Episode 8.9 Intrapartum Fentanyl, IUDs and Breast Cancer, Pretrm Test and Bias in Studies

Can IV fentanyl use during labor actually be safe for mothers and newborns beyond six centimeters of dilation? Join us as we unpack a pivotal 1989 study and question the stereotypes surrounding fentanyl use in labor.Our second segment tackles sensational claims about IUDs and breast cancer, as we dissect a Danish study recently published in JAMA. Listen as we unpack the methodological nuances and confounders that mainstream publications have overlooked, and explore the media's role in shaping public perception with incomplete or skewed interpretations of data.This episode closes with an in-depth look at the biases that pervade pharmaceutical research, particularly when funding sources have a vested interest in outcomes. By examining the "sponsorship effect" and its implications on research validity, we highlight the need for rigorous, unbiased scientific inquiry. We examine the evidence for the new Pretrm Test for preterm labor risk. Learn about the challenges of implementing biomarker testing for predicting preterm births and why high-quality evidence must remain the cornerstone of clinical practice. As we celebrate our 100th episode, we discuss the need for truth and transparency in scientific research—creating a future where clinical practices are driven by reliable, evidence-based insights.00:00:02 Navigating IV Fentanyl Use in Labor00:07:56 Debunking Misconceptions About IUDs and Breast Cancer00:22:17 Evaluating Biomarker Testing for Preterm Birth: The PreTRM test00:38:50 Conflicts of Interest in Medical Research00:45:15 Biased Influence in Medical ResearchFollow us on Instagram @thinkingaboutobgyn.