Comparative Analysis of Spinal versus General Anesthesia for Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Tubal Sterilization: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial
Principal Investigator: Meredith Gray, M.D.

This study investigates whether using a small dose of spinal anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to standard general anesthesia for a specific type of surgery (VNOTES tubal sterilization). It will assess complications during and after surgery and compare pain, nausea, recovery time, and patient satisfaction between the two anesthesia methods.

GLP-1 effects on lean mass and bone health in midlife women (GLOW) 
Principal Investigator: Johanna Finkle, M.D.
Co-Investigator: Holly Hull, Ph.D. 

The purpose of this study is to learn how body composition (how much fat and lean tissue are present in the body) changes after taking a GLP-1RA medication. 

Kangaroo Care in the Operating Room
Principal Investigator: Meredith Gray, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Angela Martin, M.D., Sydney Edmisten, M.D. (resident), Sharon Fitzgerald Wolff, Ph.D., MPH

This randomized controlled trial compares the outcomes of placing newborns on their mother's chest immediately after a scheduled cesarean delivery (kangaroo care) with the standard practice of taking the baby to an assessment warmer first. The hypothesis is that immediate skin-to-skin contact during cesarean section will reduce the need for pain and anxiety medications for the mother, enhance her satisfaction with the procedure, and won't lead to differences in the baby's health measures like the Apgar score, neonatal ICU admission, maternal infection rates, or blood loss. Enrollment is complete.

Labor & Delivery Culture and Collaboration
Principal Investigator: Angela Martin, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Kelli Krase, M.D., Kelsie Kelly, M.D., Melissa Donovan (L&D nurse manager)

This is a survey study about Labor & Delivery culture and collaboration between faculty and staff before and after various implementations to facilitate good communication, respect, and collaboration on the unit. 

Patient Factors Associated with Fragmentation of Copper Intrauterine Devices Requiring Hysteroscopic Removal
Principal Investigator: Annabel Mancillas, M.D. 

The purpose of this study is to defined patient risk factors and associations with Cooper IUD fragmentation upon removal that require hysteroscopy evaluation by seeking to improve patient counseling and providers’ understanding regarding risk factors associated with uterine anatomic abnormalities and an increased duration of ParaGard use.

Patient Preference and Satisfaction on Mode of Interpreter in a Sensitive Exam environment
Principal Investigator: Neha Singh, D.O. (resident)
Co-Investigator: Annabel Mancillas, M.D. 

The purpose of this study is to assess patient preference and satisfaction of interpreter mode while in a sensitive exam environment. 

A Phase 3 Study of Revaccination in Subsequent Pregnancies With RSV Vaccine and Duration of Protection of a Single Dose
Principal Investigator: Rachel DiTeresi, M.D. 

This is a Phase 3, multicenter study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a second dose of RSVpreF administered to pregnant participants during subsequent pregnancies, and a seroepidemiology analysis of nonpregnant and pregnant participants from Studies C3671008 and C3671003 to assess immune persistence after a single vaccination with RSVpreF.

Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Urine Drug Screening on Labor & Delivery, Tracking Change
Principal Investigator: Angela Martin, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Noria McCarther, M.D. (fellow), Sharon Fitzgerald Wolff, Ph.D., Margaret Sieger, Ph.D., Hunter Hiegert (student)

This study evaluates biases in urine drug screening on Labor & Delivery after policy change and education were implemented. 

Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program
Principal Investigator: Brian Brost, M.D.
Co-Investigator: Marc Parrish, D.O.

Providing education to sonographers at rural hospitals to improve their clinical skills when performing ultrasounds and providing them with continuous, real-time feedback.

Trophoblast-Guided Uterine Transformation in the Establishment of Pregnancy
Principal Investigator: Michael J. Soares, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator: Megan Thomas, M.D. 

The Purpose of this study is to examine Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) and the WNT antagonist, NOTUM, in patient-specific human trophoblast stem cells.

Enacting active survivorship: Implementation of weight management strategies in endometrial cancer survivors
Principal investigator: Melissa Javellana, M.D.
Co-Investigator: Johanna Finkle, M.D.

The purpose of the study is to understand how we can help endometrial cancer survivors with obesity to engage in a weight management program and potentially start a weight loss medication as obesity often impacts the future health and longevity of early-stage endometrial cancer survivors more than their cancer diagnosis.

