Developing a systematic approach to safer medication use during pregnancy: summary of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--convened meeting.

To address information gaps that limit informed clinical decisions on medication use in pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) solicited expert input on a draft prototype outlining a systematic approach to evaluating the quality and strength of existing evidence for associated risks. The draft prototype outlined a process for the systematic review of available evidence and deliberations by a panel of experts to inform clinical decision making for managing health conditions in pregnancy. At an expert meeting convened by the CDC in January 2013, participants divided into working groups discussed decision points within the prototype.

Uterine contraction frequency before and after successful tocolytic therapy for preterm uterine contractions.

Objective: To examine the association between prelabor uterine contraction frequency (UCF) and the success of tocolytic therapy for preterm labor (PTL).

Study Design: Eleven centers conducted a prospective, observational study of UCF recorded between 22(0/7) and 36(6/7) weeks' gestational age or until delivery > or = 2 times/d on > or = 2 d/wk in women with singleton pregnancies with and without risk factors for preterm birth. Uterine contraction data obtained from patients diagnosed with PTL allowed comparison of mean UCF both before and after an acute episode of PTL treated with either intravenous, subcutaneous or oral tocolysis.

Cancer patients' satisfaction with physicians: Princess Margaret Hospital Satisfaction with Doctor Questionnaire results.

Objective: The study was performed to examine the satisfaction of a specific population of oncology patients with their physicians and to quantify its association with characteristics of their disease.

Study Design: A descriptive design was used in which patients attending a weekend cancer support retreat completed the Princess Margaret Hospital Satisfaction with Doctor Questionnaire (PMH-PSQ-MD). Demographic information was requested separately.

Cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: the scientific basis for practice.

Objective: To review and organize the science related to cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort for the fifth research-based practice project of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

Data Sources: Computerized searches in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library, as well as hand searches of cited references. Keywords included cyclic pelvic pain, comfort, pain guidelines, and dysmenorrhea.