article
Comment on Regulations
Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.
Few Health Differences for Trans, Cisgender Veterans
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Transgender U.S. veterans have few health differences compared with cisgender veterans, although the odds of having at least one disability are higher for transgender veterans, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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Health Coverage Interruptions Common in Adults With T1DM
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Interruptions in private health insurance coverage are common among U.S. adults with type 1 diabetes and are associated with an increase in glycated hemoglobin and in use of acute care services, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
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No Higher Risk of Autoimmune Disorders After HPV4 Vaccination
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccination, girls age 12 to 17 years do not have increased risk of autoimmune disorders, according to a study published recently in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Cross-Continuum Communication Beneficial After Discharge
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cross-continuum communication after hospital discharge can improve patient outcomes and overall health, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new initiative to increase hepatitis B virus vaccination rates among at-risk adults has been developed, according to a report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published in support of World Hepatitis Day.
More Information
World Hepatitis Day
PFO Closure Plus Antiplatelet Tx Advised for Cryptogenic Stroke
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients younger than 60 years who have had a cryptogenic ischemic stroke thought to be secondary to patent foramen ovale (PFO), who are open to all treatment options, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy is recommended over antiplatelet therapy alone, according to a clinical practice guideline published online July 25 in The BMJ.
2002 to 2014 Saw Hike in AMI Rate in Pregnancy, Puerperium
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurred in one of every 12,400 hospitalizations for those hospitalized during pregnancy and the puerperium, according to a study published online July 18 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
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July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, according to an announcement published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Abstract/Full Text
World Hepatitis Day
Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Use of 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ.
Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
ACOG, Others Come Out Against Proposed Rule on Title-X
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health care organizations have come out against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule that amends regulations governing the Title X of the Public Health Service Act, which provides low-income patients with access to family planning and preventive health services and information.
More Information
Comment on Regulations
Regulations Restrict Providers’ Ability to Offer Info on Abortions
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Proposed regulations restrict providers’ ability to deliver unbiased patient care for individuals wanting to know about or undergo abortion, according to a perspective piece published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text
Comment on Regulations
First IVF Baby Louise Brown Turns 40
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — It’s been 40 years since the birth of the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and there have been more than eight million born since.
FDA Approves Magnetic System for Guiding Lymph Node Biopsies
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A magnetic system for guiding lymph node biopsies in patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurers are increasingly denying prescriptions of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus treatment, according to a study published online June 7 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
Abstract/Full Text
World Hepatitis Day
HerbList App Launched to Provide Information on Herbal Products
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has announced the launch of an app for easy access to research-based information on the safety and effectiveness of herbal products.
NIH Press Release
Herbs at a Glance
Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been updated for individuals at risk of or living with HIV; the 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel are published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Many U.S. Adults View Marijuana Use Positively
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most U.S. adults believe that marijuana has at least one benefit, according to a study published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Coal and Oil Power Plant Pollution May Lower Fertility Rates
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fertility rates among nearby populations appear to increase after coal and oil power plant retirements, according to a study published recently in Environmental Health.
Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the default number of opioid pills prescribed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system can effectively decrease the amount of opioids prescribed after procedures, according to a study published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
11 Infant Deaths Halt Trial of Sildenafil in Pregnant Women
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 11 lung-related infant deaths after pregnant women in the Netherlands were given sildenafil (Viagra) to boost the growth of their babies while in the womb.
Reproductive, Hormonal Factors Tied to Knee OA in Women
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Female reproductive and hormonal factors are associated with incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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FDA Grants First Approval for CA Drug Under New Pilot Programs
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ribociclib (Kisqali) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) as an initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings
MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Unfavorable Prepregnancy Lipid Levels Linked to Low Parity
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk of having no or only one child is elevated for women with an unfavorable prepregnancy lipid profile, according to a study published in the June issue of BMJ Open.
Bayer Stops U.S. Sale of Essure Birth Control Implant
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Amid lawsuits and plummeting sales for its Essure birth control device, Bayer announced Friday that it would cease U.S. sales of the product by the end of 2018.
FDA Press Announcement
Bayer Press Release
Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion
AMI, Stroke Risk Elevated for Women With Preeclampsia Within 20 Years 
Sexual Dysfunction Common Among Young Women With Cancer 
Self-Cut Mesh Noninferior for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Procedure 
How PCOS Diagnosis Is Communicated May Affect Later Well-Being 
2013 to 2024 Saw Decrease in Benzodiazepine Prescribing 
Childhood Cancer Survivors Often Have Mental Distress in Adulthood 
Air Pollution Tied to Higher Risk for Suicide 
Psychiatrists Only Agree 55 Percent of the Time on Diagnoses 
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