Chorioamnionitis Duration and Perinatal Outcomes
Principal Investigator: Angela Martin, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Tessa Johnson, M.D. (fellow), Sharon Fitzgerald Wolff, Ph.D.

This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating perinatal outcomes among patients with chorioamnionitis, stratified by duration of chorioamnionitis.

Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) Trial Maternal Follow-up Study
Principal Investigator: Marc Parrish, D.O.

This is a multi-site secondary analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial involving pregnant patients with preexisting hypertension. The original study compared outcomes between those treated with more aggressive antihypertensive therapy and those managed according to ACOG guidelines. This current phase focuses on examining the long-term health outcomes in the participants.

External Cephalic Version and Emergency Cesarean Section Rate
Principal Investigator: Angela Martin, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Megan Howell, D.O. (resident)

This retrospective cohort study evaluated and reported the emergency C-section rate at the time of external cephalic version with the goal of exploring ways to reduce the emergency C-section rate during the procedure. 

A Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Safety of the KNP-1000 Apheresis System in Patients with Preeclampsia with Severe Features
Principal Investigator: Marc Parrish, D.O. 
Co-Investigator: Patrick Moriarty, M.D. 

A feasibility study evaluating whether the investigational KNP-1000 Apheresis System can safely treat women with preterm preeclampsia by delaying the progression of preeclampsia symptoms and potentially prolonging pregnancy.

Heart Outcomes in Pregnancy, Expectations for Mom and Baby (HOPE)
Principal Investigator: Angela Martin, M.D.

This is a prospective, observational study evaluating perinatal outcomes for birthing patients and babies among patients with heart disease in pregnancy. KUMC is one of over 30 centers in the United States enrolling patients. 

Labor and Delivery Doula Program to Reduce Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality in Kansas
Principal Investigator: Angela Martin, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Noria McCarther, M.D. (fellow), Carrie Wieneke, M.D., Annabell Mancillas, M.D., Sharla Smith, Ph.D.

This randomized controlled trial compared standard prenatal care to the same standard prenatal care plus a doula in the academic setting to determine if doula-enhanced care can improve the communication and quality of maternal care among Black-birthing people. Enrollment is complete.

Offspring Neurodevelopment and Growth after Early Antihypertensive Therapy or Preeclampsia in Women with Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP Child)
Principal Investigator: Marc Parrish, D.O.

This is a multi-site secondary analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial involving pregnant patients with preexisting hypertension. The original study compared outcomes between those treated with more aggressive antihypertensive therapy and those managed according to ACOG guidelines. This current phase focuses on examining the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in the children of those participants.

Promoting Shared Decision Making in Periviable Care: A randomized controlled trial of the Periviable GOALS Decision Support Tool
Principal Investigator: Megan Thomas, M.D.

This study compares a decision support tool called Periviable GOALS with standard care for pregnant people and their support persons hospitalized for a potential periviable delivery. The goal is to see if using the tool improves the quality of decision-making, mental health outcomes for the mothers, and preferences for neonatal treatment.

REDUCE Trial – Reducing Prolapse Recurrence by Reducing Genital Hiatus
Principal Investigator: Melanie Meister, M.D.

The decision to include a posterior repair during a surgical procedure called sacrocolpopexy, which treats vaginal prolapse, is debated among surgeons. This study aims to determine if adding this procedure reduces the risk of prolapse recurrence. We hypothesize that the addition of a posterior repair at the time of sacrocolpopexy will not reduce the risk of prolapse recurrence but may increase the likelihood of discomfort during defecation and painful intercourse.

5-base HiFi Sequencing to Advance the Understanding of Genetic Determinants of Pregnancy Loss
Principal Investigator: Elin Grundberg, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Courtney Marsh, M.D., MPH, Tom Pastinen, M.D., Ph.D.

This study is investigating genetic biomarkers related to recurrent pregnancy loss.

Chronic Pain and Effect of Hormones in Gender Diverse Population
Principal Investigator: Andrea Chadwick, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Courtney Marsh, M.D., MPH, Rebecca Lepping, Ph.D., Lora Black Ph.D.

