Epidural Analgesia for Labour: Comparing the Effects of Continuous Epidural Infusion (CEI) and Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus (PIEB) on Obstetric Outcomes.

Objective: In the last few years there is a trend of transiting from the continuous epidural infusion (CEI) method for epidural analgesia to a new method - programmed intermittent epidural analgesia (PIEB). This change improves the quality of epidural analgesia, thanks to an increased spread of the anaesthetic in the epidural space and higher maternal satisfaction. Nevertheless, we must make sure that such change of method does not lead to worse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Neonatal intensive care admission for term neonates and subsequent childhood mortality: a retrospective linkage study.

Background: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission among term neonates is a rare event. The aim of this study was to study the association of the NICU admission of term neonates on the risk of long-term childhood mortality.

Methods: A single-center case-control retrospective study between 2005 and 2019, including all in-hospital ≥ 37 weeks' gestation singleton live-born neonates.

Efficacy of oral versus long-acting antipsychotic treatment in patients with early-phase schizophrenia in Europe and Israel: a large-scale, open-label, randomised trial (EULAST).

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with periods of remission and relapse. As discontinuation of antipsychotic medication is the most important reason for relapse, long-term maintenance treatment is key. Whether intramuscular long-acting (depot) antipsychotics are more efficacious than oral medication in preventing medication discontinuation is still unresolved.

Application of Prospect Theory in Obstetrics by Evaluating Mode of Delivery and Outcomes in Neonates Born Small or Appropriate for Gestational Age.

Importance: Antenatal diagnosis of fetal weight is challenging, and the detection rate of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is low. Neonates with FGR are known to have an increased rate of obstetric intervention during labor, but the association of antenatal fetal weight estimation with mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes among neonates who are small and appropriate for gestational age (SGA and AGA) has not been reported.

Objective: To evaluate the association of antenatal fetal weight estimation with mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes among neonates who are SGA and AGA, applying psychological concepts of cognitive bias and prospect theory to a model of clinical behavior.

Long-Standing Corneal Edema and Endothelial Decompensation due to Ecballium elaterium.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the most severe documented ocular injury caused by Ecballium elaterium , an invasive and toxic herb characterized by an explosive seed dispersal.

Methods: A 55-year-old man presented to the emergency department several hours after direct exposure to the contents of E. elaterium to his left eye.

Primary risk stratification for neonatal jaundice among term neonates using machine learning algorithm.

Background: Neonatal jaundice occurs in approximately 60% of term newborns. Although risk factors for neonatal jaundice have been studied, all the suggested strategies are based on various newborn tests for bilirubin levels. We aim to stratify neonates into risk groups for clinically significant neonatal jaundice using a combined data analysis approach, without serum bilirubin evaluation.

Anxiety and pain perception using a speculum-free eyelid retraction technique for intravitreal injection.

Purpose: This study compared pain and anxiety levels in individuals receiving intravitreal injections (IVIs) using a speculum-free injection technique, the lid splinting eyelid retraction technique, or using a speculum.

Methods: This was a prospective study of individuals receiving IVI at a single tertiary care medical center who responded to a questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) between December 2019 and January 2020. In one group, a speculum was used prior to injection, whereas in the other group, a speculum-free injection technique was used.

Effect of Music Selection on Anxiety Level during Intravitreal Injections for Individuals of Varying Cultures.

Purpose: To investigate music selection as a treatment for anxiety during Intravitreal injections (IVI) for individuals of varying cultures.

Methods: 106 individuals were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Individuals were randomized into one to three categories: (1) a control group in which the IVI procedure was performed without music (n = 35), (2) an experimental group in which the music was selected by the physician (n = 36), (3) an experimental group in which the music was selected by the patient (n = 35).

The Impact of COVID-19 on Intravitreal Injection Compliance.

Intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents have become the most prevalent intraocular procedure as they represent the major therapeutic modality for prevalent retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Effective therapy requires adherence to a schedule of iterative IVI as well as routine clinic appointments. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the reduction of attendance at scheduled clinic visits and IVI.

Intrapartum fetal monitoring and perinatal risk factors of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Background: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in term infants, is a major cause of neonatal mortality and severe neurologic disability.

Objectives: To identify in labor fetal monitoring characteristic patterns and perinatal factors associated with neonatal HIE.

Study Design: Single-center retrospective case-control study between 2010 and 2017.

The effect of the implementation of institutional checklist on expert opinion of oxytocin use in labor.

Purpose: Oxytocin is a commonly used drug in the labor and delivery unit. There are wide variations in oxytocin use between countries and medical centers, which may reflect the lack of structured guidelines. The aim of our study was to evaluate the need of oxytocin checklist in labor and delivery unit, while assessing the management of oxytocin with and without such a checklist.

Cannabis and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Narrative Review With Considerations of Benefits and Harms.

