NJOGS offers its membership two scheduled meetings per year. These meetings are usually held in the Fall and early Summer. The meetings are co-sponsored by the New Jersey Chapter of AWHONN and offer CME and Nursing cognate credits. The meetings are offered at a discounted rate to any active NJOGS member and are specifically tailored to maintain the competency of the practicing OBGYN.

(Webmaster’s note: Each month we will attempt to highlight an issue that relates to Women’s Healthcare. Our first submission is from Marc J. Goldman, DDS, of UMDNJ, Newark, New Jersey. Thank you Marc, for this excellent review.)

WOMEN’S DENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Marc J. Goldman, DDS

About 85 percent of the adult population in the United States has some form of periodontal disease.  This could be a gingivitis which is inflammation of the gum tissue or where there has been loss of the alveolar bone that holds the teeth in the jaw.

The etiology is bacteria (plaque) which initiates an inflammatory reaction. C-reactive proteins are released that have been associated with heart disease and stroke.

Hormonal changes in women can increase the severity of the periodontal disease such that during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause women are at greater risk.

Gingival bleeding can increase during puberty and during the menstrual cycle.

More importantly is the association of periodontal disease during pregnancy and how it can effect the developing the fetus.  A recent study in the February, 2010 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology reported a case of a stillbirth.  The autopsy found Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease to be the cause.  This one study was vital in establishing a cooperative effort with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Newark Beth Israel Hospital in Newark with the Department of Dentistry.  Since then, all patients are screened by the Dental Department for dental caries and periodontal disease.

Numerous previous studies have linked periodontal disease to low birth weight babies and pre-term delivery and pre-eclampsia.

During pregnancy, many of your patients are aware of increase of bleeding when they brush their teeth.  We have coined the term “pregnancy gingivitis”.  Sometimes a growth occurs which is histologically a pyogenic granuloma but we call a “pregnancy tumor”.  It is benign but often bleeds easily and can traumatized during brushing, flossing, and chewing.

Unfortunately, “morning sickness” is common during pregnancy.  The acids from the regurgitation can dissolve the enamel of the teeth.  Dietary habits may change increasing snack foods with sugars. This combination makes the teeth more prone to caries.

Similarly, women are more prone to osteoporosis.  Recent articles have implicated bisphosphonates with jaw bone necrosis following dental extractions.  A more in depth review of these cases demonstrated existing un treated periodontal disease.  Thus, it would be beneficial to have your patients consult with a periodontist prior to starting these medications.

The focus of this article is to provide you with a brief summary of the importance of establishing good oral health in your patients. 

Realistically, it is only incumbent of you to make the appropriate referral to a periodontist.  It is the periodontist who can go into more detail about the etiology, consequences and treatment of the gum disease.

In light of all the publications on this subject and the increase in the number of lawyers, there are certainly legal and ethical reasons to make a dental examination part of your medical examination.

If your patient is not under the care of a periodontist and has a general dentist, contact the general dentist.  A simple e-mail or fax can be sufficient.

Ask the general dentist if they would like to take responsibility to give your patient clearance or if they have a periodontist whom they can refer.

The American Academy of Periodontology website, www.perio.org can assist you in locating a periodontist in your area.

The author- Marc J. Goldman completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1979 from New York University College of Dentistry and his certificate in Periodontics from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School in 1982.  Dr. Goldman is recent passed President of the New Jersey Society of Periodontists, the Chairman of the Department of Periodontics in the Department of Dentistry at Newark Beth Israel Hospital in New Jersey and in private practice at 116 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ.  Dr. Goldman can be reached at gumdr1@verizon.net or by phone 973.379.6400.

June 16, 2010

Dear Members and Colleagues:

As the President of The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia for 2010-2011 I am very excited about our programs for this coming year.  I chose topics for our dinner meetings that are relevant to our current and changing practices of Ob/Gyn.  I want our meetings to be thought provoking, and I want our physicians to leave with new questions and new ideas.

One of our initiatives for the coming year is to increase physician attendance at the dinner meetings. Not only will our knowledge be enhanced by these excellent speakers, but this is a wonderful networking opportunity for physicians to share ideas and perhaps establish new cooperative relationships. We all know how difficult it is to allocate another night to professional activities but we will provide a quality worthwhile program. If you have suggestions regarding the Society please share them with me.  I would like to hear from our members about ways in which the Society may better serve you. 

Please encourage your Ob/Gyn friends and colleagues to attend as well. Nonmembers are welcome. If you have Advanced Nurse Practitioners in your offices, bring them along with you.

I urge you to attend at least one meeting.  As the Ob/Gyn leaders in your communities, your presence and input will enhance the academic environment of our programs. I greatly appreciate your support in this endeavor.

One of the new and interesting facets of our newsletter will be a case review excerpted from the original minutes of the Ob Society which were recently found. The early meetings consisted almost entirely of case reports and reviews. I think you will find these books fascinating and will enjoy comparing management from 1867 to what we do today. We look forward to your comments!

The schedule for the upcoming year is attached.

