The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) awarded first prize to ACOG Junior Fellow, Bliss Kaneshiro, MD, for her research paper Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Sexual Behavior. Dr. Kaneshiro, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, presented her winning paper at ACOG's 56th Annual Clinical Meeting.
Some studies have suggested that obese and overweight women have a higher risk of unintended pregnancy than do normal weight women, according to Dr. Kaneshiro. Although multiple factors, including contraceptive use and its efficacy, may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy among these women, sexual behavior and the frequency of intercourse could also be a factor.
Dr. Kaneshiro's objective was to study the impact of body mass index (BMI) on sexual behavior. It is important to understand this relationship because preexisting physician biases can affect how heavy women are counseled about pregnancy and STD prevention. Dr. Kaneshiro studied the relationship between BMI and sexual behavior, including sexual orientation, age at first intercourse, number of partners, and frequency of intercourse.
"Our analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle 6 demonstrated that obese and overweight women do not differ significantly in some of the objective measures of sexual behavior compared to women of normal weight," said Dr. Kaneshiro. "This study indicates that all women deserve diligence in counseling on unintended pregnancy and STD prevention, regardless of BMI.
"The obesity epidemic in the US has resulted in serious health consequences for many individuals and for the health care system as a whole," according to Dr. Kaneshiro. "Physicians of all specialties must factor body weight into their clinical decision-making process on a daily basis."
Alison B. Edelman, MD, MPH; Jeffrey T. Jensen, MD, MPH; and Mark D. Nichols, MD, from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, were co-researchers with Dr. Kaneshiro (formerly of OHSU).
** This year's meeting will include many sessions related to obesity issues in obstetrics-gynecology, including postgraduate courses, clinical seminars, interactive sessions, paper sessions, and luncheon conferences. **
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is the national medical organization representing over 52,000 members who provide health care for women.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
вторник, 27 декабря 2011 г.
вторник, 20 декабря 2011 г.
Abortion, Incomplete Pregnancy Not Linked To Breast Cancer Risk
New research from a large scale study in the US found no evidence of a link between incomplete
pregnancy, such as that from induced abortion, and risk of breast cancer, which the researchers
said should put an end to the much debated issue.
The study was conducted by researchers from the new department of cancer etiology at the City
of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, and colleagues, and is published in
the June issue of the journal Contraception.
Despite mounting evidence from large prospective studies of no link between induced abortion
and breast cancer risk, public concern continues, said lead investigator Katherine DeLellis
Henderson and colleagues, explaining the reason for the study.
They wrote that, "much of the data prompting this concern came from case-control studies, many of which may
have been affected by bias or design flaws," reported Medwire News.
These have given rise to two beliefs about women who have incomplete pregnancies. First, that they don't
have as much long-term protection against breast cancer as they would from full term pregnancies; and second, that their breasts are exposed to high hormone levels of early pregnancy and then
don't benefit from the terminal cell differentiation of late pregnancy, possibly making them more
vulnerable to cancer causing chemicals.
For this study, the researchers examined breast cancer as it relates to incomplete pregnancy,
including the total number of induced abortions, age at first induced abortion and total number of
miscarriages among participants of the ongoing California Teachers Study (CTS), a prospective
study of current and former public school teachers or administrators who are with the California
State Teachers Retirement System.
DeLellis Henderson and colleagues looked at data taken from the CTS baseline questionnaires in
1995-96 where the women had responded to detailed questions about pregnancy history,
including incomplete pregnancy. By linking the CTS records with the California Cancer Registry,
the researchers found 3,324 women from the CTS study diagnosed with incident breast cancer up
to 2004.
Using a statistical tool known as Cox multivariable regression, they found no statistically significant
link between any measure of incomplete pregnancy and breast cancer risk.
The researchers adjusted for established risk factors including ethnicity, first degree family history
of breast cancer, and age at onset of menstrual periods (menarche).
They found that having an induced abortion at first pregnancy did not increase risk of breast cancer
neither among those women who went on to have full term pregnancies, nor those who never went on
to give birth.
Also, miscarriage in a first pregnancy did not increase risk for breast cancer in either of these
groups.
The researchers said their findings supported those from a recent large scale study of nurses, the
Nurses Health Study II.
They concluded that:
"Our results provide further, strong evidence that neither induced abortion nor miscarriage is
associated with breast cancer risk and may help to resolve any remaining uncertainty as to whether
such a relationship exists."
"Incomplete pregnancy is not associated with breast cancer risk: the California Teachers Study."
DeLellis Henderson K, Sullivan-Halley J, Reynolds P, Horn-Ross PL, Clarke CA, Chang ET, Neuhausen S, Ursin G, Bernstein L.
Contraception, Volume 77, Issue 6, Pages 391-396 (June 2008).
Click here for Abstract.
Source: journal abstract, Medwire News.
Response by The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer
: Catharine Paddock, PhD
pregnancy, such as that from induced abortion, and risk of breast cancer, which the researchers
said should put an end to the much debated issue.
The study was conducted by researchers from the new department of cancer etiology at the City
of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, and colleagues, and is published in
the June issue of the journal Contraception.
Despite mounting evidence from large prospective studies of no link between induced abortion
and breast cancer risk, public concern continues, said lead investigator Katherine DeLellis
Henderson and colleagues, explaining the reason for the study.
They wrote that, "much of the data prompting this concern came from case-control studies, many of which may
have been affected by bias or design flaws," reported Medwire News.
These have given rise to two beliefs about women who have incomplete pregnancies. First, that they don't
have as much long-term protection against breast cancer as they would from full term pregnancies; and second, that their breasts are exposed to high hormone levels of early pregnancy and then
don't benefit from the terminal cell differentiation of late pregnancy, possibly making them more
vulnerable to cancer causing chemicals.
For this study, the researchers examined breast cancer as it relates to incomplete pregnancy,
including the total number of induced abortions, age at first induced abortion and total number of
miscarriages among participants of the ongoing California Teachers Study (CTS), a prospective
study of current and former public school teachers or administrators who are with the California
State Teachers Retirement System.
DeLellis Henderson and colleagues looked at data taken from the CTS baseline questionnaires in
1995-96 where the women had responded to detailed questions about pregnancy history,
including incomplete pregnancy. By linking the CTS records with the California Cancer Registry,
the researchers found 3,324 women from the CTS study diagnosed with incident breast cancer up
to 2004.
Using a statistical tool known as Cox multivariable regression, they found no statistically significant
link between any measure of incomplete pregnancy and breast cancer risk.
The researchers adjusted for established risk factors including ethnicity, first degree family history
of breast cancer, and age at onset of menstrual periods (menarche).
They found that having an induced abortion at first pregnancy did not increase risk of breast cancer
neither among those women who went on to have full term pregnancies, nor those who never went on
to give birth.
Also, miscarriage in a first pregnancy did not increase risk for breast cancer in either of these
groups.
The researchers said their findings supported those from a recent large scale study of nurses, the
Nurses Health Study II.
They concluded that:
"Our results provide further, strong evidence that neither induced abortion nor miscarriage is
associated with breast cancer risk and may help to resolve any remaining uncertainty as to whether
such a relationship exists."
"Incomplete pregnancy is not associated with breast cancer risk: the California Teachers Study."
DeLellis Henderson K, Sullivan-Halley J, Reynolds P, Horn-Ross PL, Clarke CA, Chang ET, Neuhausen S, Ursin G, Bernstein L.
Contraception, Volume 77, Issue 6, Pages 391-396 (June 2008).
Click here for Abstract.
Source: journal abstract, Medwire News.
Response by The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer
: Catharine Paddock, PhD
вторник, 13 декабря 2011 г.
Past Gains In Reducing Risk Of Heart Disease Have Flattened; Women Especially Affected
The positive U.S. health trend documented over the past 30 years of reduction in risk for heart disease is not as strong as is widely perceived - and, in fact, the trend has flattened, according to a new analysis of national data by Mayo Clinic.
This suggests that the public health challenge of curbing heart disease may be greater than is commonly thought, says Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., cardiologist and lead researcher.
"This study may surprise people because the data show that the risk of heart disease is not going down as we expected," he says. "The estimated risk in our nation was coming down nicely in the 1980s. Then around 2000 it began changing - the trend lines flattened. While we had done a nice job with lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and stopping smoking, over time the improvement in these risk factors slowed and others like diabetes and obesity emerged, threatening to undo the early progress we made in reducing risk of heart disease. Most of the gains in reducing heart disease risk have been offset by the increased prevalence of diabetes and obesity."
Dr. Lopez-Jimenez presented the findings at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2008 in New Orleans.
Significance
The study is the first to suggest that not as much progress against heart disease is being made in recent years, despite the efforts by many organizations to promote healthy lifestyles, and the wide availability and lower price of many cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering drugs. "This is highly relevant to public health because most people think the risk of heart disease is going down steadily and has for the past 30 to 40 years - but our data show something different," Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says. "The fact is that despite all the wonderful things we've done - all the changes in fat consumption, the promotion of exercise, the quitting smoking, treatment of high cholesterol and blood pressure - it doesn't appear to be enough; the risk reduction we did achieve early on in the 1980s has gone flat, and we need to change that."
The researchers compared national heart disease risk factor data from three time periods to track change over time in risk reduction. The early period documented changes in risk between 1976 and 1980 and a midpoint of 1988 to 1994. The last period documented changes in risk from the midpoint to 1999 - 2004. Comparing changes from the early stage to the midpoint documented a decline in the overall risk to develop heart disease; but comparing change from the midpoint to the late period showed the trend flattening.
"No one has ever compared national data this way, which is why we are the first to detect this worrisome flattening of the trend in risk factor reduction," Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says.
Key Findings
The data show that, in the U.S., the average age-adjusted 10-year risk of heart disease:
Decreased from 10 percent to 7.9 percent between the early period and the midpoint - a strong showing of progress in controlling risk factors during the 1980s.
Decreased only minimally in the interval from the midpoint to the last period, from 7.9 percent to 7.4 percent. This documents the flattening of the healthy trend.
For women, in particular, the age-adjusted risk declined from the early period to the midpoint, but stayed flat from the midpoint to the late period, Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says. Similarly, when age groups were compared, the average predicted risk for those ages 30 to 49 stayed flat from the midpoint to the late period compared to people age 50 and above, he says.
Collaboration and support
Other Mayo Clinic researchers included John Batsis, M.B.B.Ch.; Lee Brekke; Henry Ting, M.D.; Veronique Roger, M.D., M.P.H.; and Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.
Source: Traci Klein
Mayo Clinic
This suggests that the public health challenge of curbing heart disease may be greater than is commonly thought, says Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., cardiologist and lead researcher.
"This study may surprise people because the data show that the risk of heart disease is not going down as we expected," he says. "The estimated risk in our nation was coming down nicely in the 1980s. Then around 2000 it began changing - the trend lines flattened. While we had done a nice job with lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and stopping smoking, over time the improvement in these risk factors slowed and others like diabetes and obesity emerged, threatening to undo the early progress we made in reducing risk of heart disease. Most of the gains in reducing heart disease risk have been offset by the increased prevalence of diabetes and obesity."
Dr. Lopez-Jimenez presented the findings at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2008 in New Orleans.
Significance
The study is the first to suggest that not as much progress against heart disease is being made in recent years, despite the efforts by many organizations to promote healthy lifestyles, and the wide availability and lower price of many cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering drugs. "This is highly relevant to public health because most people think the risk of heart disease is going down steadily and has for the past 30 to 40 years - but our data show something different," Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says. "The fact is that despite all the wonderful things we've done - all the changes in fat consumption, the promotion of exercise, the quitting smoking, treatment of high cholesterol and blood pressure - it doesn't appear to be enough; the risk reduction we did achieve early on in the 1980s has gone flat, and we need to change that."
The researchers compared national heart disease risk factor data from three time periods to track change over time in risk reduction. The early period documented changes in risk between 1976 and 1980 and a midpoint of 1988 to 1994. The last period documented changes in risk from the midpoint to 1999 - 2004. Comparing changes from the early stage to the midpoint documented a decline in the overall risk to develop heart disease; but comparing change from the midpoint to the late period showed the trend flattening.
"No one has ever compared national data this way, which is why we are the first to detect this worrisome flattening of the trend in risk factor reduction," Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says.
Key Findings
The data show that, in the U.S., the average age-adjusted 10-year risk of heart disease:
Decreased from 10 percent to 7.9 percent between the early period and the midpoint - a strong showing of progress in controlling risk factors during the 1980s.
Decreased only minimally in the interval from the midpoint to the last period, from 7.9 percent to 7.4 percent. This documents the flattening of the healthy trend.
For women, in particular, the age-adjusted risk declined from the early period to the midpoint, but stayed flat from the midpoint to the late period, Dr. Lopez-Jimenez says. Similarly, when age groups were compared, the average predicted risk for those ages 30 to 49 stayed flat from the midpoint to the late period compared to people age 50 and above, he says.
Collaboration and support
Other Mayo Clinic researchers included John Batsis, M.B.B.Ch.; Lee Brekke; Henry Ting, M.D.; Veronique Roger, M.D., M.P.H.; and Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.
Source: Traci Klein
Mayo Clinic
вторник, 6 декабря 2011 г.
Two Arizona Planned Parenthood Officials Resign From State Women's Health Commission
In a letter last week to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R), Planned Parenthood Arizona Chair Candace Lew and the organization's President and CEO Bryan Howard announced that they are resigning from the Governor's Commission on Women's and Children's Health, the Arizona Republic reports. The 23-member panel was created under former Gov. Jane Hull (R) to improve the health of women and children in the state and reduce health care costs.
According to Lew and Howard, the Brewer administration's recent policies on family planning, sex education and abortion have been influenced by political considerations, which in turn have undermined the commission's objectives and endangered public health. They wrote, "We cannot continue -- through our participation in the commission -- to endorse" the numerous policy positions the Brewer administration has taken that "endanger women's health," adding, "Since you've taken office it has become clear that political priorities outweigh women's health priorities."
