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TOPIC: OB&GYN

Pregnancy Complications and Long-Term Risk of Multiple Sclerosis in Offspring​

Topic: NEUROLOGY, PEDIATRIC​​​​​, OBGYN
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on February 9th, 2026
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease with neurological symptoms caused by the immune attack on myelin sheath insulating neurons. It is known that adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, etc. can alter immune development. Following this logic, a study was conducted to explore the effect of abnormalities during pregnancy on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life.

Usage of One HPV Vaccine Dose in Resource-Limited Settings​

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE​​, OBGYN, ONCOLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on January 28th, 2026
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is one of the most common etiological causes of cervical cancer. Vaccination had been successful at preventing infection and lowering the disease risk. However, worldwide vaccine coverage is low; thus, the burden of cervical cancer is majorly borne by underdeveloped nations. With funding from the National Cancer Institute, a study was conducted to assess the preventative capability of a one-dose HPV vaccine schedule.

Using Elinzanetant to Manage Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Endocrine Therapy

Topic: OBGYN, ONCOLOGY
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on September 17th, 2025
For patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy is typically prescribed for five to ten years. While effective, this prolonged treatment often causes vasomotor side effects, most notably hot flashes, which tend to be more severe in younger patients who have not yet experienced menopause. With funding from Bayer, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of elinzanetant in reducing hot flashes during breast cancer treatment.

Comparing the Effectiveness between Donor and Formula Milk for Preterm Infants​

Topic: OBGYN, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on August 27th, 2025
Maternal milk is the most valuable nutrient source for young children; however, preterm infants had difficulty with breastfeeding. Additionally, mothers who gave birth preterm may have problems with milk production. Thus, alternative methods must be utilized until maternal milk can be delivered. With funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, a study was conducted to compare the usage of formula milk and donor milk in preterm infants.

Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole Fails to Prevent Adverse Birth Outcomes in Zimbabwean Trial

Topic: OBGYN, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on July 2nd, 2025
Adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, continue to pose a major public health challenge in many low-resource settings. Maternal inflammation and infections—including bacteriuria and syphilis—have been linked to higher risks of these outcomes. Based on this association, researchers conducted a study funded by the Wellcome Trust to evaluate whether prophylactic use of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole could reduce these risks during pregnancy.

Comparing Oral Glucose-Lowering Agents and Insulin in Gestational Diabetes

Topic: DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on April 23rd, 2025
Insulin has long been the standard therapy for controlling blood glucose in women with gestational diabetes. While oral agents like metformin and glyburide offer a more convenient alternative due to their ease of administration, the American Diabetes Association has advised against their use because of limited data on the long-term safety for offspring. To address this issue, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council sponsored a study comparing the effectiveness of oral glucose-lowering agents with insulin for managing gestational diabetes.

Preventing Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis by Treating Male Sexual Partners with Combined Oral and Topical Antibiotics​

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on April 21st, 2025
Bacterial vaginosis is marked by a disruption of the normal vaginal microbiota, and previous research suggests that the penile microbiome of a male partner may predict the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis in the female partner. Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, a study was conducted to evaluate whether treating the male partner could help prevent recurrence in women.

Using Lactin-V Probiotic to Prevent Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis after Metronidazole Treatment

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on April 7th, 2025
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that many women experience. Although it can be treated with antibiotics, recurrences are frequent, and if not managed effectively, the condition can lead to secondary infections and subsequent reproductive complications, imposing significant physical and emotional burdens. Funded by the United States National Institutes of Health, a study was conducted to explore the use of an intravaginal probiotic to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

Postpartum Psychiatric Outcomes Following SSRI/SNRI Discontinuation During Pregnancy

Topic: OBGYN, PSYCHIATRY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on February 21st, 2025
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective for managing depression and anxiety during pregnancy. However, many pregnant women choose to stop taking these medications out of caution. A study was conducted to examine the postpartum psychiatric outcomes associated with discontinuing SSRIs and SNRIs.

Early Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Usage to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on February 14th, 2025
Mother-to-child transmission is the most common form of hepatitis B transmission, and the risk of transmission is higher in mothers with a high viral load. This form of transmission is currently prevented by the use of immune globulin, which binds to and neutralizes the hepatitis B virus. However, the cost and storage requirements of immune globulin pose significant challenges in resource-limited areas. A study funded by Gilead was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of early tenofovir use in pregnant women with hepatitis B infection.

