According to AP/NBC29, after the first 1,000 plates have been sold, $15 from each $25 application fee would go to VLPP. Under state law, VLPP was required to pre-sell at least 350 of the plates (AP/NBC29, 2/16). State Sen. Janet Howell (D), who proposed the plate, said 400 state residents have already paid for the plates with the understanding that a part of their money would go to VLPP.
The Post reports that at Howell's recommendation, the state Senate rejected an amendment by Sen. Mark Obenshain (R) that would have revised the measure to allow the creation of the plates without distributing money to VLPP. Obenshain's amendment resembled language approved in the House version of the bill (HB 1108) that would allocate a portion of the money to services for pregnant women.
VLPP has said none of the money it receives from the new plates will be used for abortion. Obenshain said, "Money is fungible. Talk is cheap. It's easy to make that kind of promise."
Howell said that VLPP has complied with all rules governing the license plate program. She added that rejecting a plate supporting abortion rights could raise questions about the constitutionality of an existing state plate with a "Choose Life" message (Washington Post, 2/17).
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.
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
четверг, 30 июня 2011 г.
Virginia Senate Approves Bill To Create 'Trust Women. Respect Choice.' License Plates
The Virginia Senate on Tuesday voted 26-8 to approve a bill (SB 18) that would create a specialty license plate with the message, "Trust Women. Respect Choice," and direct a portion of the revenue to the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, the Washington Post reports. The bill also would approve other specialty license plates (Helderman/Kunkle, Washington Post, 2/17).
четверг, 23 июня 2011 г.
Campaign Against Cross-Generational Sex Launched In Uganda To Fight Spread Of HIV Among Girls, Women
Population Service International on Wednesday launched a campaign against cross-generational sex in Kampala, Uganda, to fight the spread of HIV among girls and women, Uganda's New Vision reports. According to the New Vision, cross-generational sex occurs when a young girl or woman has a sexual relationship with a man at least 10 years older than she is.
The campaign -- which will be implemented in universities and about 50 secondary schools in Uganda -- aims to empower girls and women. It was launched in response to several studies that found HIV prevalence among girls ages 15 to 24 in the country was four times higher than boys in the same age group, the New Vision reports. One study found that 10% of girls have sexual relationships with older men. In another study, 20% of girls surveyed said they had had cross-generational sex and 50% considered it to be normal.
Sylvia Nagginda, queen of the Ugandan tribal kingdom of Buganda, called for the end of cultural practices that influence girls to have relationships with older men. She added that cross-generational sex will make young women "prone" to unplanned pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. Miria Matembe, former minister for ethics, said that cross-generational sex is a widespread issue because it is embraced by several cultures. "The root cause of this is our traditional and cultural practices, which undermine girls as sex objects," Matembe said, adding, "The fight must be broader for the culture of materialism to be broken down" (Natukunda, New Vision, 8/2).
Reprinted with kind 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.
The campaign -- which will be implemented in universities and about 50 secondary schools in Uganda -- aims to empower girls and women. It was launched in response to several studies that found HIV prevalence among girls ages 15 to 24 in the country was four times higher than boys in the same age group, the New Vision reports. One study found that 10% of girls have sexual relationships with older men. In another study, 20% of girls surveyed said they had had cross-generational sex and 50% considered it to be normal.
Sylvia Nagginda, queen of the Ugandan tribal kingdom of Buganda, called for the end of cultural practices that influence girls to have relationships with older men. She added that cross-generational sex will make young women "prone" to unplanned pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. Miria Matembe, former minister for ethics, said that cross-generational sex is a widespread issue because it is embraced by several cultures. "The root cause of this is our traditional and cultural practices, which undermine girls as sex objects," Matembe said, adding, "The fight must be broader for the culture of materialism to be broken down" (Natukunda, New Vision, 8/2).
Reprinted with kind 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.
среда, 22 июня 2011 г.
30 Genes Linked To When Puberty Starts In Girls
Thirty or more genes are involved in determining when a girl reaches puberty, scientists from various countries wrote in the journal Nature Genetics, after scanning the genomes of over 100,000 females in Europe, US and Australia. Girls in several countries, including the UK and USA are entering puberty early, some as young as 10 years, the authors explain.
The study involved scientists from 104 worldwide institutions, part of the large International ReproGen Consortium.
Experts say that the earlier a girl enters puberty the higher her risk is of developing a female cancer during adulthood. She also has a greater risk of obesity later in life.
Nobody is certain why puberty is occurring much earlier among females than it did 100 years ago. Some suggest it may be linked to obesity. The authors in this latest study agree that this is most likely.
They found that some of those 30 genes that were linked to the timing of puberty were also associated with body weight regulation and fat metabolism. Whether or not obesity is a consequence of something or a cause of early puberty is still not clear, the researchers stress.
The scientists add that their study did not reveal whether early puberty is affected by those genes, diet, lifestyle and other environmental factors, a combination of all, and if so which is the main player.
The findings from this study, and future ones that use information collected from it will eventually help prevent chronic health problems linked to excessive weight gain, the researchers believe.
Early puberty not only increases the risk of obesity and female cancers later on in life, but also a number of other illnesses. A female with early puberty is more likely to experience poorer health during adulthood compared to other females.
The study investigators also identified specific genes that are involved in cell development and hormone regulation, demonstrating that puberty is controlled by a wide and complex range of biological processes.
Lead author Cathy Elks at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge, England, said:
"It is interesting that several of the new genes for puberty timing have been linked in other studies to body weight gain and obesity. This suggests that females in some families may inherit a joint genetic susceptibility to weight gain and early puberty."
Senior author Dr Ken Ong, also form the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, said:
"We know that girls who are overweight are more likely to go through puberty at younger ages. Our findings tell us that being overweight and early puberty are intricately linked. It is also important to understand that these 'common genetic factors' can be modified by changes in lifestyle. If rates of childhood obesity continue to rise we will see many more girls reach puberty at young ages. Conversely, efforts to prevent or reduce childhood obesity will help avoid early puberty."
Senior author Dr Anna Murray, University of Exeter, England, said:
"Scientists have long been fascinated by how the body knows whether it has enough nutrient stores to launch into puberty which leads to reproductive maturation. We found that the timing of puberty is related to fatty acid metabolic pathways. There is evidence that the brain can sense these types of body fats."
According to Dr Enda Byrne, from QIMR's Queensland Statistical Genetics Laboratory, Australia:
"Early puberty is a risk factor for a number of later life illnesses and poor health, including obesity and breast cancer.
There has been a gradual decrease in the average age of menarche in the population over the last century which has been attributed to improved child nutrition. It has also been known for some time that higher weight gain in childhood is associated with earlier puberty. The results from this study show that many of the genes that increase risk for weight gain and obesity in adulthood, also influence timing of puberty. This supports the idea that the body launches into puberty once it reaches a certain level of nutrient stores and therefore children who are overweight are more likely to undergo early puberty.
Our study identified genes involved in metabolism of fatty acids in the body as influencing timing of puberty. Some women inherit genes that make them more susceptible to weight gain and early puberty, but changes in lifestyle such as healthier eating and exercise can alter these genetic effects. One of the next stages of this study will be to test whether the same genes also influence timing of puberty in males."
"Thirty new loci for age at menarche identified by a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies"
Over 100 scientists from the International ReproGen Consortium
The study involved scientists from 104 worldwide institutions, part of the large International ReproGen Consortium.
Experts say that the earlier a girl enters puberty the higher her risk is of developing a female cancer during adulthood. She also has a greater risk of obesity later in life.
Nobody is certain why puberty is occurring much earlier among females than it did 100 years ago. Some suggest it may be linked to obesity. The authors in this latest study agree that this is most likely.
They found that some of those 30 genes that were linked to the timing of puberty were also associated with body weight regulation and fat metabolism. Whether or not obesity is a consequence of something or a cause of early puberty is still not clear, the researchers stress.
The scientists add that their study did not reveal whether early puberty is affected by those genes, diet, lifestyle and other environmental factors, a combination of all, and if so which is the main player.
The findings from this study, and future ones that use information collected from it will eventually help prevent chronic health problems linked to excessive weight gain, the researchers believe.
Early puberty not only increases the risk of obesity and female cancers later on in life, but also a number of other illnesses. A female with early puberty is more likely to experience poorer health during adulthood compared to other females.
The study investigators also identified specific genes that are involved in cell development and hormone regulation, demonstrating that puberty is controlled by a wide and complex range of biological processes.
Lead author Cathy Elks at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge, England, said:
"It is interesting that several of the new genes for puberty timing have been linked in other studies to body weight gain and obesity. This suggests that females in some families may inherit a joint genetic susceptibility to weight gain and early puberty."
Senior author Dr Ken Ong, also form the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, said:
"We know that girls who are overweight are more likely to go through puberty at younger ages. Our findings tell us that being overweight and early puberty are intricately linked. It is also important to understand that these 'common genetic factors' can be modified by changes in lifestyle. If rates of childhood obesity continue to rise we will see many more girls reach puberty at young ages. Conversely, efforts to prevent or reduce childhood obesity will help avoid early puberty."
Senior author Dr Anna Murray, University of Exeter, England, said:
"Scientists have long been fascinated by how the body knows whether it has enough nutrient stores to launch into puberty which leads to reproductive maturation. We found that the timing of puberty is related to fatty acid metabolic pathways. There is evidence that the brain can sense these types of body fats."
According to Dr Enda Byrne, from QIMR's Queensland Statistical Genetics Laboratory, Australia:
"Early puberty is a risk factor for a number of later life illnesses and poor health, including obesity and breast cancer.
There has been a gradual decrease in the average age of menarche in the population over the last century which has been attributed to improved child nutrition. It has also been known for some time that higher weight gain in childhood is associated with earlier puberty. The results from this study show that many of the genes that increase risk for weight gain and obesity in adulthood, also influence timing of puberty. This supports the idea that the body launches into puberty once it reaches a certain level of nutrient stores and therefore children who are overweight are more likely to undergo early puberty.
Our study identified genes involved in metabolism of fatty acids in the body as influencing timing of puberty. Some women inherit genes that make them more susceptible to weight gain and early puberty, but changes in lifestyle such as healthier eating and exercise can alter these genetic effects. One of the next stages of this study will be to test whether the same genes also influence timing of puberty in males."
"Thirty new loci for age at menarche identified by a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies"
Over 100 scientists from the International ReproGen Consortium
вторник, 21 июня 2011 г.
Some Immigrants Face Pressure To Perform Female Genital Mutilation, Advocates Say
Female genital mutilation is illegal in the U.S., but some African and Muslim immigrants face cultural and religious pressure from their communities to perform the procedure, CNN reports. Based on anecdotal information, some advocacy groups say immigrants are sending girls abroad for FGM.
The World Health Organization defines female genital cutting as altering or injuring the female genital organs for nonmedical purposes. In parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, certain populations consider FGM an important cultural ritual, sometimes performed in infancy and sometimes during adolescence.
There are no national surveys documenting immigrants' attitudes toward FGM or whether they are sending their daughters overseas for procedures. Experts say that conducting such studies would be extremely difficult because most families refuse to discuss the topic. An analysis of 2000 Census data by the African Women's Health Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital estimated that 228,000 U.S. women have experienced or are at risk for FGM.
To address the issue, lawmakers and advocacy groups are proposing legislation and making policy recommendations, CNN reports. Last month, Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) and Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) introduced a bill (HR 5137) that would make it a crime to send a girl abroad to undergo FGM.
In addition, a recently released policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that physicians who serve immigrant populations should consider a "prick" or "nick" to "satisfy cultural requirements" for families that might be considering more severe procedures (Chen, CNN, 5/21). Crowley has criticized the policy statement saying that the prick and nick procedure "create[s] confusion" about whether FGM is acceptable in any form. Current U.S. law criminalizes any nonmedical genital procedure performed on girls ( Women's Health Policy Report, 5/7).
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.
New York Times Magazine Examines Implications Of Egg Donation In U.S.
The New York Times Magazine on Sunday examined issues related to the increased use of egg donation for fertility treatments in the U.S. Donor eggs are now used in 12% of all in vitro fertilization attempts, making it the "fastest-growing infertility treatment," the Times Magazine reports.
According CDC data, there were 15,175 attempts by women in the U.S. to become pregnant using donated eggs in 2004 -- resulting in 5,449 infants -- compared with 1,802 attempts by women in 1992. The technique has "succeeded in, if not extending women's fertility, at least making an end-run around it," allowing older women and women with ovarian conditions to become pregnant, according to the Times Magazine. Most of the women who undergo the procedure are in their 40s, the Times Magazine reports.
According to the Times Magazine, the increase in egg donation, "as with any new reproductive technology, ... has provoked a torrent of social, legal and ethical questions about the entitlement to reproduce, what constitutes parenthood, children's right to know their origins and the very nature of family." Several studies have shown that most donor recipients do not tell their children about their origins, but some researchers say the "trend is reversing," the Times Magazine reports.
Some donors -- including Asians, Jewish women and Ivy League graduates -- are considered "exceptional donors" and command a "hefty premium," but often it cannot be determined if the information provided by the donor is accurate, according to the Times Magazine. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine in a position paper in 2006 stated that anything more than $5,000 compensation for egg donation needs "justification," adding that compensation of more than $10,000 is "beyond what is appropriate." However, some egg brokers pay women more for their eggs, the Times Magazine reports. Some countries, including Canada and France, have banned payments to egg donors (Orenstein, New York Times Magazine, 7/15).
"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.
According CDC data, there were 15,175 attempts by women in the U.S. to become pregnant using donated eggs in 2004 -- resulting in 5,449 infants -- compared with 1,802 attempts by women in 1992. The technique has "succeeded in, if not extending women's fertility, at least making an end-run around it," allowing older women and women with ovarian conditions to become pregnant, according to the Times Magazine. Most of the women who undergo the procedure are in their 40s, the Times Magazine reports.
According to the Times Magazine, the increase in egg donation, "as with any new reproductive technology, ... has provoked a torrent of social, legal and ethical questions about the entitlement to reproduce, what constitutes parenthood, children's right to know their origins and the very nature of family." Several studies have shown that most donor recipients do not tell their children about their origins, but some researchers say the "trend is reversing," the Times Magazine reports.
Some donors -- including Asians, Jewish women and Ivy League graduates -- are considered "exceptional donors" and command a "hefty premium," but often it cannot be determined if the information provided by the donor is accurate, according to the Times Magazine. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine in a position paper in 2006 stated that anything more than $5,000 compensation for egg donation needs "justification," adding that compensation of more than $10,000 is "beyond what is appropriate." However, some egg brokers pay women more for their eggs, the Times Magazine reports. Some countries, including Canada and France, have banned payments to egg donors (Orenstein, New York Times Magazine, 7/15).
"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.
For Protecting Bone Health, Dietary Calcium Better Than Supplements
Women who get most of their daily calcium from food have healthier bones than women whose calcium comes mainly from supplemental tablets, say researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Surprisingly, this is true even though the supplement takers have higher average calcium intake.
Adequate calcium is important to prevent osteoporosis, which affects an estimated 8 million American women and 2 million American men. Another 34 million Americans have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Calcium consumption can help maintain bone density by preventing the body from stealing the calcium it needs from the bones.
The researchers' conclusions about calcium intake, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, came from a study of 183 postmenopausal women. The researchers asked the women to meticulously detail their diet and their calcium supplement intake for a week. "We assumed that this sample represented each woman's typical diet," says senior author Reina Armamento-Villareal, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases and a bone specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "In addition to analyzing the volunteers' daily calcium intake, we tested bone mineral density and urinary concentrations of estrogen metabolites."
The researchers found that the women could be divided into three groups: one group, called the "supplement group," got at least 70 percent of their daily calcium from tablets or pills; another, the "diet group," got at least 70 percent of their calcium from dairy products and other foods; and a third, the "diet plus supplement group," consisted of those whose calcium-source percentages fell somewhere in between these ranges.