Lew and Howard also said that Brewer has ignored Planned Parenthood and repeatedly declined its requests to meet with her since she took office. They also criticized the governor's enactment this year of strict antiabortion regulations, including a 24-hour waiting period and a requirement for minors to first have written, notarized consent from a parent or guardian. Lew and Howard also criticized Brewer's acceptance of more than $1 million in federal grant funding for abstinence-only education in schools, while withdrawing a state Department of Health Services agreement with Planned Parenthood that promoted testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Paul Senseman, a spokesperson for Brewer, rejected the suggestion that the governor's actions are politically motivated. He said, "The governor -- both in actions and what she has stated in her goals -- has demonstrated a commitment to women's health and state services that can continue to provide for those women who are at risk." He said that he does not have any information about the alleged broken agreement between the state health department and Planned Parenthood, adding that Brewer was "very pleased that the state of Arizona applied for and was granted $1 million from the Obama administration for abstinence funding" (Benson, Arizona Republic, 8/2).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
According to Lew and Howard, the Brewer administration's recent policies on family planning, sex education and abortion have been influenced by political considerations, which in turn have undermined the commission's objectives and endangered public health. They wrote, "We cannot continue -- through our participation in the commission -- to endorse" the numerous policy positions the Brewer administration has taken that "endanger women's health," adding, "Since you've taken office it has become clear that political priorities outweigh women's health priorities."
Lew and Howard also said that Brewer has ignored Planned Parenthood and repeatedly declined its requests to meet with her since she took office. They also criticized the governor's enactment this year of strict antiabortion regulations, including a 24-hour waiting period and a requirement for minors to first have written, notarized consent from a parent or guardian. Lew and Howard also criticized Brewer's acceptance of more than $1 million in federal grant funding for abstinence-only education in schools, while withdrawing a state Department of Health Services agreement with Planned Parenthood that promoted testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Paul Senseman, a spokesperson for Brewer, rejected the suggestion that the governor's actions are politically motivated. He said, "The governor -- both in actions and what she has stated in her goals -- has demonstrated a commitment to women's health and state services that can continue to provide for those women who are at risk." He said that he does not have any information about the alleged broken agreement between the state health department and Planned Parenthood, adding that Brewer was "very pleased that the state of Arizona applied for and was granted $1 million from the Obama administration for abstinence funding" (Benson, Arizona Republic, 8/2).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 29 ноября 2011 г.
Democratic Congressional Leaders Plan To Approve Federal Embryonic Stem Cell Funding Measure In January
Democratic congressional leaders in January 2007 plan to approve a bill similar to a measure (HR 810) President Bush vetoed earlier this year that would have expanded federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, the AP/Houston Chronicle reports (Kellman, AP/Houston Chronicle, 11/29). Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research is allowed only for research using embryonic stem cell lines created on or before Aug. 9, 2001, under a policy announced by Bush on that date. Bush in July vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which would have expanded stem cell lines that are eligible for federal funding and allowed funding for research using stem cells derived from embryos originally created for fertility treatments and willingly donated by patients. Congress lacked the two-thirds majority necessary to override Bush's veto. According to House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the addition of six Democrats in the Senate and 29 in the House likely would not be enough to override another Bush veto on the legislation but added that Democrats aim to "build public support for a signature" (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 11/10). The midterm election revealed "that there's a mandate to expand embryonic stem cell research," Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), co-sponsor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, said on Tuesday, adding, "The public realizes the potential benefits, and what that does is [it] puts tremendous pressure on the White House." Tony Fratto, a White House spokesperson, said that Bush's position on the issue has not changed and that Bush would not "issue veto threats on hypothetical legislation." Pelosi has said the measure will be voted on during the first 100 business hours of the next congressional session, which begins in January 2007, and the Senate could vote on the measure before the end of January, according to the AP/Chronicle. "We are going to move it fairly quickly," Senate Majority Leader-elect Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said (AP/Houston Chronicle, 11/29).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 22 ноября 2011 г.
Canadians Without Risk Factors Need Bone Density Measurements Only Once Every 5 Years According To Largest Ever Canadian Study On Osteoporosis
Dr David Goltzman and his team from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC) and McGill University - along with colleagues from across Canada - have issued new recommendations to public health authorities about how to best cope with osteoporosis, a bone disease which leads to increased risk of fracture, particularly in the elderly. Their recommendations derive from the latest results of the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos), published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Osteoporosis results from reduced bone mineral density (BMD), disrupted bone microarchitecture and alteration in the distribution and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone, all of which serve to place sufferers at far greater risk of bone fractures, which can be life-threatening in the elderly. The measure of BMD is the main predictive marker of the disease.
"Osteoporosis has enormous impact on public health and on the quality of life of patients," Dr. Goltzman said.
The latest CaMos results confirm that, for women, menopause is a critical period during which bone mineral density decreases in all the bones studied. More specifically: an average decrease of 6.8% over 5 years was observed in the hip. Significant BMD loss also occurs after age 70, mainly in the hip bone. In men, BMD decreases more gradually, although it starts earlier, around the age of 40.
The fact that rapid BMD loss occurs after menopause was already known but had never been previously quantified, while the second period of BMD decline after age 70 is a completely new discovery.
"These findings provide new insight into the public health impact of osteoporosis," Dr. Goltzman explained. "Population aging combined with the potential human and financial consequences of fractures, notably hip fractures represent a major challenge. However, knowing the age at which bone loss is more likely to occur opens up new avenues for preventive measures."
The CaMos study involves nine other centres across Canada that are coordinated from the MUHC in Montreal. It has recruited more than 10,000 participants since 1996. The long duration and the national scale of the project have enabled researchers to determine that participants' BMD varies very slowly in the absence of other risk factors.
"The scope of the CaMos study means that we can produce data that are representative of the entire Canadian population, in order to help improve official recommendations, and to enhance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis," said Dr Goltzman.
"In light of our results, we think that, in the absence of other risk factors, BMD should be measured every five years, instead of every two years, as is currently the case," he continued. "Of course, this frequency should be modified if the person does have other risk factors.
Dr. David Goltzman is the co-principal investigator of the CaMos project. He is a researcher in the Musculoskeletal Disorders axis at the RI MUHC and Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology/Metabolism) and of Physiology at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine.
The CaMos study is sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Alliance for Better Bone Health (Sanofi-Aventis and Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.), the Dairy Farmers of Canada and the Arthritis Society of Canada.
About the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos)
Initiated in 1996, CaMos is a prospective, population-based epidemiologic study involving a collaboration of leading Canadian experts, 10 study centres in 7 provinces and more than 10,000 participants across Canada. This largest ever Canadian study on osteoporosis, recognized internationally for its validity and quality, features a sample representative of the Canadian population and a long-term perspective with almost 70% retention after 10 years of follow-up. Study results have helped to inform health policy and improve osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Canada. For more information on CaMos please visit camos/.
The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.muhc/
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and health-care hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the institute is the research arm of the MUHC, the university health center affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The institute supports over 600 researchers, nearly 1200 graduate and post-doctoral students and operates more than 300 laboratories devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental and clinical research. The Research Institute operates at the forefront of knowledge, innovation and technology and is inextricably linked to the clinical programs of the MUHC, ensuring that patients benefit directly from the latest research-based knowledge.
The Research Institute of the MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de la recherche en sant?© du Qu?©bec.
For further details visit: muhc/research.
Source: Isabelle Kling
McGill University Health Centre
Osteoporosis results from reduced bone mineral density (BMD), disrupted bone microarchitecture and alteration in the distribution and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone, all of which serve to place sufferers at far greater risk of bone fractures, which can be life-threatening in the elderly. The measure of BMD is the main predictive marker of the disease.
"Osteoporosis has enormous impact on public health and on the quality of life of patients," Dr. Goltzman said.
The latest CaMos results confirm that, for women, menopause is a critical period during which bone mineral density decreases in all the bones studied. More specifically: an average decrease of 6.8% over 5 years was observed in the hip. Significant BMD loss also occurs after age 70, mainly in the hip bone. In men, BMD decreases more gradually, although it starts earlier, around the age of 40.
The fact that rapid BMD loss occurs after menopause was already known but had never been previously quantified, while the second period of BMD decline after age 70 is a completely new discovery.
"These findings provide new insight into the public health impact of osteoporosis," Dr. Goltzman explained. "Population aging combined with the potential human and financial consequences of fractures, notably hip fractures represent a major challenge. However, knowing the age at which bone loss is more likely to occur opens up new avenues for preventive measures."
The CaMos study involves nine other centres across Canada that are coordinated from the MUHC in Montreal. It has recruited more than 10,000 participants since 1996. The long duration and the national scale of the project have enabled researchers to determine that participants' BMD varies very slowly in the absence of other risk factors.
"The scope of the CaMos study means that we can produce data that are representative of the entire Canadian population, in order to help improve official recommendations, and to enhance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis," said Dr Goltzman.
"In light of our results, we think that, in the absence of other risk factors, BMD should be measured every five years, instead of every two years, as is currently the case," he continued. "Of course, this frequency should be modified if the person does have other risk factors.
Dr. David Goltzman is the co-principal investigator of the CaMos project. He is a researcher in the Musculoskeletal Disorders axis at the RI MUHC and Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology/Metabolism) and of Physiology at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine.
The CaMos study is sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Alliance for Better Bone Health (Sanofi-Aventis and Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.), the Dairy Farmers of Canada and the Arthritis Society of Canada.
About the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos)
Initiated in 1996, CaMos is a prospective, population-based epidemiologic study involving a collaboration of leading Canadian experts, 10 study centres in 7 provinces and more than 10,000 participants across Canada. This largest ever Canadian study on osteoporosis, recognized internationally for its validity and quality, features a sample representative of the Canadian population and a long-term perspective with almost 70% retention after 10 years of follow-up. Study results have helped to inform health policy and improve osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Canada. For more information on CaMos please visit camos/.
The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.muhc/
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and health-care hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the institute is the research arm of the MUHC, the university health center affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The institute supports over 600 researchers, nearly 1200 graduate and post-doctoral students and operates more than 300 laboratories devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental and clinical research. The Research Institute operates at the forefront of knowledge, innovation and technology and is inextricably linked to the clinical programs of the MUHC, ensuring that patients benefit directly from the latest research-based knowledge.
The Research Institute of the MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de la recherche en sant?© du Qu?©bec.
For further details visit: muhc/research.
Source: Isabelle Kling
McGill University Health Centre
вторник, 15 ноября 2011 г.
Hormone Therapy And Breast Pain Linked With Breast Cancer
Breast discomfort during hormone therapy may indicate increased risk for breast cancer
FINDINGS: It is known that postmenopausal women taking estrogen plus progestin in hormone replacement therapy experience both increased breast density and breast discomfort. The researchers sought to determine whether the discomfort was a signal for increased density. Using data from women enrolled in the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions Mammographic Density study, they found that women with new-onset breast discomfort showed a 3.9 percent increase in breast density, compared with a 0.6 percent density increase in women who did not experience discomfort.
IMPACT: Women with dense tissue in more than 75 percent of the breast face four times the risk of developing breast cancer than do women who have little or no dense breast tissue. Thus, new-onset breast discomfort during hormone replacement therapy may indicate an increased risk for developing breast cancer.
AUTHORS: Carolyn J. Crandall, Arun Karlamangla, Mei-Hua Huang, Min Guan and Gail Greendale of UCLA; Giske Ursin of USC and the University of Oslo.
JOURNAL: Archives of Internal Medicine, Aug. 14-28 issue. The article can be viewed online at archinte.ama-assn/content/vol166/issue15/index.dtl.
FUNDERS: The California Breast Cancer Research Program, the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes of Health.
Contact: Enrique Rivero
University of California - Los Angeles
FINDINGS: It is known that postmenopausal women taking estrogen plus progestin in hormone replacement therapy experience both increased breast density and breast discomfort. The researchers sought to determine whether the discomfort was a signal for increased density. Using data from women enrolled in the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Interventions Mammographic Density study, they found that women with new-onset breast discomfort showed a 3.9 percent increase in breast density, compared with a 0.6 percent density increase in women who did not experience discomfort.
IMPACT: Women with dense tissue in more than 75 percent of the breast face four times the risk of developing breast cancer than do women who have little or no dense breast tissue. Thus, new-onset breast discomfort during hormone replacement therapy may indicate an increased risk for developing breast cancer.
AUTHORS: Carolyn J. Crandall, Arun Karlamangla, Mei-Hua Huang, Min Guan and Gail Greendale of UCLA; Giske Ursin of USC and the University of Oslo.
JOURNAL: Archives of Internal Medicine, Aug. 14-28 issue. The article can be viewed online at archinte.ama-assn/content/vol166/issue15/index.dtl.
FUNDERS: The California Breast Cancer Research Program, the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes of Health.
Contact: Enrique Rivero
University of California - Los Angeles
вторник, 8 ноября 2011 г.