Prenatal Marijuana Use & Risk of Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension

Topic: OBGYN
Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
​Posted on September 18th, 2024
Cannabinoids in marijuana can interfere with placental development by disrupting endogenous cannabinoid and estrogen signaling. Additionally, marijuana use can lead to peripheral vasoconstriction, causing tachycardia and hypertension. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined the impact of prenatal marijuana consumption on maternal health.

Tisotumab Vedotin Shows Promise in Prolonging Survival in Recurrent Cervical Cancer

Topic: ONCOLOGY, OBGYN​​​
Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
​Posted on August 26th, 2024
Despite the use of anti–programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and ligand (PD-L1) therapies, the prognosis for cervical cancer remains bleak, with a 5-year survival rate of just 19%. This highlights the urgent need for new treatments, such as tisotumab vedotin. Tisotumab vedotin is a novel agent composed of monomethyl auristatin E, a microtubule-disrupting compound, conjugated to an antibody that targets tissue factor, which is highly expressed in cervical tumors. In response to this need, pharmaceutical companies Genmab and Pfizer sponsored a study to investigate the effectiveness of tisotumab vedotin in treating recurrent cervical cancer.

Association Between Maternal Hepatitis B Infection and Congenital Heart Defects

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
​Posted on June 26th, 2024
It has been well documented that maternal infection such as rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and coxsackievirus can increase the risk of congenital heart defects (CHD). However, there is a limited number of studies that examine the effect of Hepatitis B infection on fetal development. A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had reported on the association between maternal Hepatitis B and congenital heart defects in the offspring.

Benzodiazepines usage during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage

Topic: OBGYN, PSYCHIATRY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on June 19th, 2024
Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia in pregnant women. However, the molecule can cross the placental barrier, so there has been concern that the substance can increase the risk of abnormal fetal development and miscarriage. Recent studies that examine this association contain several confounders such as maternal comorbidities, lifestyle, and the severity of anxiety and insomnia. Thus, a population-wide study was conducted to examine the in utero effect of benzodiazepines.

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine and Methylphenidate Usage during Pregnancy and the Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children

Topic: OBGYN, PSYCHIATRY, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on June 11th, 2024
With the increase in prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, the amount of stimulant medication being prescribed had also increased. However, there is a limited number of studies that investigate the effect of these medications on the neurodevelopment of a fetus. A study, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigates the possible association between maternal usage of stimulant medication to treat ADHD and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the child.

Investigating Antiseizure Medication Use During Pregnancy and Autism Risk​

Topic: NEUROLOGY, OBGYN​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on April 17th, 2024
During pregnancy, the administration of medication can significantly influence fetal development. Expectant mothers with epilepsy often require antiseizure medication throughout their pregnancy to manage their condition. Numerous studies have indicated that certain medications like topiramate, valproate, and lamotrigine may have teratogenic effects, potentially resulting in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Consequently, the United States National Institute of Mental Health funded a comprehensive study to investigate the correlation between maternal use of antiseizure medication and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in their children.

Effectiveness of Maternal Immunization with the RSVPreF3-Mat Vaccine in Preventing Childhood RSV Infection

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on April 15th, 2024
Maternal immunization has proven to be an efficient strategy for shielding young children from diseases. RSVPreF3-Mat is a subunit vaccine targeting RSV that has been designed specifically for maternal administration. Its formulation comprises the RSV fusion protein in its prefusion conformation. GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company, supported a study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of RSVPreF3-mat in preventing RSV infection among children.​

Assessing the Impact of Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination on Offspring Neurodevelopment

Topic: COVID-19, OBGYN​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM. 
​Posted on March 22nd, 2024
Pregnancy poses intricate biological challenges for both the mother and the fetus, prompting careful scrutiny of any biological intervention. As a result, COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ascertain their safety for pregnancy and subsequent child development. A study investigating the impact of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on offspring neurodevelopment has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Effectiveness of Lower-Dose Calcium Supplementation in Preventing Hypertension in Pregnant Women

Topic: CARDIOLOGY, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on March 8th, 2024
High blood pressure during pregnancy poses risks to both maternal and fetal health. Since 2011, the World Health Organization has advised calcium supplementation ranging from 1500 mg to 2000 mg to lower the risk of pre-eclampsia. However, the high dosage presents cost constraints and challenges with adherence, particularly in resource-limited settings. Therefore, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded a study to evaluate the efficacy of a reduced calcium dose in preventing hypertension during pregnancy.