The "diet group" took in the least calcium, an average of 830 milligrams per day. Yet this group had higher bone density in their spines and hipbones than women in the "supplement group," who consumed about 1,030 milligrams per day. Women in the "diet plus supplement group" tended to have the highest bone mineral density as well as the highest calcium intake at 1,620 milligrams per day.
The hormone estrogen is known to maintain bone mineral density. But the standard form of estrogen is broken down or metabolized in the liver to other forms - some active and some inactive. Urinalysis showed that women in the "diet group" and the "diet plus supplement group" had a higher ratio of active to inactive estrogen metabolites than women in the "supplement group."
"This suggests that dietary calcium is associated with a shift in estrogen metabolism that favors production of active forms of estrogen," says Armamento-Villareal. "Although we're not yet certain what underlies this effect, it could be that nutrients other than calcium cause this shift. It's also known that dairy products, which are a major source of calcium, can contain active estrogenic compounds, and these can influence bone density and the amount of estrogenic metabolites in the urine."
Calcium supplements differ in how well their calcium can be absorbed, and this also could play a role in the study's findings, according to its authors. For example, calcium carbonate tablets need to be taken with a meal so that stomach acid can facilitate absorption, but calcium citrate tablets don't have this limitation. If the study participants taking calcium carbonate weren't conscientious about the timing of their supplements, they might not have received the highest benefit from them.
"Only about 35 percent of the calcium in most supplements ends up being absorbed by the body," Armamento-Villareal says. "Calcium from the diet is generally better absorbed, and this could be another reason that women who got a high percentage of calcium in their food had higher bone densities."
Although dairy foods are excellent sources of calcium, Armamento-Villareal suggests that individuals with dairy sensitivities could consume other calcium-rich food sources such as calcium-fortified orange juice. Dark green leafy vegetables also contain calcium, but it is not as readily absorbed as calcium from dairy sources.
Napoli N, Thompson J, Civitelli R, Armamento-Villareal RC. Effects of dietary calcium compared with calcium supplements on estrogen metabolism and bone mineral density. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007;85:1428-1433.
Funding from the National Institutes of Health and the General Clinical Research Center at Washington University supported this research.
Washington University School of Medicine's full-time and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient care institutions in the nation, currently ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.
Contact: Gwen Ericson
Washington University School of Medicine
Adequate calcium is important to prevent osteoporosis, which affects an estimated 8 million American women and 2 million American men. Another 34 million Americans have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Calcium consumption can help maintain bone density by preventing the body from stealing the calcium it needs from the bones.
The researchers' conclusions about calcium intake, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, came from a study of 183 postmenopausal women. The researchers asked the women to meticulously detail their diet and their calcium supplement intake for a week. "We assumed that this sample represented each woman's typical diet," says senior author Reina Armamento-Villareal, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases and a bone specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "In addition to analyzing the volunteers' daily calcium intake, we tested bone mineral density and urinary concentrations of estrogen metabolites."
The researchers found that the women could be divided into three groups: one group, called the "supplement group," got at least 70 percent of their daily calcium from tablets or pills; another, the "diet group," got at least 70 percent of their calcium from dairy products and other foods; and a third, the "diet plus supplement group," consisted of those whose calcium-source percentages fell somewhere in between these ranges.
The "diet group" took in the least calcium, an average of 830 milligrams per day. Yet this group had higher bone density in their spines and hipbones than women in the "supplement group," who consumed about 1,030 milligrams per day. Women in the "diet plus supplement group" tended to have the highest bone mineral density as well as the highest calcium intake at 1,620 milligrams per day.
The hormone estrogen is known to maintain bone mineral density. But the standard form of estrogen is broken down or metabolized in the liver to other forms - some active and some inactive. Urinalysis showed that women in the "diet group" and the "diet plus supplement group" had a higher ratio of active to inactive estrogen metabolites than women in the "supplement group."
"This suggests that dietary calcium is associated with a shift in estrogen metabolism that favors production of active forms of estrogen," says Armamento-Villareal. "Although we're not yet certain what underlies this effect, it could be that nutrients other than calcium cause this shift. It's also known that dairy products, which are a major source of calcium, can contain active estrogenic compounds, and these can influence bone density and the amount of estrogenic metabolites in the urine."
Calcium supplements differ in how well their calcium can be absorbed, and this also could play a role in the study's findings, according to its authors. For example, calcium carbonate tablets need to be taken with a meal so that stomach acid can facilitate absorption, but calcium citrate tablets don't have this limitation. If the study participants taking calcium carbonate weren't conscientious about the timing of their supplements, they might not have received the highest benefit from them.
"Only about 35 percent of the calcium in most supplements ends up being absorbed by the body," Armamento-Villareal says. "Calcium from the diet is generally better absorbed, and this could be another reason that women who got a high percentage of calcium in their food had higher bone densities."
Although dairy foods are excellent sources of calcium, Armamento-Villareal suggests that individuals with dairy sensitivities could consume other calcium-rich food sources such as calcium-fortified orange juice. Dark green leafy vegetables also contain calcium, but it is not as readily absorbed as calcium from dairy sources.
Napoli N, Thompson J, Civitelli R, Armamento-Villareal RC. Effects of dietary calcium compared with calcium supplements on estrogen metabolism and bone mineral density. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007;85:1428-1433.
Funding from the National Institutes of Health and the General Clinical Research Center at Washington University supported this research.
Washington University School of Medicine's full-time and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient care institutions in the nation, currently ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.
Contact: Gwen Ericson
Washington University School of Medicine
Women Among Groups Most Affected By Rise In STIs, New York Times Reports
A January report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have increased in the U.S., a finding that demonstrates a "growing public health problem with its severest effects among women, young people" and minority groups, the New York Times reports. The figures include only cases reported by local health departments, clinics and hospitals, and these estimates therefore could account for less than half of the actual number of STI cases, according to CDC.
According to the Times, all three STIs can be treated successfully with antibiotics; however, many people continue to spread the conditions because they are unaware of their status. CDC epidemiologist Stuart Berman said, "Condoms are a very good way to reduce the risk of getting infections," adding, "If you use them all the time, and use them correctly, they work." Berman also emphasized the importance of regular STI screening. He recommended that pregnant women and men who have sex with men should have yearly screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. In addition, sexually active women younger than age 26 should have yearly chlamydia screenings, Berman said.
According to the Times, chlamydia prevalence among women is three times greater than among men. All three STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sexual contact. When left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Syphilis also has varied severe symptoms, and all three infections can be transmitted to infants at birth, the Times reports (Bakalar, New York Times, 3/17).
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 the Times, all three STIs can be treated successfully with antibiotics; however, many people continue to spread the conditions because they are unaware of their status. CDC epidemiologist Stuart Berman said, "Condoms are a very good way to reduce the risk of getting infections," adding, "If you use them all the time, and use them correctly, they work." Berman also emphasized the importance of regular STI screening. He recommended that pregnant women and men who have sex with men should have yearly screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. In addition, sexually active women younger than age 26 should have yearly chlamydia screenings, Berman said.
According to the Times, chlamydia prevalence among women is three times greater than among men. All three STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sexual contact. When left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Syphilis also has varied severe symptoms, and all three infections can be transmitted to infants at birth, the Times reports (Bakalar, New York Times, 3/17).
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.
Blogs Comment On Ellsworth Proposal, Former Texas Planned Parenthood Director, 'Men's Rights' Movement
The following summarizes selected women's health-related blog entries.
"Abortion Opponents Cannot Be Allowed To Derail Health Care Reform," Julie Menin, Huffington Post blogs: "A truly alarming storm is brewing in the ongoing health care reform saga," as "[b]ipartisan congressional opponents of abortion are explicitly threatening to vote 'no' on any health care bill that does not explicitly prohibit abortion coverage," Menin, a television host and blogger, writes. "Such a prohibition, if put into effect, would actually have the shocking consequence of regulating abortion in the private insurance market as well," she continues. Menin notes that in "three versions of congressional bills in the House, lower-income Americans would be eligible for subsidies to aid them in purchasing health insurance." She writes that "if antiabortion legislators succeed, the subsidies could not be used to purchase a policy that in any way offers abortion coverage," which "would have the effect of essentially legislating abortion coverage in the private insurance market and taking away from women a right that they currently have with their private insurance." Citing 2002 data from the Guttmacher Institute, Menin reports than nearly 90% of private policies currently cover abortion services, meaning that "this change would be seismic." Since House Republicans are "indicating that they will not support the current health care legislation (HR 3962), the potential defection of a bloc of House Democrats (now estimated to be as high as 40 Democrats) is catastrophic," according to Menin. She says that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) "needs to respond to these Democrats with some hard facts," particularly that "abortion is a constitutionally protected right" and that "for the government to legislate over what can be in a woman's private policy cannot stand." She concludes, "True health care reform means finally providing women with equal access to health care -- and health care that is truly comprehensive in its nature -- which de facto must include abortion coverage" (Menin, Huffington Post blogs, 11/6).
"House Democrats' Abortion Battle on Health Care Down to the Wire," Dan Gilgoff, U.S. News & World Report's "God & Country": Gilgoff writes that Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) "has emerged as the key player in the House Democrats' effort to win antiabortion Democrats over to health care reform." He continues that Ellsworth "is still revising an amendment dictating the bill's abortion provisions in time for a House Rules Committee meeting Friday afternoon." He has said "his goal is to build a higher wall between private premiums, ... and federal funds, which Democrats say they want to prevent from funding abortions," Gilgoff says. According to Gilgoff, many lawmakers who oppose abortion rights "want to bar the public health insurance option and the private plans participating in the [health insurance] exchange from offering abortion coverage." He reports that Ellsworth spokesperson Liz Farrar "says she doesn't have a count of how many antiabortion Democrats support Ellsworth's amendment but that 'most pro-life Democrats are warm to the idea of a pro-life member working through the issue'" (Gilgoff, "God & Country," U.S. News & World Report, 11/5).
"Former Planned Parenthood Director Telling Fishy Story," Amanda Marcotte, Double X 's "XX Factor": The "sudden conversion" of Abby Johnson, the former director of a Texas Planned Parenthood affiliate, "to an anti-choice fanatic has more holes in it than a piece of Swiss cheese after being used for target practice," Marcotte writes. Johnson's story -- that she changed her views on abortion after seeing an ultrasound -- "fits way too neatly into a bunch of easily disproven anti-choice myths," the "main one being that all it takes is one glance at an ultrasound to cause someone to 'realize' that hey! abortion removes a fetus from your uterus," Marcotte says. "Pro-choicers already know that," Marcotte notes, adding, "Johnson seems to be selling a story that's a tad too pat, too close to what anti-choicers want to hear." Marcotte writes that "Johnson worked at a clinic that provides abortion, amongst other things. Therefore she's probably seen a whole lot of ultrasound-enabled abortions," which is a "standard part of an abortion, because gestational age determines the exact procedure, and whether or not the clinic can even do it." As a result, "Johnson's story of a sudden revelation about the nature of abortion simply doesn't seem possible," Marcotte says. According to Marcotte, "speculation that Planned Parenthood is trying to silence Johnson doesn't fit the evidence, either." She writes that the restraining order that the Texas facility obtained against Johnson and the Coalition for Life shows that Johnson tried "copying and possibly stealing private patient files from their offices after she was put under performance-review watch." In addition, Johnson is "alleged to have passed along information to the Coalition for Life that would make it easier for them to target" doctors, and she allegedly "told a clinic employee that 'something big' was going to happen," Marcotte writes (Marcotte, "XX Factor," Double X, 11/3).
"Right to Life Blasts Ellsworth Amendment," Patrick O'Connor, Politico's "Live Pulse": The National Right to Life Committee on Tuesday issued a statement "blasting" language proposed by Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) that is intended to help form a compromise on abortion coverage in health reform legislation, O'Connor writes. Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the group, said the proposal "is intended only to wrap the pro-abortion provisions in additional layers of concealment." Johnson added that Ellsworth's language "serves no purpose except to assist" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) "peel votes away from the authentic pro-life amendment," proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.). Johnson had especially harsh words for Ellsworth, saying "it is always unpleasant to be bayoneted in the back by somebody who said that he was on your side" (O'Connor, "Live Pulse," Politico, 11/3).
"'Men's Rights' Groups Go Mainstream," Judy Berman, Salon's "Broadsheet": Berman writes about the growing "'men's rights' movement, a loosely organized coalition of individuals and organizations that believe feminist-influenced society is oppressing men." Berman notes that a recent Double X article reported that groups of men's rights activists, or MRAs, are becoming increasingly involved with mainstream politics and "facing unprecedented success." According to the Double X article, the groups claim "that false (domestic abuse) allegations are rampant, that a feminist-run court system fraudulently separates innocent fathers from children, that battered women's shelters are running a racket that funnels federal dollars to feminists, that domestic violence laws give cover to cagey mail-order brides seeking Green Cards, and finally, that men are victims of an unrecognized epidemic of violence at the hands of abusive wives." Especially chilling are MRAs' accusations that men and women are equally likely to commit domestic abuse. MRAs "are beginning to find a place under conservatism's big, reactionary tent," and Berman wonders how feminists should react to them. "(D)o we go to war, or do we try and hear MRAs out?" she asks, adding, "Is there common ground to be found, or is the new men's rights movement nothing more than the old men's rights movement with a fancy haircut and a flashy suit?" (Berman, "Broadsheet," Salon, 11/5).
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.
"Abortion Opponents Cannot Be Allowed To Derail Health Care Reform," Julie Menin, Huffington Post blogs: "A truly alarming storm is brewing in the ongoing health care reform saga," as "[b]ipartisan congressional opponents of abortion are explicitly threatening to vote 'no' on any health care bill that does not explicitly prohibit abortion coverage," Menin, a television host and blogger, writes. "Such a prohibition, if put into effect, would actually have the shocking consequence of regulating abortion in the private insurance market as well," she continues. Menin notes that in "three versions of congressional bills in the House, lower-income Americans would be eligible for subsidies to aid them in purchasing health insurance." She writes that "if antiabortion legislators succeed, the subsidies could not be used to purchase a policy that in any way offers abortion coverage," which "would have the effect of essentially legislating abortion coverage in the private insurance market and taking away from women a right that they currently have with their private insurance." Citing 2002 data from the Guttmacher Institute, Menin reports than nearly 90% of private policies currently cover abortion services, meaning that "this change would be seismic." Since House Republicans are "indicating that they will not support the current health care legislation (HR 3962), the potential defection of a bloc of House Democrats (now estimated to be as high as 40 Democrats) is catastrophic," according to Menin. She says that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) "needs to respond to these Democrats with some hard facts," particularly that "abortion is a constitutionally protected right" and that "for the government to legislate over what can be in a woman's private policy cannot stand." She concludes, "True health care reform means finally providing women with equal access to health care -- and health care that is truly comprehensive in its nature -- which de facto must include abortion coverage" (Menin, Huffington Post blogs, 11/6).
"House Democrats' Abortion Battle on Health Care Down to the Wire," Dan Gilgoff, U.S. News & World Report's "God & Country": Gilgoff writes that Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) "has emerged as the key player in the House Democrats' effort to win antiabortion Democrats over to health care reform." He continues that Ellsworth "is still revising an amendment dictating the bill's abortion provisions in time for a House Rules Committee meeting Friday afternoon." He has said "his goal is to build a higher wall between private premiums, ... and federal funds, which Democrats say they want to prevent from funding abortions," Gilgoff says. According to Gilgoff, many lawmakers who oppose abortion rights "want to bar the public health insurance option and the private plans participating in the [health insurance] exchange from offering abortion coverage." He reports that Ellsworth spokesperson Liz Farrar "says she doesn't have a count of how many antiabortion Democrats support Ellsworth's amendment but that 'most pro-life Democrats are warm to the idea of a pro-life member working through the issue'" (Gilgoff, "God & Country," U.S. News & World Report, 11/5).
