The FDA approves a 28-day pill pack of levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol 90-micrograms/20-micrograms combination tablets (Lybrel). Medscape Medical News
Women who experience asthma exacerbations during the first trimester of pregnancy are at increased risk for having a baby with a malformation, according to a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology for June. Reuters Health Information
Increased dietary boron and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in women, researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston report. Reuters Health Information
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid monotherapy appears to reduce depressive symptoms in pregnant women diagnosed with major depressive disorder, according to the findings of a small clinical trial. Reuters Health Information
Coffee consumption appears to be inversely associated with coronary calcification in women, according to findings published in the May issue of the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. Reuters Health Information
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), which inhibits nitric oxide synthase and is associated with cardiovascular disease, is an independent predictor of myocardial infarction and stroke in women, according to a population-based study reported in the May issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. Reuters Health Information
A laboratory and ultrasound evaluation can clarify the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain in women if an evaluation does not reveal a specific diagnosis, but few treatment modalities have been helpful. Medscape Medical News
The outcome for liveborn infants following prolonged preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is better than previously reported, according study results published in the May issue of the Archives of Disease in Childhood, Fetal and Neonatal Edition. Reuters Health Information
Silver-colored metal dental fillings contain mercury that may cause health problems in pregnant women, children and fetuses, the Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday after settling a related lawsuit. Reuters Health Information