Chilean Appeals Court Panel Overturns Ruling Suspending Government Plan To Distribute EC At No Cost To Girls Ages 14 And Older
A panel of the Santiago, Chile, Appeals Court on Thursday overturned a temporary injunction issued by the court earlier this month that suspended the government's plan to distribute emergency contraceptive pills in public clinics to girls ages 14 and older at no cost and without parental consent Reuters AlertNet reports (Reuters AlertNet, 9/22). Chilean Health Minister Maria Soledad Barria earlier this month announced the government's plans to distribute EC, which can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse and since 2001 has been available in pharmacies in Chile by prescription. It also has been available to teenagers with parental consent. However, EC -- which costs about $20 in the country -- has been accessible only to the middle and upper classes, some people have said. Two parents and La Florida, Chile, Mayor Pablo Zalaquett filed lawsuits earlier this month seeking to block implementation of the law, according to Alejandro Espinoza, a spokesperson for Chile's Supreme Court (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 9/14). Zalaquett said that the panel's ruling to overturn the injunction is a "slap in the face to parents and families in Chile, and, unfortunately, the ones who will pay will be the poor and the country's youngest children." Government spokesperson Ricardo Lagos Weber said the panel's decision "seems correct" and "equitable," adding that the decision "obligates [the government] to take responsibility for the profound and serious reality that the sexual initiation of young people in Chile is occurring at a very early age" (Reuters AlertNet, 9/22). Rulings on the lawsuits challenging the government's plan could be issued in the next two to three weeks, according to court sources (EFE News Service, 9/22). Chilean Appeals Court Panel Overturns Ruling Suspending Government Plan To Distribute EC at No Cost to Girls Ages 14 and Older
[Sep 26, 2006]
[Sep 26, 2006]
A panel of the Santiago, Chile, Appeals Court on Thursday overturned a temporary injunction issued by the court earlier this month that suspended the government's plan to distribute emergency contraceptive pills in public clinics to girls ages 14 and older at no cost and without parental consent Reuters AlertNet reports (Reuters AlertNet, 9/22). Chilean Health Minister Maria Soledad Barria earlier this month announced the government's plans to distribute EC, which can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse and since 2001 has been available in pharmacies in Chile by prescription. It also has been available to teenagers with parental consent. However, EC -- which costs about $20 in the country -- has been accessible only to the middle and upper classes, some people have said. Two parents and La Florida, Chile, Mayor Pablo Zalaquett filed lawsuits earlier this month seeking to block implementation of the law, according to Alejandro Espinoza, a spokesperson for Chile's Supreme Court (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 9/14). Zalaquett said that the panel's ruling to overturn the injunction is a "slap in the face to parents and families in Chile, and, unfortunately, the ones who will pay will be the poor and the country's youngest children." Government spokesperson Ricardo Lagos Weber said the panel's decision "seems correct" and "equitable," adding that the decision "obligates [the government] to take responsibility for the profound and serious reality that the sexual initiation of young people in Chile is occurring at a very early age" (Reuters AlertNet, 9/22). Rulings on the lawsuits challenging the government's plan could be issued in the next two to three weeks, according to court sources (EFE News Service, 9/22).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 1 ноября 2011 г.
Brava System Used In New Study 'Breast Augmentation With Grafting Of Liposuctioned Fat: A Safe And Effective Procedure'
The Brava System, the only clinically
proven device for non-surgical breast augmentation, is part of a leading
edge study that offers women a new minimally invasive option for breast
augmentation and reconstruction. The study, "Breast Augmentation With
Grafting of Liposuctioned Fat: A Safe and Effective Procedure," is being
conducted by Roger K. Khouri, M.D., Steven E. Chavoustie, M.D. and Macarena
Carretero, M.D. The preliminary findings will be presented today at the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 55th Annual
Clinical Meeting in San Diego. Until now, women have had two
clinically-proven options available for breast augmentation: surgical
breast implants and a non-surgical enhancement through the use of an
external tissue expansion device. In this study, physicians utilize
autologous fat to reshape and augment the breasts.
Historically, autologous fat injection in breast augmentation was
controversial and banned in 1987 by the American Society of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgeon's Ad-Hoc Committee on New Procedures. The
Committee's opinion stipulated that much of the injected fat would not
survive and the physiologic response to fat necrosis was scarring and
calcification, thus making mammography difficult to interpret. Today, with
advancements in breast imaging, the harvesting of tissue, more refined
surgical cannulas and improved preparation of the recipient graft site,
this procedure is now a viable option for breast augmentation. For this
procedure, patients are treated pre-operatively and post-operatively using
Brava, an external tissue expander, to prepare, and later stent, the
recipient site. The single-stage, large-volume lipotransfer breast
augmentation notes a graft survival rate of 90% in the prepared, expanded,
hypervascularized tissue bed. While the study is on-going, the 25 reported
patients who have gone through the process have had increases of between 90
to 300 ml per breast (approximately 1 to 2-1/2 cup sizes). "OB/GYNs are
frequently asked by their patients about breast augmentation and
reconstruction", says Dr. Chavoustie. "Traditionally, there were only two
alternatives we could offer our patients, breast implant surgery or a
non-surgical breast expansion device. Now, this new procedure, which is
both safe and effective, offers the benefit of a natural (autologous) fat
filler, which will not affect breast imaging, and has the added benefit of
target site liposuctioning. Dr. Chavoustie goes on to explain, "Not only
are we looking at this new cutting edge procedure as a cosmetic
alternative, but also for future reconstructive applications for patients
with status-post lumpectomy filling defects or breast asymmetry."
Dr. Steven Chavoustie, Physician Director of Research and Development
at Brava, LLC, will be present at the ACOG's Annual Clinical Meeting,
Poster Presentation #98, to discuss the study in more detail on Tuesday
afternoon, May 8th. He will also be available at booth #436 (Brava, LLC)
Monday, May 7th and Wednesday, May 9th.
For more information about the Brava System, please visit the Brava Web
site, brava.
About the Study Investigators
Roger K. Khouri, M.D., is a noted plastic and reconstructive surgeon
practicing in Miami, FL and the inventor of the Brava System. Prior to
co-founding Brava, LLC, Dr. Khouri held professional and fellowship
positions at Brown, Harvard, New York and Washington Universities.
Steven E. Chavoustie, M.D., FACOG, is the Physician Director of Medical
Research and Development at Brava, LLC and a Voluntary Assistant Professor
of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Education at the University of
Miami, Miller School of Medicine.
Macarena Carretero, M.D., is a practicing radiologist and co-director
at the Breast Health Center in South Miami, FL, and has served over 20
years as a member of the American Society of Breast Disease.
About Brava, LLC
Brava, LLC, founded in 1999, is a medical device manufacturer. Products
include the Brava Breast Enhancement System. Brava, LLC headquarters are
located at 14221 S.W. 142nd Street, Miami, FL 33186.
Brava, LLC
brava
proven device for non-surgical breast augmentation, is part of a leading
edge study that offers women a new minimally invasive option for breast
augmentation and reconstruction. The study, "Breast Augmentation With
Grafting of Liposuctioned Fat: A Safe and Effective Procedure," is being
conducted by Roger K. Khouri, M.D., Steven E. Chavoustie, M.D. and Macarena
Carretero, M.D. The preliminary findings will be presented today at the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 55th Annual
Clinical Meeting in San Diego. Until now, women have had two
clinically-proven options available for breast augmentation: surgical
breast implants and a non-surgical enhancement through the use of an
external tissue expansion device. In this study, physicians utilize
autologous fat to reshape and augment the breasts.
Historically, autologous fat injection in breast augmentation was
controversial and banned in 1987 by the American Society of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgeon's Ad-Hoc Committee on New Procedures. The
Committee's opinion stipulated that much of the injected fat would not
survive and the physiologic response to fat necrosis was scarring and
calcification, thus making mammography difficult to interpret. Today, with
advancements in breast imaging, the harvesting of tissue, more refined
surgical cannulas and improved preparation of the recipient graft site,
this procedure is now a viable option for breast augmentation. For this
procedure, patients are treated pre-operatively and post-operatively using
Brava, an external tissue expander, to prepare, and later stent, the
recipient site. The single-stage, large-volume lipotransfer breast
augmentation notes a graft survival rate of 90% in the prepared, expanded,
hypervascularized tissue bed. While the study is on-going, the 25 reported
patients who have gone through the process have had increases of between 90
to 300 ml per breast (approximately 1 to 2-1/2 cup sizes). "OB/GYNs are
frequently asked by their patients about breast augmentation and
reconstruction", says Dr. Chavoustie. "Traditionally, there were only two
alternatives we could offer our patients, breast implant surgery or a
non-surgical breast expansion device. Now, this new procedure, which is
both safe and effective, offers the benefit of a natural (autologous) fat
filler, which will not affect breast imaging, and has the added benefit of
target site liposuctioning. Dr. Chavoustie goes on to explain, "Not only
are we looking at this new cutting edge procedure as a cosmetic
alternative, but also for future reconstructive applications for patients
with status-post lumpectomy filling defects or breast asymmetry."
Dr. Steven Chavoustie, Physician Director of Research and Development
at Brava, LLC, will be present at the ACOG's Annual Clinical Meeting,
Poster Presentation #98, to discuss the study in more detail on Tuesday
afternoon, May 8th. He will also be available at booth #436 (Brava, LLC)
Monday, May 7th and Wednesday, May 9th.
For more information about the Brava System, please visit the Brava Web
site, brava.
About the Study Investigators
Roger K. Khouri, M.D., is a noted plastic and reconstructive surgeon
practicing in Miami, FL and the inventor of the Brava System. Prior to
co-founding Brava, LLC, Dr. Khouri held professional and fellowship
positions at Brown, Harvard, New York and Washington Universities.
Steven E. Chavoustie, M.D., FACOG, is the Physician Director of Medical
Research and Development at Brava, LLC and a Voluntary Assistant Professor
of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Education at the University of
Miami, Miller School of Medicine.
Macarena Carretero, M.D., is a practicing radiologist and co-director
at the Breast Health Center in South Miami, FL, and has served over 20
years as a member of the American Society of Breast Disease.
About Brava, LLC
Brava, LLC, founded in 1999, is a medical device manufacturer. Products
include the Brava Breast Enhancement System. Brava, LLC headquarters are
located at 14221 S.W. 142nd Street, Miami, FL 33186.
Brava, LLC
brava
вторник, 25 октября 2011 г.
Under-Representation And Discrimination Remain Despite A Large Increase In The Number Of Female Cardiologists
The number of female doctors in cardiology nearly doubled in the last decade, and male and female cardiologists both report a high level of job satisfaction, according to findings from a 10-year follow-up survey published in the December 16/23, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Still, women account for less than 20 percent of all cardiologists, despite nearly equal numbers of men and women graduating from medical schools. Moreover, two-thirds of women continue to report discrimination, mostly due to competing demands of parenting and family responsibilities.
"Women in cardiology continue to face the same institutional and personal roadblocks as those in other areas of medicine and science," says Athena Poppas, M.D., F.A.C.C., associate professor of medicine, Brown University Medical School, RI. "Women don't choose to specialize as much as their male counterparts for a variety of reasons, including the intensity and length of training - at least six years for cardiology - during peak childbearing years."
As more and more Americans live with chronic heart conditions, the need to ensure a stable and competent cardiology workforce, including the recruitment of women, has become increasingly urgent.
"One-third of Americans will have cardiovascular disease, so we must attract the best and the brightest - and that includes women - to keep up with demand and provide the highest level of patient care and research to help advance the field," says Dr. Poppas, who also serves as chair of the American College of Cardiology's Women in Cardiology Council, which commissioned the study. "We need to find ways to reduce discrimination, establish greater flexibility in work hours, and expand opportunities for mentorship to better meet the needs of women and men as they plan their careers in cardiology."
The need for greater flexibility is no longer gender-specific; both male and female doctors are striving for a better work-life balance. In fact, a similar proportion of male and female cardiologists are working less than full-time (80% vs 82%). This coincides with an overall trend toward more lifestyle-friendly areas of medicine, such as emergency departments, anesthesiology and radiology, which give doctors more control over their hours.
"The perception is that cardiology is more demanding, and the hours less easy to control than other areas of medicine. Cardiology involves life-threatening emergencies, so you're not always sure you'll be home for dinner or make it to the school play," she says. "But it's incredibly rewarding and it shows. Cardiologists of both genders love what they do - nine out of 10 say they are moderately to highly satisfied."
According to the survey, women are also less likely than men to pursue interventional cardiology due, in part, to concerns about radiation exposure and pregnancy risks. One in four women reported selecting tracks to reduce their radiation risk. Female cardiologists are also more likely to have interruptions in their training or practice and, similar to other demanding professions such as law and business, they are much less likely to be married or have children than their male colleagues.
The current survey of 1,110 participants, a follow up to the 1996 survey, aims to better understand the career and lifestyle needs of male and female cardiologists.
This study is part of larger efforts by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to take a critical look at why women remain under-represented in cardiology, and play a leadership role in helping to attract and retain young female medical students to the field through training, leadership and professional development.
"We're making progress, but we still have a long way to go to provide better opportunities and support for women cardiologists, and to be able to recruit more to the field," said W. Douglas Weaver, M.D., ACC's president. "The College is committed to spearheading efforts to find creative solutions to meet the needs of our female colleges."
Dr. Poppas reports no conflicts of interest.
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is a 36,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at acc/.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) provides these news reports of clinical studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology as a service to physicians, the media, the public and other interested parties. However, statements or opinions expressed in these reports reflect the view of the author(s) and do not represent official policy of the ACC unless stated so.
Source: Amanda Jekowsky
American College of Cardiology
Still, women account for less than 20 percent of all cardiologists, despite nearly equal numbers of men and women graduating from medical schools. Moreover, two-thirds of women continue to report discrimination, mostly due to competing demands of parenting and family responsibilities.
"Women in cardiology continue to face the same institutional and personal roadblocks as those in other areas of medicine and science," says Athena Poppas, M.D., F.A.C.C., associate professor of medicine, Brown University Medical School, RI. "Women don't choose to specialize as much as their male counterparts for a variety of reasons, including the intensity and length of training - at least six years for cardiology - during peak childbearing years."
As more and more Americans live with chronic heart conditions, the need to ensure a stable and competent cardiology workforce, including the recruitment of women, has become increasingly urgent.
"One-third of Americans will have cardiovascular disease, so we must attract the best and the brightest - and that includes women - to keep up with demand and provide the highest level of patient care and research to help advance the field," says Dr. Poppas, who also serves as chair of the American College of Cardiology's Women in Cardiology Council, which commissioned the study. "We need to find ways to reduce discrimination, establish greater flexibility in work hours, and expand opportunities for mentorship to better meet the needs of women and men as they plan their careers in cardiology."
The need for greater flexibility is no longer gender-specific; both male and female doctors are striving for a better work-life balance. In fact, a similar proportion of male and female cardiologists are working less than full-time (80% vs 82%). This coincides with an overall trend toward more lifestyle-friendly areas of medicine, such as emergency departments, anesthesiology and radiology, which give doctors more control over their hours.
"The perception is that cardiology is more demanding, and the hours less easy to control than other areas of medicine. Cardiology involves life-threatening emergencies, so you're not always sure you'll be home for dinner or make it to the school play," she says. "But it's incredibly rewarding and it shows. Cardiologists of both genders love what they do - nine out of 10 say they are moderately to highly satisfied."