"Former Planned Parenthood Director Telling Fishy Story," Amanda Marcotte, Double X 's "XX Factor": The "sudden conversion" of Abby Johnson, the former director of a Texas Planned Parenthood affiliate, "to an anti-choice fanatic has more holes in it than a piece of Swiss cheese after being used for target practice," Marcotte writes. Johnson's story -- that she changed her views on abortion after seeing an ultrasound -- "fits way too neatly into a bunch of easily disproven anti-choice myths," the "main one being that all it takes is one glance at an ultrasound to cause someone to 'realize' that hey! abortion removes a fetus from your uterus," Marcotte says. "Pro-choicers already know that," Marcotte notes, adding, "Johnson seems to be selling a story that's a tad too pat, too close to what anti-choicers want to hear." Marcotte writes that "Johnson worked at a clinic that provides abortion, amongst other things. Therefore she's probably seen a whole lot of ultrasound-enabled abortions," which is a "standard part of an abortion, because gestational age determines the exact procedure, and whether or not the clinic can even do it." As a result, "Johnson's story of a sudden revelation about the nature of abortion simply doesn't seem possible," Marcotte says. According to Marcotte, "speculation that Planned Parenthood is trying to silence Johnson doesn't fit the evidence, either." She writes that the restraining order that the Texas facility obtained against Johnson and the Coalition for Life shows that Johnson tried "copying and possibly stealing private patient files from their offices after she was put under performance-review watch." In addition, Johnson is "alleged to have passed along information to the Coalition for Life that would make it easier for them to target" doctors, and she allegedly "told a clinic employee that 'something big' was going to happen," Marcotte writes (Marcotte, "XX Factor," Double X, 11/3).
"Right to Life Blasts Ellsworth Amendment," Patrick O'Connor, Politico's "Live Pulse": The National Right to Life Committee on Tuesday issued a statement "blasting" language proposed by Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) that is intended to help form a compromise on abortion coverage in health reform legislation, O'Connor writes. Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the group, said the proposal "is intended only to wrap the pro-abortion provisions in additional layers of concealment." Johnson added that Ellsworth's language "serves no purpose except to assist" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) "peel votes away from the authentic pro-life amendment," proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.). Johnson had especially harsh words for Ellsworth, saying "it is always unpleasant to be bayoneted in the back by somebody who said that he was on your side" (O'Connor, "Live Pulse," Politico, 11/3).
"'Men's Rights' Groups Go Mainstream," Judy Berman, Salon's "Broadsheet": Berman writes about the growing "'men's rights' movement, a loosely organized coalition of individuals and organizations that believe feminist-influenced society is oppressing men." Berman notes that a recent Double X article reported that groups of men's rights activists, or MRAs, are becoming increasingly involved with mainstream politics and "facing unprecedented success." According to the Double X article, the groups claim "that false (domestic abuse) allegations are rampant, that a feminist-run court system fraudulently separates innocent fathers from children, that battered women's shelters are running a racket that funnels federal dollars to feminists, that domestic violence laws give cover to cagey mail-order brides seeking Green Cards, and finally, that men are victims of an unrecognized epidemic of violence at the hands of abusive wives." Especially chilling are MRAs' accusations that men and women are equally likely to commit domestic abuse. MRAs "are beginning to find a place under conservatism's big, reactionary tent," and Berman wonders how feminists should react to them. "(D)o we go to war, or do we try and hear MRAs out?" she asks, adding, "Is there common ground to be found, or is the new men's rights movement nothing more than the old men's rights movement with a fancy haircut and a flashy suit?" (Berman, "Broadsheet," Salon, 11/5).
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.
Videos Discuss Palin Speech, Souder Resignation, Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
The following summarizes selected women's health related videos.
Palin Rallies 'Mamma Grizzlies': In a speech at a Susan B. Anthony List fundraising breakfast, Sarah Palin told the organization's supporters that they are part of "an emerging, conservative, feminist identity." SBAL backs female political candidates who oppose abortion rights. Palin aimed her call to action toward conservative mothers, "You don't want to mess with the mama grizzlies. And I think there are a whole lot of those in this room." She also gave credit to "feminist foremothers" who "could push a plow and shoot a gun and raise children all at the same time," which she said laid the groundwork for the "Western feminism" she supports (Washington Post, 5/14).
Pro-Abstinence-Only Rep. Souder Resigns: After Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) resigned amid news that he had an extramarital affair with a staff member, a video surfaced in which the socially conservative House member and the staffer discussed his strong support for abstinence-only sex education. MSNBC host Chris Matthews highlighted the video on his program's "Hardball Sideshow" segment, saying, "Well, they sold abstinence. I guess they weren't buying it" (Matthews, "Hardball," MSNBC, 5/20).
Study Examines Breast Screenings: On MSNBC's "Morning Joe," NBC Chief Medical Editor Nancy Snyderman discussed a recent study that found mammograms detect few breast cancers in women younger than age 40 but often lead to unwarranted anxiety and extra testing because of false positives. Snyderman said the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, in guidelines last year, also noted the potential drawbacks of breast cancer screening for women in their 40s. However, amidst the heated debate on health reform, the guidelines "became a huge political blowout instead of a smart conversation about science," she said (Scarborough, "Morning Joe," MSNBC, 5/19).
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.
Automatic Alerts Will Let A Woman Know If She Is Fertile Or Not: New IPhone Application
A scientifically-based family planning tool developed by researchers from Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health, a part of Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC), is now available as an easy-to-use iPhone ®, iPod touch® or iPad™ application. iCycleBeads™ is the first software application that enables a woman to plan or avoid pregnancy easily and effectively, entirely through the information provided by the application.
To use iCycleBeads a woman simply enters into the "app" the starting date of her most recent period and any historical data on her menstrual cycles that she may have. At the touch of a button, iCycleBeads shows her where she is in her cycle and whether she is on a day when pregnancy is likely or not.
The "app" is designed as a virtual representation of actual CycleBeads®, a string of 32 color-coded beads. A calendar view is also available. A red bead or box marks the first day of a woman's cycle, brown represents days when pregnancy is unlikely, and white represents days when pregnancy is likely. The user will also receive alerts that notify her when she is in her fertile window, when she is on a day when pregnancy is unlikely, and when she is likely to get her period. An alert will also prompt her to enter her cycle data if she forgets.
"Electronic devices like iPhones are increasingly popular and we see this technology as an important new way to reach women. We think that iCycleBeads will appeal to any woman who is interested in effectively and easily managing her fertility and uses a compatible mobile digital device," said Victoria Jennings, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Reproductive Health and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at GUMC.
The new "app" is modeled on the popular family planning tool, CycleBeads. Based on sophisticated computer modeling of reproductive physiology data and tested in large-clinical trials, CycleBeads lets a woman know her cycle length and clearly identifies days eight through 19 of her cycle as the days during which she is fertile. These 12 days take into account the life span of the woman's egg (about 24 hours) and the viable life of sperm (about five days) as well as the variation in the actual timing of ovulation from one cycle to the next.
The Institute for Reproductive Health has developed the only natural methods of family planning that have been clinically tested and introduced on an international scale. CycleBeads and iCycleBeads were designed for women with cycles between 26 and 32 days, an estimated 80 percent of women of reproductive age.
Cycle Technologies, the manufacturer of CycleBeads, is offering iCycleBeads at the iPhone Apple store. "We are pleased that Cycle Technologies has taken this fertility management tool high tech. While many women still prefer having something tangible like CycleBeads to hold in their hands, having an electronic version will make this family planning method available to the millions of women who use computerized "apps" for so many things every day," said Jennings, an internationally respected family planning researcher who is a co-developer of CycleBeads.
iCycleBeads will be available worldwide. Potential users of this new "app" include many of the approximately 60 million women in the United States who are of reproductive age - 15 to 44 years of age. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 3 million unplanned pregnancies each year. An estimated twenty percent of women who believe they are infertile are actually mistiming their efforts to get pregnant. iCycleBeads can help address these issues with a high tech solution.
Source:
Cindy Fox Aisen
Georgetown University Medical Center
To use iCycleBeads a woman simply enters into the "app" the starting date of her most recent period and any historical data on her menstrual cycles that she may have. At the touch of a button, iCycleBeads shows her where she is in her cycle and whether she is on a day when pregnancy is likely or not.
The "app" is designed as a virtual representation of actual CycleBeads®, a string of 32 color-coded beads. A calendar view is also available. A red bead or box marks the first day of a woman's cycle, brown represents days when pregnancy is unlikely, and white represents days when pregnancy is likely. The user will also receive alerts that notify her when she is in her fertile window, when she is on a day when pregnancy is unlikely, and when she is likely to get her period. An alert will also prompt her to enter her cycle data if she forgets.
"Electronic devices like iPhones are increasingly popular and we see this technology as an important new way to reach women. We think that iCycleBeads will appeal to any woman who is interested in effectively and easily managing her fertility and uses a compatible mobile digital device," said Victoria Jennings, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Reproductive Health and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at GUMC.
The new "app" is modeled on the popular family planning tool, CycleBeads. Based on sophisticated computer modeling of reproductive physiology data and tested in large-clinical trials, CycleBeads lets a woman know her cycle length and clearly identifies days eight through 19 of her cycle as the days during which she is fertile. These 12 days take into account the life span of the woman's egg (about 24 hours) and the viable life of sperm (about five days) as well as the variation in the actual timing of ovulation from one cycle to the next.
The Institute for Reproductive Health has developed the only natural methods of family planning that have been clinically tested and introduced on an international scale. CycleBeads and iCycleBeads were designed for women with cycles between 26 and 32 days, an estimated 80 percent of women of reproductive age.
Cycle Technologies, the manufacturer of CycleBeads, is offering iCycleBeads at the iPhone Apple store. "We are pleased that Cycle Technologies has taken this fertility management tool high tech. While many women still prefer having something tangible like CycleBeads to hold in their hands, having an electronic version will make this family planning method available to the millions of women who use computerized "apps" for so many things every day," said Jennings, an internationally respected family planning researcher who is a co-developer of CycleBeads.
iCycleBeads will be available worldwide. Potential users of this new "app" include many of the approximately 60 million women in the United States who are of reproductive age - 15 to 44 years of age. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 3 million unplanned pregnancies each year. An estimated twenty percent of women who believe they are infertile are actually mistiming their efforts to get pregnant. iCycleBeads can help address these issues with a high tech solution.
Source:
Cindy Fox Aisen
Georgetown University Medical Center
UK Pledges ??100 Million To UNFPA To Make Childbirth Safer And Promote Reproductive Health
Maternal deaths and unwanted pregnancies can be cut dramatically in countries around the globe after the British government pledged ??100 million pledged to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, to achieve universal access for reproductive health.
"Maternal health can be improved through strengthened political commitment and the dedication of increased resources. Life or death is a political decision," said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director. "The United Kingdom's generous investment in women will enable UNFPA to provide urgent, coordinated and sustained action to save mother's lives. There can be no safe future without safe motherhood -- no woman should die giving life."
The ??100 million over five years was announced by Douglas Alexander, the
UK's Secretary of State for International Development, who called on leaders of the world's poorest countries, especially in Africa, to make women's health a priority on the opening day of Women Deliver, a three-day global conference aimed to reduce maternal mortality.
"The death of a mother deprives a child, a family, a community and ultimately a county of one of its most valuable sources of health, happiness and prosperity," said Alexander addressing delegates on the opening day of Women Deliver, a global conference aimed at reducing maternal mortality. "Every minute a woman dies from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. More than 10 million women have died in the last 20 years. This is a tragedy but so is the fact these deaths could have been prevented."
To address this challenge, the UN General Assembly endorsed earlier this month a new target to achieve universal access to reproductive health as part of the Millennium Development Goal 5, which calls for the reduction maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015.
Although progress has been made in such countries as Egypt, Honduras, Sri Lanka and Thailand, maternal deaths remain high, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. A woman in Africa faces a 1 in 26 lifetime risk of maternal death compared to 1 in 8,200 in the United Kingdom.
An estimated 720,000 unwanted pregnancies could be averted, 300,000 abortions could be prevented and the lives of 1,600 mothers and 22,000 infants could be saved for every ??1 million invested in family planning, Alexander said.
unfpa
"Maternal health can be improved through strengthened political commitment and the dedication of increased resources. Life or death is a political decision," said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director. "The United Kingdom's generous investment in women will enable UNFPA to provide urgent, coordinated and sustained action to save mother's lives. There can be no safe future without safe motherhood -- no woman should die giving life."
The ??100 million over five years was announced by Douglas Alexander, the
UK's Secretary of State for International Development, who called on leaders of the world's poorest countries, especially in Africa, to make women's health a priority on the opening day of Women Deliver, a three-day global conference aimed to reduce maternal mortality.
"The death of a mother deprives a child, a family, a community and ultimately a county of one of its most valuable sources of health, happiness and prosperity," said Alexander addressing delegates on the opening day of Women Deliver, a global conference aimed at reducing maternal mortality. "Every minute a woman dies from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. More than 10 million women have died in the last 20 years. This is a tragedy but so is the fact these deaths could have been prevented."
To address this challenge, the UN General Assembly endorsed earlier this month a new target to achieve universal access to reproductive health as part of the Millennium Development Goal 5, which calls for the reduction maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015.
Although progress has been made in such countries as Egypt, Honduras, Sri Lanka and Thailand, maternal deaths remain high, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. A woman in Africa faces a 1 in 26 lifetime risk of maternal death compared to 1 in 8,200 in the United Kingdom.
An estimated 720,000 unwanted pregnancies could be averted, 300,000 abortions could be prevented and the lives of 1,600 mothers and 22,000 infants could be saved for every ??1 million invested in family planning, Alexander said.
unfpa
Hormonal Contraceptives Have Mixed Success Among Overweight Women
As obesity continues to be a worldwide health risk, one of its "side effects" could include less effective birth control for overweight and obese women who use hormonal contraceptives.
Four of seven studies examined in a recent research review comprising 39,531 women suggest that the heaviest women have the highest risk of pregnancy while using the contraceptives. Yet a closer look at the studies, the review authors say, reveals a more complicated picture.
In one study of oral contraceptive pills, women with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight range (a BMI of 25 or more) had a higher risk of pregnancy that those in the normal weight range. In another study of contraceptive skin patches, higher body weight not higher BMI was associated with higher risks of pregnancy.
Other contraceptives such as injectable or implantable hormones might "be unaffected by body mass," said lead author Laureen Lopez, Ph.D., of FHI, global health and development organization.
The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates research in all aspects of health care. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing trials on a topic.
Many researchers think that metabolic changes associated with obesity in particular, the amount of body fat could make hormonal birth control less effective. "However, we know little about how overweight women metabolize hormonal contraceptives," said Lopez, "since many studies exclude overweight women."
In the few reports that did include overweight and obese women, some studied overall body weight and others studied BMI, which could affect pregnancy risk in different ways. For instance, BMI studies tend to focus on how body fat might interfere with contraceptive metabolism, while studies of body weight might examine whether a larger woman needs a larger dose of the contraceptive, the authors say.
Women who are obese or overweight also should consider potential health risks from hormonal contraceptives, said Amitasrigowri Murthy, M.D., who directs the reproductive choice program at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York.
Some studies show that estrogen-based contraceptives can increase the risk of heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure and gallbladder disease in obese women, "who are already at increased risk for these conditions," Murthy said.
Seeking alternatives, some women turn to progesterone-based contraceptives such as the injectable Depo-Provera, Murthy said, "but if you are already overweight or obese, you should know that there is a risk of weight gain in the first year of taking it [Depo-Provera]."
Health-care workers will need better studies to help them guide women as they choose a method of contraception, Lopez and colleagues say: "Given the prevalence of overweight and obesity, the public health impact of any effect on contraceptive efficacy could be substantial."
"The contraceptive methods studied here are still among the most effective when used as recommended," said Lopez. "Moreover, pregnancy is much riskier for women who are obese compared with women of normal weight."
