Study Links Caesareans With Births Before Term

Premature single births have been increasing in the United States, mostly among infants delivered by Caesarean section, researchers are reporting. And they say some of the increase may be due to Caesareans that are not medically necessary. The trend is worrisome because premature babies are at risk for breathing and feeding disorders, delayed brain development, other health problems and death. A study of single births from 1996 to 2004 found an increase of one percentage point in premature deliveries, to 10.7 percent from 9.7. Ninety-two percent of those premature deliveries were by Caesarean. Most were “late preterm,” born after 34 to 37 weeks of pregnancy, instead of the normal 38 to 42 weeks. Late preterm babies make up more than 70 percent of all premature births in the United States, and are the fastest growing subgroup of preterm births, the researchers found. Even though they may seem close to full-term, they still face increased risks of serious problems from being born too early.

Please click on the link below to read the New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/health/research/28birth.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=health&adxnnlx=1212411768-B/yrRABEJX8FYYSAnp7qAw

For more information on defending medical malpractice and nursing home matters in Florida contact Howard Citron at The Citron Law Firm, P.A. – www.citronlegal.com.

Health Care Report Finds New York Lax on Doctors

New York State punished fewer doctors in 2007 than in any year since 1996, even as complaints against physicians and the number of practitioners reached record levels, according to a report yesterday by health care watchdog groups. The 18-page report also found New York’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct uses a nondisciplinary monitoring system – a type of physician probation – more than any other state. The report was released as the state legislature considers a sweeping patient safety bill introduced by Gov. David A. Paterson in the wake of the case of Plainview anesthesiologist, Dr. Harvey Finkelstein, who is accused of infecting at least one patient with hepatitis C and who was monitored but not sanctioned. The report’s authors – the New York Public Interest Research Group and the Center for Medical Consumers – said it highlighted flaws in New York’s physician disciplinary system, which they criticized as one of the nation’s most pro-doctor.

Please click on the link below to read the Newsday.com article:

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/wednesday/longisland/ny-lidocs285704553may28,0,7036023.story

For more information on defending medical malpractice and nursing home matters in Florida contact Howard Citron at The Citron Law Firm, P.A. – www.citronlegal.com.