The study authors reviewed observational data on chocolate consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disease, and found strong evidence of a protective effect. The wide variety of methods employed across studies, among other issues, make cause and effect assumptions premature, though they do fall in line with previous data suggesting chocolate's health benefits.
In a prospective study of women with breast cancer who had undergone axillary node dissection, use of manual lymphatic drainage techniques over 5 months provided no additional preventive benefit with respect to development of arm lymphedema over general preventive lifestyle measures and individualized exercise therapy.
This blinded, randomized, controlled trial found that a biofield therapy and a mock treatment did not differ in their effectiveness in relieving cancer-related fatigue, although they both were significantly better than control. The biofield therapy did lead to significantly greater cortisol variability, which is associated with fatigue.
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor gene that is commonly mutated in endometrial and other cancers.
Thyroid dysfunction and disease may present as reproductive compromise including oligomenorrhea, infertility, and miscarriage. Thyroid dysfunction and disease may complicate pregnancy and lead to compromised fetal neurodevelopment and preterm labor.
The authors performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the clinical utility of dilation and curettage (D&C) in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy (EP).
In this issue: Medication poisonings in children; rosuvastatin vs atorvastatin for atherosclerosis; saw palmetto for prostate symptoms; using atypical antipsychotics for off-label indications in adults; and FDA actions.
In a commentary on preterm birth (PTB) in the april issue of OB/GYN Clinical Alert, I mentioned that data are on the horizon that would support the use of vaginal progesterone to reduce the risk of PTB in patients with short cervices. Well, the study has now been published, and the results may change how PTB is approached.