Post-exposure doxycycline to prevent sexually transmitted infection in women

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE​​, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on February 14th, 2024
Women bear a disproportionate burden of severe consequences from sexually transmitted infections compared to men or transgender women. With the rising incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, there has been a renewed focus on refining preventive measures. Consequently, a study was undertaken to explore the potential benefits of post-exposure doxycycline.​

Treating epithelial ovarian cancer by targeting folate receptor alpha with Mirvetuximab Soravtansine-gynx

Topic: OBGYN​​, ONCOLOGY​
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on January 26th, 2024
Epithelial ovarian cancer stands as the most lethal gynecologic neoplasm, with platinum-based chemotherapy demonstrating proven efficacy. However, in instances of relapse, these tumors develop resistance to platinum-based treatments. Notably, these tumors exhibit an abnormally elevated expression of folate receptor alpha (FRa). Addressing this, Mirvetuximab Soravtansine-gynx, an antibody specifically targeting FRa and conjugated to maytansinoid DM4, which acts on the cell's tubulin, has emerged. A recent study, exploring the impact of Mirvetuximab Soravtansine-gynx on epithelial ovarian cancer, has published its findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Examination of the effect of perinatal usage of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on neonatal health

Topic: COVID-19, OBGYN​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.  
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A 
​Posted on January 12th, 2024
In pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 infection poses risks to both the mother and the fetus. As a result, prioritizing vaccination for this group has been crucial. While earlier observational studies demonstrated vaccine safety for the fetus, they had limitations in the scope of outcomes examined. A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association aims to delve deeper into understanding the impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on neonatal health.

Immunization of expecting mothers to protect their children against Streptococcus group B infection​

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN​, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed & translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A
Edited by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on August 23rd, 2023
Many history studies showed that serotype-specific anti–capsular polysaccharide (CPS) IgG in newborns correlated with a reduced risk of group B streptococcal disease. A hexavalent CPS–cross-reactive material 197 glycoconjugate vaccine (GBS6) is being developed as a maternal vaccine to prevent invasive group B streptococcus in young infants. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of maternal GBS6 vaccine to prevent group B Streptococcus for infants.

Early detection and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus

Topic: OBGYN​,  PEDIATRIC, DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on July 12th, 2023
Gestational diabetes is a commonly occurring complication and it can increase the risk of events that can negatively affect the health of both the mother and neonates. Mother had a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and the need of obstetrical intervention. The diabetes can also cause the fetus to grow larger than expected and increase the risk of shoulder dystocia and trauma. Screening and treatment are recommended at gestational week 24, which effectively lower the amount of adverse outcomes. So, a study was performed in Australia and New Zealand to investigate whether treatment at the 20th week can produce the same level of benefit.

Dostarlimab, a novel immunotherapy for endometrial cancer

Topic: OBGYN​,  ONCOLOGY
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A
​Posted on July 10th, 2023
The combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel has been used as the first-line treatment for endometrial cancer, but their long-term outcomes are relatively poor. Dostarlimab is an monoclonal antibody that can target the PD-1 receptors that are highly expressed by certain subset of endometrial tumor cells. Thus, the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline had sponsored a study to assess the efficacy and safety of dostarlimab as a immunotherapy for endometrial cancer.

Preventing obstetrical hemorrhage after cesarean delivery with tranexamic acid

Topic: OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​​Translated by An Duc Thien Le
​Posted on May 3rd, 2023
Postpartum hemorrhage accounts for 27.1% of maternal death annually. Fibrinolytic activity after the placenta delivery increases the risk of hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid can improve hemostasis by preventing clot breakdown. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic tranexamic acid in preventing hemorrhage in pregnant women who had cesarean delivery

Testing two different metronidazole treatment schedule for trichomoniasis

Topic: OBGYN, INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A
​Posted on March 20th, 2023
Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection, and Metronidazole is the preferred treatment for trichomoniasis. However, there is a lack of consensus on what is the most appropriate dose. Thus, the National Institute of Health sponsored a study to compare the effectiveness between the one day high-dose vs. the 7-day-dose of Metronidazole in treating trichomoniasis.