According to the survey, women are also less likely than men to pursue interventional cardiology due, in part, to concerns about radiation exposure and pregnancy risks. One in four women reported selecting tracks to reduce their radiation risk. Female cardiologists are also more likely to have interruptions in their training or practice and, similar to other demanding professions such as law and business, they are much less likely to be married or have children than their male colleagues.
The current survey of 1,110 participants, a follow up to the 1996 survey, aims to better understand the career and lifestyle needs of male and female cardiologists.
This study is part of larger efforts by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to take a critical look at why women remain under-represented in cardiology, and play a leadership role in helping to attract and retain young female medical students to the field through training, leadership and professional development.
"We're making progress, but we still have a long way to go to provide better opportunities and support for women cardiologists, and to be able to recruit more to the field," said W. Douglas Weaver, M.D., ACC's president. "The College is committed to spearheading efforts to find creative solutions to meet the needs of our female colleges."
Dr. Poppas reports no conflicts of interest.
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is a 36,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at acc/.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) provides these news reports of clinical studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology as a service to physicians, the media, the public and other interested parties. However, statements or opinions expressed in these reports reflect the view of the author(s) and do not represent official policy of the ACC unless stated so.
Source: Amanda Jekowsky
American College of Cardiology
вторник, 18 октября 2011 г.
GSK HPV Vaccine Produces Stronger Immune Response In Girls Ages 10 - 14 Than In Older Women
GlaxoSmithKline's experimental human papillomavirus vaccine, Cervarix, produces a stronger immune response in girls ages 10 to 14 than in girls and women ages 15 to 25, according to results of a Phase III clinical trial announced by the company on Saturday, Reuters reports (Pierson, Reuters, 12/17). Cervarix in early clinical trials was 100% effective in preventing HPV strains 16 and 18, which together cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 12/6). In the Phase III trial, which was conducted in Europe and Russia, 158 girls ages 10 to 14 and 458 girls and women ages 15 to 25 were given three doses of Cervarix over a six-month period. At the end of the trial, "concentrations of antibodies to the virus were twice as high in the bloodstreams of the young girls," Gary Dubin, a senior research official at GSK and lead author of the study, said (Reuters, 12/17). According to Dow Jones, the stronger immune response in girls ages 10 to 14 indicates that vaccinating at a younger age might provide a "longer duration of protection" from HPV (Dow Jones, 12/17). "Vaccination of pre-teen/adolescent girls against cancer-causing HPV before onset of sexual activity will be an important part of the overall strategy for cervical cancer prevention," Anna-Barbara Moscicki, a pediatrics professor at the University of California-San Francisco, said (AFP/Yahoo! News, 12/17). GSK, which plans to submit an application for approval of Cervarix in Europe and elsewhere in 2006, said it plans to recommend the vaccine for girls as young as age 10. Merck earlier this month filed for priority FDA review of its experimental HPV vaccine Gardasil, which also has been found to be 100% effective in preventing infection with HPV strains 16 and 18 (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 12/6).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
View drug information on Cervarix [Human Papillomavirus Bivalent; Gardasil.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
View drug information on Cervarix [Human Papillomavirus Bivalent; Gardasil.
вторник, 11 октября 2011 г.
International Alliance Launched To Support Country-Led Progress In Reproductive, Maternal And Newborn Health
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Australia Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, and Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a five-year public/private global alliance to contribute to the goal of reducing the unmet need for family planning by 100 million women, expand skilled birth attendance and facility-based deliveries, and increase the numbers of women and newborns receiving quality post-natal care by 2015. The Alliance includes the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Exemplifying the international focus on donor harmonization and country ownership of development, the Alliance will closely coordinate the efforts of partners to support country strategies to scale-up proven, high-impact interventions and to explore and adapt innovations that can advance health outcomes. Alliance partners will coordinate at both the headquarters- and country-levels, seeking to leverage and complement health investments to achieve greater impact in less time. Countries will benefit from the combined technical and programming expertise of key donors in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health.
The Alliance will specifically address aspects of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, Reduce Child Mortality, and 5, Improve Maternal Health, where progress has been especially slow. Currently, it is estimated that more than 200 million women want to use contraceptives but don't have access. In addition, only half of the 123 million women who give birth each year receive the antenatal, delivery and postnatal, and newborn care they need; and progress in reducing deaths has been slower for newborn deaths than for deaths among children ages one month to five years.
"Family planning plays a crucial role in improving the health of women and their children throughout the world." said USAID Administrator Raj Shah. "By bringing the comparative advantages of country partners and donors through this Alliance, we will bolster health outcomes in countries striving to improve the lives and health of its women, girls, and newborns."
"It is an international scandal that more than 350,000 women die in the developing world every year from complications in pregnancy or child birth that can be easily prevented," said Andrew Mitchell the UK's International Development Secretary. "This groundbreaking alliance is an opportunity to support national governments to deliver plans that will make a difference to millions of families in poor countries." "Australia is proud to be a founding member of the Alliance," said Kevin Rudd, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. "Collectively we need to support country leadership, and make the investment case for more resources in return for better results. Through the Alliance we will further extend the reach and impact of our aid to ensure better health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable women and children."
"If we invest in the health of women and children, we ensure that families, communities, and nations thrive," said Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "This alliance is an exciting opportunity for the foundation, and we look forward to greater collaboration in supporting policies and programs that will improve the health of millions of women and children."
The Alliance will focus on selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia to strengthen both health systems and access to primary and community health care in ways that better serve women and adolescents, that develop and adapt new technologies and innovations to improve health outcomes, and that bring coordinated support to country strategies for family planning, maternal, and neonatal health.
The Alliance supports the UN Secretary General's Global Strategy for Women and Children's Health, announced ahead of the MDG Summit in New York September 22.
Source:
USAID
Exemplifying the international focus on donor harmonization and country ownership of development, the Alliance will closely coordinate the efforts of partners to support country strategies to scale-up proven, high-impact interventions and to explore and adapt innovations that can advance health outcomes. Alliance partners will coordinate at both the headquarters- and country-levels, seeking to leverage and complement health investments to achieve greater impact in less time. Countries will benefit from the combined technical and programming expertise of key donors in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health.
The Alliance will specifically address aspects of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, Reduce Child Mortality, and 5, Improve Maternal Health, where progress has been especially slow. Currently, it is estimated that more than 200 million women want to use contraceptives but don't have access. In addition, only half of the 123 million women who give birth each year receive the antenatal, delivery and postnatal, and newborn care they need; and progress in reducing deaths has been slower for newborn deaths than for deaths among children ages one month to five years.
"Family planning plays a crucial role in improving the health of women and their children throughout the world." said USAID Administrator Raj Shah. "By bringing the comparative advantages of country partners and donors through this Alliance, we will bolster health outcomes in countries striving to improve the lives and health of its women, girls, and newborns."
"It is an international scandal that more than 350,000 women die in the developing world every year from complications in pregnancy or child birth that can be easily prevented," said Andrew Mitchell the UK's International Development Secretary. "This groundbreaking alliance is an opportunity to support national governments to deliver plans that will make a difference to millions of families in poor countries." "Australia is proud to be a founding member of the Alliance," said Kevin Rudd, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. "Collectively we need to support country leadership, and make the investment case for more resources in return for better results. Through the Alliance we will further extend the reach and impact of our aid to ensure better health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable women and children."
"If we invest in the health of women and children, we ensure that families, communities, and nations thrive," said Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "This alliance is an exciting opportunity for the foundation, and we look forward to greater collaboration in supporting policies and programs that will improve the health of millions of women and children."
The Alliance will focus on selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia to strengthen both health systems and access to primary and community health care in ways that better serve women and adolescents, that develop and adapt new technologies and innovations to improve health outcomes, and that bring coordinated support to country strategies for family planning, maternal, and neonatal health.
The Alliance supports the UN Secretary General's Global Strategy for Women and Children's Health, announced ahead of the MDG Summit in New York September 22.
Source:
USAID
вторник, 4 октября 2011 г.
Women Fear Being Stereotyped By Male Service Providers
Women prefer female service providers in situations where they might fall prey to stereotypes about their math and science abilities, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.
"One of the most widely held stereotypes in North America is that women's competence and aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) domains is less than men's," write authors Kyoungmi Lee (Yonsei University, Korea), Hakkyun Kim (Concordia University, Canada), and Kathleen Vohs (University of Minnesota).
In their study, the authors demonstrate that stereotypes about women's STEM abilities shape women's consumer behavior. In particular, women shun situations in which they fear they will be the brunt of the stereotype, especially those that involve male service providers in transactions that call for STEM abilities.
For example, when women want advice on investments or on buying a car they may wonder if they will receive unfair treatment or become an easy target for manipulation. The authors demonstrated that female consumers who are reminded of their gender identity expressed lower intentions to purchase service from firms that advertised themselves with male service providers. This pattern occurred for a tax firm that touted its service with male investment advisors and also in automobile repair and purchases.
"When the threat of being stereotyped is in the air, consumers become anxious when they contemplate transacting with outgroup vs. ingroup service providers if they are reminded of the negative gender stereotype in the STEM domains," the authors write. "A rise in consumer anxiety, in turn, is the very driving force behind women's disinterest in transacting with male service providers or salespersons."
The research also led to an interesting way to reduce the anxiety related to the stereotype: vanilla scent. "In a vanilla-scented environment, the effect of possibly being stereotyped seemingly does not alter female consumers' intentions to transact with firms, even when the firms promoted themselves using male salespersons," the authors write.
Notes:
Kyoungmi Lee, Hakkyun Kim, and Kathleen Vohs. "Stereotypes Threat in the Marketplace: Consumer Anxiety and Purchase Intentions." Journal of Consumer Research: August 2011. To be published online soon.
Source:
Mary-Ann Twist
University of Chicago Press Journals
"One of the most widely held stereotypes in North America is that women's competence and aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) domains is less than men's," write authors Kyoungmi Lee (Yonsei University, Korea), Hakkyun Kim (Concordia University, Canada), and Kathleen Vohs (University of Minnesota).
In their study, the authors demonstrate that stereotypes about women's STEM abilities shape women's consumer behavior. In particular, women shun situations in which they fear they will be the brunt of the stereotype, especially those that involve male service providers in transactions that call for STEM abilities.
For example, when women want advice on investments or on buying a car they may wonder if they will receive unfair treatment or become an easy target for manipulation. The authors demonstrated that female consumers who are reminded of their gender identity expressed lower intentions to purchase service from firms that advertised themselves with male service providers. This pattern occurred for a tax firm that touted its service with male investment advisors and also in automobile repair and purchases.
"When the threat of being stereotyped is in the air, consumers become anxious when they contemplate transacting with outgroup vs. ingroup service providers if they are reminded of the negative gender stereotype in the STEM domains," the authors write. "A rise in consumer anxiety, in turn, is the very driving force behind women's disinterest in transacting with male service providers or salespersons."
The research also led to an interesting way to reduce the anxiety related to the stereotype: vanilla scent. "In a vanilla-scented environment, the effect of possibly being stereotyped seemingly does not alter female consumers' intentions to transact with firms, even when the firms promoted themselves using male salespersons," the authors write.
Notes:
Kyoungmi Lee, Hakkyun Kim, and Kathleen Vohs. "Stereotypes Threat in the Marketplace: Consumer Anxiety and Purchase Intentions." Journal of Consumer Research: August 2011. To be published online soon.
Source:
Mary-Ann Twist
University of Chicago Press Journals
вторник, 27 сентября 2011 г.
Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs, Vetoes Several Bills On Women's Health
On Sunday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed and vetoed several bills related to reproductive health in a flurry of last-minute action before a midnight deadline to address more than 700 measures, the Sacramento Bee reports (Sanders, Sacramento Bee, 10/13). Most of the bills Schwarzenegger approved will take effect Jan. 1, 2010 (Sanders, Sacramento Bee, 10/12).
The signed measures include a bill (AB 119) by Assembly member Dave Jones (D) that prohibits health insurance companies from charging different premiums based on gender. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who has sued the state over the practice, said the new law "will end discriminatory treatment of women in the individual health insurance market" (Colliver, San Francisco Chronicle, 10/13). Schwarzenegger also signed a bill (SB 148) by Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D) to require clinicians who conduct mammograms to publicize any health violations identified in state Department of Health inspections (Sacramento Bee, 10/12).
Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill (SB 674) by Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D) that would have established greater oversight for fertility clinics that offer in vitro fertilization. The governor said that the bill did not go far enough to strengthen regulations and that he hopes to work with medical practitioners to develop even tougher licensing requirements (Bailey/Halper, Los Angeles Times, 10/12). In addition, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill (AB 98) by Assembly member Hector De La Torre (D) that would have required health insurers to cover maternity services. Schwarzenegger said the bill would contribute to rising health care costs. This is the third time the governor has vetoed such a measure. The governor also vetoed a bill (AB 513) by Assembly member Kevin De Leon (D) that would have required health plans to cover lactation consultation and breast pump rentals. "This, like other mandates, only increases cost in an environment in which health coverage is increasingly expensive," Schwarzenegger said in his veto message (Sacramento Bee, 10/12).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 20 сентября 2011 г.
Number Of U.S. High-Risk Pregnancies Increasing, AP/Boston Globe Reports
The number of "high-risk" pregnancies -- which has been used to refer to pregnant women older than age 35 or women who have conditions, such as high blood pressure, that could be dangerous for the fetus -- is increasing in the U.S., the AP/Boston Globe reports. According to the AP/Globe, in 2005 there were more than 104,000 births to women ages 40 to 44 and 6,500 births to women ages 45 and older. The number of hospital admissions for diabetes among pregnant women and new mothers increased from 175,655 in 1993 to 269,861 in 2004 and admissions for high blood pressure increased from 260,222 to 403,271, according to the March of Dimes. Improved medical care and an increase in the number of HIV-positive women, multiple births, cancer survivors and medication use during pregnancy also have contributed to the increase in high-risk pregnancies, according to the AP/Globe. There have been tens of thousands of organ transplant recipients, breast cancer patients and HIV-positive women who have become pregnant in the last several years. The results of pregnancies among women living with "life-threatening conditions that once made a safe pregnancy almost inconceivable" have been "so surprisingly good that they are overturning decades of gloomy dogma about who is medically fit to have a child," the AP/Globe reports. Newer HIV/AIDS drugs have been effective at preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, and about 6,000 to 7,000 HIV-positive U.S. women give birth annually. Mary D'Alton, obstetrics chief at Columbia University Medical Center, said that pregnancy outcomes for women with medical problems "have been better than we would expect" but that complications are more common. She said that about 50% of transplant recipients give birth prematurely, adding that she has replaced the term "high-risk" with a 1-to-10 scale. Vincent Armenti of Temple University, who runs a registry that tracks births of transplant recipients, said that women who want to become pregnant should be given advice based on solid research "instead of an emotional feeling that some people just shouldn't have a baby" (Marchione, AP/Boston Globe, 2/11).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 13 сентября 2011 г.
