Ob.Gyn. News RSS feed: Current Issue. Ob.Gyn. News is an independent newspaper that provides the practicing obstetrician/gynecologist with timely and relevant news and commentary about clinical developments in the field and about the impact of health care policy on the specialty and the physician's practice. To order this journal, and for more information, go to http://www.imng.com/ http://www.obgynnews.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Ob.Gyn. News0029-7437452February 2010 © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700379/abstract?rss=yesThe North American Menopause Society's updated position statement on the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women includes the FRAX tool to calculate the risk of major osteoporotic fracture and recommends increasing vitamin D3 intake.New Osteoporosis Guidelines ReleasedDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70037-9Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News11http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700380/abstract?rss=yesSAN ANTONIO — Two differently designed studies found a nearly identical, roughly 30% reduction in the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who took bisphosphonates to prevent or remediate bone loss.Bisphosphonates May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk, Studies FindBETSY BATES10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70038-0Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News12http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700392/abstract?rss=yesVital Signs: U.S. Health Care Dollar: Where It Went in 200810.1016/S0029-7437(10)70039-2Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News22http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700409/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: A subchorionic hematoma, its size, or its behavior is not associated with an increased rate of spontaneous abortion and other adverse events in pregnancies conceived through in vitro fertilization.Hematomas Not a Risk Factor in IVF PregnanciesPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70040-9Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News45http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700410/abstract?rss=yesA product called Nzu that is used to treat morning sickness contains high levels of arsenic and lead and should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, the Food and Drug Administration warned in a statement posted on the agency's MedWatch site.Arsenic Found In Morning Sickness TxELIZABETH MECHCATIE10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70041-0Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News55http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700422/abstract?rss=yesMiddle-aged women aren't being routinely assessed for osteoporosis during their ob.gyn. visits, despite this group's increased awareness of the condition, survey results released by the North American Menopause Society showed.Bone Health Not Routinely Assessed at VisitsMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70042-2Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News66http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700434/abstract?rss=yesWASHINGTON — Obese women are less likely to be screened for osteoporosis than are normal- or overweight women, according to findings from a study of more than 140,000 women included in an integrated health care plan database.Osteoporosis: Many Obese Not ScreenedHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70043-4Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1News66http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700446/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Abdominal aortic intima media thickness was significantly greater in infants with IUGR than in controls, as was blood pressure, in one small study. In a second study of 59 IUGR fetuses, fetal ultrasonographic cardiovascular indices were significantly worse in the fetuses that died compared with survivors.IUGR Infants May Be at Risk for AtherosclerosisPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70044-6Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Obstetrics77http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700458/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Live 3-D volume imaging provided the “face-on” view of the fetal interventricular septum in all but 1 of 153 singleton pregnancies.Live 3-D Imaging Captures Fetal Heart DefectsPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70045-8Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Obstetrics1010http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS002974371070046X/abstract?rss=yes Major Findings: Neither aspirin nor a combination of aspirin and low-molecular-weight heparin improved live birth rates in a study of 364 women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages.Aspirin Fails to Prevent Recurrent MiscarriagesJANE SALODOF MacNEIL10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70046-XOb.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Obstetrics1111http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700471/abstract?rss=yes DR. CHAMBERS is associate professor of pediatrics and family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego. She is director of the California Teratogen Information Service and Clinical Research Program. Dr. Chambers is a past president of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (www.otispregnancy.org) and past president of the Teratology Society. She receives grant funding from several pharmaceutical companies that manufacture or distribute anticonvulsants, but the grants are not for anticonvulsant studies. To comment, e-mail her at obnews@elsevier.com) and past president of the Teratology Society. She receives grant funding from several pharmaceutical companies that manufacture or distribute anticonvulsants, but the grants are not for anticonvulsant studies. To comment, e-mail her at obnews@elsevier.comAnticonvulsant Use in PregnancyCHRISTINA CHAMBERS10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70047-1Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Drugs, Pregnancy, and Lactation1212http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700483/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Oral misoprostol may be