Investigating the Association of Lactation History and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk in the Women's Health Initiative

Prolonged lactation (≥24 mo) has been associated with reduced breast cancer risk. This research examined this association in postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Hormone Trial (HT) and Observational Study (OS). This retrospective cohort analysis included 69,358 predominantly overweight (65.4%), white (83.2%) postmenopausal women without breast cancer. Women in the HT were randomized to 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), 0.625 CEE + 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA), or placebo. OS participants had no restrictions on hormone use. Lactation history was assessed via WHI Reproductive History Questionnaire. Most women breastfed at least 1 mo (58.0%); 35.4% breastfed 1-2 children; and 6.5% stated having breastfed ≥24mo. Women in the HT-CEE who breastfed their first child between 20-24 yr of age demonstrated a nonsignificant decreased risk of breast cancer (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.01). OS participants who reported CEE/MPA hormone use and age of first breastfeeding ≥30 yr showed a significant increased risk of breast cancer (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.41). Risk was increased if age of last breastfeeding was ≥35yr (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.14). This research did not demonstrate a significantly decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in women who breastfed for ≥24 mo during their lifetime

Postdural puncture headache: evidence-based review for primary care

The promotion of epidural and spinal blocks as preferred and safe techniques for Caesarean section and the use of lumbar puncture for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes place patients at risk of developing postdural puncture headache (PDPH). This article reviews the literature for evidence that provides an approach to diagnosis and management of this condition for the primary care physician. A dull and throbbing, bilateral headache associated with changes in posture (worsened by sitting and standing, and better lying down), that develops within seven days of a lumbar puncture or an inadvertent dural puncture must raise the suspicion of PDPH. The exact causative mechanism is unclear but symptoms of PDPH are generally attributed to excessive loss of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The risk of PDPH is increased with the use of cutting and large-bore needles, and with horizontal orientation of the needle bevel. Given that symptoms overlap, other organic causes of headache such as intracerebral/subdural haemorrhage, pneumocephalus, central nervous system infections, adverse effects of anticoagulants and functional headaches such as migraine must be excluded. Although the initial management of PDPH comprises several conservative interventions, evidence is only available for the effectiveness of the usage of caffeine, analgesics, gabapectin, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and cosyntropin. Epidural blood patch (EDBP) offers the most favourable outcomes for patients who fail to respond to conservative management. However, given the lack of skills for performing EDBP in primary care, such patients should be referred to secondary or tertiary level of care