The Cochrane Library contains high quality health care information, including Systematic Reviews from The Cochrane Collaboration. These reviews bring together research on the effects of health care and are considered the gold standard for determining the relative effectiveness of different interventions. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international nonprofit, independent organization that produces and disseminates systematic reviews of health care interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions.
Lopez LM, et al. Hormonal contraceptives for contraception in overweight or obese women. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 7.
Source: Health Behavior News Service
Four of seven studies examined in a recent research review comprising 39,531 women suggest that the heaviest women have the highest risk of pregnancy while using the contraceptives. Yet a closer look at the studies, the review authors say, reveals a more complicated picture.
In one study of oral contraceptive pills, women with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight range (a BMI of 25 or more) had a higher risk of pregnancy that those in the normal weight range. In another study of contraceptive skin patches, higher body weight not higher BMI was associated with higher risks of pregnancy.
Other contraceptives such as injectable or implantable hormones might "be unaffected by body mass," said lead author Laureen Lopez, Ph.D., of FHI, global health and development organization.
The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates research in all aspects of health care. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing trials on a topic.
Many researchers think that metabolic changes associated with obesity in particular, the amount of body fat could make hormonal birth control less effective. "However, we know little about how overweight women metabolize hormonal contraceptives," said Lopez, "since many studies exclude overweight women."
In the few reports that did include overweight and obese women, some studied overall body weight and others studied BMI, which could affect pregnancy risk in different ways. For instance, BMI studies tend to focus on how body fat might interfere with contraceptive metabolism, while studies of body weight might examine whether a larger woman needs a larger dose of the contraceptive, the authors say.
Women who are obese or overweight also should consider potential health risks from hormonal contraceptives, said Amitasrigowri Murthy, M.D., who directs the reproductive choice program at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York.
Some studies show that estrogen-based contraceptives can increase the risk of heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure and gallbladder disease in obese women, "who are already at increased risk for these conditions," Murthy said.
Seeking alternatives, some women turn to progesterone-based contraceptives such as the injectable Depo-Provera, Murthy said, "but if you are already overweight or obese, you should know that there is a risk of weight gain in the first year of taking it [Depo-Provera]."
Health-care workers will need better studies to help them guide women as they choose a method of contraception, Lopez and colleagues say: "Given the prevalence of overweight and obesity, the public health impact of any effect on contraceptive efficacy could be substantial."
"The contraceptive methods studied here are still among the most effective when used as recommended," said Lopez. "Moreover, pregnancy is much riskier for women who are obese compared with women of normal weight."
The Cochrane Library contains high quality health care information, including Systematic Reviews from The Cochrane Collaboration. These reviews bring together research on the effects of health care and are considered the gold standard for determining the relative effectiveness of different interventions. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international nonprofit, independent organization that produces and disseminates systematic reviews of health care interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions.
Lopez LM, et al. Hormonal contraceptives for contraception in overweight or obese women. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 7.
Source: Health Behavior News Service
Statement Of The European Society Of Human Reproduction And Embryology On The European Commission Proposal Of Viral Screening In Assisted Reproduction
With 900,000 assisted reproduction treatments annually such as IVF and intrauterine inseminations in Europe the Commission's proposal to screen both partners before each treatment could lead to costs of over EUR 140 million annually. These figures do not include the additional overhead costs such as administration, personnel and documentation that the hospitals would have to carry on top of that. The new interpretation of the EU Directive would have substantial implications on the costs of fertility treatments in Europe.
On 19-20 October in a meeting with the National Competent Authorities, the Commission stated that in terms of the directive, all patients must be tested for HIV, hepatitis, Human T-lymphotropic virus, and syphilis prior to each treatment and that this is not open for national interpretation.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is currently covered under the European Union Tissues and Cells Directive (EUTCD; EC/2004/23), a legal document originating from the European Union's public health programme. The Directive covers donation of all tissues and cells within the EU (except blood and blood-products).
Sperm samples from couples who are married or have been together for several years are treated as 'partner donation'. However, couples seeking assisted reproduction generally undergo a series of treatments in one year instead of one single donation as is the case for organ or tissue donations. So testing would have to be done for the same couple and for each treatment.
Currently 500,000 IVF treatments are performed in Europe, on top of these come 400,000 intrauterine inseminations (IUI). Since both partners need to be screened this would lead to 1.4 million tests a year. With an average cost of EUR 100 per test kit, this would result in a cost burden of EUR 140 million for the European ART sector.
"In the history of ART and the area covered by the Directive there has been no single documented report of viral transmission", explained Dr. S??ren Ziebe from the University Hospital of Copenhagen. "How can we document something that never happened?" he added. This interpretation will have a profound impact on all units conducting assisted reproduction.
Most national authorities are in line with ESHRE and see this interpretation of the Directive as not relevant to the ART sector. "The ART field should have a separate specific Directive given that ART is so different in its specifications compared to tissue or organ donations", said Prof. Jean Francois Gu?©rin, from the University of Lyon.
ESHRE acknowledges that non-partner donation is an area with separate requirements. In Denmark viral screening for diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis B is valid for 24 months. In France it is valid for up to 12 months. At the moment the period of validity is interpreted by the national authorities and there seems to be different interpretations and practices at the national level. "It has been suggested to establish a formal working group with professionals in the field of ART and other relevant professionals such as microbiologists as well as national regulators", explained Dr. S??ren Ziebe. "This group, if established by the Commission, could be very useful in order to reach a consensus in this area", he said.
Source: Hanna Hanssen
European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology
On 19-20 October in a meeting with the National Competent Authorities, the Commission stated that in terms of the directive, all patients must be tested for HIV, hepatitis, Human T-lymphotropic virus, and syphilis prior to each treatment and that this is not open for national interpretation.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is currently covered under the European Union Tissues and Cells Directive (EUTCD; EC/2004/23), a legal document originating from the European Union's public health programme. The Directive covers donation of all tissues and cells within the EU (except blood and blood-products).
Sperm samples from couples who are married or have been together for several years are treated as 'partner donation'. However, couples seeking assisted reproduction generally undergo a series of treatments in one year instead of one single donation as is the case for organ or tissue donations. So testing would have to be done for the same couple and for each treatment.
Currently 500,000 IVF treatments are performed in Europe, on top of these come 400,000 intrauterine inseminations (IUI). Since both partners need to be screened this would lead to 1.4 million tests a year. With an average cost of EUR 100 per test kit, this would result in a cost burden of EUR 140 million for the European ART sector.
"In the history of ART and the area covered by the Directive there has been no single documented report of viral transmission", explained Dr. S??ren Ziebe from the University Hospital of Copenhagen. "How can we document something that never happened?" he added. This interpretation will have a profound impact on all units conducting assisted reproduction.
Most national authorities are in line with ESHRE and see this interpretation of the Directive as not relevant to the ART sector. "The ART field should have a separate specific Directive given that ART is so different in its specifications compared to tissue or organ donations", said Prof. Jean Francois Gu?©rin, from the University of Lyon.
ESHRE acknowledges that non-partner donation is an area with separate requirements. In Denmark viral screening for diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis B is valid for 24 months. In France it is valid for up to 12 months. At the moment the period of validity is interpreted by the national authorities and there seems to be different interpretations and practices at the national level. "It has been suggested to establish a formal working group with professionals in the field of ART and other relevant professionals such as microbiologists as well as national regulators", explained Dr. S??ren Ziebe. "This group, if established by the Commission, could be very useful in order to reach a consensus in this area", he said.
Source: Hanna Hanssen
European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology
Women With Osteoporosis, Previous Vertebral Fracture Have Increased Long-Term Risk For New Fracture
Over a 15 year period, women with low bone mineral density and a previous vertebral fracture had an increased risk of a new vertebral fracture compared to women with normal bone mineral density and no previous fracture, according to a study in the December 19 issue of JAMA.
Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture, with prevalence estimates of 35 percent to 50 percent among women older than 50 years. About 700,000 vertebral fractures occur each year in the United States, according to background information in the article. Women with low bone mineral density (BMD) and previous vertebral fractures have a greater risk of new vertebral fractures over the short-term, but their risk of vertebral fracture over the long-term is uncertain.
Jane A. Cauley, Dr.P.H., of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues examined the absolute risk of new vertebral fractures by spine and hip BMD and previous vertebral fracture status over 15 years of follow-up in a group of 9,704 white women, who were recruited at four U.S. clinical centers and enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Of these, 2,680 attended a clinic visit an average of 14.9 years after entering the study. The average age of the women was 68.8 years at entry and 83.8 years at follow-up.
The researchers found that of these 2,680 women, 487 (18.2 percent) experienced a new vertebral fracture, including 163 (41.4 percent) of the 394 with a previous vertebral fracture at baseline and 324 (14.2 percent) of the 2,286 without a previous vertebral fracture at baseline. Women who experienced a new fracture also weighed less, were more likely to have a positive fracture history and a previous vertebral fracture at study entry, and less likely to report estrogen use at baseline.
Women with a previous vertebral fracture at baseline had more than four times the odds of experiencing a new vertebral fracture over follow-up compared with women without a previous vertebral fracture at baseline. The risk was greatest among women with two or more previous fractures at baseline.
Low BMD was a strong predictor of new vertebral fracture. About one-third of women with a low hip BMD measurement had a new vertebral fracture, compared with about 10 percent of women with normal BMD. The absolute risk of vertebral fractures was 56 percent among women with both a previous vertebral fracture and BMD in the osteoporotic range. In contrast, women with normal BMD and no previous fracture had an absolute risk of about 9 percent.
"Our results support the recommendation that older women with a prevalent vertebral fracture should be treated for osteoporosis irrespective of BMD. Treatment of women with prevalent asymptomatic vertebral fractures with bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptors modulators has been shown to decrease fracture incidence," the authors write.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007;298(23):2761-2767.
Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture, with prevalence estimates of 35 percent to 50 percent among women older than 50 years. About 700,000 vertebral fractures occur each year in the United States, according to background information in the article. Women with low bone mineral density (BMD) and previous vertebral fractures have a greater risk of new vertebral fractures over the short-term, but their risk of vertebral fracture over the long-term is uncertain.
Jane A. Cauley, Dr.P.H., of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues examined the absolute risk of new vertebral fractures by spine and hip BMD and previous vertebral fracture status over 15 years of follow-up in a group of 9,704 white women, who were recruited at four U.S. clinical centers and enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Of these, 2,680 attended a clinic visit an average of 14.9 years after entering the study. The average age of the women was 68.8 years at entry and 83.8 years at follow-up.
The researchers found that of these 2,680 women, 487 (18.2 percent) experienced a new vertebral fracture, including 163 (41.4 percent) of the 394 with a previous vertebral fracture at baseline and 324 (14.2 percent) of the 2,286 without a previous vertebral fracture at baseline. Women who experienced a new fracture also weighed less, were more likely to have a positive fracture history and a previous vertebral fracture at study entry, and less likely to report estrogen use at baseline.
Women with a previous vertebral fracture at baseline had more than four times the odds of experiencing a new vertebral fracture over follow-up compared with women without a previous vertebral fracture at baseline. The risk was greatest among women with two or more previous fractures at baseline.
Low BMD was a strong predictor of new vertebral fracture. About one-third of women with a low hip BMD measurement had a new vertebral fracture, compared with about 10 percent of women with normal BMD. The absolute risk of vertebral fractures was 56 percent among women with both a previous vertebral fracture and BMD in the osteoporotic range. In contrast, women with normal BMD and no previous fracture had an absolute risk of about 9 percent.
"Our results support the recommendation that older women with a prevalent vertebral fracture should be treated for osteoporosis irrespective of BMD. Treatment of women with prevalent asymptomatic vertebral fractures with bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptors modulators has been shown to decrease fracture incidence," the authors write.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007;298(23):2761-2767.
What Is Turner Syndrome? What Causes Turner Syndrome?
Turner syndrome, also known as Turners syndrome, Ullrich-Turner syndrome or Gonadal dysgenesis, is a chromosomal disorder that affects only females. It is characterized by the absence of part or all of a second sex chromosome in some or all cells. Approximately 1 in every 2,500 to 3,000 girls is born with the condition.
People without Turner syndrome have 46 chromosomes, of which 2 are sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes. In people with Turner syndrome, one of those sex chromosomes is either missing or has other abnormalities - the chromosome may be missing in some cells but not in others (mosaicism or Turner mosaicism). In other words, there are two types of Turner syndromes:
Classical Turner syndrome - an X chromosome is completely missing.
Mosaic Turner syndrome (mosaicism or Turner mosaicism) - the abnormalities only occur in the X chromosome of some of the cells in the body.
Chromosomes are strands of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that exist in all the cells of the human body. Chromosomes contain instructions that make a human's behavioral and physical characteristics.
The syndrome is named after Dr. Henry Turner (USA 1892-1970), an Oklahoma endocrinologist, who described it in 1938.
Turner syndrome can cause:
Physical disabilities
Emotional disabilities
Educational disabilities
According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:
Turner syndrome is "a syndrome with chromosome count 45 and only one X chromosome; buccal and other cells are usually sex chromatin-negative; anomalies include dwarfism, webbed neck, valgus of elbows, pigeon chest, infantile sexual development, and amenorrhea; the ovary has no primordial follicles and may be represented only by a fibrous streak; some affected people are chromosomal mosaic, with two or more cell lines of different chromosome constitution; seen in many animal species, in the meadow vole it is the normal female state."
What are the signs and symptoms of Turner syndrome?
A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.
The signs and symptoms of Turner syndrome vary considerably and may even appear before birth.
Signs and symptoms before birth
Unborn females with Turner syndrome (TS) may develop lymphedema - fluid is not properly transported around the organs of the body, excess fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, resulting in swelling. It is not uncommon for babies born with TS to have swollen hands and feet. The unborn baby may also have:
Thick neck tissue
Cystic hygroma - swelling of the neck
Lower than normal weight
The following signs and symptoms may be present at birth or during infancy
Broad chest
Cubitus valgus (arms turn outwards at the elbows)
Eyelids that droop
Fingernails that turn upward
High, narrow palate (roof of mouth)
Low hairline at the back of the head
Low set ears
Receding lower jaw
Short hands
Slower/delayed growth
Small lower jaw
Smaller height at birth
Smaller weight at birth
Swelling of the hands and feet
Web-like neck
Wide neck
Widely spaced nipples
In some cases Turner syndrome may not become apparent until later on. The following signs and symptoms that appear later may indicate Turner syndrome:
Growth spurts do not occur at expected childhood times. During the first three years of life the baby/toddler may be of normal height. However, by the age of three their growth rate will be lower than average.
The person is much shorter than expected; about 8 inches (20 cms) shorter than expected for an adult female member of that family (without treatment).
Learning difficulties - the majority of girls with TS have normal intelligence, as well as good verbal and reading skills. There may be some problems with math, spatial concepts, memory skills and fine finger movements.
Social problems - the patient may find it hard to properly interpret other people's reactions or emotions.
Non-functioning ovaries - during puberty a female's ovaries generally start producing estrogen and progesterone (sex hormones). The majority of girls with TS will not produce these sex hormones, resulting in:
No onset of menstrual periods
Poorly developed breasts
Possible infertility
Although the TS female has non-functioning ovaries and is infertile, her vagina and uterus (womb) will generally be normal and she will usually be able to have a normal sex life. Approximately 30% of females with TS will undergo some physical changes during puberty. About 0.5% of girls with TS can become pregnant without fertility treatment.
Other possible signs and symptoms - as well as those listed above, the following may also be present:
Eyes that slant downwards
Prominent earlobes
Mouth abnormalities which can cause dental problems
Narrowing of the aorta which may result in heart murmur
Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland. This can be treated with thyroxine tablets.