an alternative to intravenous oxytocin for controlling postpartum hemorrhage.Misoprostol vs. Oxytocin For Postpartum BleedingHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70048-3Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Obstetrics1212http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700495/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Of the six pregnant and two postpartum patients who died, six had underlying medical conditions. None had received antiviral medication within 48 hours after symptom onset.2009 H1N1 Maternal Deaths May Up Overall RateMIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70049-5Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Obstetrics1414http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700501/abstract?rss=yesCongratulations on the success of your obstetrics hospitalist program, Dr. Pelletier (“OB Hospitalist Program Is a Go!” December 2009, p. 14). It should serve as a great model across the country. The flexibility that the private practice physicians have in allowing the hospitalists to take care of as much or as little of their patient care is very appealing. This is great for emergency department call and unattended patients, and it is great to know that there is a physician in house to take care of an emergency for a laboring patient until the attending ob.gyn. can be present.LettersFrancis J. Cardinale, William P. Gideon, Thomas Herzog, Patrick J. Naples10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70050-1Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Opinion1616http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700513/abstract?rss=yes DR. BEERS is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's National Medical Center in Washington. She also is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Residency Scholarships. Dr. Beers had no conflicts of interest to disclose. To comment, e-mail her at obnews@elsevier.com.Using the Media to Convey Your MessageLEE SAVIO BEERS10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70051-3Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Perspective1616http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700525/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Quality of life among women with lower urinary tract symptoms varied by ethnic group, as did the prevalence of these symptoms.Urinary Symptoms Found to Differ by EthnicityDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70052-5Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology1717http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700537/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The single-incision midurethral sling had an 89% cure rate for stress urinary incontinence at 1 year.Study: Single-Incision Sling Successful Tx for SUIMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70053-7Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2222http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700549/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Older U.S. women received a growing proportion of surgeries for stress urinary incontinence on an inpatient basis between 1993 and 2006.More Procedures, More Elderly Seen in SUI Surgery TrendsDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70054-9Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2222http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700550/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The combination of behavioral therapy and pessary placement for women with stress urinary incontinence is not significantly better than the single treatments alone.Stress Urinary Incontinence Does Not Require Combo TxDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70055-0Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2222http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700562/abstract?rss=yesRevised recommendations for human papillomavirus vaccination—including a permissive recommendation for young men—are part of the newly issued 2010 adult immunization schedule from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC Updates Adult Immunization ScheduleDIANA MAHONEY10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70056-2Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2424http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700574/abstract?rss=yesDENVER — Significant predictors of receiving a bisphosphonate prescription within 90 days of a fracture for women are a low bone mineral density score after a fracture, being aged 65-74 years, and oral corticosteroid use, according to the results of a study of 2,000 women.Age, Steroid Use, Low BMD Predict Bisphosphonate ScripsKERRI WACHTER10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70057-4Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2424http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700586/abstract?rss=yesHOLLYWOOD, FLA. — A cohort of 91 continent black women had a 22% higher maximal urethral closure pressure (mean 68.0 cm H2O) than a group of 46 continent white women (55.8 cm H2O) in a study.Racial Differences Found in Urethral Closure PressureDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70058-6Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2424http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700598/abstract?rss=yes DR. STEPP reports that he is a consultant for Covidien and Immersion Medical and has received research funding from Medtronic Inc. To comment, e-mail him at obnews@elsevier.com.Laparoscopic Single-Site HysterectomiesKEVIN J. STEPP, CHARLES E. MILLER10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70059-8Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Master Class2627http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700604/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Paravaginal repair of anterior prolapse with synthetic mesh was associated with a higher anatomic success rate than was xenograft repair, both of which beat standard colporrhaphy at 1 year after surgery.Mesh Bests Xenograft Repair of Anterior ProlapseDAMIAN McNAMARA10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70060-4Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2828http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700616/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: There was a drop in pelvic organ prolapse procedures