USPSTF round-up
The Task Force now recommends that physicians take steps to prevent perinatal depression and has modified its recommendation on lead screening.
Additional updates with no recommendation changes
Four other topics were re-examined by the Task Force in 2019, resulting in no significant changes to recommendations (TABLE 2):
- Screen for hepatitis B infection in pregnant women at the first prenatal visit (A recommendation; updated from 2009).
- Screen for HIV infection in adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 years, and in those younger and older who are at high risk, and during pregnancy (A recommendation; updated from 2013).
- Provide topical medication for all newborns to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (A recommendation; first recommendation in 1996, updated in 2005 and 2011).
- Avoid screening for pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic adults (D recommendation; updated from 2004).
Affirmation of USPSTF’s value
In only 1 out of 9 reassessments of past topics did the Task Force modify its previous recommendations in any significant way. This demonstrates that recommendations will usually stand the test of time if they are made using robust, evidence-based methods (that consider both benefits and harms) and they are not made when evidence is insufficient. That only 2 new topics could be addressed in 2019 may reflect a need for more resources for the Task Force.