Endometrial mediators of abnormal uterine function
Principal Investigators: Warren Nothnick, Ph.D. and Courtney Marsh, M.D.
Co-Investigators: Michael Lydic, M.D., Kristin Holach, M.D., Wei Cui, M.D., and Nika Gloyeske, M.D.

This case-control study investigates infertility and focuses on the mis-expression of miR-451a and its target genes (like IL-18, IL-18R, CCNA2, and REST) in endometrial tissue and serum. Patients undergoing ovarian stimulation will provide blood and endometrial biopsies (taken during oocyte retrieval under anesthesia and not affecting future pregnancy). We aim to delineate the expression of these markers in endometrial tissue and evaluate serum miR-451a as a prognostic marker for embryo implantation success.

Hippo Signaling Effector and Placentation
Principal Investigator: Soumen Paul, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Courtney Marsh, M.D., Valerie French, M.D.

This study is investigating molecular mechanisms related to early pregnancy loss.

In Vitro Maturation of Oocytes and Hormonal Effect on Reproductive Tissue in Transgender Men
Principal Investigator: Katherine Roby, M.D.

This study aims to find a better way to preserve fertility in transgender men, as the current method of freezing eggs has drawbacks. Researchers will experiment with growing eggs in a lab dish from ovarian tissue removed during surgery, and they also want to understand how long-term testosterone exposure affects reproductive organs. This work could not only help transgender individuals but also expand our knowledge of ovarian function and related conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Biobank
Principal Investigator: Courtney Marsh, M.D.

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Biobank was created so researchers can utilize it to investigate the causes of infertility. The REI Biobank consists of blood and tissue from patients evaluated and treated for infertility or underwent surgery at the University of Kansas. These samples provide material for the discovery, confirmation, and validation of information related to disease pathology, biomarkers of said disease and therapeutic targets.

REST-MED12 Pathways in the Regulation of Estrogen - Progesterone Sensitivity in Uterine Leiomyoma
Principal Investigator: Vargheese Chennathukuzhi, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Courtney Marsh, M.D., MPH, Meredith Gray, M.D., Aleksandar Rajkovic, M.D., Ph.D.

This study is investigating mechanisms related to uterine leiomyoma growth (uterine fibroids).

Molecular Pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyomas 
Principal Investigator: Vargheese Chennathukuzhi, Ph.D.

This research focuses on understanding uterine fibroids. The study explores how a protein, GPR10, when activated, may promote the growth of these tumors and how the loss of another protein, REST, might be a critical step in the development of uterine fibroids. The goal is to gain insights into the mechanisms behind uterine fibroid formation, potentially leading to new therapies for this condition.

REST/NRSF, miRNAs and Tissue Remodeling in Adenomyosis Pathophysiology
Principal Investigator: Warren Nothnick, Ph.D.

This study aims to understand a uterine condition called adenomyosis, which can cause heavy and painful periods, pelvic pain, discomfort during intercourse, and reproductive issues. The researchers are investigating if a specific molecular pathway involving genes and small molecules called miRNAs plays a role in the development of adenomyosis, using both human and mouse models to explore potential treatments.

Assessment of Normal and Abnormal Placental Structure/Function during Pregnancy and Disease
Principal Investigator: Soumen Paul, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators: Angela Martin, M.D.

The placenta is a vital organ during pregnancy that transfers essential nutrients, removes waste, and produces hormones crucial for fetal and maternal health. Problems with placental function can impact fetal development and increase the risk of health issues for both the mother and child. This research aims to use human placental models to study differences in normal and disease conditions and monitor transport and metabolism by the placenta to ultimately understand and enhance pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health for both mothers and babies.

Technology Enabled Learning Collab Program Grant
Principal Investigator – Robert Moser, M.D.
Co-Investigators – Angela Martin, M.D., Jeffrey Burns, M.D., Carrie Wieneke, M.D., Brian Brost, M.D., Kylie McFall (L&D clinical nurse team leader)

This grant was awarded for the purpose of creating and evaluating the effectiveness of obstetric emergency simulations for rural hospitals across Kansas.

Abnormal Umbilical Artery Doppler Studies in Fetal Macrosomia: What Do They Mean?
Stephanie Pham, M.D.
Mentor: Megan Thomas, M.D.

Acetaminophen in Amniotic Fluid
Cassidy Stiles, M.D.
Mentor: Brian Brost, M.D.