Hypertension - females with TS are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure
Brittle bones (osteoporosis) - caused by insufficient estrogen
Otitis media (middle ear infection, glue ear) - very common among young girls with TS
Hearing loss in adulthood - usually caused by otitis media during childhood
Diabetes - older and overweight females with TS have a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to other women of the same age or weight
Moles - females with TS may have a large number of moles
Small spoon-shaped nails
A shorter than normal fourth finger or toe
What are the causes of Turner syndrome?
Experts say that the loss or abnormality of the X chromosome occurs spontaneously. If somebody has a child with TS, this does not mean there is a higher risk of any subsequent children having the condition.
TS occurs when the baby is conceived, when the sperm enters the egg (ovum) and the egg is fertilized.
Only females are affected.
TS occurs when the second X chromosome is either incomplete or missing completely.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, about 1 in every 2,500 baby girls is born with the condition. If a baby is conceived with a missing X chromosome the pregnancy usually miscarries (aborts naturally).
Approximately 10% of all miscarriages during the first trimester of pregnancy are caused by TS.
Most of us are born with two sex chromosomes. Males inherit the X chromosome for their mothers and the Y chromosome from their fathers. Females inherit one X chromosome from each parent. When a female has Turner syndrome one X chromosome copy is either absent or significantly altered. The following genetic alterations of Turner syndrome are possible:
Monosomy - one X chromosome is completely missing. Experts believe this is caused by an error either in the father's sperm or the mother's ovum (egg). Every cell in the offspring's body has one X chromosome missing.
Mosaic Turner syndrome (mosaicism or Turner mosaicism) - during the early stages of fetal development an error may have occurred in cell division, resulting in some cells having two X chromosome copies, while others only have one. In some cases there may be some cells with both X chromosome copies, and others with one altered copy.
Y chromosome material - a small number of patients with TS have some cells with just one X chromosome copy and other cells with just one X chromosome copy as well as some Y chromosome material. The individual develops as a female, but has a higher risk of developing gonadoblastoma (a type of cancer).
The missing or altered X chromosome causes errors during fetal development, as well as subsequent development after birth.
What are the risk factors for Turner syndrome?
A risk factor is something which increases the likelihood of developing a condition or disease. For example, obesity significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes type 2. Therefore, obesity is a risk factor for diabetes type 2.
Experts say that the risk of having TS is the same for females in all regions of the world, races, nationalities and socioeconomic groups. The condition occurs randomly and is not associated with the age of the mother or father.
There are no known toxins or environmental factors that appear to alter the risk of developing TS.
How is Turner syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis during pregnancy and birth - during an ultrasound test, for example, TS may be suspected. Amniocentesis or Chorionic villus sampling, both antenatal tests that detect chromosomal abnormalities, are possible ways to confirm a diagnosis. Diagnosis may also eventually be made if heart or kidney problems, or swelling of the hands and feet are present at birth.
Diagnosis during childhood - if the child has a wide or webbed neck, a broad chest and widely spaced nipples TS may be suspected.
If the girl eventually has a short stature and undeveloped ovaries, TS may be suspected.
Sometimes diagnosis is not made until later, for example, when puberty does not occur.
Karotype - this blood test can be used to detect extra or missing chromosomes, chromosomal rearrangements, or chromosomal breaks. This may be done either by taking a sample of the amniotic fluid while the baby is still in the uterus, or taking a blood sample from a child/baby. If one of the X chromosomes is missing or incomplete, TS is confirmed.
What are the treatment options for Turner syndrome?
Turner syndrome is a genetic condition for which there is no current cure. However, several treatments may help with short stature, sexual development and learning difficulties.
Early preventative care - it is important that the child is checked regularly so that the risk of complications can be minimized. Blood pressure and the thyroid gland need to be monitored frequently, and any necessary treatment given immediately.
Treatment with medical specialists - as girls with TS are more likely to develop otitis media (inner ear infections, glue ear) they need to be treated promptly to minimize the risk of hearing difficulties later in life. Treatment should be carried out by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist.
Hormone therapy, which may include estrogen, progesterone and growth hormones, may be required. These treatments will be done with an endocrinologist, or pediatric endocrinologist.
Growth hormone therapy - as soon as it is established that the girl with TS is not growing properly growth hormone should be administered. Effective therapy may prevent short stature later in life. Treatment may start as early as the age of one or two years. A daily injection is given. Growth hormone therapy may add an extra 10cm (4 inches) to the girl's eventual stature.
Estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy - the girl needs these two hormones to develop sexually. Estrogen will also stop her bones from becoming brittle (osteoporosis). The ovaries of a girl with TS do not produce sufficient quantities of these hormones. How much the patient is producing herself can be determined with blood tests.
Estrogen replacement therapy will start at the onset of puberty (11 years of age). The patient will initially receive low doses, which are slowly increased. Progesterone therapy is generally given later to trigger menstrual periods. TS patients require sexual hormone treatment for the rest of their lives. Treatment may be given as tablets, injections or patches.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) - the majority of patients with TS are unable to become pregnant without help. If a woman with TS wants to become pregnant she will probably require assistance, for example, IVF. If the patient manages to become pregnant she will need to be monitored closely, because of the extra strain on her heart and blood vessels.
Counseling and psychological therapy - some patients may develop psychological problems and will benefit from psychological therapy.
Learning assistance - although girls with TS generally have normal levels of IQ, there may be problems with numeracy, spatial concepts, memory skills and fine finger movements. Educational support will help the child.
What are the possible complications related to Turner syndrome?
Heart problems - some girls with TS are born with either heart defects or very slight heart abnormalities which may raise their risk of complications later in life. Defects in the aorta, the main blood vessel leading out of the heart raises the risk of aortic dissection (a tear in the inner layer of the aorta). If there is a defect in the valve between the aorta and the heart there is an increased risk of an aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the valve).
High blood pressure - people with TS are much more prone to suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension) compared to others.
Diabetes - overweight or older women with TS have a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to other women of the same age and weight.
Hearing - gradual loss of nerve function can cause hearing loss. Girls with TS are much more likely to develop glue ear (otitis media, inner ear infection), which can lead to hearing loss.
Kidney problems - approximately 30% of TS patients have some kind of kidney malformation, raising the risk of hypertension and urinary tract infections.
Hypothyroidism - having an underactive thyroid gland is more likely among patients with TS.
Tooth loss - patients with TS have a higher risk of having poor or abnormal tooth development, resulting in more tooth loss. Also, because of the shape of the mouth and palate, the patient is more likely to suffer from crowded and poorly aligned teeth.
Vision - strabismus is more common among girls with Turner syndrome (eyes to not work in parallel and appear to be looking in different directions). Hyperopia (farsightedness, long-sightedness) is more common among girls with TS.
Bones - women with TS have a significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Sometimes there may be problems with the curvature of the spine, leading to scoliosis. There is also a risk of kyphosis (forward rounding of the upper back).
Pregnancy - a woman with TS who becomes pregnant has a significantly higher risk of developing complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and aortic dissection.
Psychology - there is a greater risk of problems with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). There may also be difficulties in social situations.
People without Turner syndrome have 46 chromosomes, of which 2 are sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes. In people with Turner syndrome, one of those sex chromosomes is either missing or has other abnormalities - the chromosome may be missing in some cells but not in others (mosaicism or Turner mosaicism). In other words, there are two types of Turner syndromes:
Classical Turner syndrome - an X chromosome is completely missing.
Mosaic Turner syndrome (mosaicism or Turner mosaicism) - the abnormalities only occur in the X chromosome of some of the cells in the body.
Chromosomes are strands of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that exist in all the cells of the human body. Chromosomes contain instructions that make a human's behavioral and physical characteristics.
The syndrome is named after Dr. Henry Turner (USA 1892-1970), an Oklahoma endocrinologist, who described it in 1938.
Turner syndrome can cause:
Physical disabilities
Emotional disabilities
Educational disabilities
According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:
Turner syndrome is "a syndrome with chromosome count 45 and only one X chromosome; buccal and other cells are usually sex chromatin-negative; anomalies include dwarfism, webbed neck, valgus of elbows, pigeon chest, infantile sexual development, and amenorrhea; the ovary has no primordial follicles and may be represented only by a fibrous streak; some affected people are chromosomal mosaic, with two or more cell lines of different chromosome constitution; seen in many animal species, in the meadow vole it is the normal female state."
What are the signs and symptoms of Turner syndrome?
A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.
The signs and symptoms of Turner syndrome vary considerably and may even appear before birth.
Signs and symptoms before birth
Unborn females with Turner syndrome (TS) may develop lymphedema - fluid is not properly transported around the organs of the body, excess fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, resulting in swelling. It is not uncommon for babies born with TS to have swollen hands and feet. The unborn baby may also have:
Thick neck tissue
Cystic hygroma - swelling of the neck
Lower than normal weight
The following signs and symptoms may be present at birth or during infancy
Broad chest
Cubitus valgus (arms turn outwards at the elbows)
Eyelids that droop
Fingernails that turn upward
High, narrow palate (roof of mouth)
Low hairline at the back of the head
Low set ears
Receding lower jaw
Short hands
Slower/delayed growth
Small lower jaw
Smaller height at birth
Smaller weight at birth
Swelling of the hands and feet
Web-like neck
Wide neck
Widely spaced nipples
In some cases Turner syndrome may not become apparent until later on. The following signs and symptoms that appear later may indicate Turner syndrome:
Growth spurts do not occur at expected childhood times. During the first three years of life the baby/toddler may be of normal height. However, by the age of three their growth rate will be lower than average.
The person is much shorter than expected; about 8 inches (20 cms) shorter than expected for an adult female member of that family (without treatment).
Learning difficulties - the majority of girls with TS have normal intelligence, as well as good verbal and reading skills. There may be some problems with math, spatial concepts, memory skills and fine finger movements.
Social problems - the patient may find it hard to properly interpret other people's reactions or emotions.
Non-functioning ovaries - during puberty a female's ovaries generally start producing estrogen and progesterone (sex hormones). The majority of girls with TS will not produce these sex hormones, resulting in:
No onset of menstrual periods
Poorly developed breasts
Possible infertility
Although the TS female has non-functioning ovaries and is infertile, her vagina and uterus (womb) will generally be normal and she will usually be able to have a normal sex life. Approximately 30% of females with TS will undergo some physical changes during puberty. About 0.5% of girls with TS can become pregnant without fertility treatment.
Other possible signs and symptoms - as well as those listed above, the following may also be present:
Eyes that slant downwards
Prominent earlobes
Mouth abnormalities which can cause dental problems
Narrowing of the aorta which may result in heart murmur
Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland. This can be treated with thyroxine tablets.
Hypertension - females with TS are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure
Brittle bones (osteoporosis) - caused by insufficient estrogen
Otitis media (middle ear infection, glue ear) - very common among young girls with TS
Hearing loss in adulthood - usually caused by otitis media during childhood
Diabetes - older and overweight females with TS have a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to other women of the same age or weight
Moles - females with TS may have a large number of moles
Small spoon-shaped nails
A shorter than normal fourth finger or toe
What are the causes of Turner syndrome?
Experts say that the loss or abnormality of the X chromosome occurs spontaneously. If somebody has a child with TS, this does not mean there is a higher risk of any subsequent children having the condition.
TS occurs when the baby is conceived, when the sperm enters the egg (ovum) and the egg is fertilized.
Only females are affected.
TS occurs when the second X chromosome is either incomplete or missing completely.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, about 1 in every 2,500 baby girls is born with the condition. If a baby is conceived with a missing X chromosome the pregnancy usually miscarries (aborts naturally).
Approximately 10% of all miscarriages during the first trimester of pregnancy are caused by TS.
Most of us are born with two sex chromosomes. Males inherit the X chromosome for their mothers and the Y chromosome from their fathers. Females inherit one X chromosome from each parent. When a female has Turner syndrome one X chromosome copy is either absent or significantly altered. The following genetic alterations of Turner syndrome are possible:
Monosomy - one X chromosome is completely missing. Experts believe this is caused by an error either in the father's sperm or the mother's ovum (egg). Every cell in the offspring's body has one X chromosome missing.
Mosaic Turner syndrome (mosaicism or Turner mosaicism) - during the early stages of fetal development an error may have occurred in cell division, resulting in some cells having two X chromosome copies, while others only have one. In some cases there may be some cells with both X chromosome copies, and others with one altered copy.
Y chromosome material - a small number of patients with TS have some cells with just one X chromosome copy and other cells with just one X chromosome copy as well as some Y chromosome material. The individual develops as a female, but has a higher risk of developing gonadoblastoma (a type of cancer).
The missing or altered X chromosome causes errors during fetal development, as well as subsequent development after birth.
What are the risk factors for Turner syndrome?
A risk factor is something which increases the likelihood of developing a condition or disease. For example, obesity significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes type 2. Therefore, obesity is a risk factor for diabetes type 2.
Experts say that the risk of having TS is the same for females in all regions of the world, races, nationalities and socioeconomic groups. The condition occurs randomly and is not associated with the age of the mother or father.
There are no known toxins or environmental factors that appear to alter the risk of developing TS.
How is Turner syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis during pregnancy and birth - during an ultrasound test, for example, TS may be suspected. Amniocentesis or Chorionic villus sampling, both antenatal tests that detect chromosomal abnormalities, are possible ways to confirm a diagnosis. Diagnosis may also eventually be made if heart or kidney problems, or swelling of the hands and feet are present at birth.
Diagnosis during childhood - if the child has a wide or webbed neck, a broad chest and widely spaced nipples TS may be suspected.
If the girl eventually has a short stature and undeveloped ovaries, TS may be suspected.
Sometimes diagnosis is not made until later, for example, when puberty does not occur.
Karotype - this blood test can be used to detect extra or missing chromosomes, chromosomal rearrangements, or chromosomal breaks. This may be done either by taking a sample of the amniotic fluid while the baby is still in the uterus, or taking a blood sample from a child/baby. If one of the X chromosomes is missing or incomplete, TS is confirmed.
What are the treatment options for Turner syndrome?
Turner syndrome is a genetic condition for which there is no current cure. However, several treatments may help with short stature, sexual development and learning difficulties.
Early preventative care - it is important that the child is checked regularly so that the risk of complications can be minimized. Blood pressure and the thyroid gland need to be monitored frequently, and any necessary treatment given immediately.
Treatment with medical specialists - as girls with TS are more likely to develop otitis media (inner ear infections, glue ear) they need to be treated promptly to minimize the risk of hearing difficulties later in life. Treatment should be carried out by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist.
Hormone therapy, which may include estrogen, progesterone and growth hormones, may be required. These treatments will be done with an endocrinologist, or pediatric endocrinologist.
Growth hormone therapy - as soon as it is established that the girl with TS is not growing properly growth hormone should be administered. Effective therapy may prevent short stature later in life. Treatment may start as early as the age of one or two years. A daily injection is given. Growth hormone therapy may add an extra 10cm (4 inches) to the girl's eventual stature.
Estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy - the girl needs these two hormones to develop sexually. Estrogen will also stop her bones from becoming brittle (osteoporosis). The ovaries of a girl with TS do not produce sufficient quantities of these hormones. How much the patient is producing herself can be determined with blood tests.
Estrogen replacement therapy will start at the onset of puberty (11 years of age). The patient will initially receive low doses, which are slowly increased. Progesterone therapy is generally given later to trigger menstrual periods. TS patients require sexual hormone treatment for the rest of their lives. Treatment may be given as tablets, injections or patches.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) - the majority of patients with TS are unable to become pregnant without help. If a woman with TS wants to become pregnant she will probably require assistance, for example, IVF. If the patient manages to become pregnant she will need to be monitored closely, because of the extra strain on her heart and blood vessels.
Counseling and psychological therapy - some patients may develop psychological problems and will benefit from psychological therapy.
Learning assistance - although girls with TS generally have normal levels of IQ, there may be problems with numeracy, spatial concepts, memory skills and fine finger movements. Educational support will help the child.
What are the possible complications related to Turner syndrome?
