Issue 58 – February 2014

Iodine deficiency in pregnancy
A cohort study suggests that iodine deficiency during early pregnancy might negatively affect the child’s cognitive development.

Silicone cervical pessaries in women with a multiple pregnancy
A randomised controlled trial finds that silicone cervical pessaries do not reduce poor perinatal outcomes in women with a multiple pregnancy, although pessaries might be of some benefit in those with a short cervix. 

Prenatal valproate exposure and autism in children
A population-based cohort study suggests that the risk of autism may be tripled in children born to mothers who took valproate during pregnancy.

End-of-life care in care homes with no on-site nursing provision
A prospective, mixed methods study shows that care home staff and primary care professionals at homes with no on-site nursing provision are unclear on how to identify residents near the end of their lives and who is responsible for discussing end-of-life care.

Training primary care professionals in multiple behaviour change counselling
A randomised controlled trial in Wales shows that training GPs and practice nurses to deliver counselling on lifestyle change does not affect patients’ smoking, alcohol use, exercise or diet behaviours.

Evidence Updates
NICE has recently published Evidence Updates on:

• Prevention of cardiovascular disease
• Organ donation for transplantation