Appendiceal Endometriosis at time of Benign Gynecological Surgery
Cole Glasgow, M.D.
Mentor: Austin Findley, M.D.

Bridge to Ob/Gyn Residency Network - A Novel Multi-Level Advisory Program for Ob/Gyn Residency Applicants
Lindsey Eck, M.D.
Mentor: Rachel DiTeresi, M.D. and Kelli Krase, M.D.

Exercise in Pregnancy: Implementing a Physical Activity Counseling Protocol in an Academic Institution
Ellie Pryor
Mentor: Johanna Finkle, M.D.

Exploring Disparities in Access to Outpatient Specialty Palliative Care
Hannah Nettelblad, M.D.
Mentors: Lori Spoozak, M.D., Rubina Ratnaparkhi, M.D., and Christian Sinclair, M.D.

Identifying Acute Stress Symptoms in a General Postpartum Population: A Retrospective Study
Dominic Cancino, M.D.
Mentor: Megan Thomas, M.D.

Improving Obstetric Ultrasound Training: A Simulation-Based Evaluation of Fetal Biometry
Stephanie Pham, M.D.
Mentor: Brian Brost, M.D.

Integrating a Doula enhanced Care Partnership to reduce Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality at a Large Academic Medical Center
Noria McCarther, M.D.
Mentors: Angela Martin, M.D., Sharla Smith, Ph.D., and Holly Hull, Ph.D.

Oncologic Outpatient Specialty Palliative Care Referral Utilization: A Single Institution Quality Improvement Project
Luca Petry, M.D.
Mentors: Lori Spoozak, M.D. and Rubina Ratnaparkhi, M.D.

Patient Preference and Satisfaction on Mode of Interpreter in a Sensitive Exam Environment
Neha Singh, D.O.
Mentor: Annabel Mancillas, M.D.

QI Project Improving Timing of Induction Starts on Labor and Delivery
Duy Hoang Dinh, M.D., Sydney Edmisten, M.D., Cole Glasgow, M.D., and Chloe Ramirez Bierman, M.D.
Mentor: Madhuri Reddy, M.D.

Risk of Emergent Cesarean Delivery at the time of External Cephalic Version
Megan Howell, D.O.
Mentors: Angela Martin, M.D. and Grace Shih, M.D.

Acute Stress Symptoms in a General Postpartum Population: How to Identify
Dominic Cancino, M.D.
Mentor: Megan Thomas, M.D.

Appendiceal Pathology at the Time of Surgery for Endometriosis
Cole Glasgow, M.D.
Mentor: Austin Findley, M.D.

Comparative Analysis of Spinal versus General Anesthesia for Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Tubal Sterilization: A Prospective, Randomized Control Trial
Shadae Beale, M.D.
Mentor: Meredith Gray, M.D.

Comparing JADA® and Bakri® for Management of Postpartum Bleeding due to Uterine Atony
Hannah Nettelblad, M.D.
Mentors: Kelly Krase, M.D. and Angela Martin, M.D.

Cost-effectiveness of Antenatal Fetal Surveillance for Medication-Controlled Gestational Diabetes
Chloe Ramirez Biermann, M.D.
Mentor: Gene Lee, M.D.

Factors Associated with Emergency Cesarean Delivery at the Time of Attempted External Cephalic Version in an Academic Referral Center
Megan Howell, D.O.
Mentor: Angela Martin, M.D.

How We Compare: Preeclampsia Rates at an Academic Center
Aleshia Thompson, M.D.
Mentors: Kelli Krase, M.D. and Sharla Smith, Ph.D.

Identifying Patient Factors Affecting Management of Spontaneous Abortion in the First Trimester
Lindsey Eck, M.D.
Mentor: Caitlin Linscheid, M.D.

The Impact of the Dobbs Decision on Access to Gender Diverse Care at a Midwest Academic Health Center
Sarah Dreibelbis, M.D.
Mentors: Valerie French, M.D. and Meredith Gray, M.D.

Kangaroo Care in the Operating Room
Sydney Edmisten, M.D.
Mentor: Meredith Gray, M.D.

The Significance of Abnormal Doppler Studies in Large for Gestational Age Fetuses
Stephanie Pham, M.D.
Mentor: Megan Thomas, M.D.

