Women's health
-
Obesity is a worldwide health problem and its prevalence is reaching epidemic proportions. As obesity does not spare women of childbearing age, obstetric anesthesiologists will increasingly be exposed to the challenges of anesthesia in this population. The purpose of this article is to give the reader a thorough understanding of the anesthetic implications of obesity relating to cesarean deliveries. ⋯ Regional anesthesia should ideally be used in all obese parturients unless contraindicated. The goals of postpartum care include efficacious analgesia, physiotherapy and early mobilization. Monitoring and vigilance in an intensive care unit or step-down units should be considered for morbidly obese women.
-
Comment
Treatment failure and recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women.
Evaluation of: Reimers LL, Sotardi S, Daniel D et al.: Outcomes after an excisional procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women. Gynecol. Oncol. 119, 92-97 (2010). ⋯ Most recurrent CIN lesions, and those detected at treatment failure, were high-grade lesions. Both treatment failure and subsequent recurrence of CIN were found to be high in women with poorly controlled HIV, after LEEP, and those with positive cervical tissue margins following treatment. Based on these data the authors suggest that cervical conization may be superior to LEEP in the treatment of CIN in HIV-infected women.
-
The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among women is increasing and differences in both the management of COPD and the results of treatment between men and women have been noted. This article investigates the reasons for this increase in prevalence and the differences in natural history and COPD management between male and female patients. The main reason for the rise in prevalence of COPD in women is increased tobacco use. ⋯ The most important treatment for COPD is to stop smoking. Women appear to be more dependent on cigarettes than men, and have greater difficulties stopping smoking, especially when they live with a partner who smokes. Rehabilitation is an effective treatment for both male and female COPD patients, but the focus is different: women need more emotional support and social interaction to achieve the best results.
-
Editorial Review
Ovarian cancer biomarker screening: still too early to tell.