Broad-Spectrum Micronutrients or Antidepressants for Antenatal Depression: Effect on Maternal and Infant Birth Outcomes in an Observational Secondary Analysis of NUTRIMUM.

Purpose/background: One-fifth of women experience antenatal depression. Untreated antenatal depression is associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. This study investigated the effect of broad-spectrum micronutrients (BSM; vitamins and minerals), used to treat antenatal depression (NUTRIMUM trial), on birth outcomes.

Randomised control trial indicates micronutrient supplementation may support a more robust maternal microbiome for women with antenatal depression during pregnancy.

Background And Aims: We investigated the effects of high dose dietary micronutrient supplementation or placebo on the human gut microbiome in pregnant women who had moderate symptoms of antenatal depression. There is a significant absence of well-controlled clinical studies that have investigated the dynamic changes of the microbiome during pregnancy and the relationship among diet, microbiome and antenatal depression. This research is among the first to provide an insight into this area of research.

Efficacy and safety of a mineral and vitamin treatment on symptoms of antenatal depression: 12-week fully blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial (NUTRIMUM).

Background: Broad-spectrum micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) have shown benefit for treatment of depressive symptoms.

Aims: To determine whether additional micronutrients reduce symptoms of antenatal depression.

Method: Eighty-eight medication-free pregnant women at 12-24 weeks gestation, who scored ≥13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), were randomised 1:1 to micronutrients or active placebo (containing iodine and riboflavin), for 12 weeks.

Inflammation and Vitamin C in Women with Prenatal Depression and Anxiety: Effect of Multinutrient Supplementation.

Elevated inflammation has been associated with adverse mood states, such as depression and anxiety, and antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C, have been associated with decreased inflammation and improved mood. In the current study comprising a cohort of pregnant women with depression and anxiety, we hypothesised that elevated inflammation would be associated with adverse mood states and inversely associated with vitamin C status and that multinutrient supplementation would optimise vitamin concentrations and attenuate inflammation. Sixty-one participants from the NUTRIMUM trial had blood samples collected between 12 and 24 weeks gestation (baseline) and following 12 weeks of daily supplementation with a multinutrient formula containing 600 mg of vitamin C or active placebo.

Can broad-spectrum multinutrients treat symptoms of antenatal depression and anxiety and improve infant development? Study protocol of a double blind, randomized, controlled trial (the 'NUTRIMUM' trial).

Background: Untreated antenatal depression and anxiety can be associated with short and long term health impacts on the pregnant woman, her infant and the rest of the family. Alternative interventions to those currently available are needed. This clinical trial aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of a broad-spectrum multinutrient formula as a treatment for symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women and to determine the impact supplementation has on the general health and development of the infant.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines for Evaluation and Management of Cardiovascular Complications of Cancer Therapy.

Modern treatment strategies have led to improvements in cancer survival, however, these gains might be offset by the potential negative effect of cancer therapy on cardiovascular health. Cardiotoxicity is now recognized as a leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. This guideline, authored by a pan-Canadian expert group of health care providers and commissioned by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, is intended to guide the care of cancer patients with established cardiovascular disease or those at risk of experiencing toxicities related to cancer treatment.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy for stem cell mobilization following anterior wall myocardial infarction: the CAPITAL STEM MI randomized trial.

Background: Small studies have yielded divergent results for administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) after acute myocardial infarction. Adequately powered studies involving patients with at least moderate left ventricular dysfunction are lacking.

Methods: Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45% after anterior-wall myocardial infarction were treated with G-CSF (10 μg/kg daily for 4 days) or placebo.

Heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction: role of echocardiography.

Purpose Of Review: Nearly half of patients presenting with heart failure have a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), previously known as diastolic heart failure. The diagnosis requires fulfillment of three criteria: signs or symptoms of heart failure, presence of a normal LVEF, and evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Two of the criteria can be evaluated by echocardiography.