NEJM Study compares contraceptive efficacy and side effects of Mini copper IUD with other contraceptive devices

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that the NTCu380 Mini IUD provides the same pregnancy prevention with fewer side effects than the widely used TCu380A copper IUD. This is what they concluded after a large-scale randomized trial of almost 1,100 women between 16 and 40 years that both the IUDs are copper-bearing and share a surface area of 380 mm² but vary in size and user ratings. The study was conducted by Courtney A. and colleagues.

A total of 1,105 participants were recruited and were randomly allocated 4:1: 887 received the NTCu380 Mini, while 218 received the TCu380A. The majority of participants were nulliparous (744 [83.9%] in the NTCu380 Mini group and 183 [83.9%] in the TCu380A group), which renders the results especially applicable to younger or first-time IUD users. Participants were followed for 37 months and a measure of efficacy, the Pearl Index, was used as the major outcome indicator, determining pregnancies per 100 woman-years in participants aged 35 or less. Other outcomes were time to pregnancy survival analysis, adverse event rates, and continuation of the device.

Key Findings

  • The 3-year Pearl Index of the NTCu380 Mini IUD was 1.86 (95% CI: 1.20–2.74), and the cumulative 3-year pregnancy rate was 4.8% (95% CI: 2.8–6.9%).

  • Successful placement was accomplished in 98.6% of the NTCu380 Mini group and 97.7% of the TCu380A group.

  • Adverse events (AEs), 3.5% in NTCu380 Mini users and 1.9% in TCu380A users, reported serious AEs, although this was not a statistically significant difference (P = 0.28).

  • AEs that resulted in discontinuation were significantly lower with the NTCu380 Mini group, 20.8% versus 33.2% with TCu380A (P = 0.001).

  • Bleeding or pelvic pain resulted in discontinuation in 14.5% of NTCu380 Mini users compared with 27.3% of TCu380A users (P < 0.001).

  • Although both IUDs had high efficacy in preventing pregnancy, the NTCu380 Mini had an improved side effect and continuation profile.

  • Among users of the NTCu380 Mini, 449 participants (51.3%) had stopped use at the end of the study compared with 122 participants (57.3%) among the TCu380A group (P = 0.07).

  • This indicates a slightly better continuation among NTCu380 Mini users. The significantly lower discontinuation rate because of pain or bleeding also indicates its improved tolerability.

In a heterogeneous group of predominantly nulliparous women, the NTCu380 Mini IUD had an approximately 5% pregnancy rate at 3 years, with a reduced frequency of side effects that resulted in discontinuation compared with the TCu380A IUD. These findings validate the NTCu380 Mini as an effective and more acceptable alternative to available copper IUDs in clinical practice.

Reference:

Schreiber, C. A., Nanda, K., Hubacher, D., Turok, D. K., Jensen, J. T., Creinin, M. D., White, K. O., Dayananda, I., Teal, S. B., Chen, P.-L., Chen, B. A., Goldberg, A. B., Kerns, J. L., Dart, C., Nelson, A. L., Thomas, M. A., Archer, D. F., Brown, J. E., Castaño, P. M., … Blithe, D. L. (2025). Contraceptive efficacy and comparative side effects of a Mini copper intrauterine device. NEJM Evidence, 4(8), EVIDoa2400480. https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2400480

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Embracing Hope: Study assesses Impact of Skin-to-Skin Contact on Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants

Preterm neonates face a heightened risk of neurodevelopmental impairments, and understanding protective factors against the adverse effects of preterm birth is critical. Recent study aimed to determine if immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) provides beneficial neurodevelopmental outcomes in these infants during early childhood. A total of 108 very preterm neonates, aged 28 to 31 weeks at birth, were randomly assigned to either immediate SSC or standard care. The median age for the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) assessment at follow-up was approximately 24 months in the SSC group and 25 months in the standard care group, with no significant differences in cognitive composite scores between the groups. The analysis was carried out to detect differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes, yet results showed no clinically relevant distinctions.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical methods incorporated two-sample t-tests and adjusted mean differences via linear regression considering the neonates’ sex and maternal education. Follow-up was challenging, with an 80% retention rate, and assessments were performed across multiple criteria, including the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and General Movement Assessment (GMA).