Heart problems - some girls with TS are born with either heart defects or very slight heart abnormalities which may raise their risk of complications later in life. Defects in the aorta, the main blood vessel leading out of the heart raises the risk of aortic dissection (a tear in the inner layer of the aorta). If there is a defect in the valve between the aorta and the heart there is an increased risk of an aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the valve).
High blood pressure - people with TS are much more prone to suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension) compared to others.
Diabetes - overweight or older women with TS have a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to other women of the same age and weight.
Hearing - gradual loss of nerve function can cause hearing loss. Girls with TS are much more likely to develop glue ear (otitis media, inner ear infection), which can lead to hearing loss.
Kidney problems - approximately 30% of TS patients have some kind of kidney malformation, raising the risk of hypertension and urinary tract infections.
Hypothyroidism - having an underactive thyroid gland is more likely among patients with TS.
Tooth loss - patients with TS have a higher risk of having poor or abnormal tooth development, resulting in more tooth loss. Also, because of the shape of the mouth and palate, the patient is more likely to suffer from crowded and poorly aligned teeth.
Vision - strabismus is more common among girls with Turner syndrome (eyes to not work in parallel and appear to be looking in different directions). Hyperopia (farsightedness, long-sightedness) is more common among girls with TS.
Bones - women with TS have a significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Sometimes there may be problems with the curvature of the spine, leading to scoliosis. There is also a risk of kyphosis (forward rounding of the upper back).
Pregnancy - a woman with TS who becomes pregnant has a significantly higher risk of developing complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and aortic dissection.
Psychology - there is a greater risk of problems with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). There may also be difficulties in social situations.
Blogs Comment On Anniversary Of Roe, Inauguration Of President Obama, Other Topics
The following summarizes recent women's health-related blog entries.
~ "Buh-Bye Bush, Hello Repro-Rights," Tracy Clark-Flory, Salon's Broadsheet: It is "fitting" that NARAL Pro-Choice America released its report on the status of women's reproductive rights "just as we bid good riddance" to former President George W. Bush, "whose eight years in office saw the passage of 317" antiabortion-rights measures, including the HHS provider "conscience" rule "limiting women's access to basic health care," Clark-Flory writes. She continues that it would be "hard to stomach" the NARAL report "if we weren't … inaugurating" President Obama, who supports abortion rights. According to Clark-Flory, the report has "some depressing findings," including that 4,200 antiabortion-rights measures were considered during Bush's administration and that 16 states passed 24 antiabortion-rights laws in 2008. However, "there is some good news," including findings that 23 states passed 39 measures supporting abortion rights in 2008, Clark-Flory writes. She adds that the new president, as well as 40 senators and 185 members of the House, also support abortion rights (Clark-Flory, Salon's Broadsheet, 1/16).
~ "Happy Sanctity of Human Life Day," Kate Harding, Salon's Broadsheet: "If you thought the only holiday this long weekend was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you'll want to grab some extra chips and dip in case friends drop by to celebrate 'National Sanctity of Human Life Day,'" Harding writes. According to Harding, former President George W. Bush last week proclaimed Jan. 18 as "National Sanctity of Human Life Day." She adds that "just in case you were thinking, 'Well, it's not like 'sanctity of human life' is an intrinsically objectionable concept'" and "maybe there's even some chance" that the proclamation is not a "gift" to abortion-rights opponents, "Bush clarifies" the holiday by declaring that it "'recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world.'" Harding writes, "Not considered as worthy of mention as zygotes in a proclamation on the Sanctity of Human Life: civilian and military casualties of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, victims of Hurricane Katrina, victims of torture by the U.S. military, hundreds of dead Palestinians, or Americans executed under the death penalty, to name just a few" (Harding, Salon's Broadsheet, 1/16).
~ "Welcome President Obama: Fight for Reproductive Rights Continues," Kris Hamel, RH Reality Check: "[W]omen's right to reproductive freedom has been under vicious attack by right-wing racist, anti-woman and anti-choice forces" since the Roe decision; however, voters "reaffirmed their support for reproductive rights" by defeating antiabortion ballots in November and electing President Obama, who supports abortion rights, Hamel writes in a blog entry. Hamel adds, "Just as it took a mass struggle to win Roe v. Wade 36 years ago, access to full reproductive health care for all women will involve grassroots organizing to build a strong, broad-based coalition for women's reproductive rights." She concludes that "struggle will continue on an national and state-by-state basis in order to stop ongoing right-wing, anti-choice initiatives and begin establishing reproductive justice for all women" (Hamel, RH Reality Check, 1/20).
~ "Thank You, President Bush," Darla St. Martin, National Right to Life blog: St. Martin, co-executive director of National Right to Life, in a blog entry thanks former President George W. Bush for "eight years of outstanding pro-life services as president." St. Martin writes that Bush's policies led to "[m]ajor research breakthroughs in adult stem cell research, which requires no killing," adding that this achievement is "proving to be the most promising way of really finding cures." She continues by thanking Bush for speaking out against abortion at the signing of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act. She adds that Bush was "an example to everyone of how to fight abortion forcefully without condemning the people who advocate it or the women who have made the tragic error of having one." She says that polling data show a rise in the number of antiabortion advocates, especially among young people, which "could have a very significant impact on our future" (St. Martin, National Right to Life blog, 1/16).
~ "Moving on to Common Ground," Cristina Page, Birth Control Watch : The Connecticut Catholic Conference on Wednesday, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, suggested the state "limit teenager's access to abortion by requiring parental notification" as a way to address the rising number of teenagers seeking the procedure in the state, Page writes in a blog entry, adding, "If lowering the abortion rate is what they're after, this is the wrong approach." Page writes that studies show abortion laws that restrict access to the procedure "often have little-to-no impact" on a state's abortion rate "but instead do something far worse: increase the number of late-term abortions." None of the "common sense approaches" to reducing the abortion rate -- such as preventing unplanned pregnancies, expanding adoption and increasing economic support for women who carry their pregnancies to term -- are part of the CCC's plan, Page writes. She adds that such approaches "would not only be tremendously successful but would also begin to heal the wound our country has suffered over this issue for far too long," concluding, "At the very least, it's worth an honest try" (Page, Birth Control Watch, 1/23).
~ "On This 2009 Anniversary of the Landmark Supreme Court Decision Roe v. Wade", Nancy Northup, Feminist Law Professors blog: President Obama must "take action and rescind" the Hyde Amendment, Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, writes in a blog entry. According to Northup, "since 1977 when Hyde was first enacted, low-income women have been deprived [of the right to an abortion] by anti-choice politicians intent on doing away with a woman's access to abortion altogether." The restrictions the amendment imposes "patently discriminate against women," as abortion is the "only medically necessary service not covered by Medicaid," Northup writes. She continues, "Since Medicaid is the primary provider of reproductive health care for low-income minority communities, Hyde also disproportionately affects women of color." Northup continues that Obama's "leadership provides a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. government to stop excluding women's specific health care needs from federal health programs based on political preferences," concluding that CRR "urges the new president to protect the dignity and health of all women by striking restrictions on public funding for medically necessary abortions" (Northup, Feminist Law Professors blog, 1/21).
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.
~ "Buh-Bye Bush, Hello Repro-Rights," Tracy Clark-Flory, Salon's Broadsheet: It is "fitting" that NARAL Pro-Choice America released its report on the status of women's reproductive rights "just as we bid good riddance" to former President George W. Bush, "whose eight years in office saw the passage of 317" antiabortion-rights measures, including the HHS provider "conscience" rule "limiting women's access to basic health care," Clark-Flory writes. She continues that it would be "hard to stomach" the NARAL report "if we weren't … inaugurating" President Obama, who supports abortion rights. According to Clark-Flory, the report has "some depressing findings," including that 4,200 antiabortion-rights measures were considered during Bush's administration and that 16 states passed 24 antiabortion-rights laws in 2008. However, "there is some good news," including findings that 23 states passed 39 measures supporting abortion rights in 2008, Clark-Flory writes. She adds that the new president, as well as 40 senators and 185 members of the House, also support abortion rights (Clark-Flory, Salon's Broadsheet, 1/16).
~ "Happy Sanctity of Human Life Day," Kate Harding, Salon's Broadsheet: "If you thought the only holiday this long weekend was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you'll want to grab some extra chips and dip in case friends drop by to celebrate 'National Sanctity of Human Life Day,'" Harding writes. According to Harding, former President George W. Bush last week proclaimed Jan. 18 as "National Sanctity of Human Life Day." She adds that "just in case you were thinking, 'Well, it's not like 'sanctity of human life' is an intrinsically objectionable concept'" and "maybe there's even some chance" that the proclamation is not a "gift" to abortion-rights opponents, "Bush clarifies" the holiday by declaring that it "'recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world.'" Harding writes, "Not considered as worthy of mention as zygotes in a proclamation on the Sanctity of Human Life: civilian and military casualties of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, victims of Hurricane Katrina, victims of torture by the U.S. military, hundreds of dead Palestinians, or Americans executed under the death penalty, to name just a few" (Harding, Salon's Broadsheet, 1/16).
~ "Welcome President Obama: Fight for Reproductive Rights Continues," Kris Hamel, RH Reality Check: "[W]omen's right to reproductive freedom has been under vicious attack by right-wing racist, anti-woman and anti-choice forces" since the Roe decision; however, voters "reaffirmed their support for reproductive rights" by defeating antiabortion ballots in November and electing President Obama, who supports abortion rights, Hamel writes in a blog entry. Hamel adds, "Just as it took a mass struggle to win Roe v. Wade 36 years ago, access to full reproductive health care for all women will involve grassroots organizing to build a strong, broad-based coalition for women's reproductive rights." She concludes that "struggle will continue on an national and state-by-state basis in order to stop ongoing right-wing, anti-choice initiatives and begin establishing reproductive justice for all women" (Hamel, RH Reality Check, 1/20).
~ "Thank You, President Bush," Darla St. Martin, National Right to Life blog: St. Martin, co-executive director of National Right to Life, in a blog entry thanks former President George W. Bush for "eight years of outstanding pro-life services as president." St. Martin writes that Bush's policies led to "[m]ajor research breakthroughs in adult stem cell research, which requires no killing," adding that this achievement is "proving to be the most promising way of really finding cures." She continues by thanking Bush for speaking out against abortion at the signing of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act. She adds that Bush was "an example to everyone of how to fight abortion forcefully without condemning the people who advocate it or the women who have made the tragic error of having one." She says that polling data show a rise in the number of antiabortion advocates, especially among young people, which "could have a very significant impact on our future" (St. Martin, National Right to Life blog, 1/16).
~ "Moving on to Common Ground," Cristina Page, Birth Control Watch : The Connecticut Catholic Conference on Wednesday, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, suggested the state "limit teenager's access to abortion by requiring parental notification" as a way to address the rising number of teenagers seeking the procedure in the state, Page writes in a blog entry, adding, "If lowering the abortion rate is what they're after, this is the wrong approach." Page writes that studies show abortion laws that restrict access to the procedure "often have little-to-no impact" on a state's abortion rate "but instead do something far worse: increase the number of late-term abortions." None of the "common sense approaches" to reducing the abortion rate -- such as preventing unplanned pregnancies, expanding adoption and increasing economic support for women who carry their pregnancies to term -- are part of the CCC's plan, Page writes. She adds that such approaches "would not only be tremendously successful but would also begin to heal the wound our country has suffered over this issue for far too long," concluding, "At the very least, it's worth an honest try" (Page, Birth Control Watch, 1/23).
~ "On This 2009 Anniversary of the Landmark Supreme Court Decision Roe v. Wade", Nancy Northup, Feminist Law Professors blog: President Obama must "take action and rescind" the Hyde Amendment, Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, writes in a blog entry. According to Northup, "since 1977 when Hyde was first enacted, low-income women have been deprived [of the right to an abortion] by anti-choice politicians intent on doing away with a woman's access to abortion altogether." The restrictions the amendment imposes "patently discriminate against women," as abortion is the "only medically necessary service not covered by Medicaid," Northup writes. She continues, "Since Medicaid is the primary provider of reproductive health care for low-income minority communities, Hyde also disproportionately affects women of color." Northup continues that Obama's "leadership provides a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. government to stop excluding women's specific health care needs from federal health programs based on political preferences," concluding that CRR "urges the new president to protect the dignity and health of all women by striking restrictions on public funding for medically necessary abortions" (Northup, Feminist Law Professors blog, 1/21).
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.
New Phase III Data Presented For Once Monthly Dosing Regimen Of Risedronate To Treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Results from a Phase III
clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of risedronate 150 mg
once monthly for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis were
presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
29th Annual Meeting. In the non-inferiority study comparing risedronate 150
mg once monthly to risedronate 5 mg daily [Actonel(R) (risedronate sodium
tablets)] increases in bone mineral density (BMD) were similar for patients
taking either the monthly or daily dosing regimens.
In the study, BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral
neck, and femoral trochanter. There were no statistically significant
differences in BMD increases between the risedronate 150 mg once monthly
and the 5 mg daily dose groups at 12 months. In the study, the tolerability
and safety profiles were also similar for the monthly and daily dosing
regimens of risedronate.
"Risedronate is already approved to reduce the risk of both spinal and
nonspinal fractures," said Michael McClung, M.D., Founding Director of the
Oregon Osteoporosis Center in Portland, Oregon. "For patients who prefer
less frequent dosing, risedronate 150 mg, if approved, would provide the
convenience of a once monthly dosing option."
About the Study
The MERIT-OP (Monthly Evaluation of Risedronate Trial in Osteoporosis)
study is a 2-year, randomized, double-blind, active-control (5 mg daily
risedronate) clinical trial which evaluated 1,292 postmenopausal women (94%
Caucasian) between 50 and 88 years old, mean age 64.9, from 47 clinical
centers in 13 countries. The participants had osteoporosis, defined as a
lumbar spine (LS) BMD T-score less than -2.5 or a LS BMD T-score less than
- 2.0 and at least one prevalent vertebral fracture. Patients were
randomized to dosing regimens of either risedronate 150 mg monthly or
risedronate 5 mg daily and received daily supplements of calcium (1,000 mg)
and vitamin D (400-1000 IU). The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was
to demonstrate non- inferiority of the risedronate 150 mg monthly regimen
to the risedronate 5 mg daily regimen as assessed by percent change from
baseline in LS BMD at 12 months. The 24 month results will be reported at a
later time. At 12 months, the mean LS BMD increases were 3.54% and 3.43%
for the monthly and daily regimens, respectively. The most common adverse
events for risedronate 5 mg and risedronate 150 mg, respectively, were
upper abdominal pain (6.1% vs. 8.2%), influenza (4.2% vs. 8.9%) and
constipation (7.3% vs. 5.8%).
The trial was sponsored by The Alliance for Better Bone Health.
About Actonel(R) (risedronate sodium tablets)
Actonel is approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in
postmenopausal women. Actonel has been proven to reduce the incidence of
vertebral fractures, and nonvertebral fractures at a composite endpoint of
leg, hip, pelvis, clavicle, humerus and wrist. The following doses are
approved: Actonel 5 mg daily, Actonel 35 mg once-a-week, and Actonel 75 mg
two consecutive days per month.
In clinical trials, Actonel was generally well tolerated. Actonel is
contraindicated in patients with hypocalcemia, known hypersensitivity to
any component of this product, or inability to stand or sit upright for at
least 30 minutes. Hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral
metabolism should be effectively treated before starting Actonel therapy.
Actonel is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment
(creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).
Bisphosphonates may cause upper gastrointestinal disorders such as
dysphagia, esophagitis and esophageal or gastric ulcer. Patients should pay
particular attention to the dosing instructions, as failure to take the
drug according to instructions may compromise clinical benefits and may
increase the risk of adverse events.
Among patients treated with bisphosphonates, there have been infrequent
reports of severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint and/or muscle
pain. Rare occurrences of osteonecrosis, primarily of the jaw (ONJ), have
been reported in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Most ONJ cases have
occurred in cancer patients undergoing dental procedures. In the majority
of cases reported, patients had received intravenous bisphosphonate
therapy.
