Effect of autoimmune thyroid disease in older euthyroid infertile woman during the first 35 days of an IVF cycle.

In this case-control study of euthyroid first-cycle IVF patients ≥ 38 years old with singleton baby, miscarriage, biochemical pregnancy, and no pregnancy outcomes from 2005-2008, we assayed frozen serum for autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and thyroid function at cycle start, trigger, and 4 and 5 weeks' gestation. AITD prevalence in older infertile women was similar across clinical outcomes, and although AITD was associated with a higher baseline TSH, TSH remained within acceptable ranges, suggesting that T(4) supplementation may not affect maternal outcomes in older euthyroid AITD patients through 5 weeks gestation.

Anorexia, bulimia, and the female athlete triad: evaluation and management.

The female athlete triad is an increasingly prevalent condition involving disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. An athlete can suffer from all 3 components of the triad, or just 1 or 2 of the individual conditions. The main element underlying all the aspects of the triad is an adaptation to a negative caloric balance.

Wound care after radiation therapy.

More than 50% of all cancer patients receive some form of radiotherapy for tumor control preoperatively, postoperatively, or as sole treatment. Radiation-induced wounds are a concern for patients and practitioners. Current research investigating alternative treatment strategies offers the hope of improved wound healing and enhanced quality of life for patients with these wounds.

Refractory status epilepticus: frequency, risk factors, and impact on outcome.

Background: Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is a life-threatening condition in which seizures do not respond to first- and second-line anticonvulsant drug therapy. How often RSE occurs, risk factors that predispose to this condition, and the effect of failure to control seizures on clinical outcome are poorly defined.

Objective: To determine the frequency, risk factors, and impact on outcome of RSE.