Medical Bulletin 21/April/2023

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Prenatal depression and cardiovascular disease after childbirth may be linked: Study

The negative effects of depression on cardiovascular health in the general population are well established: depressed men and women are more likely to develop heart disease later in life, and previous research has found that about 20% of individuals experience depression during pregnancy. However, little research has been done on prenatal depression as a specific risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Individuals who were diagnosed with depression during pregnancy were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease within two years after giving birth than individuals without depression, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

Reference:

Association of Prenatal Depression With New Cardiovascular Disease Within 24Months Postpartum,Journal of the American Heart Association,doi 10.1161/JAHA.122.028133

Unhealthy diet may heighten risk of prostate cancer: Study

Adhering to healthy diets seems to have no effect on prostate cancer risk, but following an unhealthy diet might increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, according to a study published in BJU International.

The study assessed the diets of 15,296 men recruited in Spain in from 1992-1996. Among these men, 609 prostate cancer cases were identified during a median follow-up of 17 years. Diets were categorized as Western, Prudent, or Mediterranean. The Western dietary pattern consisted of a high intake of high-fat dairy products, processed meat, refined grains, sweets, caloric drinks, convenience food, and sauces, and a low intake of low-fat dairy products and whole grains. The Prudent dietary pattern was characterized by a high intake of low-fat dairy products, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and juices. The Mediterranean dietary pattern represented a high intake of fish, vegetables, legumes, boiled potatoes, fruits, olives, and vegetable oil, and a low intake of juices.

Reference:

High adherence to Western dietary pattern and prostate cancer risk: findings from the EPIC-Spain cohort,BJU International,doi 10.1111/bju.16001

Traditional Chinese medicine during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects: Study

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM practitioners use various psychological or physical approaches or both for example acupuncture and tai chi as well as herbal products to tackle health issues.

New research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has revealed a link between the1 use of traditional Chinese medicine during pregnancy and congenital malformations, including heart defects, in children.

In the prospective study, 16,751 women who received obstetrics care from hospitals in China completed a survey on their use of traditional Chinese medicine before and during pregnancy. Among fetuses, there were 273 congenital malformations.

Reference:

Maternal traditional Chinese medicine exposure and risk of congenital malformations: a multicentre prospective cohort study,Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica,doi 10.1111/aogs.14553