Obstetrics and gynecology

Article Abstract:

One of the recent developments in gynecology is the Norplant birth control device. This device was approved by the Food and Drug administration at the end of 1990; worldwide, it has already been used by 55,000 women in 46 countries. This birth control method consists of long, slender capsules that are implanted under the skin and slowly release contraceptive hormone for a period of five years. Over this period of time, the cumulative rate of pregnancy is about 1 percent per year, making the device second only to sterilization in terms of effectiveness. Eighty percent of the women who received the implant reported at most slight discomfort, and over 90 percent were satisfied with the device. Norplant may be especially useful in preventing teenage pregnancy. However, social, and cultural issues may be as important as medical issues in this group of patients. Advances have also been made in treating infertility. Every year, more and more infertile couples elect in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. In this technique, eggs are extracted from the woman and fertilized in the laboratory; the resulting embryos are then returned to the womb for development. There are 183 member clinics in the In Vitro Fertilization Registry. In 1989, 24,183 ovarian stimulations were performed, and 4,590 pregnancies were achieved. Of these, there were 3,472 live deliveries. Of the 3,474 deliveries, 681 involved twins and 182 involved triplets. There were 16 sets of quadruplets. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Reports, Women's health services, Contraception, Gynecology, Birth control, Obstetrical research

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Coronary heart disease incidence, by sex

Article Abstract:

High cholesterol levels have a greater effect on men than women among risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The high cholesterol levels had this increased effect until women reached age 65. Women's rates increased greatly after this age. Men had a higher incidence in every age group. Twice as many men as women ages 25 to 64 had CHD though though differences lessened when women reached age 65. The protective effect of estrogen may account for these statistics. Men were more likely to be diagnosed with acute CHD and had a greater likelihood of death. Women were diagnosed with chronic CHD when they were hospitalized or at autopsy. Women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men.

Coronary heart disease, Longitudinal studies

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Obstetrics and Gynecology

Article Abstract:

Umbilical cord blood from newborn infants may be a cost-effective source of stem cells. Stem cells are immature blood cells that can be used in bone marrow transplants. The stem cells could be used in gene therapy to deliver genes that would correct genetic disorders. HIV infection does not appear to complicate pregnancy but infected women may transmit the virus to their baby. Zidovudine can substantially reduce this risk. Preeclampsia still causes serious birth complications in 5% of pregnant women. However, calcium supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk.

Prevention, HIV infections, Disease transmission, Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, Hematopoietic stem cells, Calcium (Nutrient), Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Calcium, Dietary, HIV infection in pregnancy

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