UN Agencies Unite Against Female Genital Mutilation
Expressing their commitment to the elimination of female genital mutilation, also called female genital cutting and female genital mutilation/cutting, 10 United Nations agencies pledged in a statement to support governments, communities, and women and girls to abandon the practice within a generation, with a major reduction in many countries by 2015, the year the Millennium Development Goals are set to be achieved.
Female genital mutilation violates the rights of women and girls to health, protection and even life as the procedure sometimes results in death.
As the statement indicates, although decades of work by local communities, government, and national and international organizations have contributed to reducing the prevalence of female genital mutilation in many areas, the practice remains wide spread.
"If we can come together for a sustained push, female genital mutilation can vanish within a generation," said UN Deputy Secretary General Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro during the launch. "But this goal demands both increased resources and strengthened coordination and cooperation among all of us."
Between 100 and 140 million women and girls in the world are estimated to have undergone female genital mutilation and 3 million girls are estimated to be at risk of undergoing the procedures every year.
According to the ten UN agencies behind the statement, "The ambitious goal of eliminating female genital mutilation within a generation can be achieved by building on the progress of existing programmes and working hand in hand with communities. We have seen great success in people turning away from this harmful practice. To take these efforts to scale, we also need to see strong leadership on female genital mutilation at all levels."
The statement highlights the damaging effect of female genital mutilation on the health of women, girls and newborn babies. While excessive bleeding and shock are some of the immediate consequences, long-term health effects can include chronic pain, infections, and trauma.
Recent studies show that women who have undergone female genital mutilation have higher risks for caesarean sections, longer hospital stays, and postpartum haemorrhaging. Their newborn babies have higher death rates during and immediately after birth as well.
The UN agencies said, "We are becoming increasingly concerned about the medicalisation of female genital mutilation. This is where the mutilation is performed by health professionals in health facilities. The argument that a mild form performed by medically trained personnel is safer is commonly heard in countries where female genital mutilation is practiced. But this should never be considered as an option."
The statement also points out that female genital mutilation is a manifestation of unequal relations between women and men with roots in deeply entrenched social, economic and political conventions.
The practice is believed to enhance a girl's chastity and chances of marriage by controlling her sexuality. As such, it not only infringes on women's sexual and reproductive health; it also perpetuates gender roles detrimental to women.
"We recognize that traditions are often stronger than law, and legal action by itself is not enough," said all the agencies involved. "Change must also come from within. This is why it is critical for us to join hands and work closely with communities and their leaders so that they can bring about sustainable social change."
The statement stresses that because female genital mutilation is a social convention, it can best be changed through working with the communities where it is practiced.
v
Within these communities, the decision to abandon the practice must be collective, explicit and widespread to bring about a positive change - and end female genital mutilation within a generation. There are a growing number of examples in countries around the world where this is happening, but this joint initiative is to support the scaling up of good examples to become common practice.
Notes
The 10 agencies are: The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNHCHR), The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UNICEF, the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
unicef
Female genital mutilation violates the rights of women and girls to health, protection and even life as the procedure sometimes results in death.
As the statement indicates, although decades of work by local communities, government, and national and international organizations have contributed to reducing the prevalence of female genital mutilation in many areas, the practice remains wide spread.
"If we can come together for a sustained push, female genital mutilation can vanish within a generation," said UN Deputy Secretary General Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro during the launch. "But this goal demands both increased resources and strengthened coordination and cooperation among all of us."
Between 100 and 140 million women and girls in the world are estimated to have undergone female genital mutilation and 3 million girls are estimated to be at risk of undergoing the procedures every year.
According to the ten UN agencies behind the statement, "The ambitious goal of eliminating female genital mutilation within a generation can be achieved by building on the progress of existing programmes and working hand in hand with communities. We have seen great success in people turning away from this harmful practice. To take these efforts to scale, we also need to see strong leadership on female genital mutilation at all levels."
The statement highlights the damaging effect of female genital mutilation on the health of women, girls and newborn babies. While excessive bleeding and shock are some of the immediate consequences, long-term health effects can include chronic pain, infections, and trauma.
Recent studies show that women who have undergone female genital mutilation have higher risks for caesarean sections, longer hospital stays, and postpartum haemorrhaging. Their newborn babies have higher death rates during and immediately after birth as well.
The UN agencies said, "We are becoming increasingly concerned about the medicalisation of female genital mutilation. This is where the mutilation is performed by health professionals in health facilities. The argument that a mild form performed by medically trained personnel is safer is commonly heard in countries where female genital mutilation is practiced. But this should never be considered as an option."
The statement also points out that female genital mutilation is a manifestation of unequal relations between women and men with roots in deeply entrenched social, economic and political conventions.
The practice is believed to enhance a girl's chastity and chances of marriage by controlling her sexuality. As such, it not only infringes on women's sexual and reproductive health; it also perpetuates gender roles detrimental to women.
"We recognize that traditions are often stronger than law, and legal action by itself is not enough," said all the agencies involved. "Change must also come from within. This is why it is critical for us to join hands and work closely with communities and their leaders so that they can bring about sustainable social change."
The statement stresses that because female genital mutilation is a social convention, it can best be changed through working with the communities where it is practiced.
v
Within these communities, the decision to abandon the practice must be collective, explicit and widespread to bring about a positive change - and end female genital mutilation within a generation. There are a growing number of examples in countries around the world where this is happening, but this joint initiative is to support the scaling up of good examples to become common practice.
Notes
The 10 agencies are: The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNHCHR), The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UNICEF, the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
unicef
вторник, 6 сентября 2011 г.
Combination Tests Could Distinguish Between Malignant Tumor Or Benign Cyst
The results of a study presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology's 39th Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer offer a promising development on the path toward better management of ovarian cancer. Researchers say testing women suspected of having ovarian cancer for a combination of proteins, or biomarkers in the blood called HE4 and CA 125, could be the key to predicting a woman's risk for the disease dubbed the "silent killer." Currently there is no adequate diagnostic test for ovarian cancer.
"Roughly 20 percent of women will be diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or tumor at some point in their life, and only a small percentage of these women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer," said Lead Researcher Richard Moore, M.D., assistant professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and a gynecologic oncologist in the Program in Women's Oncology at Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island. "The problem is that current methods for distinguishing benign ovarian tumors from malignant ones are limited and as a result, women must undergo surgery without an accurate assessment as to their risk for having ovarian cancer prior to their surgery."
Dr. Moore notes that fewer than half of all ovarian cancer patients have their initial surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist or surgeon with specialized training in the management of ovarian cancer. "Our research is aimed at identifying patients at high risk for harboring an ovarian cancer so that they receive the right care from the right physician."
Currently, CA 125 is the only blood test that can be used to help predict a woman's risk for ovarian cancer and to help with the clinical management of the disease. However, CA 125 alone lacks the sensitivity required for the detection of ovarian cancer prompting researchers to look at the ability of combinations of biomarkers to predict the presence of ovarian cancer. Earlier this year, Dr. Moore published results of a pilot study in the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology evaluating nine potential biomarkers and the ability of multiple marker combinations to predict the risk for ovarian cancer in women. His findings showed the combination of HE4 and CA 125 provided the highest level sensitivity and specificity out of all marker combinations for predicting the presence of ovarian cancer.
In a prospective, double-blinded, multicenter clinical trial, Dr. Moore and his team studied 496 women presenting with pelvic mass or ovarian cysts to determine if tests targeting multiple markers utilizing HE4 and CA 125 and a predictive algorithm could accurately assess the risk for epithelial ovarian cancer prior to surgery. Researchers measured levels of the biomarkers within the women's blood and then compared the results with biopsies of their tumors. The combination of biomarkers performed well in both pre- and post-menopausal women, accurately stratifying 95 percent of patients with epithelial cancer as high risk and 75 percent of benign cases as low risk.
"Studies suggest women with ovarian cancer have better outcomes and increased survival when treated by surgeons trained in the management of ovarian cancer and at institutions specializing in the care of women with this disease," adds Dr. Moore. "By using the combination of HE4 and CA 125 as a model to assess a women's risk for ovarian cancer, physicians can better triage patients for care and refer them to the appropriate specialist - whether at a community hospital or large academic institution."
"Together, HE4 and CA 125 offer a powerful combination that could dramatically change the way ovarian cancer is managed at all stages of care," said Dr. Olle Nilsson, vice president and chief scientific officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics, the developers of the CA 125 test. "As research continues to progress, it is our hope that a test for HE4 and CA 125 could eventually lead to a plausible screening tool."
Fujirebio Diagnostics has developed a manual test for HE4 and will be developing automated formats of the test for Fujirebio instruments. The HE4 test is CE marked in Europe. The company has applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and hopes to see availability of the test in late 2008.
About Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.
Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. is a premier diagnostics company and the industry leader in biomarker assays. Fujirebio Diagnostics specializes in the clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of in-vitro diagnostic products for the management of human disease states, with an emphasis in oncology. Fujirebio Diagnostics is one of the group companies of Miraca Holdings Inc. in Japan, set up in July 2005 to combine Fujirebio Inc., the leading in-vitro diagnostics company, and SRL, Inc., the top provider of clinical laboratory testing services in Japan. Fujirebio Diagnostics has a worldwide distribution network, which enables physicians and patients to access its diagnostic products. For more information about Fujirebio Diagnostics, please visit fdi/.
About Women & Infants Hospital
Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, a Care New England hospital, is one of the nation's leading specialty hospitals for women and newborns. The primary teaching affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University for obstetrics, gynecology and newborn pediatrics, Women & Infants is the ninth largest obstetrical service in the country with more than 9,000 deliveries per year. In 2003, Brown University and Women & Infants were named a National Center of Excellence in Women's Health by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Women & Infants has been named one of the best hospitals in gynecology in the 2000, 2001 and 2004 editions of America's Best Hospitals in U.S. News & World Report. For information about Women & Infants, log on to womenandinfants/.
Source: Stephanie Euler
Fujirebio Diagnostics
"Roughly 20 percent of women will be diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or tumor at some point in their life, and only a small percentage of these women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer," said Lead Researcher Richard Moore, M.D., assistant professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and a gynecologic oncologist in the Program in Women's Oncology at Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island. "The problem is that current methods for distinguishing benign ovarian tumors from malignant ones are limited and as a result, women must undergo surgery without an accurate assessment as to their risk for having ovarian cancer prior to their surgery."
Dr. Moore notes that fewer than half of all ovarian cancer patients have their initial surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist or surgeon with specialized training in the management of ovarian cancer. "Our research is aimed at identifying patients at high risk for harboring an ovarian cancer so that they receive the right care from the right physician."
Currently, CA 125 is the only blood test that can be used to help predict a woman's risk for ovarian cancer and to help with the clinical management of the disease. However, CA 125 alone lacks the sensitivity required for the detection of ovarian cancer prompting researchers to look at the ability of combinations of biomarkers to predict the presence of ovarian cancer. Earlier this year, Dr. Moore published results of a pilot study in the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology evaluating nine potential biomarkers and the ability of multiple marker combinations to predict the risk for ovarian cancer in women. His findings showed the combination of HE4 and CA 125 provided the highest level sensitivity and specificity out of all marker combinations for predicting the presence of ovarian cancer.
In a prospective, double-blinded, multicenter clinical trial, Dr. Moore and his team studied 496 women presenting with pelvic mass or ovarian cysts to determine if tests targeting multiple markers utilizing HE4 and CA 125 and a predictive algorithm could accurately assess the risk for epithelial ovarian cancer prior to surgery. Researchers measured levels of the biomarkers within the women's blood and then compared the results with biopsies of their tumors. The combination of biomarkers performed well in both pre- and post-menopausal women, accurately stratifying 95 percent of patients with epithelial cancer as high risk and 75 percent of benign cases as low risk.
"Studies suggest women with ovarian cancer have better outcomes and increased survival when treated by surgeons trained in the management of ovarian cancer and at institutions specializing in the care of women with this disease," adds Dr. Moore. "By using the combination of HE4 and CA 125 as a model to assess a women's risk for ovarian cancer, physicians can better triage patients for care and refer them to the appropriate specialist - whether at a community hospital or large academic institution."
"Together, HE4 and CA 125 offer a powerful combination that could dramatically change the way ovarian cancer is managed at all stages of care," said Dr. Olle Nilsson, vice president and chief scientific officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics, the developers of the CA 125 test. "As research continues to progress, it is our hope that a test for HE4 and CA 125 could eventually lead to a plausible screening tool."
Fujirebio Diagnostics has developed a manual test for HE4 and will be developing automated formats of the test for Fujirebio instruments. The HE4 test is CE marked in Europe. The company has applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and hopes to see availability of the test in late 2008.
About Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.
Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. is a premier diagnostics company and the industry leader in biomarker assays. Fujirebio Diagnostics specializes in the clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of in-vitro diagnostic products for the management of human disease states, with an emphasis in oncology. Fujirebio Diagnostics is one of the group companies of Miraca Holdings Inc. in Japan, set up in July 2005 to combine Fujirebio Inc., the leading in-vitro diagnostics company, and SRL, Inc., the top provider of clinical laboratory testing services in Japan. Fujirebio Diagnostics has a worldwide distribution network, which enables physicians and patients to access its diagnostic products. For more information about Fujirebio Diagnostics, please visit fdi/.