In clinical trials of up to 3-years duration, the overall incidence of
adverse events with Actonel 5 mg daily was comparable to placebo. The most
commonly reported adverse events regardless of causality were infection
(primarily upper respiratory, placebo 29.7% vs Actonel 5 mg 29.9%), back
pain (23.6% vs 26.1%), and arthralgia (21.1% vs 23.7%).
In a clinical trial comparing Actonel 35 mg Once-a-Week and Actonel 5
mg daily for 1 year, the overall safety and tolerability profiles of the
two dosing regimens were similar. The most commonly reported adverse events
regardless of causality were infection (Actonel 35 mg 20.6% vs Actonel 5 mg
19.0%), arthralgia (14.2% vs 11.5%) and constipation (12.2% vs 12.5%).
In a clinical trial comparing Actonel 75 mg two consecutive days/month
and Actonel 5 mg daily for 1 year, the overall safety and tolerability
profiles of the two dosing regimens were similar. The most commonly
reported adverse events regardless of causality were arthralgia (Actonel 75
mg 10.4% vs Actonel 5 mg 9.5%), dyspepsia (9.1% vs 7.3%), and back pain
(8.8% vs 10.8%).
Please see full prescribing information for Actonel(R) (risedronate
sodium tablets) for additional safety information. For a copy of the full
prescribing information for Actonel visit the Actonel Web site at
actonel.
About The Alliance for Better Bone Health
The Alliance for Better Bone Health was formed in May 1997 to promote
bone health and disease awareness through numerous activities to support
physicians and patients around the globe. It is a collaboration between
Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and sanofi-aventis U.S.
About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)
Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around
the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted,
quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R),
Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Gain(R),
Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R),
Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella(R),
Gillette(R), and Braun(R). The P&G community consists of 138,000 employees
working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit pg for
the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
About Sanofi Aventis
Sanofi-aventis is one of the world leaders in the pharmaceutical
industry, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D
organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major
therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic
diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines.
Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:
SNY).
For P&G: All statements, other than statements of historical fact
included in this release, are forward-looking statements, as that term is
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
statements are based on financial data, market assumptions and business
plans available only as of the time the statements are made, which may
become out of date or incomplete. We assume no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or
other factors. Forward- looking statements are inherently uncertain, and
investors must recognize that events could differ significantly from our
expectations. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this
release, there are certain factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made.
These include: (1) the ability to achieve business plans, including with
respect to lower income consumers and growing existing sales and volume
profitably despite high levels of competitive activity, especially with
respect to the product categories and geographical markets (including
developing markets) in which the Company has chosen to focus; (2) the
ability to successfully execute, manage and integrate key acquisitions and
mergers, including (i) the Domination and Profit Transfer Agreement with
Wella, and (ii) the Company's merger with The Gillette Company, and to
achieve the cost and growth synergies in accordance with the stated goals
of these transactions; (3) the ability to manage and maintain key customer
relationships; (4) the ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply
sources (including sole supplier and plant manufacturing sources); (5) the
ability to successfully manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including
product liability, patent, and intellectual property matters as well as
those related to the integration of Gillette and its subsidiaries), and to
resolve pending matters within current estimates; (6) the ability to
successfully implement, achieve and sustain cost improvement plans in
manufacturing and overhead areas, including the Company's outsourcing
projects; (7) the ability to successfully manage currency (including
currency issues in volatile countries), debt, interest rate and commodity
cost exposures; (8) the ability to manage continued global political and/or
economic uncertainty and disruptions, especially in the Company's
significant geographical markets, as well as any political and/or economic
uncertainty and disruptions due to terrorist activities; (9) the ability to
successfully manage competitive factors, including prices, promotional
incentives and trade terms for products; (10) the ability to obtain patents
and respond to technological advances attained by competitors and patents
granted to competitors; (11) the ability to successfully manage increases
in the prices of raw materials used to make the Company's products; (12)
the ability to stay close to consumers in an era of increased media
fragmentation; and (13) the ability to stay on the leading edge of
innovation and maintain a positive reputation on our brands. For additional
information concerning factors that could cause actual results to
materially differ from those projected herein, please refer to our most
recent 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports.
The Alliance for Better Bone Health
pg
View drug information on Actonel.
clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of risedronate 150 mg
once monthly for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis were
presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
29th Annual Meeting. In the non-inferiority study comparing risedronate 150
mg once monthly to risedronate 5 mg daily [Actonel(R) (risedronate sodium
tablets)] increases in bone mineral density (BMD) were similar for patients
taking either the monthly or daily dosing regimens.
In the study, BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral
neck, and femoral trochanter. There were no statistically significant
differences in BMD increases between the risedronate 150 mg once monthly
and the 5 mg daily dose groups at 12 months. In the study, the tolerability
and safety profiles were also similar for the monthly and daily dosing
regimens of risedronate.
"Risedronate is already approved to reduce the risk of both spinal and
nonspinal fractures," said Michael McClung, M.D., Founding Director of the
Oregon Osteoporosis Center in Portland, Oregon. "For patients who prefer
less frequent dosing, risedronate 150 mg, if approved, would provide the
convenience of a once monthly dosing option."
About the Study
The MERIT-OP (Monthly Evaluation of Risedronate Trial in Osteoporosis)
study is a 2-year, randomized, double-blind, active-control (5 mg daily
risedronate) clinical trial which evaluated 1,292 postmenopausal women (94%
Caucasian) between 50 and 88 years old, mean age 64.9, from 47 clinical
centers in 13 countries. The participants had osteoporosis, defined as a
lumbar spine (LS) BMD T-score less than -2.5 or a LS BMD T-score less than
- 2.0 and at least one prevalent vertebral fracture. Patients were
randomized to dosing regimens of either risedronate 150 mg monthly or
risedronate 5 mg daily and received daily supplements of calcium (1,000 mg)
and vitamin D (400-1000 IU). The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was
to demonstrate non- inferiority of the risedronate 150 mg monthly regimen
to the risedronate 5 mg daily regimen as assessed by percent change from
baseline in LS BMD at 12 months. The 24 month results will be reported at a
later time. At 12 months, the mean LS BMD increases were 3.54% and 3.43%
for the monthly and daily regimens, respectively. The most common adverse
events for risedronate 5 mg and risedronate 150 mg, respectively, were
upper abdominal pain (6.1% vs. 8.2%), influenza (4.2% vs. 8.9%) and
constipation (7.3% vs. 5.8%).
The trial was sponsored by The Alliance for Better Bone Health.
About Actonel(R) (risedronate sodium tablets)
Actonel is approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in
postmenopausal women. Actonel has been proven to reduce the incidence of
vertebral fractures, and nonvertebral fractures at a composite endpoint of
leg, hip, pelvis, clavicle, humerus and wrist. The following doses are
approved: Actonel 5 mg daily, Actonel 35 mg once-a-week, and Actonel 75 mg
two consecutive days per month.
In clinical trials, Actonel was generally well tolerated. Actonel is
contraindicated in patients with hypocalcemia, known hypersensitivity to
any component of this product, or inability to stand or sit upright for at
least 30 minutes. Hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral
metabolism should be effectively treated before starting Actonel therapy.
Actonel is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment
(creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).
Bisphosphonates may cause upper gastrointestinal disorders such as
dysphagia, esophagitis and esophageal or gastric ulcer. Patients should pay
particular attention to the dosing instructions, as failure to take the
drug according to instructions may compromise clinical benefits and may
increase the risk of adverse events.
Among patients treated with bisphosphonates, there have been infrequent
reports of severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint and/or muscle
pain. Rare occurrences of osteonecrosis, primarily of the jaw (ONJ), have
been reported in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Most ONJ cases have
occurred in cancer patients undergoing dental procedures. In the majority
of cases reported, patients had received intravenous bisphosphonate
therapy.
In clinical trials of up to 3-years duration, the overall incidence of
adverse events with Actonel 5 mg daily was comparable to placebo. The most
commonly reported adverse events regardless of causality were infection
(primarily upper respiratory, placebo 29.7% vs Actonel 5 mg 29.9%), back
pain (23.6% vs 26.1%), and arthralgia (21.1% vs 23.7%).
In a clinical trial comparing Actonel 35 mg Once-a-Week and Actonel 5
mg daily for 1 year, the overall safety and tolerability profiles of the
two dosing regimens were similar. The most commonly reported adverse events
regardless of causality were infection (Actonel 35 mg 20.6% vs Actonel 5 mg
19.0%), arthralgia (14.2% vs 11.5%) and constipation (12.2% vs 12.5%).
In a clinical trial comparing Actonel 75 mg two consecutive days/month
and Actonel 5 mg daily for 1 year, the overall safety and tolerability
profiles of the two dosing regimens were similar. The most commonly
reported adverse events regardless of causality were arthralgia (Actonel 75
mg 10.4% vs Actonel 5 mg 9.5%), dyspepsia (9.1% vs 7.3%), and back pain
(8.8% vs 10.8%).
Please see full prescribing information for Actonel(R) (risedronate
sodium tablets) for additional safety information. For a copy of the full
prescribing information for Actonel visit the Actonel Web site at
actonel.
About The Alliance for Better Bone Health
The Alliance for Better Bone Health was formed in May 1997 to promote
bone health and disease awareness through numerous activities to support
physicians and patients around the globe. It is a collaboration between
Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and sanofi-aventis U.S.
About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)
Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around
the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted,
quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R),
Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Gain(R),
Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R),
Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella(R),
Gillette(R), and Braun(R). The P&G community consists of 138,000 employees
working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit pg for
the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
About Sanofi Aventis
Sanofi-aventis is one of the world leaders in the pharmaceutical
industry, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D
organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major
therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic
diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines.
Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:
SNY).
For P&G: All statements, other than statements of historical fact
included in this release, are forward-looking statements, as that term is
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
statements are based on financial data, market assumptions and business
plans available only as of the time the statements are made, which may
become out of date or incomplete. We assume no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or
other factors. Forward- looking statements are inherently uncertain, and
investors must recognize that events could differ significantly from our
expectations. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this
release, there are certain factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made.
These include: (1) the ability to achieve business plans, including with
respect to lower income consumers and growing existing sales and volume
profitably despite high levels of competitive activity, especially with
respect to the product categories and geographical markets (including
developing markets) in which the Company has chosen to focus; (2) the
ability to successfully execute, manage and integrate key acquisitions and
mergers, including (i) the Domination and Profit Transfer Agreement with
Wella, and (ii) the Company's merger with The Gillette Company, and to
achieve the cost and growth synergies in accordance with the stated goals
of these transactions; (3) the ability to manage and maintain key customer
relationships; (4) the ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply
sources (including sole supplier and plant manufacturing sources); (5) the
ability to successfully manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including
product liability, patent, and intellectual property matters as well as
those related to the integration of Gillette and its subsidiaries), and to
resolve pending matters within current estimates; (6) the ability to
successfully implement, achieve and sustain cost improvement plans in
manufacturing and overhead areas, including the Company's outsourcing
projects; (7) the ability to successfully manage currency (including
currency issues in volatile countries), debt, interest rate and commodity
cost exposures; (8) the ability to manage continued global political and/or
economic uncertainty and disruptions, especially in the Company's
significant geographical markets, as well as any political and/or economic
uncertainty and disruptions due to terrorist activities; (9) the ability to
successfully manage competitive factors, including prices, promotional
incentives and trade terms for products; (10) the ability to obtain patents
and respond to technological advances attained by competitors and patents
granted to competitors; (11) the ability to successfully manage increases
in the prices of raw materials used to make the Company's products; (12)
the ability to stay close to consumers in an era of increased media
fragmentation; and (13) the ability to stay on the leading edge of
innovation and maintain a positive reputation on our brands. For additional
information concerning factors that could cause actual results to
materially differ from those projected herein, please refer to our most
recent 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports.
The Alliance for Better Bone Health
pg
View drug information on Actonel.
New Research Published In Women's Health Shows First Response(R) Brand More Sensitive Than Other At-Home Pregnancy Tests
A new article published in the peer-reviewed journal Women's Health emphasizes the importance of early pregnancy detection. Using research conducted on behalf of Church & Dwight Co. Inc., the makers of First Response, the article reviews data that shows not all at-home pregnancy tests are created equal First Response® brand pregnancy tests are more sensitive and able to detect key variants of the pregnancy hormone better than other at-home pregnancy tests.
"The first days of pregnancy set the stage for healthy fetal development and a safe, healthy experience for mom," said Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., study author and clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. "By choosing a highly sensitive pregnancy test like First Response, a woman can confirm she is pregnant very early and begin to make healthy choices for herself and her fetus."
All at-home pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the primary pregnancy hormone; however, levels of sensitivity vary by test. In early pregnancy, hCG is found in a woman's urine in very small amounts, and home pregnancy tests vary in their ability to detect low levels of the hormone. In addition, there are other forms of hCG that are present in the urine during early pregnancy, and home pregnancy tests also differ in their sensitivity to these variants. Minkin's article concludes that there are clear benefits to detecting hCG variants, including a more sensitive result.
The sensitivity of First Response tests is further reinforced by a study recently published in the journal Clinica Chimica Acta. This study showed that First Response® was able to detect the lowest concentration of hCG in early pregnancy urine compared with other over-the-counter brands.(1) First Response also consistently detected the variants hCGn, hCGbeta, and hCGbetan.(2)
Why Early Pregnancy Detection is Important
Knowing early pregnancy status will help a woman begin prenatal precautions including:
-- Seeking prenatal care: Babies whose mothers don't receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than babies whose mothers receive prenatal care.(3)
-- Changing her diet and nutrition: Pregnant women should make sure they're getting enough folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin D, and cutting out saccharin, caffeine, unpasteurized dairy, deli foods, raw eggs, herbal teas, and some types of seafood.
-- Avoiding potential hazards: Pregnant women should avoid smoking, alcohol, certain medications and herbal remedies, narcotics, exposure to cat feces (which can cause toxoplasmosis), and certain chemicals.(4)
About the Church & Dwight Study
In a study of home pregnancy tests, First Response® products detected hCG as well as its variants hCG-H, hCG-beta, and blends of the hormones at a much lower level than any of the other brands tested. This heightened sensitivity to different hCG variants allows First Response® pregnancy tests to detect pregnancy as early as five days before a missed period. Furthermore, only First Response® Early Result and First Response® Gold(TM) Digital tests detect the variant hCG-beta.
The study was conducted independently on behalf of Church & Dwight. Co. Inc. The sensitivity of the brands was ranked for each of the forms tested, and where the sensitivity of brands was deemed identical, the percentage of positive tests at the lowest concentration detectable was used to formulate the ranking.
About First Response
First Response® Early Result Pregnancy Test and First Response® Gold(TM) Digital Pregnancy Test can provide results as early as five days before a woman misses her period. First Response® tests offer over 99% accuracy at detecting typical pregnancy hormone levels from the day of her expected period.
About Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.
Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., headquartered in Princeton, NJ, distributes First Response® Early Result Pregnancy Test and other First Response® products, including First Response® Rapid Result Pregnancy Test, First Response® Easy Read Ovulation Test, and Answer® Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests.
References
(1) Cervinski MA, Lockwood CM, Ferguson AM, et al. Qualitative point-of-care and over-the-counter urine hCG devices differentially detect the hCG variants of early pregnancy. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2009;406:81-85.
(2) Cervinski MA, Lockwood CM, Ferguson AM, et al. Qualitative point-of-care and over-the-counter urine hCG devices differentially detect the hCG variants of early pregnancy. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2009;406:81-85.
(3) Womenshealth
(4) ACOG Education Pamphlet AB005. You and Your Baby: Prenatal Care, Labor, and Delivery.
Source: Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.
