Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2007
Differences in symptom scores and health outcomes in premenstrual syndrome.
In studies of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a significant response to treatment is commonly defined as a 50% reduction in symptom scores, but empirical support for this definition is lacking. We compared healthcare utilization in women with and without PMS according to the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) scores in order to determine the degree of symptomatic variation in premenstrual symptoms associated with differences in the burden of illness. ⋯ A 43% difference in premenstrual vs. postmenstrual symptom scores is associated with a significant difference in healthcare burden. These data support the use of a 50% reduction in symptom ratings as a clinically relevant improvement in PMS/PMDD treatment trials, although smaller differences may also be meaningful.
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2007
ReviewGender and use of care: planning for tomorrow's Veterans Health Administration.
Historically, men have been the predominant users of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care. With more women entering the system, a systematic assessment of their healthcare use and costs of care is needed. We examined how utilization and costs of VHA care differ in women veterans compared with men veterans. ⋯ VHA's efforts to build capacity for women veterans must account for their relatively high utilization of outpatient services, which is especially prominent in women who have both medical and mental health conditions. Meeting their needs may require delivery systems integrating medical and mental healthcare.
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Journal of women's health · Oct 2007
Gender differences in 30-day mortality for patients hospitalized with acute pulmonary embolism.
Prior studies with limited clinical information reported a higher short-term mortality for men than for women with pulmonary embolism (PE). We compared 30-day mortality for men and women hospitalized with PE using a large statewide database. ⋯ Women hospitalized with PE had significantly lower odds of 30-day mortality compared with men.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2007
Multicenter StudyArgatroban therapy in women with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Women have increased risk of developing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious, immune-mediated prothrombotic condition, and have a worse prognosis when affected. We compared gender differences for treatment and outcomes in HIT patients administered argatroban therapy. ⋯ Argatroban can be used effectively and safely to manage HIT in females, with dosing requirements, aPTT responses, and clinical outcomes comparable to those in men. Future, larger studies are warranted in establishing the unique characteristics of HIT in females.
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Journal of women's health · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialPatient gender and physician practice style.
Patient and physician gender may impact the process of medical care and its outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the influence of patient gender on what takes place during initial primary care visits while controlling for other variables previously demonstrated to affect the physician-patient interaction, such as physician gender and specialty, patient health status, pain, depression, obesity, age, education, and income. ⋯ There are significant differences in the process of care between female and male patients. Physicians may be making medical decisions based on gender-related considerations. Strategies for implementing knowledge about these gender differences are crucial for the delivery of gender-sensitive care.