In this single-blind trial, 162 women with systemic lupus erythematosus were randomly assigned to combined oral contraceptives, a progestin-only pill, or a copper intrauterine device. There were no significant differences in global or maximum disease activity, incidence or probability of flares, or medication use, irrespective of the type of contraceptive used.

This double-blind, randomized, noninferiority trial prospectively evaluated the effect of oral contraceptives on lupus activity in premenopausal women with stable systemic lupus erythematosus. The results indicate that oral contraceptives do not increase the risk of a flare of disease among women with lupus whose condition is stable.

During the 2003–2004 influenza season in the United States, 153 influenza-associated deaths were reported in children (median age, three years). Fifty-three percent of the children had a condition conferring a high risk of influenza or had another chronic condition, and 47 percent were classified as “previously healthy.” Infants younger than six months of age had the highest mortality rate. Improvements in vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment should be given high priority in the effort to reduce childhood mortality from influenza.

It has been suggested that rapid atrial pacing (AOP) may be beneficial in some patients with sleep apnea. However, in a study comparing AOP with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (n-CPAP) in a series of patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea, AOP had no significant effect, whereas n-CPAP was highly effective.