"The first days of pregnancy set the stage for healthy fetal development and a safe, healthy experience for mom," said Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., study author and clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. "By choosing a highly sensitive pregnancy test like First Response, a woman can confirm she is pregnant very early and begin to make healthy choices for herself and her fetus."
All at-home pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the primary pregnancy hormone; however, levels of sensitivity vary by test. In early pregnancy, hCG is found in a woman's urine in very small amounts, and home pregnancy tests vary in their ability to detect low levels of the hormone. In addition, there are other forms of hCG that are present in the urine during early pregnancy, and home pregnancy tests also differ in their sensitivity to these variants. Minkin's article concludes that there are clear benefits to detecting hCG variants, including a more sensitive result.
The sensitivity of First Response tests is further reinforced by a study recently published in the journal Clinica Chimica Acta. This study showed that First Response® was able to detect the lowest concentration of hCG in early pregnancy urine compared with other over-the-counter brands.(1) First Response also consistently detected the variants hCGn, hCGbeta, and hCGbetan.(2)
Why Early Pregnancy Detection is Important
Knowing early pregnancy status will help a woman begin prenatal precautions including:
-- Seeking prenatal care: Babies whose mothers don't receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than babies whose mothers receive prenatal care.(3)
-- Changing her diet and nutrition: Pregnant women should make sure they're getting enough folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin D, and cutting out saccharin, caffeine, unpasteurized dairy, deli foods, raw eggs, herbal teas, and some types of seafood.
-- Avoiding potential hazards: Pregnant women should avoid smoking, alcohol, certain medications and herbal remedies, narcotics, exposure to cat feces (which can cause toxoplasmosis), and certain chemicals.(4)
About the Church & Dwight Study
In a study of home pregnancy tests, First Response® products detected hCG as well as its variants hCG-H, hCG-beta, and blends of the hormones at a much lower level than any of the other brands tested. This heightened sensitivity to different hCG variants allows First Response® pregnancy tests to detect pregnancy as early as five days before a missed period. Furthermore, only First Response® Early Result and First Response® Gold(TM) Digital tests detect the variant hCG-beta.
The study was conducted independently on behalf of Church & Dwight. Co. Inc. The sensitivity of the brands was ranked for each of the forms tested, and where the sensitivity of brands was deemed identical, the percentage of positive tests at the lowest concentration detectable was used to formulate the ranking.
About First Response
First Response® Early Result Pregnancy Test and First Response® Gold(TM) Digital Pregnancy Test can provide results as early as five days before a woman misses her period. First Response® tests offer over 99% accuracy at detecting typical pregnancy hormone levels from the day of her expected period.
About Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.
Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., headquartered in Princeton, NJ, distributes First Response® Early Result Pregnancy Test and other First Response® products, including First Response® Rapid Result Pregnancy Test, First Response® Easy Read Ovulation Test, and Answer® Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests.
References
(1) Cervinski MA, Lockwood CM, Ferguson AM, et al. Qualitative point-of-care and over-the-counter urine hCG devices differentially detect the hCG variants of early pregnancy. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2009;406:81-85.
(2) Cervinski MA, Lockwood CM, Ferguson AM, et al. Qualitative point-of-care and over-the-counter urine hCG devices differentially detect the hCG variants of early pregnancy. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2009;406:81-85.
(3) Womenshealth
(4) ACOG Education Pamphlet AB005. You and Your Baby: Prenatal Care, Labor, and Delivery.
Source: Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.
Australian Metabolic Syndrome Research Project Receives Grant From International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) BRIDGES translational research grant program will fund STOP Diabetes, a project to be implemented and studied in Australia. The STOP project is designed to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes in women by encouraging healthy behaviours.
The STOP Diabetes project was created by investigators at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health to address the alarming increase in lifestyle related metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes (GDM). According to the investigators, greater insights into these preventable diseases are needed in order to identify barriers to behaviour change so that unhealthy behaviours can be modified. The research will include attention to understanding women's health beliefs, attitudes, and risk perception as well as their response to illness. Education and translation of the findings will be a priority for the project.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of the most dangerous risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Its early identification is very important to facilitate preventive action. Understanding how women perceive health problems like metabolic syndrome is a critical first step in designing educational programs that are effective.
"The IDF grant will make an important contribution in supporting multidisciplinary research directly relevant to clinical care (for the prevention and treatment of diabetes)," said Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Jean Hailes Research Group. "It will enable vital research into prevention of diabetes in high risk groups. It will also provide important information of optimising the health of those with established diabetes."
The Federation, through BRIDGES, is committed to converting research findings into useful practices for the provision of quality care and services delivered by healthcare providers. The diabetes education program being tested in Australia, along with the 10 other selected translational research projects, was chosen because of its innovative idea, demonstration of the potential for health care cost savings, sustainability plans and the opportunity for its results to be widely replicated in other settings.
"We know that early detection followed by treatment and education - particularly lifestyle intervention - is vital to halt the progression of the metabolic syndrome and safeguard the future health of women", said Dr. Linda Siminerio, Chair of the IDF BRIDGES Review Committee. "Learning more about how women perceive their risks in an important step. The STOP Diabetes study will help us gain insights and important information."
The International Diabetes Federation independently manages the BRIDGES program with an educational grant from Eli Lilly and Company and is committed to promoting diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for the over 250 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents over 200 diabetes associations in more than 160 countries. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day campaign. Additional information is available at idf/.
BRIDGES is the global translational grant programme of the International Diabetes Federation. It solicits proposals that support cost effective and sustainable interventions that can be adopted in real world settings, for the prevention and control of diabetes. Projects should be based on interventions already proven to be effective in trials to prevent and treat diabetes, to improve care of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and delay its complications. The interventions proposed should have the potential to be widely disseminated to clinical practice, individuals and communities. For more information, visit idfbridges/.
The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health is an independent, not-for-profit national organisation, caring for the health and wellbeing of Australian women through education, research and clinical care. The Foundation is based in Clayton, Victoria and has close links with Monash University. Additional information is available at jeanhailes.au/
Source: Kerrita McClaughlyn
International Diabetes Federation
The STOP Diabetes project was created by investigators at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health to address the alarming increase in lifestyle related metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes (GDM). According to the investigators, greater insights into these preventable diseases are needed in order to identify barriers to behaviour change so that unhealthy behaviours can be modified. The research will include attention to understanding women's health beliefs, attitudes, and risk perception as well as their response to illness. Education and translation of the findings will be a priority for the project.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of the most dangerous risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Its early identification is very important to facilitate preventive action. Understanding how women perceive health problems like metabolic syndrome is a critical first step in designing educational programs that are effective.
"The IDF grant will make an important contribution in supporting multidisciplinary research directly relevant to clinical care (for the prevention and treatment of diabetes)," said Professor Helena Teede, Director of the Jean Hailes Research Group. "It will enable vital research into prevention of diabetes in high risk groups. It will also provide important information of optimising the health of those with established diabetes."
The Federation, through BRIDGES, is committed to converting research findings into useful practices for the provision of quality care and services delivered by healthcare providers. The diabetes education program being tested in Australia, along with the 10 other selected translational research projects, was chosen because of its innovative idea, demonstration of the potential for health care cost savings, sustainability plans and the opportunity for its results to be widely replicated in other settings.
"We know that early detection followed by treatment and education - particularly lifestyle intervention - is vital to halt the progression of the metabolic syndrome and safeguard the future health of women", said Dr. Linda Siminerio, Chair of the IDF BRIDGES Review Committee. "Learning more about how women perceive their risks in an important step. The STOP Diabetes study will help us gain insights and important information."
The International Diabetes Federation independently manages the BRIDGES program with an educational grant from Eli Lilly and Company and is committed to promoting diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for the over 250 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents over 200 diabetes associations in more than 160 countries. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day campaign. Additional information is available at idf/.
BRIDGES is the global translational grant programme of the International Diabetes Federation. It solicits proposals that support cost effective and sustainable interventions that can be adopted in real world settings, for the prevention and control of diabetes. Projects should be based on interventions already proven to be effective in trials to prevent and treat diabetes, to improve care of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and delay its complications. The interventions proposed should have the potential to be widely disseminated to clinical practice, individuals and communities. For more information, visit idfbridges/.
The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health is an independent, not-for-profit national organisation, caring for the health and wellbeing of Australian women through education, research and clinical care. The Foundation is based in Clayton, Victoria and has close links with Monash University. Additional information is available at jeanhailes.au/
Source: Kerrita McClaughlyn
International Diabetes Federation
Rep. DeGette Says She Will Find Means To Pass Federal Embryonic Stem Cell Research Funding Expansion Despite Veto Threat
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) on Friday said she would find a way to pass legislation (HR 3, S 5) she introduced that would expand federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research even if President Bush vetoes the measure, including attaching the measure to "must-pass" bills, the AP/Fort Collins Coloradoan reports (Paulson, AP/Fort Collins Coloradoan, 1/26). 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. The House earlier this month voted 253-174 to approve DeGette's measure -- called the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 -- which would expand the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federal funding by allowing funding for research using stem cells derived from embryos originally created for fertility treatments and willingly donated by patients. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) also has said that if Bush vetoes the measure, then he will try to attach it to any "must-do" legislation (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/22). The measure is the same as a bill (HR 810) Bush vetoed last year, and the White House in a statement released earlier this month reiterated Bush's intent to veto the measure (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/12). DeGette said the White House told her Bush was unavailable after she offered to talk with him about the issue. "He can do this the easy way, or he can do this the hard way," DeGette said (AP/Fort Collins Coloradoan, 1/26).
"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.
Plans For HHS Campaign Highlighting Risks Of Not Breast-Feeding 'Toned Down' After Meetings With Formula Makers, Washington Post Reports
An HHS campaign that aired advertisements promoting breast-feeding from 2003 to 2005 was "toned down" after formula industry representatives hired lobbyists to influence the department, the Washington Post reports.
At the request of HHS' Office of Women's Health the not-for-profit Ad Council agreed to donate $30 million in air time for ads based off former Surgeon General David Satcher's 2000 report titled, "Blueprint for Action on Breast-feeding," according to the Post. The women's health office hired the ad agency McKinney + Silver to work with scientists from NIH, CDC and elsewhere on the campaign. After officials met with dozens of focus groups, they decided the most effective way to urge women to breast-feed was to "delineate in graphic terms the risks of not breast-feeding," the Post reports. One of the ads created for the campaign featured a nipple-tipped insulin bottle and said, "Babies who aren't breast-fed are 40% more likely to suffer Type 1 diabetes." According to the Post, some ads also featured photos of asthma inhalers topped with rubber nipples.
According to the Post, the formula industry's involvement in the ad campaign is being "scrutinized" by Congress after Carmona's testimony last month at a hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Kaufman/Lee, Washington Post, 8/31). Carmona said the Bush administration routinely blocked him from speaking out or issuing reports on human embryonic stem cell research, abstinence-only sex education, emergency contraception and other sensitive public health issues. He also said the administration often edited his speeches for politically controversial content and encouraged him to attend internal political meetings (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 7/16).
The House government reform committee is investigating whether Carmona was barred from participating in the breast-feeding advocacy project and if people working on the campaign were overruled by superiors. "This is a credible allegation of political interference that might have had serious public health consequences," Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chair of the committee said.
At the request of HHS' Office of Women's Health the not-for-profit Ad Council agreed to donate $30 million in air time for ads based off former Surgeon General David Satcher's 2000 report titled, "Blueprint for Action on Breast-feeding," according to the Post. The women's health office hired the ad agency McKinney + Silver to work with scientists from NIH, CDC and elsewhere on the campaign. After officials met with dozens of focus groups, they decided the most effective way to urge women to breast-feed was to "delineate in graphic terms the risks of not breast-feeding," the Post reports. One of the ads created for the campaign featured a nipple-tipped insulin bottle and said, "Babies who aren't breast-fed are 40% more likely to suffer Type 1 diabetes." According to the Post, some ads also featured photos of asthma inhalers topped with rubber nipples.
According to the Post, the formula industry's involvement in the ad campaign is being "scrutinized" by Congress after Carmona's testimony last month at a hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Kaufman/Lee, Washington Post, 8/31). Carmona said the Bush administration routinely blocked him from speaking out or issuing reports on human embryonic stem cell research, abstinence-only sex education, emergency contraception and other sensitive public health issues. He also said the administration often edited his speeches for politically controversial content and encouraged him to attend internal political meetings (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 7/16).
The House government reform committee is investigating whether Carmona was barred from participating in the breast-feeding advocacy project and if people working on the campaign were overruled by superiors. "This is a credible allegation of political interference that might have had serious public health consequences," Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chair of the committee said.
Lobbying by Formula Industry
The International Formula Counsel hired Clayton Yeutter -- former agriculture secretary and former chair of the Republican National Committee -- and Joseph Levitt, former director of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's food safety center, to arrange meetings with HHS, according to an IFC spokesperson. According to the Post, formula company officials also approached Carden Johnston, then president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Afterward, Johnston wrote a letter to then HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson stating that AAP had "some concerns about this negative approach and how it will be received by the general public." Lawrence Gartner, head of AAP's section on breast-feeding, wrote to Thompson saying that the 800 members of the section did not know about Johnston's letter and did not share his concerns.
In a Feb. 17, 2004, letter to Thompson, Yeutter wrote that IFC wanted to meet with Thompson because the draft breast-feeding ad campaign was inappropriately "implying that mothers who use infant formula are placing their babies at risk," which could lead to class action lawsuits, the Post reports. Yeutter also wrote that McKinney + Silver might "well be correct" in concluding that a toned-down ad campaign would be less effective, but the campaign could give "guilty feelings" to the women who cannot or choose not to breast-feed. He asked, "Does the U.S. government really want to engage in an ad campaign that will magnify that guilt?" Yeutter lauded then HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Kevin Keane for making "helpful changes" to the ad campaign but asked that more be done. Yeutter two months later wrote to Thompson thanking him for meeting with a group that included Levitt and another official.
Change in Ad Campaign
Gina Ciagne, the women's health office's public affairs specialist for the campaign, said, "We were ready to go with our risk-based campaign -- making breast-feeding a real public health issue, when the formula companies learned about it and came in to complain. Before long, we were told we had to water things down, get rid of the hard-hitting ads and generally make sure we didn't somehow offend." According to the Post, the campaign ran ads that showed images of dandelions and cherry-topped ice cream scoops to highlight how breast-feeding could help prevent respiratory conditions and obesity.
Current and former HHS officials said Cristina Beato, then an acting assistant secretary at HHS, was key in changing the ads, telling associates to "be fair" to formula companies, the Post reports. Beato and Christina Pearson, an HHS press officer, also told then Surgeon General Richard Carmona that they did not want him involved in the campaign's launch or in promoting its themes, according to current and former agency officials. Beato and Pearson said they do not recall giving Carmona that advice.
Beato said that complaints from formula companies did not play a role in her decisions, adding, "I brought together our top public health people to examine the health claims, and they examined the science and concluded what should be in and what should be out." Keane said, "We took heat from the formula industry, who didn't want to see a campaign like this. And we took some heat from the advocates who didn't think it was strong enough."
A spokesperson for McKinney + Silver, which withdrew from the campaign after the changes were ordered, declined to comment, the Post reports.
AHRQ Document
According to the HHS officials and documents, the department in April chose not to promote an analysis of breast-feeding studies conducted by its Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The report did not say if there is a direct cause and effect of breast-feeding but said it is associated with fewer ear and gastrointestinal infections, and lower rates of diabetes, leukemia, obesity, asthma and sudden infant death syndrome.
According to the Post, a top HHS official said Suzanne Haynes, a senior science adviser for the women's health office, called for the department to promote the report to the media and medical professionals. Current and former department officials said that Rebecca Ayer, HHS press officer, told Haynes and others in July that there should be "no media outreach" on the report. According to the Post, HHS and AHRQ sent out e-mail notices about the report, but it was "generally ignored" (Washington Post, 8/31).
Reprinted with kind 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.
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