Top in women’s health: Algorithm predicts preeclampsia; OB/GYNs often face bullying

An algorithm from the Fetal Medicine Foundation used a blood test, ultrasound data and maternal characteristics in the first trimester of pregnancy to predict preterm and early-onset preeclampsia, a recent study showed.

Researchers said the algorithm predicted two-thirds of preterm preeclampsia cases and three-quarters of early-onset preeclampsia in a prospective study of 7,554 nulliparous women, a better performance than American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines criteria, which detect 62% of preeclampsia cases.

“It is now possible to predict and prevent severe and early forms of preeclampsia, one of the worst complications of pregnancy,” Emmanuel Bujold, MD, MSc, FRCSC, a professor at Laval University School of Medicine in Quebec, Canada, told Healio. “This research confirms that a visit involving the measurement of a patient's height, weight and blood pressure, accompanied by a blood test and ultrasound scan, would now make it possible to assess the risk of severe preeclampsia with a high degree of accuracy.”

It was the top story in women’s health last week.

In another top story, a systematic review found that more than half of OB/GYN trainees and clinicians reported bullying and workplace discrimination.

Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:

Novel screening test may improve preeclampsia detection in early pregnancy

A first-trimester algorithm that includes a blood test, ultrasound data and maternal characteristics predicted two-thirds of preterm preeclampsia and three-quarters of early-onset preeclampsia among nulliparous women, researchers reported. Read more.

OB/GYN clinicians, trainees report sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying

Within obstetrics and gynecology, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and bullying were frequently reported among clinicians and trainees, according to a systematic review. Read more.

Bulk ordering, text messaging improve mammography completion rates

Bulk ordering and text messaging outreach significantly increased completion rates for mammography breast cancer screening, according to results of two randomized clinical trials. Read more.

Concurrent prenatal cannabis, nicotine use tied to adverse maternal, neonatal outcomes

Concurrent use of cannabis and nicotine during pregnancy vs. use of either substance alone was tied to increased risks for infant and neonatal death and maternal and neonatal morbidity, researchers reported. Read more.

Family planning support, education needed for women physicians

Women physicians are more likely to experience miscarriage, infertility and pregnancy complications compared with the general population, yet only 8% of survey respondents received education on the risks of delaying pregnancy, data show. Read more.