Breastfeeding Outcomes

Breastfeeding practices were notably more favorable in the SSC group; more neonates were breastfed at discharge, and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was longer compared to the standard care group. Despite these positive breastfeeding outcomes, there was no significant difference in identified risks for developmental delays between the two groups at the 2-3 year follow-up.

Implications of Findings

The study found that while SSC did not lead to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes, the increased rates of breastfeeding may suggest an indirect benefit related to maternal-infant bonding. The nonseparation approach, which promotes immediate contact post-delivery, aligns with global recommendations, highlighting the importance of nurturing environments for preterm infants.

Limitations and Future Directions

Limitations of the study included the exclusion of the sickest neonates and challenges in follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of a healthy full-term control group also constrained comparative analyses. Despite these limitations, the results suggest that while immediate SSC does not significantly change long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories, it can enhance breastfeeding initiation and duration, thus fostering closer maternal bonds. Future resource allocation may benefit from emphasizing the practical implementation of SSC rather than focusing solely on neurodevelopmental outcomes, as the intervention holds promise for improving maternal-infant interactions.

Key Points

– -Target Population and Objective-: The study focused on 108 very preterm neonates (ages 28 to 31 weeks at birth) to evaluate the effects of immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) on neurodevelopmental outcomes during early childhood, given the increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments in preterm infants.

– -Randomization and Assessment-: Participants were randomly assigned to either an SSC group or a standard care group, with follow-up assessments of neurodevelopmental outcomes conducted at a median age of approximately 24 months for the SSC group and 25 months for the standard care group, revealing no significant differences in cognitive composite scores.

– -Statistical Methods-: Statistical analysis employed two-sample t-tests and adjusted mean differences through linear regression, accounting for variables such as neonate sex and maternal education, although follow-up faced challenges with an 80% retention rate.

– -Breastfeeding Practices-: The SSC group exhibited significantly improved breastfeeding outcomes, including higher rates of breastfeeding at discharge and longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding compared to the standard care group; however, there were no significant differences in developmental delays (assessed at 2-3 years) between groups.

– -Implications for Maternal-Infant Bonding-: Although immediate SSC did not enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes, the noted increase in breastfeeding rates suggests potential benefits for maternal-infant bonding, aligning with global health recommendations for nurturing environments for preterm infants.

– -Study Limitations and Future Directions-: Limitations included exclusion of the sickest neonates, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on follow-up, and the lack of a healthy full-term control group. The findings suggest that SSC may enhance maternal-infant interaction rather than significantly alter long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories, indicating that future resource allocation could prioritize the implementation of SSC over solely focusing on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Reference –

L. Kristoffersen et al. (2025). Immediate Skin-To-Skin Contact In Very Preterm Neonates And Early Childhood Neurodevelopment. *JAMA Network Open*, 8. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.5467.

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‘Tongue swallowing prevention maneuvers’ delay CPR, could contribute to brain injury or death for collapsed athletes

Despite widespread public health efforts, the dangerous myth of “prevention of tongue-swallowing” continues to persist during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). New research in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology exposes the mainstream and social media’s detrimental role in perpetuating this misconception, which often leads to critical delays in proper CPR for collapsed athletes.

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Higher ultra processed food intake linked to increased lung cancer risk

A higher intake of ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, suggests research published online in the journal Thorax.

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Exercise rehab can lessen severity, frequency and recurrence of irregular heart rhythm

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation lessens the severity, frequency, and recurrence of the most common form of irregular heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation, or AF for short, finds a pooled data analysis of the available research, published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

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UK teens who currently vape as likely to start smoking as their peers in the 1970s, study suggests

UK teens who currently vape are as likely to take up smoking as their peers in the 1970s, despite a substantial fall in the prevalence of teenage smoking over the past 50 years, suggests a long-term intergenerational study published online in the journal Tobacco Control.

