Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Feb 2025
Maternal and Infant Outcomes in a Subset of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in South Carolina.
Sickle cell disease (SCD), which disproportionately affects minorities, increases complications during pregnancy. Severe maternal mortality is increased in women with SCD, including morbidity related to the disease and other nondisease-related complications. It also can have devastating complications for fetuses, with increases in premature birth and low birth weight. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of women with SCD in South Carolina, with a specific focus on fetal and maternal outcomes and complications. The secondary aim of this study was to identify the effect of maternal characteristics on birth outcomes, including social determinants of health. ⋯ High rates of complications to both mother and infant were found in the women with SCD. Although few statistically significant predictors were found, by identifying and addressing specific needs of pregnant women with SCD, we can work toward reducing fetal and maternal mortality in an already vulnerable population.
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Southern medical journal · Feb 2025
ReviewMedications That May be Contributing to Your Patient's Weight Gain.
Nearly 42% of adults in the United States are considered obese. Although there are a number of contributing factors to obesity, one sometimes overlooked contributor to weight gain is medications. ⋯ Although factors such as efficacy, cost, interactions, and adverse effects play a role in selecting a medication, the effects on weight also should be considered in those who are overweight or obese. This article reviews some of the classes of medications used in the outpatient setting that may affect weight to provide a guide to clinicians.
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Understanding the epidemiology of treatment for patients with co-occurring depression and obesity can inform care quality. The objective of the study was to identify how patients with obesity and newly diagnosed depression are treated and whether treatment is associated with body mass index change. ⋯ There is an opportunity to increase treatment for obesity among patients with newly diagnosed depression.