The current dose and schedule for antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) follows the original publication by Liggins and Howie in 1972. That dose and schedule was based on sheep models from the 1960s. The dose in current use had never been evaluated to minimize exposures while assuring efficacy. New pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data is calling into question whether the current dose and schedule is necessary. Translational research in animal models indicate that a constant, low concentration fetal exposure to ACS is sufficient for lung maturation, resulting in lower fetal exposures. In this episode, we will summarize a new clinical commentary published in AJOG in March 2024 highlighting the current state and controversies regarding ACS for threatened preterm labor.

The Steroids Saga: New Data, New Debate, New News.

Relevant, evidence based, and practical information for medical students, residents, and practicing healthcare providers regarding all things women’s healthcare! This podcast is intended to be clinically relevant, engaging, and FUN, because medical education should NOT be boring! Welcome...to Clinical Pearls.

Science

Menopausal HRT is getting a big, big facelift! Get ready for new research trials, physician education programs, and patient awareness campaigns on menopause! Since the WHI study was released in 2002, the world of menopausal HRT has gone through some major changes. WHI initially led to confusion and fear regarding the use of menopausal HRT. But now, 30 years later, where do we stand? In this episode, we will highlight 2 brand new publications released on May 1, 2024, which prove that we are finally digging out of the hole of WHI. Plus, there’s a Hollywood actress behind the new menopause awareness campaign… and we’ll tell you who that is, and more, in this episode. 

The HRT Makeover

Just the other day in my University clinic, in one single morning, I had 3 separate patients with three very interesting histories; these became the basis of this episode. It’s amazing what’s out there in daily practice! So, we will dive into these 3 main questions which arose from these 3 patient encounters: 1. What single test is recommended before initiation of combination birth control pills? And if this is recommended, how do online pharmacies prescribe prescription birth control? 2. Does PCOS cause other hormone (Prolactin? HCG?) disturbances? And 3., Is treatment of acne within the wheelhouse of women’s healthcare providers? We’ve got lots to cover in this episode…so let’s get started, NOW.

What the What?!

Well, once again… Late breaking news! Today, April 30, 2024, the USPSTF released its updated recommendations for breast cancer screening (mammography) in average risk patients. This follows a firestorm of controversy and backlash over the last 1 to 2 years as the USPSTF continued to recommend initiation of mammogram at age 50, despite the increased incidence of breast cancer in women in their 40s. In this episode, we will review this brand new recommendation and summarize the ACOG response from ACOG President, Dr. Hicks.

NEW TODAY! USPSTF MMG Update

Traditionally, clinical guidance has incorporated maternal fever as a required criterion for suspected intraamniotic infection. That is exactly what is stated in the ACOG committee opinion #712 from 2017. However, not all patients with clinical IAI have fever! Having fever as a required part of the diagnostic criterion may result in delayed administration of appropriate antibiotics intrapartum. This has now been addressed by the ACOG! Today, on April 29, 2024, the ACOG released a practice update regarding the criteria for the diagnosis of suspected intra-amniotic infection. This is hot of the press, and we will break it down for us all in this episode. 

Regenerative Medicine is definitively a HOT and marketable offering across a variety of medical disciplines. But it is equally as controversial. The most well known type of regenerative medicine is the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This has been proposed as a novel care therapy for musculoskeletal pain disorders, and a variety of GYNECOLOGICAL applications- including POI, pelvic floor dysfunction, uterine infertility treatment, and even some forms of vaginal fistulas. AND YES... RPR is even being used as a type of cosmetic fascial (with a new CDC health investigation underway!). In this episode, we will review the concept of Regenerative Medicine in gynecology, summarizing some key points from a brand new narrative review of the subject published in the Green Journal (Obstetrics Gynecology).

The Steroids Saga: New Data, New Debate, New News.

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