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No AIIMS Planned for Sitapur: MoS Health informs Lok Sabha

Sitapur: There is no proposal at present to establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, under the current phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), informed the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav, during a recent Lok Sabha session. 

To date, under PMSSY, the Government of India has approved the establishment of 22 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country. Uttar Pradesh is home to two of these premier institutions: AIIMS Raebareli and AIIMS Gorakhpur. Both of these institutes are fully functional and are providing world-class medical care while also contributing to the training of future healthcare professionals. 

The Minister was responding to the questions raised by Shri Rakesh Rathore about whether the Government is aware that Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh is extremely backward in terms of healthcare services and that patients have to travel to Lucknow or Delhi for treatment of serious illnesses.

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He asked if so, the details thereof,

He also asked whether the Government is considering setting up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Sitapur, where sufficient land is also available.

He seeks to know if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor;

He asked whether the Government proposes to formulate any action plan in the future for the establishment of AIIMS in Sitapur, keeping in view the healthcare needs of the people of Sitapur and nearby districts; and

Furthermore, he inquired if so, the details thereof?

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Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav informed the Lok Sabha that under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), to date, establishment of 22 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been approved in various States/UTs in the country, including 2 AIIMS in Uttar Pradesh, one at Raebareli and the other at Gorakhpur. Both Institutes are functional.

Under another component of the  PMSSY scheme, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, upgradation of 11 Government Medical Colleges (GMC) has been undertaken on Centre-State cost-sharing basis by way of setting up super-speciality facilities. These include (1) SGPGIMS, Lucknow, (2) Trauma Centre in IMS, BHU, Varanasi, (3) Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, (4) Govt. Medical College, Jhansi (5) BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur (6) MLN Medical College, Allahabad (7) LLRM Medical College, Meerut (8) Government Medical College, Agra (9) Government Medical College, Kanpur (10) Super Speciality Block, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), BHU, Varanasi (11) Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. In the current phase of PMSSY, there is no proposal for the establishment of a new AIIMS in Sitapur, further stated the minister.

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New findings reveal how β-cell subtypes influence type 2 diabetes development

If it has seemed like more people you know are developing diabetes, you are right. The diabetes epidemic is not called an epidemic for nothing: According to the American Diabetes Association, over 10% of the U.S. population—approximately 38.4 million people—had diabetes in 2021, and 1.2 million more people get diagnosed each year.

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Elderly doctor injured after bike-borne assailants snatch gold chains

New Delhi: In a recent case of robbery, a city-based woman doctor sustained a hip fracture while fighting off bike-borne snatchers who robbed her of two gold chains in southwest Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave area, an official said on Tuesday.

An 81-year-old woman doctor was injured after bike-borne snatchers robbed her of two gold chains in southwest Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave area, an official said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on July 25 around 3 pm when the victim, identified as Dr Sushila, a resident of Munirka, had gone to Safdarjung Enclave for some personal work, he said.

“While returning to her car, she saw a box kept near it. While she tried to remove it, two men on a motorcycle suddenly appeared. One of the accused snatched two gold chains from her neck,” a senior police officer said, according to a PTI news report.

Also Read:Doctor Robbed at Gunpoint in Punjab

The sudden jerk caused the elderly doctor who runs a clinic in Sarojini Nagar Market to lose balance and fall, resulting in injuries to her. The accused fled the spot immediately after the incident.

Speaking to HT, deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Amit Goel said, ”We have registered a case and our teams are scanning CCTV cameras to identify the accused. They will be caught soon”.

Police registered a case of robbery on July 26 based on the victim’s statement. Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify and apprehend the culprits. Further investigation is underway.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in a well-planned heist, three women, including a 27-year-old law student, had been arrested for allegedly stealing Rs 30 lakh in cash and a mobile phone from a doctor’s house in northwest Delhi. The theft was committed just two days after one of the accused joined the household as a live-in maid using a fake identity.

Also Read:Patiala doctor held at gunpoint, robbed of Rs 1.83 lakh

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NEET PG 2025 on August 3- Know Do’s and Don’ts for exam day

New Delhi- The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is going to conduct the National Eligibility and Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET PG) Exam on August 3rd for the academic year 2025. In this regard, candidates who are appearing for the exam must be aware of dos and don’ts for the said exam.