About Women & Infants Hospital
Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, a Care New England hospital, is one of the nation's leading specialty hospitals for women and newborns. The primary teaching affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University for obstetrics, gynecology and newborn pediatrics, Women & Infants is the ninth largest obstetrical service in the country with more than 9,000 deliveries per year. In 2003, Brown University and Women & Infants were named a National Center of Excellence in Women's Health by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Women & Infants has been named one of the best hospitals in gynecology in the 2000, 2001 and 2004 editions of America's Best Hospitals in U.S. News & World Report. For information about Women & Infants, log on to womenandinfants/.
Source: Stephanie Euler
Fujirebio Diagnostics
вторник, 30 августа 2011 г.
Combined Molecular Imaging Technique Effectively Evaluates And Predicts Course Of Common Uterine Cancer
A promising new molecular imaging technique may provide physicians and patients with a noninvasive way to learn more information about a type of cancer of the uterus lining called "endometrial carcinoma" - one of the most common malignant female tumors. This research was presented in a study published in the October issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
"Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most common female malignant tumors," says Hidehiko Okazawa, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the division of medical imaging at the biomedical imaging research center at the University of Fukui in Japan and one of the lead researchers of the study. "The method of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging we used in the study is noninvasive, and it has tremendous potential to save women with endometrial carcinoma from undergoing unnecessary operations and biopsies that could sabotage their reproductive potential."
If the disease is caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is higher than 90% for patients with endometrial carcinoma. PET imaging may provide physicians with a tool that lets them recognize the extent of the disease before it reaches advanced stages.
This study shows that PET is a promising molecular imaging technique for personalized therapy. Molecular imaging and nuclear medicine provide the possibility of determining the invasiveness and aggressiveness of malignant tumors in the uterus earlier on, before disease progresses. With this technique, physicians gain the advantage of a more precise diagnosis along with the ability to better predict the tumor's growth patterns and plan for the most appropriate therapeutic treatment strategy.
"The article in the JNM from Dr. Tsujikawa and colleagues provides an example of the unique capacity of molecular imaging to measure in vivo cancer biology," says David A. Mankoff, M.D., Ph.D., professor of radiology, medicine and bioengineering at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle. "Most notably, it shows how imaging multiple facets of tumor phenotype - in this case, estrogen receptor expression and glucose metabolism - can provide insight into the clinical behavior of cancer. The broad implication of this study, and other similar studies that have tested PET and molecular imaging to characterize cancer characteristics, is that imaging can help direct cancer patients toward optimized, individualized treatments."
In the study, the researchers used a specialized form of PET imaging called "estrogen receptor expression imaging" for 22 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and nine patients with endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the uterine lining that is a risk factor for developing endometrial cancer) to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. All patients underwent preoperative PET scans with 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) - a tracer that has been successfully used in diagnosing breast cancer - and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) to compare differences in tracer accumulation.
The researchers confirmed that endometrial carcinoma reduces estrogen dependency with accelerated glucose metabolism as it progresses to a higher stage or grade. By combining the two tracers, researchers were able to use a new index of uptake ratio that can better predict pathologic stages and aggressiveness of tumors. The results of the study were encouraging, with the combined techniques having 86% accuracy.
For endocrine-related tumors (including endometrial cancer), tumors vary from well-differentiated and close in character to the tissue of origin to poorly differentiated tumors, which are aggressive and bear less resemblance to the tissue of origin. The well-differentiated tumors tend to be more slow-growing and less aggressive than poorly differentiated tumors. They also retain their endocrine function and/or responsiveness.
For endometrial cancer, estrogen receptor expression is related to endocrine responsiveness and indicated by FES uptake. Poorly differentiated tumors often have increased and abnormal breakdown of glucose, indicated by FDG. The combination of the two, as indicated by the study, was better than either alone at indicating the aggressiveness of the tumor.
Personalized cancer therapy involves treatment that is individualized for patients based on patient characteristics and the tumor's biology. By studying the tumor's properties, physicians can predict the tumor's path and formulate the best strategy for treating the disease.
Co-authors of "Functional Images Reflect Aggressiveness of Endometrial Carcinoma: Estrogen Receptor Expression Combined with 18F-FDG PET" include Tetsuya Tsujikawa, Takashi Kudo, Yasushi Kiyono, Masato Kobayashi, Yasuhisa Fujibayashi, Biomedical Imaging Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; Yoshio Yoshida, Fumikazu Kotsuji, Tetsuji Kurokawa, Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; and Tatsuro Tsuchida, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
Source:
Amy Shaw
Society of Nuclear Medicine
"Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most common female malignant tumors," says Hidehiko Okazawa, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the division of medical imaging at the biomedical imaging research center at the University of Fukui in Japan and one of the lead researchers of the study. "The method of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging we used in the study is noninvasive, and it has tremendous potential to save women with endometrial carcinoma from undergoing unnecessary operations and biopsies that could sabotage their reproductive potential."
If the disease is caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is higher than 90% for patients with endometrial carcinoma. PET imaging may provide physicians with a tool that lets them recognize the extent of the disease before it reaches advanced stages.
This study shows that PET is a promising molecular imaging technique for personalized therapy. Molecular imaging and nuclear medicine provide the possibility of determining the invasiveness and aggressiveness of malignant tumors in the uterus earlier on, before disease progresses. With this technique, physicians gain the advantage of a more precise diagnosis along with the ability to better predict the tumor's growth patterns and plan for the most appropriate therapeutic treatment strategy.
"The article in the JNM from Dr. Tsujikawa and colleagues provides an example of the unique capacity of molecular imaging to measure in vivo cancer biology," says David A. Mankoff, M.D., Ph.D., professor of radiology, medicine and bioengineering at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle. "Most notably, it shows how imaging multiple facets of tumor phenotype - in this case, estrogen receptor expression and glucose metabolism - can provide insight into the clinical behavior of cancer. The broad implication of this study, and other similar studies that have tested PET and molecular imaging to characterize cancer characteristics, is that imaging can help direct cancer patients toward optimized, individualized treatments."
In the study, the researchers used a specialized form of PET imaging called "estrogen receptor expression imaging" for 22 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and nine patients with endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the uterine lining that is a risk factor for developing endometrial cancer) to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. All patients underwent preoperative PET scans with 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) - a tracer that has been successfully used in diagnosing breast cancer - and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) to compare differences in tracer accumulation.
The researchers confirmed that endometrial carcinoma reduces estrogen dependency with accelerated glucose metabolism as it progresses to a higher stage or grade. By combining the two tracers, researchers were able to use a new index of uptake ratio that can better predict pathologic stages and aggressiveness of tumors. The results of the study were encouraging, with the combined techniques having 86% accuracy.
For endocrine-related tumors (including endometrial cancer), tumors vary from well-differentiated and close in character to the tissue of origin to poorly differentiated tumors, which are aggressive and bear less resemblance to the tissue of origin. The well-differentiated tumors tend to be more slow-growing and less aggressive than poorly differentiated tumors. They also retain their endocrine function and/or responsiveness.
For endometrial cancer, estrogen receptor expression is related to endocrine responsiveness and indicated by FES uptake. Poorly differentiated tumors often have increased and abnormal breakdown of glucose, indicated by FDG. The combination of the two, as indicated by the study, was better than either alone at indicating the aggressiveness of the tumor.
Personalized cancer therapy involves treatment that is individualized for patients based on patient characteristics and the tumor's biology. By studying the tumor's properties, physicians can predict the tumor's path and formulate the best strategy for treating the disease.
Co-authors of "Functional Images Reflect Aggressiveness of Endometrial Carcinoma: Estrogen Receptor Expression Combined with 18F-FDG PET" include Tetsuya Tsujikawa, Takashi Kudo, Yasushi Kiyono, Masato Kobayashi, Yasuhisa Fujibayashi, Biomedical Imaging Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; Yoshio Yoshida, Fumikazu Kotsuji, Tetsuji Kurokawa, Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; and Tatsuro Tsuchida, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
Source:
Amy Shaw
Society of Nuclear Medicine
вторник, 23 августа 2011 г.
Federal Judge Denies Illinois AG Request To Allow Enforcement Of Abortion Law's Parental Notification Rules
U.S. District Court Judge David Coar on Tuesday denied Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's (D) request to lift an injunction on a 1995 state law requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions, the AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports (Robinson, AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 2/6). The law, which has never been enforced, requires physicians to notify an adult family member 48 hours before performing an abortion on an unmarried minor or an "incompetent person." Physicians could bypass the requirement if they certify there is a medical emergency, and a minor seeking an abortion could request a judicial bypass or be exempt by declaring in writing that she is a survivor of neglect or abuse from an adult family member. The state Supreme Court in September 2006 issued rules for the law that say a judge hearing a bypass request should attempt to issue a decision at the end of the hearing and rule within 48 hours if a decision could not be made immediately, but the rules do not say anything about the circumstances in which a judge should grant a waiver. Madigan last month issued the request to lift the injunction, saying she agrees the constitutional defect in the law was fixed by the rules issued by the state Supreme Court (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/23). Coar in his opinion did not rule on the constitutionality of the law but wrote that the state is not ready to enforce the law because procedures and rules have not been put in place in all 102 counties. He said Madigan's office could attempt to lift the injunction after all the counties have enacted enforcement procedures. Madigan's office was unavailable for comment (AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 2/6). Lorie Chaiten, director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois' Reproductive Rights Project, said, "We applaud the judge for looking carefully at this and we are hopeful we will never see parental notice in Illinois," adding, "We think the ruling is one that benefits the young women of Illinois" (Pallasch, Chicago Sun-Times, 2/7).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 16 августа 2011 г.
Vermillion Presents Critical Data From Its OVA1 Clinical Trial
Vermillion, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VRML), a molecular diagnostics company, presented data from its prospective OVA1 clinical trial at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists' (SGO) 40th Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer in San Antonio, TX (Poster 196). The study entitled "A biomarker panel for distinguishing between malignant and benign ovarian tumors" was co-authored by Fred Ueland, MD, Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Kentucky and Principal Investigator of the OVA1 clinical trial, and Zhen Zhang, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine as well as Vermillion scientists.
Details of the poster are available in the attached link "A biomarker panel for distinguishing between malignant and benign ovarian tumors." The primary aim of the study was to determine the ability of our proprietary OvaCalc algorithm to estimate the risk of malignancy in pre and postmenopausal women who are scheduled for surgery with an ovarian mass. The data demonstrates that the OvaCalc algorithm can effectively identify women with a higher likelihood of malignancy. Within the study population, the OvaCalc algorithm also detected 90% of Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 100% of stage 2-4 cancers while maintaining a greater than 90% negative predictive value among both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients.
"We are extremely pleased with the significant results of the OVA1 prospective clinical trial. A major strength of the OVA1 prospective clinical trial was its inclusion of patients seen at a variety of clinical settings where the intended patient population typically undergoes a gynecological examination with radiological and clinical testing prior to surgical intervention. The 27 sites were demographically mixed to include, for example, large and small medical centers (universities/community hospitals), small gynecology/obstetrics groups, gynecology/oncology practices, and subjects from HMO groups. This study demonstrated with statistical significance the effectiveness of the OVA1 test in estimating the risk of malignancy in pre and postmenopausal women who are scheduled for surgery with an ovarian mass," said Gail S. Page, President and CEO.
"Research demonstrates that patients who have initial surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist fare better than patients who are treated by a non-specialist. Any additional diagnostic tools that help the physician identify who is at a high risk of EOC may result in more optimal referral patterns and improved outcomes," said Karen Orloff Kaplan, Sc.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
About Vermillion's Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Program
Vermillion has multiple ovarian cancer diagnostic tests in development. The most advanced of Vermillion's programs is the OVA1 test, which is designed to utilize a panel of biomarkers to help identify women with a higher likelihood of malignancy so they can be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for their initial surgery. Vermillion filed a 510(K) Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its OVA1(TM) Test in June 2008.
Additionally, studies are underway to develop tests with the capability of detecting early-stage ovarian cancer, predicting prognosis and recurrence, and identifying women considered at high-risk for the disease.
Vermillion's premier diagnostic development program is being conducted with several leading collaborators at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen), and the University of Kentucky.
The Company's OVA1 test is part of a strategic alliance with Quest Diagnostics to jointly develop and commercialize diagnostic tests.
About Ovarian Cancer
Commonly known as the "silent killer," ovarian cancer leads to approximately 15,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Approximately 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with the majority in patients diagnosed with late stage disease where the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. The prognosis is poor in these patients, leading to the high mortality from this disease. A diagnostic test is needed that can provide adequate predictive value to stratify patients with a pelvic mass into high risk of invasive ovarian cancer versus those with low risk, as well as a screening test for the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer, which is essential for improving overall survival in patients. Ovarian cancer has up to a 90% cure rate following surgery and/or chemotherapy if detected in stage 1.
About Vermillion
Vermillion, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Vermillion, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has diagnostic programs in oncology, hematology, cardiology and women's health. Vermillion is based in Fremont, California. Additional information about Vermillion can be found on the Web at vermillion.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Vermillion's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. These forward- looking statements are based on Vermillion's current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Vermillion notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. There are no guarantees that Vermillion will succeed in its efforts to commercialize its ovarian cancer diagnostic tests in 2009 or during any other period of time. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include but are not limited to: (1) uncertainty in obtaining intellectual property protection for inventions made by Vermillion; (2) unproven ability of Vermillion to discover, develop, and commercialize diagnostic products based on findings from its disease association studies; (3) unproven ability of Vermillion to discover or identify new protein biomarkers and use such information to develop ovarian cancer diagnostic products; (4) uncertainty as to whether Vermillion will be able to obtain any required regulatory approval of its diagnostic products; (5) uncertainty of market acceptance of its products, including the risk that its products will not be competitive with products offered by other companies, or that users will not be entitled to receive adequate reimbursement for its products from third party payors such as private insurance companies and government insurance plans; and (6) other factors that might be described from time to time in Vermillion's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Vermillion expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Vermillion's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law.
Vermillion, Inc.
vermillion
Details of the poster are available in the attached link "A biomarker panel for distinguishing between malignant and benign ovarian tumors." The primary aim of the study was to determine the ability of our proprietary OvaCalc algorithm to estimate the risk of malignancy in pre and postmenopausal women who are scheduled for surgery with an ovarian mass. The data demonstrates that the OvaCalc algorithm can effectively identify women with a higher likelihood of malignancy. Within the study population, the OvaCalc algorithm also detected 90% of Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 100% of stage 2-4 cancers while maintaining a greater than 90% negative predictive value among both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients.