Peripartum usage of benzodiazepine and the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder​

Topic: OBGYN, PSYCHIATRY, PEDIATRIC
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on December 19th, 2022
Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to manage anxiety and depression in pregnant women. However, little is known about the effect of the medication on fetal neurodevelopment. Previous studies had shown that the molecule can be found in amniotic fluid and might affect the fetus. Thus, a large cohort study was conducted to understand the risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities due to prenatal exposure to benzodiazepine.

Opioid agonist therapy in pregnant women, buprenorphine vs. methadone

Topic: OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on December 2nd, 2022
For pregnant women who are using opioids, to manage pain, opioid agonist therapy is usually initiated concurrently. This improves adherence to prenatal care and reduces the incidence of preterm birth, overdose, and death. Methadone and buprenorphine are the two commonly used opioid agonists; a recent study had compared their effect on maternal and fetal health.

Raltegravir-based combined antiretroviral therapy and weight gain in HIV-positive pregnant women

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on November 23rd, 2022
Reducing viral load is extremely essential for HIV-positive women who are pregnant; thus, raltegravir was recommended due to its low toxicity. Studies conducted on non-pregnant adults and adolescents had reported that the antiretroviral induce weight gain. For pregnant women, this can increase the risk of peripartum diabetes, peripartum hypertension, postpartum weight retention, etc. This can also affect the fetus by causing macrosomia, offspring obesity, which increase the likelihood of cesarean delivery.  A recent study had reported on the risk of peripartum weight gain of HIV-positive pregnant women who are using raltegravir.

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer does not increase the risk of mother-to-infant transmission of Hepatitis B​

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on November 18th, 2022
For in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), maternal oocytes are retrieved and fertilized in vitro before implantation to the uterus. Thus, embryos can potentially be infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) carried by the infected mother. A recently published study had reported on the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV in women that had become pregnant using IVF-ET.

Peripartum usage of antidepressants is not associated with higher risk of neurodevelopmental disruption to the children.

Topic: PSYCHIATRY, OBGYN 
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 17th, 2022
Because the effect of antidepressants during pregnancy is unknown, many expecting mothers give up their therapy due to their concern over the potential impact on their children's neurodevelopment. Compounded with stress due to peri- and post- partum factors, the psychological health of these mothers are worsen, and this can directly affect their relationship with the neonates. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had assessed the effect of peripartum antidepressant usage on the neurodevelopmental and psychological health outcomes of children.

Peripartum COVID-19 vaccination is safe and beneficial for mothers and neonates

Topic: COVID-19, ​OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on October 10th, 2022
Currently, very little is known about the effect COVID-19 vaccination has on pregnancy. Thus, many unreliable sources have claimed that immunization is unsafe for the mother’s and fetus’s health. A recent literature review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had reported on the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccination on pregnancy.

Usage of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in preventing vertical transmission

Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on September 12th, 2022
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a public health threat to Vietnam, approximately 8% to 25% of the population is diagnosed with the disease. Vertical transmission from infected mother to infant is the most common route; thus, it is essential to reduce the viral load in pregnant women to prevent new incidence of infection. A recent review analyzed the current literature to examine the effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy on expecting mother and infant.

Maternal vaccination help protect newborns from COVID-19 associated hospitalization

Topic: COVID-19, ​OBGYN
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on September 9th, 2022
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 vaccination should only be administered to those who are older than 6 months old. However, newborns and infants are at a high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that maternal vaccination produces a protective effect for newborns.

The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual irregularities

TOPIC: OBGYN, COVID-19
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
​Posted on August 17th, 2022
There have been many anecdotal reports of menstrual irregularities and vaginal bleeding following administration of COVID-19 vaccines. However, the risk profile and mechanism behind the interaction is currently unknown. A recent observation study published in the Lancet offers insight on the topic.

SARS-CoV-2 infection during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage

TOPIC: OBGYN, COVID-19
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Posted on July 29th, 2022
Little is known about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnant women and the health of the fetus. A recent study found that women who got infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first trimester of their pregnancy have a higher risk of miscarriage.

The risk of stroke in women with a history of endometriosis

TOPIC: OBGYN, Cardiology
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Posted on July 27th, 2022
The Nurse Health Study is a large longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Health. This decades-long project has provided much insightful epidemiological knowledge about women’s health. Recently, the project was published in the American Heart Association journal reporting that women with a history of endometriosis have an elevated risk of stroke.