As per the NEET PG 2025 exam Information Bulletin released by the NBEMS in this regard, if during the course/of training/examination, a candidate is found indulging in any of the following, he/she shall be deemed to have used unfair means.

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1 If a candidate is found to have made a wrong statement in his/her application form for appearance in the examinations /counseling /admission to the training or has attempted to secure or has secured admission to any of the examinations/courses of NBEMS or has obtained registration with any medical council, by making a false statement or by production of a false/forged document.

2 If at any stage a candidate has tampered with any entry in the certificate or statement of marks or any certificate issued by any governmental or nongovernmental body or any other document that has been issued to him/ her by NBEMS.

3 Use/possession of any kind of electronic gadgets, including mobile phones with or without internet (whether the gadgets are actually used or not).

4 A candidate found copying from notes written on any part of his/her clothing, body, desk or table or instrument like setsquares, protractors, scales etc. or who is found guilty of concealing, disfiguring, rendering illegible, swallowing or destroying any notes or papers or material found with him/her or found exchanging answer book or question paper with solution or talking to a person or consulting notes or books outside the Examination Hall, while going to the toilet or in the toilet.

5 Giving or receiving assistance directly or indirectly of any kind or attempting to do so.

6 Having in possession of any notebook (s) or notes or chits or any other unauthorised material concerning the subject of the examination paper.

7 Change of seat/system without the permission of Examination Superintendent/ In charge of Computer Laboratory.

8 Contacting or communicating or trying to do so with any person, other than the Examination Staff, during the examination time in the examination centre/ Computer Laboratory.

9 Consulting notes, books or any other material or outside person while going out of the examination hall/Computer Laboratory to the toilet or to any other place.

10 Impersonation.

11 Forgery in photo identification produced to seek entry in the test centre / producing false documents for the purpose.

12 Using or attempting to use any other undesirable method or means in connection with the examination.

13 Running away or swallowing or destroying any note or paper,, or material found with him/her.

14 Threatening any of the officials connected with the conduct of the examinations or threatening any of the candidates.

15 Peeping into the computer monitor screen of the other candidate.

16 Disclosing his/her identity or making a distinctive mark in the answer book for that purpose, or failing to deliver his/her answer book/continuation sheet before leaving the examination hall.

17 Hacking or attempting to hack or causing interference with the website of NBEMS or its Technology Partner(s) or their Information Technology systems.

18 Tampering with Information Technology systems of NBEMS or Technology Partner(s) or Computer Laboratory.

19 Damaging the computer systems of Computer Laboratory.

20 Candidate found to have attempted or trying to attempt personally or through another person to influence or pressurize an examiner, or any officer or official connected with the examinations of the NBEMS or its technology partner, either at NBEMS or at the office of technology partner or their respective residence(s), in any matter concerned with the examinations.

21 Any candidate violating the NDA will be treated as UMC.

22 If at any stage it is found that the candidate has appeared multiple times in the same session of examination or has appeared in the same or different examination of NBEMS with different names, unfair means case shall be registered against such candidate and dealt accordingly.

23 Any act of a candidate/any person which is detrimental to safe, secure and smooth conduct of examination and the decision of EEC in this regard shall be final.

24 Candidate is found talking/peeping at another candidate during the examination hours in the examination room.

25 A candidate who refuses to obey the Superintendent of Examination centre/Computer Lab and changes his/her seat with another candidate and/or creates disturbance of any kind during the examination and/or otherwise misbehaves in the examination hall.

26 Any candidate found guilty of having adopted anyone or more of the above Unfair means/misconduct is liable to be penalized with a penalty by the Examination Ethics Committee, which may vary from cancellation of the examination/ expulsion up to next 14 attempts or 7 yrs and/or cancellation of candidature as may be decided by Examinations Ethics Committee after considering each case.

Also Read: Last-Minute Postponement of NEET PG 2024 Costs NBE Rs 11 Crore Extra, Reveals RTI

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