Re: Caffeine-miscarriage link study

From: Gordon Goldman (obgyndoc@swbell.net)
Sat Jan 26 16:05:19 2008

David,

I agree with you, except I think this will serve another purpose; fodder for the litigious at heart.

The coffee vendors (Seattle, Starbuck's and the like) will be the target of litigation for not having adequately warned their female clientele of the 'deadly' consequences of caffeine ingestion.

And of course, the physicians will be targeted also, unless it is documented in the record that you specifically warned against it, despite the paucity of hard fact. In Missouri, we have to have the patient sign a statement at the onset of prenatal care, warning them of alcohol, tobacco and drug use. Caffeine is next. 

--
Gordon M. Goldman, M.D., FACOG
Private Practice, St. Louis, Mo.


On Jan 26, 2008, at 4:33 PM, David Priver wrote:


> Study linking caffeine, miscarriages flawed
>
> Regarding “Study reports link between caffeine use, miscarriages”  
> (News,
> Jan.  21):
>
> In my view, as an OB/GYN, this is a dreadfully flawed study that will
> serve no purpose other to further frighten pregnant women about the
> growing volume of supposedly dangerous substances that they must
> avoid.
>
> First of all, it is hopelessly unreliable to question women, often
> months following a miscarriage, about what they did or did not consume
> while pregnant.  Secondly, women who have the most “morning sickness”
> and, therefore, are the least likely to be consuming coffee (or nearly
> anything else), almost never miscarry, presumably as a result of a
> very
> high hormone level.  This reflects an association, but clearly not a
> cause and effect relationship.  Finally, it is well-established that
> miscarriage is, with very few exceptions, caused by pregnancies
> associated with chromosomal abnormalities, something that cannot
> possibly be affected by he consumption of caffeine.
>
> As the March of Dimes spokeswoman stated while explaining why that
> organization will now proceed to jump on this fear-inducing bandwagon,
> “Women do need good guidance.” Indeed they do, but this study did not
> provide it.
>
> DAVID PRIVER
> San Diego
>



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