from approximately 228,000 procedures performed in 1979 to 186,000 in 2006. This appears to be largely due to a decrease in procedures performed in women under age 52 years.Prolapse Surgery Now Less Common in Women Under 5210.1016/S0029-7437(10)70061-6Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2828http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700628/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Quality of life and sexual health measures significantly improved in women who underwent transvaginal mesh placement for prolapse.Transvaginal Mesh Placement For Prolapse: QOL Improved10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70062-8Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology2828http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS002974371070063X/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Six months of soy supplementation of the Western diet for breast cancer prevention did not appear effective, but Japanese study results suggest consumption of soy early in life may reduce breast cancer risk later.Soy Strikes Out for Breast Cancer Risk ReductionBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70063-XOb.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3030http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700641/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Moderate to heavy drinkers of alcohol were at significantly greater risk for breast cancer recurrence than were those who abstained or drank little alcohol.Alcohol Elevates Breast Cancer Recurrence RiskBETSY BATES10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70064-1Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3131http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700653/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Elastography correctly identified 98% of lesions shown on biopsy to be malignant, and 78% of lesions shown on biopsy to be benign.Elastography Useful as Adjunct to Breast USPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70065-3Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3232http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700665/abstract?rss=yesSAN FRANCISCO — A proper evaluation of a palpable breast mass is important not only for quality of care but also because a delayed cancer diagnosis due to a negative clinical exam or a negative mammogram is a primary cause of malpractice awards in this area, according to Dr. Leah Karliner.Algorithm for Evaluating Palpable Breast Mass RecommendedROBERT FINN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70066-5Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3232http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700677/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Many oncologists are not likely to mention fertility preservation to cancer patients who have a poor prognosis, contrary to guidelines.Fertility Preservation: Ca Patients Not Always ToldPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70067-7Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3434http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700689/abstract?rss=yesATLANTA — A new embryo morphology grading system could revolutionize the way in which patients and physicians compare infertility clinics, investigators reported. Until now, data from national reporting of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates have been used to compare clinics. However, that data can be imprecise, because the severity of patient infertility varies between IVF clinics. Centers that are required to accept all comers inherently have lower success rates than those that can cherry-pick their clientele.Could Embryo Morphology Redefine IVF Clinic Outcomes?PATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70068-9Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3434http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700690/abstract?rss=yesKISSIMMEE, FLA. — Operative hysteroscopy can be performed in the office without anesthesia and with an extremely low infection rate, by using small instruments and maintaining a constant, low intrauterine pressure, according to Dr. Luigi Nappi.Infection Rate Low in Outpatient HysteroscopyMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70069-0Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3535http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700707/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Oocyte cryopreservation is being offered in more than half of assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics responding to a national survey, even though the practice is still considered experimental.Egg Cryopreservation Is Now Widely AvailablePATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70070-7Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3636http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700719/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Robotic surgery was associated with significantly less blood loss and shorter hospital stays than laparotomy for the surgical staging of endometrial cancer.Robotic Surgery Works for Staging Endometrial CaMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70071-9Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3737http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700720/abstract?rss=yesBERLIN — Consistent use of condoms has a moderate protective effect against acquisition of herpes simplex virus 2, the leading cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide. A recent pooled analysis of six prospective studies concluded that men and women who used condoms 100% of the time during sex had a 30% lower risk of HSV-2 acquisition than people who never used condoms, Dr. Laurence Le Cleach said at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and VenereologyCondoms Provide Partial Protection Against HSV-2BRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70072-0Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3737http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700732/abstract?rss=yes Major finding: Breast cancer patients who are premenopausal at diagnosis but become postmenopausal before or during tamoxifen therapy should routinely be considered for 5 years of extended aromatase inhibitor therapy.Extended Hormone Tx Better for Premenopausal Breast CaBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70073-2Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology3737http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700744/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Obese and overweight women undergoing infertility treatment were less likely to become pregnant and more likely to have a stillbirth or premature birth.Infertility Treatment Less Effective in ObesePATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70074-4Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Gynecology4040http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700756/abstract?rss=yesGinkgo biloba may not be the herbal brain booster it has widely been believed to be, according to the results of a recent study. The leafy green herb has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and more recently in Western culture as a dietary supplement for improving memory and cognitive function in aging adults.Study: Ginkgo Biloba Has No Effect on Cognitive DeclineMARKETTE SMITH10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70075-6Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Clinical Rounds4141http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700768/abstract?rss=yesWASHINGTON — Successful weight loss for patients who undergo gastric banding is significantly associated with the number of follow-up visits to a surgeon's office during the first year after the procedure, according to a study involving 113 adults who had gastric banding surgery between 2005 and 2007.Follow-Ups Beneficial After Gastric BandingHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70076-8Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Clinical Rounds4141http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS002974371070077X/abstract?rss=yesThe Food and Drug Administration has approved a 10-mcg dose of estradiol in vaginal tablet form to treat atrophic vaginitis associated with menopause. The new formulation is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The tablet (Vagifem) is designed for insertion into the vagina via a ready-to-use applicator, so the estrogen is delivered directly to the vagina with minimal absorption elsewhere in the body. Vagifem is chemically the same as the estrogen that occurs naturally in women prior to menopause. The medication is designed to help treat several symptoms associated with atrophic vaginitis, including dryness, itching, irritation, pain with urination or intercourse, and bleeding after intercourse.Products10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70077-XOb.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Clinical Rounds4141http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700781/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: There has been no increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among most U.S. subgroups.Increases in Obesity Rates Hit a Plateau in Most U.S. SubgroupsROBERT FINN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70078-1Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Clinical Rounds4848http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700793/abstract?rss=yesData Watch: Populations Most Likely to Report Drinking During Pregnancy10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70079-3Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Clinical Rounds4848http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS002974371070080X/abstract?rss=yesA Food and Drug Administration analysis of counterfeit Alli, the over-the-counter formulation of the lipase inhibitor orlistat, has found that the fake product not only contains sibutramine but, when taken at the recommended daily dose, may deliver twice the recommended dose of that drug.Fake Alli Has Dangerous Dose of SibutramineALICIA AULT10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70080-XOb.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Clinical Rounds4848http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700811/abstract?rss=yesHealth care spending in the United States grew less than 5% in 2008, the slowest rate of growth since the federal government officially began measuring it in 1960, according to a report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.2008 U.S. Health Spending Reached $2.3 TrillionMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70081-1Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Practice Trends4949http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700823/abstract?rss=yesMedical organizations are closely examining the long-awaited, proposed “meaningful use” criteria developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The final criteria, to be phased in starting in 2011, will be crucial for providers interested in receiving bonuses of up to $64,000 for installing or upgrading electronic health record (EHR) systems.Minimal EHR Criteria Will Take Effect in 2011JOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70082-3Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Practice Trends5050http://www.obgynnews.com/article/PIIS0029743710700835/abstract?rss=yesThe Food and Drug Administration is partnering with several health maintenance organizations to study the effects of prescription medications during pregnancy. The new Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program (MEPREP) will give researchers access to data from 11 health plan–affiliated sites across the country. In total, the sites have information on about 1 million births between 2001 and 2007. Studies will address the effects of medication in both pregnant women and their children, Dr. Gerald Dal Pan, director of surveillance and epidemiology at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “Results of these studies will provide valuable information for patients and physicians when making decisions about medication during pregnancy.” The new program is a collaboration among the FDA, the HMO Research Network Center for Education and Research in Therapeutics, Kaiser Permanente's multiple research centers, and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.Policy & Practice: Want more health reform news? Subscribe to our podcast – search ‘Policy & Practice’ in the iTunes storeMary Ellen Schneider10.1016/S0029-7437(10)70083-5Ob.Gyn. News 45, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Ob.Gyn. News2010-02-01452S0029-7437(10)X7002-1Practice Trends5050