Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2007
Multicenter StudyReligiosity, spirituality, and tobacco use by pregnant women.
Tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with adverse child outcomes. There is evidence that religiosity/spirituality is associated with less tobacco use. This study aims to investigate the association further, including an assessment of overall religiousness and specific aspects of religiosity/spirituality. ⋯ More religious/spiritual women appear to be less likely to use tobacco during pregnancy. Additional research is needed to investigate potential pathways for this association.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2007
Case ReportsAn unusual cause of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: prothrombin G20210A gene mutation.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis represents less than 1% of all strokes, being an uncommon entity with a wide spectrum of clinical scenarios. We present a 45-year-old Hispanic female with a history of long-term oral contraceptive use who was diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to a heterozygous carrier mutation in the prothrombin G20210A gene. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous heparin with favorable clinical results without adverse effects. ⋯ An increased prevalence in the prothrombin G20210 gene mutation has been demonstrated in the Mexican-Mestizo population. Controversy exists regarding therapy of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; according to experts, heparin remains the cornerstone of therapy with acceptable outcomes. More clinical trials are required to evaluate long-term outcomes in this subgroup of patients.