I am also happy to announce that Dr. Arnold Cohen will coordinate our second Interactive Quality Initiatives in Obstetrical Care Forum on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Pennsylvania Hospital.  You will receive more information about this in the coming months.

Thank you very much for your assistance and participation.  I look forward to seeing you at the meetings!

Sincerely,

Susan Kaufman, D.O.

President

The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia

2010-2011 MEETING SCHEDULE

October 21, 2010 - Erol Amon, M.D.   *** Third Thursday of the Month, this Month Only***

Late preterm Birth: How Big a Problem?

November 11, 2010 - Janice Bacon, M.D. *** Second Thursday of the Month going Forward***

Hot Topics in Adolescent Gynecology

January 13, 2011 - Cheryl Iglesia, M.D.

The Quest for the Perfect Vagina: Understanding the What, How and Why of Trendy

Cosmetic Surgical Procedures and the Ethical Considerations Involved.    

February 10, 2011 - Steven Goldstein, M.D.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Can Make You a Better Gynecologist.

"The continuing evolution of Transvaginal Ultrasound in the evaluation of the endometrium"

March 10, 2011 - Linda Bradley, M.D.

Office & Operative Hysteroscopy

April 14, 2011 - Charles Hammond, M.D.    *** Joint PARES/Ob Meeting***

The Evolution and Success of the Treatment of Trophoblastic Malignancy

       

May 12, 2011 - President’s Night- Topic to be announced

May 13, 2011 - Resident Education Day- Topic to be announced

The venue for the evening programs is:

The Top of the Bell Tower Building

1717 Arch Street – 50th Floor, Philadelphia, Pa.

Reception and Buffet from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Lecture followed by Q/A 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Parking beneath the building

The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia
Lecture Synopses: 2010-2011

October 21, 2010 - Erol Amon, M.D.   *** Third Thursday of the Month, this Month Only***

Late preterm Birth: How Big a Problem?

   

        Objectives: 

            1) Define late preterm birth

            2) List antecedents to late preterm birth

            3) Describe short term and long term outcomes of these infants   

            4) Describe implications for Obstetricians and Pediatricians

November 11, 2010 - Janice Bacon, M.D. *** Second Thursday of the Month going Forward***

Hot Topics in Adolescent Gynecology

             Hot Topics in Adolescent Gynecology will cover the most recent updates and management of polycystic ovary                     disease, abnormal bleeding, pelvic and other items in that area. 

January 13, 2011 - Cheryl Iglesia, M.D.

The Quest for the Perfect Vagina: Understanding the What, How, and Why of Trendy

Cosmetic Surgical Procedures.

            Explore the ethical considerations involved these procedures

February 10, 2011 - Steven Goldstein, M.D.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Can Make You a Better Gynecologist.

"The continuing evolution of Transvaginal Ultrasound in the evaluation of the endometrium"

Transvaginal Ultrasound has come to play an important role in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding both in pre and post menopausal women. However, there is still great confusion about proper use of the endometrial echo both in bleeding and non bleeding patients. This lecture will present an ultrasound based approach including sonohysterography as well as the potential pitfalls of TV U/S as well as blind endometrial sampling.

March 10, 2011 - Linda Bradley, M.D.

Office & Operative Hysteroscopy

April 14, 2011 - Charles Hammond, M.D.    *** Joint PARES/Ob Meeting***

The Evolution and Success of the Treatment of Trophoblastic Malignancy

        From a disease that was well-known for its malignant ability, gestational trophoblastic disease has become the most curable of gynecologic malignancies.  This lecture will review the steps that have occurred in diagnosis and treatment and the successes that occurred as a result.  It stands as a prototype for other malignancies as we continue to work toward improving the results of malignant diseases in women.

May 12, 2011 - President’s Night- Topic to be announced

The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia

Speakers’ Bios:

Erol Amon, M.D

Erol Amon, M.D. is Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health and Professor of Radiology at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is the Director of the of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program at SLU; and past Chief of Obstetrics at St. Mary’s Health Center in St. Louis.

Janice Bacon, M.D

Janice L. Bacon, M.D. is E.J. Dennis III, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Carolina School Of Medicine (USC SoM).  She is currently South Carolina Section Vice Chairman for ACOG.  Dr. Bacon is Past President for the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

Cheryl Iglesia, M.D.

Cheryl Iglesia, M.D. is Associate Professor, Departments of Ob/Gyn and Urology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.  She is the Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Iglesia is director of a MedStar Fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

Steven Goldstein, M.D.

Steven Goldstein, M.D. is Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine. He is Director, Gynecologic Ultrasound, and Co-Director, Bone Densitometry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY.

Linda Bradley, M.D.

Linda Bradley, M.D. is Vice Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health Institute as well as the Director of The Fibroid and Menstrual Disorders Center and Director of Hysteroscopic Services. She was recently elected to the Board of Governors at the Cleveland Clinic, 2006–2010.

Charles Hammond, M.D

Charles Hammond, M.D. is the E. C. Hamblen Professor of Reproductive Biology and Family Planning in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine. He was Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and

Gynecology from 1980 until 2002. Dr. Hammond has served as President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists from 2002-2003.

Educational Offerings

from The Obstetrical Society of Philadelphia