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| Vol. 19, No. 19 |
| October 15, 1997 |
IVF Now Offered Without Progesterone Shots
As part of a drug study, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program at Baylor College of Medicine is offering its IVF patients a form of progesterone that can be applied like a contraceptive foam. "Traditionally, women undergoing IVF procedures have had to inject progesterone into their hips every day from the time the embryo has been transferred until the eighth week of pregnancy," says Dr. Sandra Carson, director of Baylor ART and a member of the obstetrics and gynecology staffs at Ben Taub General Hospital, The Methodist Hospital and St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. Large doses of progesterone are needed to simulate and support the normal cycle of ovulation during the first trimester of a pregnancy achieved by IVF. Natural progesterone marketed as Crinone® can be applied through the vagina, where the hormone is released directly to the lining of the uterus. "Preliminary studies suggest that this drug simulates ovulatory cycles that are just as natural as those induced by injections of progesterone into the hip," Dr. Carson says. "This study should confirm that our patients who choose to use Crinone® maintain the same high pregnancy rates as our other IVF patients." The new treatment targets the drug directly where it is needed, maintaining lower blood levels and minimizing side effects from high progesterone, says Dr. Carson, a Baylor associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. - From Baylor College of Medicine
Rice Milk can be Useful Substitute for Cow's Milk
However, for strict vegetarians, vegans or those allergic to cow's milk, this is not an option. For these individuals, cow's milk can be replaced with either soy milk or rice milk, which is usually the better tasting of the two. Calcium and vitamin D, two important nutrients (especially for the formation and maintenance of bone) found in cow's milk, are also present in fortified rice milk, making this a sound choice. Fortified rice milk is available in health food stores.
- From Dr. John Radcliffe,
Sclerotherapy Used to Treat Spider Veins
"Spider veins are extremely small veins close to the skin that become dilated," says Dr. Ted Rosen, a dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine. "Occurring most often on the legs, they tend to be grouped and look like a bunch of legs coming off a spider's body." The veins are highly visible because they range from a bright crimson red to a dark purple-blue in color. "During sclerotherapy, a hypertonic saline, or salt water, solution is injected into the vein or the group of veins," says Dr. Rosen, who is deputy chief of dermatology at The Methodist Hospital. "The solution destroys the blood vessel linings and causes the vessels to collapse." Once collapsed, the veins do not transport blood and lose the bright color the blood created. The procedure does not disrupt circulation because the veins involved are so tiny. Recovery generally requires about one day of rest with a pressure bandage on the leg. The number of treatments necessary depends on the size of the area and the number of veins involved. There is some pain during the injection, but it passes once the injection is complete. Considered a cosmetic treatment, sclerotherapy often is not covered by insurance. An average course of treatment can cost around $1,000. - From Baylor College of Medicine
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