"We are extremely pleased with the significant results of the OVA1 prospective clinical trial. A major strength of the OVA1 prospective clinical trial was its inclusion of patients seen at a variety of clinical settings where the intended patient population typically undergoes a gynecological examination with radiological and clinical testing prior to surgical intervention. The 27 sites were demographically mixed to include, for example, large and small medical centers (universities/community hospitals), small gynecology/obstetrics groups, gynecology/oncology practices, and subjects from HMO groups. This study demonstrated with statistical significance the effectiveness of the OVA1 test in estimating the risk of malignancy in pre and postmenopausal women who are scheduled for surgery with an ovarian mass," said Gail S. Page, President and CEO.
"Research demonstrates that patients who have initial surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist fare better than patients who are treated by a non-specialist. Any additional diagnostic tools that help the physician identify who is at a high risk of EOC may result in more optimal referral patterns and improved outcomes," said Karen Orloff Kaplan, Sc.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
About Vermillion's Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Program
Vermillion has multiple ovarian cancer diagnostic tests in development. The most advanced of Vermillion's programs is the OVA1 test, which is designed to utilize a panel of biomarkers to help identify women with a higher likelihood of malignancy so they can be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for their initial surgery. Vermillion filed a 510(K) Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its OVA1(TM) Test in June 2008.
Additionally, studies are underway to develop tests with the capability of detecting early-stage ovarian cancer, predicting prognosis and recurrence, and identifying women considered at high-risk for the disease.
Vermillion's premier diagnostic development program is being conducted with several leading collaborators at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen), and the University of Kentucky.
The Company's OVA1 test is part of a strategic alliance with Quest Diagnostics to jointly develop and commercialize diagnostic tests.
About Ovarian Cancer
Commonly known as the "silent killer," ovarian cancer leads to approximately 15,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Approximately 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with the majority in patients diagnosed with late stage disease where the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. The prognosis is poor in these patients, leading to the high mortality from this disease. A diagnostic test is needed that can provide adequate predictive value to stratify patients with a pelvic mass into high risk of invasive ovarian cancer versus those with low risk, as well as a screening test for the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer, which is essential for improving overall survival in patients. Ovarian cancer has up to a 90% cure rate following surgery and/or chemotherapy if detected in stage 1.
About Vermillion
Vermillion, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Vermillion, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has diagnostic programs in oncology, hematology, cardiology and women's health. Vermillion is based in Fremont, California. Additional information about Vermillion can be found on the Web at vermillion.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Vermillion's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. These forward- looking statements are based on Vermillion's current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Vermillion notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. There are no guarantees that Vermillion will succeed in its efforts to commercialize its ovarian cancer diagnostic tests in 2009 or during any other period of time. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include but are not limited to: (1) uncertainty in obtaining intellectual property protection for inventions made by Vermillion; (2) unproven ability of Vermillion to discover, develop, and commercialize diagnostic products based on findings from its disease association studies; (3) unproven ability of Vermillion to discover or identify new protein biomarkers and use such information to develop ovarian cancer diagnostic products; (4) uncertainty as to whether Vermillion will be able to obtain any required regulatory approval of its diagnostic products; (5) uncertainty of market acceptance of its products, including the risk that its products will not be competitive with products offered by other companies, or that users will not be entitled to receive adequate reimbursement for its products from third party payors such as private insurance companies and government insurance plans; and (6) other factors that might be described from time to time in Vermillion's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Vermillion expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Vermillion's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law.
Vermillion, Inc.
vermillion
вторник, 9 августа 2011 г.
Ranexa(R) Significantly Reduces Ischemia In Women In MERLIN TIMI-36 Study
CV Therapeutics, Inc.
(Nasdaq: CVTX) announced that an analysis of data from 2,291 women
who participated in the MERLIN TIMI-36 study showed a 29 percent reduction
in the relative risk of recurrent ischemia in women receiving Ranexa(R)
(ranolazine extended-release tablets) compared to placebo (p=0.002) after
12 months. No difference in symptomatic documented arrhythmias was observed
in women between the ranolazine and placebo groups.
The data were presented by Dr. Jessica Mega of the TIMI Study
Group at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando,
Florida.
"Women were very well represented in the MERLIN TIMI-36 study and these
data provide important additional confirmation of the safety and efficacy
we have seen with Ranexa in other clinical trials and in commercial use,"
said Louis G. Lange, CV Therapeutics chairman and chief executive officer.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is
the leading cause of death among American women.
In accordance with a special protocol assessment agreement between the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CV Therapeutics, the Company
believes that data from the MERLIN TIMI-36 study could support expansion of
the existing Ranexa indication to first line angina. In September 2007, the
Company submitted a supplemental new drug application to the FDA seeking a
new indication for first line angina and a significant reduction in
cautionary language.
Ranexa is currently indicated for the treatment of chronic angina in
patients who have not achieved an adequate response with other antianginal
drugs, and should be used in combination with amlodipine, beta-blockers or
nitrates.
Study Design
MERLIN TIMI-36 (Metabolic Efficiency with Ranolazine for Less Ischemia
in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes) was a multi-national,
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial
designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ranexa during acute and
long-term treatment in 6,560 patients (3,279 received ranolazine, 3,281
received placebo) with non-ST elevation ACS treated with standard therapy.
Within 48 hours of the onset of angina due to ACS, eligible
hospitalized patients were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive
intravenous Ranexa or placebo, followed by long-term outpatient treatment
with Ranexa extended-release tablets or placebo. All patients also received
standard therapy during both hospital-based and outpatient treatment. The
doses of Ranexa extended-release tablets used in MERLIN TIMI-36 have been
studied in previous Phase 3 clinical trials.
Participants in the MERLIN TIMI-36 study received current standard
therapy, with approximately 96 percent of patients on aspirin,
approximately 89 percent on beta blockers and approximately 82 percent on
statins. Approximately 59 percent of study participants received coronary
angiography during their initial hospitalization.
Previously published data from the MERLIN TIMI-36 study has shown that
Ranexa was safe in this population of patients with coronary artery
disease, which included nearly 1,100 patients with prior heart failure.
About CV Therapeutics
CV Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a
biopharmaceutical company focused on applying molecular cardiology to the
discovery, development and commercialization of novel, small molecule drugs
for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
CV Therapeutics' approved product, Ranexa(R) (ranolazine
extended-release tablets), is indicated for the treatment of chronic angina
in patients who have not achieved an adequate response with other
antianginal drugs, and should be used in combination with amlodipine,
beta-blockers or nitrates.
CV Therapeutics' clinical and preclinical drug development candidates
and programs include regadenoson, which is being developed for potential
use as a pharmacologic stress agent in myocardial perfusion imaging
studies, and CVT-6883, which is being developed as a potential treatment
for cardiopulmonary diseases. Regadenoson and CVT-6883 have not been
determined by any regulatory authorities to be safe or effective in humans
for any use.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject
to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
materially, including operating losses and fluctuations in operating
results; capital requirements; regulatory review and approval of our
products; special protocol assessment agreement; the conduct and timing of
clinical trials; commercialization of products; market acceptance of
products; product labeling; concentrated customer base; reliance on
strategic partnerships and collaborations; uncertainties in drug
development; uncertainties regarding intellectual property; and other risks
detailed from time to time in CV Therapeutics' SEC reports, including its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. CV
Therapeutics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
CV Therapeutics, Inc.
cvt
View drug information on Ranexa.
(Nasdaq: CVTX) announced that an analysis of data from 2,291 women
who participated in the MERLIN TIMI-36 study showed a 29 percent reduction
in the relative risk of recurrent ischemia in women receiving Ranexa(R)
(ranolazine extended-release tablets) compared to placebo (p=0.002) after
12 months. No difference in symptomatic documented arrhythmias was observed
in women between the ranolazine and placebo groups.
The data were presented by Dr. Jessica Mega of the TIMI Study
Group at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando,
Florida.
"Women were very well represented in the MERLIN TIMI-36 study and these
data provide important additional confirmation of the safety and efficacy
we have seen with Ranexa in other clinical trials and in commercial use,"
said Louis G. Lange, CV Therapeutics chairman and chief executive officer.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is
the leading cause of death among American women.
In accordance with a special protocol assessment agreement between the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CV Therapeutics, the Company
believes that data from the MERLIN TIMI-36 study could support expansion of
the existing Ranexa indication to first line angina. In September 2007, the
Company submitted a supplemental new drug application to the FDA seeking a
new indication for first line angina and a significant reduction in
cautionary language.
Ranexa is currently indicated for the treatment of chronic angina in
patients who have not achieved an adequate response with other antianginal
drugs, and should be used in combination with amlodipine, beta-blockers or
nitrates.
Study Design
MERLIN TIMI-36 (Metabolic Efficiency with Ranolazine for Less Ischemia
in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes) was a multi-national,
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial
designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ranexa during acute and
long-term treatment in 6,560 patients (3,279 received ranolazine, 3,281
received placebo) with non-ST elevation ACS treated with standard therapy.
Within 48 hours of the onset of angina due to ACS, eligible
hospitalized patients were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive
intravenous Ranexa or placebo, followed by long-term outpatient treatment
with Ranexa extended-release tablets or placebo. All patients also received
standard therapy during both hospital-based and outpatient treatment. The
doses of Ranexa extended-release tablets used in MERLIN TIMI-36 have been
studied in previous Phase 3 clinical trials.
Participants in the MERLIN TIMI-36 study received current standard
therapy, with approximately 96 percent of patients on aspirin,
approximately 89 percent on beta blockers and approximately 82 percent on
statins. Approximately 59 percent of study participants received coronary
angiography during their initial hospitalization.
Previously published data from the MERLIN TIMI-36 study has shown that
Ranexa was safe in this population of patients with coronary artery
disease, which included nearly 1,100 patients with prior heart failure.
About CV Therapeutics
CV Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a
biopharmaceutical company focused on applying molecular cardiology to the
discovery, development and commercialization of novel, small molecule drugs
for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
CV Therapeutics' approved product, Ranexa(R) (ranolazine
extended-release tablets), is indicated for the treatment of chronic angina
in patients who have not achieved an adequate response with other
antianginal drugs, and should be used in combination with amlodipine,
beta-blockers or nitrates.
CV Therapeutics' clinical and preclinical drug development candidates
and programs include regadenoson, which is being developed for potential
use as a pharmacologic stress agent in myocardial perfusion imaging
studies, and CVT-6883, which is being developed as a potential treatment
for cardiopulmonary diseases. Regadenoson and CVT-6883 have not been
determined by any regulatory authorities to be safe or effective in humans
for any use.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject
to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ
materially, including operating losses and fluctuations in operating
results; capital requirements; regulatory review and approval of our
products; special protocol assessment agreement; the conduct and timing of
clinical trials; commercialization of products; market acceptance of
products; product labeling; concentrated customer base; reliance on
strategic partnerships and collaborations; uncertainties in drug
development; uncertainties regarding intellectual property; and other risks
detailed from time to time in CV Therapeutics' SEC reports, including its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. CV
Therapeutics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
CV Therapeutics, Inc.
cvt
View drug information on Ranexa.
вторник, 2 августа 2011 г.
Businesses Reconsider Maternity Leave Offers In Face Of Economic Uncertainty
The struggle to balance profitability and employee benefits during the economic recession has led many companies to reduce their maternity leave offers, the Boston Globe reports. A 2010 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 17% of employers offer paid maternity leave, but 7% plan to reduce or eliminate the benefit.
Kathleen Gerson, a sociology professor at New York University, said the current economic climate has led some employers to focus less on benefits issues. "People are so concerned with getting jobs and keeping jobs that it has pushed issues such as parental leave a little bit to the side," Gerson said. She added, "But it also means that women are more in need of jobs than ever, and families are more dependent on women's earnings than ever." The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 71% of women with children younger than age 18 were in the workforce in 2008, compared with 47% in 1975.
Court Ruling Spotlights Debate
The issue has come under renewed scrutiny after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled this week that the state's Maternity Leave Act -- which covers businesses with 50 or fewer employees -- only allows job protection for up to eight weeks after the birth of a child. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act requires companies with 50 employees or more to offer 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a child or other reasons, such as caring for a sick relative. According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the federal law covers about 60% of the U.S. workforce, and about one-fifth of U.S. employers do not offer maternity-related leave of any kind.
The Globe reports that the U.S. has "one of the most stringent leave policies" in the developed world. The U.S. and Australia are the only countries out of 21 high-income nations that offer no paid parental leave, although Australia offers one year of unpaid leave, according to a 2008 study by CEPR. Canada offers women one year of maternity leave, including 29 weeks at full salary, while Sweden offers women 85 weeks of maternity leave -- 40 of which are paid -- and up to 163 weeks off for both parents combined (Woolhouse/Johnston Chase, Boston Globe, 8/12).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
© 2010 National Partnership for Women & Families. All rights reserved.
вторник, 26 июля 2011 г.
Study Links Birth Defects To Obesity In Pregnancy
A study by researchers in the UK found that being obese in pregnancy raised the chances of women having babies with birth defects including
spina bifida, cleft lip and palate and other congenital abnormalities such as malformed limbs. The researchers stressed however that despite their
findings, the rates at which these occur are still very small.
The study was the work of Dr Katherine J Stothard and colleagues from Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and is published in the
February 11 issue of JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Asssociation.
Congenital abnormalities are a leading cause of stillbirth and infant death, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths among infants in the US, and they contribute to
preterm birth and childhood illnesses, wrote the authors in their background information.
While no national figures available, a recent study suggests that up to one fifth of pregnant women are classed as obese in the UK, and as many as one
in three women over the age of 15 in the US was obese in 2004, they said in a separate press statement.
According to the World Health Organization, you are classed as obese if your Body Mass Index (BMI, the ratio of your weight in kilos to the square of
your height in metres) is over 30. You are classed as overweight if your BMI is over 25.
