For the first time, researchers have linked certain common defects in sperm to the risk of pregnancy complications and negative effects on the baby's health. The study from Lund University in Sweden shows that a high proportion of the father's sperm with DNA strand breaks is associated with double the risk of preeclampsia in women who became pregnant through IVF. It also increases the risk of the baby being born prematurely. The findings showed that in the 841 couples undergoing IVF, a DFI of over 20 percent doubled the woman's risk of developing preeclampsia (10.5 percent) and also increased the risk of premature birth. In the IVF group with a DFI below 20 percent, there was a 4.8 percent risk of preeclampsia, comparable to pregnancies conceived naturally. For couples undergoing...

In a significant development for breast cancer treatment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new combination therapy for certain types of advanced breast cancer. On October 10, 2024, the FDA gave the green light to inavolisib (brand name Itovebi), manufactured by Genentech, Inc., to be used in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant[1]. This approval is specifically for adult patients with endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth-factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer[1]. The treatment is indicated for patients whose cancer has recurred after or during adjuvant endocrine therapy, as detected by an FDA-approved test[1]. The approval was based on the results of the INAVO120 trial, which involved 325 patients with the specified type of breast cancer[1]. The study showed significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients receiving the inavolisib combination compared…

Fresenius Medical Care announced on Thursday that the company will increase its production of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis (PD) products, as the U.S. faces shortages due to the impact of Hurricane Helene on supply chains. The company is maximizing production capacity at its international sites to improve supply amid an industry-wide shortage of PD products and IV fluids, the update stated. At the request of the Department of Health, Fresenius Medical Care is also exploring other options to address the shortage. https://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/en/news/ramping-up-supply-of-iv-fluids-and-pd-products-post-hurricane-helene-and-ensuring-safety-of-patients-and-employees-in-the-face-of-hurricane-milton