Despite substantial controversies concerning patients' reports of benefits from cannabis for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and inconsistent research findings regarding its efficacy and adverse risks, some states have already recognized PTSD as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. Consequently, medical cannabis can also be provided for patients with complex PTSD who experience additional posttraumatic symptoms of affective dysregulation, negative perception of the self, and difficulties in relationships due to a history of repetitive trauma. In this article, we explore cannabis use in relation to benefits versus harms that might occur relative to specific complex PTSD symptoms and comorbidities.

Response of ophthalmologists in Israel to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

Purpose: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has evolved into a formidable healthcare crisis. Ophthalmologists are at daily personal risk of acquiring and transmitting the virus. Implementation of official practical and protective guidelines can be challenging and is often absent.

Recurrent intrauterine growth restriction: characteristic placental histopathological features and association with prenatal vascular Doppler.

Purpose: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, carrying a 20% recurrence rate. The placental disease is a cardinal factor among IUGR underlying processes. This study describes placental histopathological features (HPf) characteristic of recurrent IUGR (rIUGR) and assesses association with antenatal Doppler studies.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes following a proactive peripartum multidisciplinary management protocol for placenta creta spectrum as compared to the urgent delivery.

Background: Adherent and invasive placenta, termed Placenta Creta Spectrum (PCS), is associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Incidence and risk factors for Placenta Creta are on the rise and call to optimize the obstetric care for this condition.

Objectives: We sought to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between a ProActive Peripartum Multidisciplinary Approach (PAMA) as compared to the urgent management of the Placenta Creta Spectrum patients.

Risk factors, early and late postpartum complications of retained placenta: A case control study.

Objectives: To identify risk factors and complications associated with 3 stage of labor removal of placental fragments (3 SRPF) by manual uterine revision under a strict protocol.

Study Design: Ten years retrospective register-based cohort study of vaginal deliveries. Women with 3 SRPF n = 3297 (exposed) and those without n = 97,888 (non exposed) were compared.

Severe bupropion XR abuse in a patient with long-standing bulimia nervosa and complex PTSD.

Objective: Although abuse of bupropion to achieve euphoria or a stimulant-like effect has been described in the literature, to our knowledge abuse of bupropion XR to control binge eating and reduce appetite by a patient with eating disorder has not been previously reported.

Method: We report the case of a 22-year-old woman with bulimia nervosa and complex PTSD who abused bupropion XR to doses that at peak reached 3,000-4,500 mg/day. She suffered from adverse effects including headaches, tachycardia, anxiety, insomnia, and, finally, grand mal seizures.

Epidural analgesia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC): a significant adjunct to successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Introduction: Epidural analgesia has been considered a risk factor for labor dystocia at trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and uterine rupture. We evaluated the association between exposure to epidural during TOLAC and mode of delivery and maternal-neonatal outcomes.

Materials And Methods: A single center retrospective study of women that consented to TOLAC within a strict protocol between 2006 and 2013.

Prediction value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) serum levels and antral follicle count (AFC) in hormonal contraceptive (HC) users and non-HC users undergoing IVF-PGD treatment.

Use of hormone contraceptives (HC) is very popular in the reproductive age and, therefore, evaluation of ovarian reserve would be a useful tool to accurately evaluate the reproductive potential in HC users. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 41 HC users compared to 57 non-HC users undergoing IVF-preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) aiming to evaluate the effect of HC on the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), small (2-5 mm), large (6-10 mm) and total antral follicle count (AFC) and the ability of these markers to predict IVF outcome. Significant differences in large AFC (p = 0.

Revisit of risk factors for major obstetric hemorrhage: insights from a large medical center.

Purpose: To revisit risk factors of major obstetric hemorrhage in a large obstetric center.

Study Design: A retrospective case control study was conducted based on institutional electronic database and blood bank registry of a single center, 2005-2014. The major obstetric hemorrhage event was defined as transfusion of ≥5 red blood cells units within 48 h of birth and compared to matched group (ratio 1:4) based on the time of birth.

Bone mineral density in gravida: effect of pregnancies and breast-feeding in women of differing ages and parity.

Changes of bone during pregnancy and during lactation evaluated by bone mineral density (BMD) may have implications for risk of osteoporosis and fractures. We studied BMD in women of differing ages, parity, and lactation histories immediately postpartum for BMD, T-scores, and Z-scores. Institutional Review Board approval was received.

Elective induction of labor in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: an intervention that modifies the risk of cesarean section.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of elective induction at term for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the risk for cesarean delivery.

Study Design: This is a retrospective case-control matched study, based on a single-center computerized database, 2005-2011. The medical records were reviewed for GDM management and glycemic control.

National asthma observational survey of severe asthmatics in Israel: the no-air study.

Background: Asthma is considered a global public health issue requiring a significant medical expenditure as a result of its high prevalence and the low rate of disease control.

Objective: This is the first nationwide survey of severe asthma patients carried out in Israel. In this study we aimed to assess health resources utilization, compliance with treatment and disease-control in a subgroup of patients with severe asthma in Israel.