Co-author Dr Judith Rankin said:
"Women who are thinking about trying for a baby need to check their own weight first and then think about seeking help if they are
overweight."
She said during pregnancy was not the right time to start a weight loss diet; it was more important to eat healthily and sensibly.
The researchers found that women who were obese had more than twice the risk of having a baby with spina bifida, a rare condition that may result in
disability.
For the meta-analytical study they reviewed studies that looked at the risk of birth defects in babies born to obese or overweight mothers.
They found the studies by searching a number of medical databases for studies published between 1966 and 2008 and also looked at reference lists of relevant review
articles.
The researchers only included observational studies where women's early or pre-pregnancy weight or BMI was known or estimated and there was data on congenital
abnormalities. Of 1,944 articles that met their criteria, 39 were systematically reviewed and the results from 18 were pooled for the meta-analysis.
The results showed that:
Compared to mothers of recommended BMI, obese mothers were nearly twice as likely to have a baby with neural tube defects (caused by the
incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or their protective coverings).
For one neural tube defect, spina bifida, the risk was more than doubled.
There was also an increased risk of heart defects (cardiovascular anomaly), cleft lip and palate, malformation of lower bowel (anorectal atresia),
water in the brain (hydrocephaly) and malformed arms and legs (limb reduction anomaly).
The risk of gastroschisis however was significantly reduced (where the fetus develops a hole in the abdomen).
The study concluded that:
"Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of a range of structural anomalies, although the absolute increase is likely to be small."
There was also some evidence that being overweight in pregnancy raised the chances of having a baby with neural tube defects, but the researchers said
more studies were needed to confirm this.
Rankin said:
"This is the first time that so many studies have been combined to build a more accurate picture and it shows a link between a mother's weight and
many of these serious conditions in the newborn baby."
"Given that we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are overweight or obese, then we may see an increase in the number of babies born
with abnormalities," she added.
Despite these findings, however, the researchers said that the abnormalities are uncommon:
"Spina bifida only occurs in approximately one in every two thousand births, so the risk, even among obese women, remains very low," they
stressed.
"Maternal Overweight and Obesity and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis."
Katherine J. Stothard; Peter W. G. Tennant; Ruth Bell; Judith Rankin.
JAMA Vol. 301 No. 6, pp 636-650, February 11, 2009.
Click here for Abstract.
Sources: Journal abstract, JAMA news release, Newcastle University.
: Catharine Paddock, PhD
spina bifida, cleft lip and palate and other congenital abnormalities such as malformed limbs. The researchers stressed however that despite their
findings, the rates at which these occur are still very small.
The study was the work of Dr Katherine J Stothard and colleagues from Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and is published in the
February 11 issue of JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Asssociation.
Congenital abnormalities are a leading cause of stillbirth and infant death, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths among infants in the US, and they contribute to
preterm birth and childhood illnesses, wrote the authors in their background information.
While no national figures available, a recent study suggests that up to one fifth of pregnant women are classed as obese in the UK, and as many as one
in three women over the age of 15 in the US was obese in 2004, they said in a separate press statement.
According to the World Health Organization, you are classed as obese if your Body Mass Index (BMI, the ratio of your weight in kilos to the square of
your height in metres) is over 30. You are classed as overweight if your BMI is over 25.
Co-author Dr Judith Rankin said:
"Women who are thinking about trying for a baby need to check their own weight first and then think about seeking help if they are
overweight."
She said during pregnancy was not the right time to start a weight loss diet; it was more important to eat healthily and sensibly.
The researchers found that women who were obese had more than twice the risk of having a baby with spina bifida, a rare condition that may result in
disability.
For the meta-analytical study they reviewed studies that looked at the risk of birth defects in babies born to obese or overweight mothers.
They found the studies by searching a number of medical databases for studies published between 1966 and 2008 and also looked at reference lists of relevant review
articles.
The researchers only included observational studies where women's early or pre-pregnancy weight or BMI was known or estimated and there was data on congenital
abnormalities. Of 1,944 articles that met their criteria, 39 were systematically reviewed and the results from 18 were pooled for the meta-analysis.
The results showed that:
Compared to mothers of recommended BMI, obese mothers were nearly twice as likely to have a baby with neural tube defects (caused by the
incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or their protective coverings).
For one neural tube defect, spina bifida, the risk was more than doubled.
There was also an increased risk of heart defects (cardiovascular anomaly), cleft lip and palate, malformation of lower bowel (anorectal atresia),
water in the brain (hydrocephaly) and malformed arms and legs (limb reduction anomaly).
The risk of gastroschisis however was significantly reduced (where the fetus develops a hole in the abdomen).
The study concluded that:
"Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of a range of structural anomalies, although the absolute increase is likely to be small."
There was also some evidence that being overweight in pregnancy raised the chances of having a baby with neural tube defects, but the researchers said
more studies were needed to confirm this.
Rankin said:
"This is the first time that so many studies have been combined to build a more accurate picture and it shows a link between a mother's weight and
many of these serious conditions in the newborn baby."
"Given that we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are overweight or obese, then we may see an increase in the number of babies born
with abnormalities," she added.
Despite these findings, however, the researchers said that the abnormalities are uncommon:
"Spina bifida only occurs in approximately one in every two thousand births, so the risk, even among obese women, remains very low," they
stressed.
"Maternal Overweight and Obesity and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis."
Katherine J. Stothard; Peter W. G. Tennant; Ruth Bell; Judith Rankin.
JAMA Vol. 301 No. 6, pp 636-650, February 11, 2009.
Click here for Abstract.
Sources: Journal abstract, JAMA news release, Newcastle University.
: Catharine Paddock, PhD
вторник, 19 июля 2011 г.
Regular Family Meals Lower Risk Of Eating Disorders Among Adolescent Girls
An adolescent girl who regularly has family meals is less likely to suffer and go on to suffer from an eating disorder, or consume laxatives, diet pills, or take some extreme measure to control her weight, according to an article in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (JAMA/Archives).
The incidence of binge eating and self-induced vomiting is generally higher as a youth progresses from adolescence to adulthood, explain the authors. "Disordered eating behaviors are associated with a number of harmful behavioral, physical and psychological consequences, including poorer dietary quality, weight gain and obesity onset, depressive symptoms and the onset of eating disorders. Thus, it is important to identify strategies for the prevention of disordered eating behaviors."
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and team looked at 2,516 adolescent children from 31 Minnesota schools. The children completed two surveys - one in the classroom in 1999, and another one that was mailed to them in 2004. They were asked how frequently they ate with their families, what their BMI (body mass index) was, how connected they felt with their family, and their eating behaviors.
Teenage girls who ate with their families at least five times each week in 1999 were substantially less likely to report using extreme measures, such as using diuretics or making themselves vomit to control their weight in 2004, this was despite such factors as sociodemographics, BMI and family connectedness.
The reasons for the sex difference are unclear, the authors wrote. "Perhaps boys who engage in regular family meals are different in some way that increases their risk for disordered eating behaviors. There is also the possibility that adolescent boys and girls have different experiences at family meals. For example, girls may have more involvement in food preparation and other food-related tasks, which may play a protective role in the development of disordered eating behaviors. Finally, family meals may offer more benefits to adolescent girls, who may be more sensitive to and likely to be influenced by interpersonal and familial relationships than are adolescent boys."
The findings that emanated from this and previous studies should encourage us to find ways of helping families eat meals together, the authors say. "Health care professionals have an important role to play in reinforcing the benefits of family meals, helping families set realistic goals for increasing family meal frequency given schedules of adolescents and their parents, exploring ways to enhance the atmosphere at family meals with adolescents and discussing strategies for creating healthful and easy-to-prepare family meals," they conclude. "Schools and community organizations should also be encouraged to make it easier for families to have shared mealtimes on a regular basis."
"Family Meals and Disordered Eating in Adolescents. Longitudinal Findings From Project EAT"
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH, RD; Marla E. Eisenberg, ScD, MPH; Jayne A. Fulkerson, PhD; Mary Story, PhD, RD; Nicole I. Larson, MPH, RD
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(1):17-22.
Click here to view abstract online
The incidence of binge eating and self-induced vomiting is generally higher as a youth progresses from adolescence to adulthood, explain the authors. "Disordered eating behaviors are associated with a number of harmful behavioral, physical and psychological consequences, including poorer dietary quality, weight gain and obesity onset, depressive symptoms and the onset of eating disorders. Thus, it is important to identify strategies for the prevention of disordered eating behaviors."
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and team looked at 2,516 adolescent children from 31 Minnesota schools. The children completed two surveys - one in the classroom in 1999, and another one that was mailed to them in 2004. They were asked how frequently they ate with their families, what their BMI (body mass index) was, how connected they felt with their family, and their eating behaviors.
Teenage girls who ate with their families at least five times each week in 1999 were substantially less likely to report using extreme measures, such as using diuretics or making themselves vomit to control their weight in 2004, this was despite such factors as sociodemographics, BMI and family connectedness.
The reasons for the sex difference are unclear, the authors wrote. "Perhaps boys who engage in regular family meals are different in some way that increases their risk for disordered eating behaviors. There is also the possibility that adolescent boys and girls have different experiences at family meals. For example, girls may have more involvement in food preparation and other food-related tasks, which may play a protective role in the development of disordered eating behaviors. Finally, family meals may offer more benefits to adolescent girls, who may be more sensitive to and likely to be influenced by interpersonal and familial relationships than are adolescent boys."
The findings that emanated from this and previous studies should encourage us to find ways of helping families eat meals together, the authors say. "Health care professionals have an important role to play in reinforcing the benefits of family meals, helping families set realistic goals for increasing family meal frequency given schedules of adolescents and their parents, exploring ways to enhance the atmosphere at family meals with adolescents and discussing strategies for creating healthful and easy-to-prepare family meals," they conclude. "Schools and community organizations should also be encouraged to make it easier for families to have shared mealtimes on a regular basis."
"Family Meals and Disordered Eating in Adolescents. Longitudinal Findings From Project EAT"
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH, RD; Marla E. Eisenberg, ScD, MPH; Jayne A. Fulkerson, PhD; Mary Story, PhD, RD; Nicole I. Larson, MPH, RD
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(1):17-22.
Click here to view abstract online
вторник, 12 июля 2011 г.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Decreases Mortality In Younger Postmenopausal Woman According To Study
An article published in the November 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine, reports that researchers conducting a meta-analysis of the available data using Bayesian methods concluded that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) almost undoubtedly decreases mortality in younger postmenopausal women. For over sixty years, HRT has been in widespread use to treat menopausal estrogen deficiency. Over the years, numerous observational studies indicated that HRT use by younger postmenopausal women was linked with a significant reduction in total mortality. There was existing substantiation that routine use of HRT increases longevity in postmenopausal women. However, the 2002 publication of an important study, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), indicated increased risk for certain outcomes in older women, without increasing mortality. This initiated a debate regarding the potential benefits or harms of HRT.
Bayesian analysis uses prior data and updates it with new information, and then makes statistical inferences. The authors joined results from nineteen randomized trials. It included age-specific data from the WHI, with 16,000 younger postmenopausal women (average age of 55 years) monitored for 83,000 patient-years. It showed a mortality relative risk of 0.73. When data from eight observational studies were added to the analysis, the resultant relative risk was 0.72. Using Bayesian analysis to synthesize the available data, the probability of a mortality benefit in this population was 1.0. As a result, this suggests that the probability of the hypothesis that hormone therapy reduces total mortality in younger women is essentially 1.
Shelley R. Salpeter, MD writes "It is clear that these findings need to be interpreted in the light of potential benefits and harms of hormone therapy. The available evidence indicates that hormone therapy in younger postmenopausal women increases the risk of breast cancer and pulmonary embolism and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, colon cancer, and hip fracture. The cardiovascular benefit is a result of a small absolute increase in stroke and a greater reduction in coronary heart disease events. The total mortality benefit for younger women seen in the randomized trials and observational studies indicates that the reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease, fracture, and colon cancer outweighed the increase in deaths from breast cancer, stroke and pulmonary embolism. In addition to this mortality benefit, hormone therapy in younger women provides an improvement in quality-of-life measures, at least in the first few years of treatment."
"Bayesian Meta-analysis of Hormone Therapy and Mortality in Younger Postmenopausal Women"
Shelley R. Salpeter, MD, Ji Cheng, MSc, Lehana Thabane, PhD, Nicholas S. Buckley, and Edwin E. Salpeter, PhD (Posthumous).
The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 122, Issue 11 (November 2009)
The American Journal of Medicine
Stephanie Brunner (B.A.)
Bayesian analysis uses prior data and updates it with new information, and then makes statistical inferences. The authors joined results from nineteen randomized trials. It included age-specific data from the WHI, with 16,000 younger postmenopausal women (average age of 55 years) monitored for 83,000 patient-years. It showed a mortality relative risk of 0.73. When data from eight observational studies were added to the analysis, the resultant relative risk was 0.72. Using Bayesian analysis to synthesize the available data, the probability of a mortality benefit in this population was 1.0. As a result, this suggests that the probability of the hypothesis that hormone therapy reduces total mortality in younger women is essentially 1.
Shelley R. Salpeter, MD writes "It is clear that these findings need to be interpreted in the light of potential benefits and harms of hormone therapy. The available evidence indicates that hormone therapy in younger postmenopausal women increases the risk of breast cancer and pulmonary embolism and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, colon cancer, and hip fracture. The cardiovascular benefit is a result of a small absolute increase in stroke and a greater reduction in coronary heart disease events. The total mortality benefit for younger women seen in the randomized trials and observational studies indicates that the reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease, fracture, and colon cancer outweighed the increase in deaths from breast cancer, stroke and pulmonary embolism. In addition to this mortality benefit, hormone therapy in younger women provides an improvement in quality-of-life measures, at least in the first few years of treatment."
"Bayesian Meta-analysis of Hormone Therapy and Mortality in Younger Postmenopausal Women"
Shelley R. Salpeter, MD, Ji Cheng, MSc, Lehana Thabane, PhD, Nicholas S. Buckley, and Edwin E. Salpeter, PhD (Posthumous).
The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 122, Issue 11 (November 2009)
The American Journal of Medicine
Stephanie Brunner (B.A.)
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