Screening for Social Determinants of Health in Pregnant Patients
Erin Ahart, M.D., Emily Brekke, M.D., Aleshia Thompson, M.D., and Leslie Whittenburg, M.D.
Mentor: Madhuri Reddy, M.D.

Vaginal Hysterectomy in Gender Affirming Care versus Cisgender Care
Ariana Rangel, M.D.
Mentors: Colette Gnade, M.D. and Meredith Gray, M.D.

Comparison of Catheter and Clean Catch Urine Samples to Determine Protein-to-Creatine Ratio in Pregnant Patients
Emily Brekke, M.D.
Mentor: Kelli Krase, M.D.

Does Addition BMI to the GTT Improve Detection of Fetal Hyperinsulinemia?
Duyhoang Dinh, M.D.
Mentor: Gene Lee, M.D.

How We Compare: Preeclampsia Rates at an Academic Center
Aleshia Thompson, M.D.
Mentors: Kelli Krase, M.D. and Sharla Smith, Ph.D.

Implications of the Gut and Blood Plasma Microbiome in Women with a Pelvic Mass
Priya Sabu, M.D.
Mentors: Diane Mahoney, Ph.D., Andrew Godwin, Ph.D., Shahid Umar, Ph.D., and Harsh Pathak, Ph.D.

Improving Treatment Times for Obstetric Patients with Hypertensive Disorders
Rachel Gabriel, M.D., Erika Gazzetta, M.D., Emily Martinelli, M.D., and Emily Olig, M.D.
Mentors: Madhuri Reddy, M.D. and Angela Martin, M.D.

Optimizing Medical Student Orientation to the Third Year Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship
Rachel Gabriel, M.D.
Mentor: Rachel DiTeresi, M.D.

Patient’s Contraceptive Choices Before and After 2022 Dobbs Decision
Leslie Whittenburg, M.D.
Mentor: Kelli Krase, M.D.

Use of the Jada® System for Treating Postpartum Uterine Bleeding at an Academic Center
Chloe Ramirez Biermann, M.D.
Mentors: Angela Martin, M.D. and Kelli Krase, M.D.

Utilization and Outcomes for Publicly Funded Cervical Cancer Screening and Patient Navigation in a Non-Medicaid Expansion State
Rubina Ratnaparkhi, M.D.
Mentors: Amanda Emerson, Ph.D., Dinesh Pal Mudaranthakam, Ph.D., Elizabeth Calhoun, Ph.D., and Megha Ramaswamy, Ph.D.

Utility of Biophysical Profile in Medication-Controlled Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Chloe Ramirez Biermann, M.D.
Mentor: Gene Lee, M.D.

Brain health in midlife (ADORE BRAIN)
Principal Investigator: Holly Hull, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator: Johanna Finkle, M.D.

The purpose of this study is to learn if hypertensive disorders during pregnancy affect brain health in midlife. 

Characterizing Social Determinants of Health Among Prenatal Patients at a Student Run Free Clinic
Principal Investigator: Annabel Mancillas, M.D., MPH, FACOG

The purpose of this study was to assess the social determinants of health among patients receiving prenatal care at the JayDoc Student Run Free Clinic to provide early interventions and ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes.

Investigating the relationship between triglycerides and fetal overgrowth in gestational diabetes
Principal Investigator - Bryan Brost, M.D.

This study investigates how triglyceride levels in pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes relate to the size of the baby and the distribution of body fat. Researchers will measure triglyceride levels through blood tests, collecting cord blood from infants, and assessing the baby's body fat at different time points after birth to understand if high fetal insulin levels are the reason triglycerides contribute to fetal overgrowth.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double- of Observer-blinded placebo-controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prefusion F Subunit Vaccine in Infants Born to Women Vaccinated During Pregnancy
Principal Investigator - Rachel DiTeresi, M.D.

Pfizer is testing a vaccine called RSVpreF to protect infants from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections by vaccinating pregnant women. This Phase 3 study aims to determine if giving this vaccine to pregnant women can effectively reduce RSV-related respiratory illnesses in infants, addressing a significant medical need.

Verification of Risk Assignment for Whole Chromosome Aneuploidy using SNP-based NIPT in VaniSHing Twin Pregnancies (VANISH)
Principal Investigator - Kelly Gorman, M.D.

The study's goal is to collect blood samples from people with a vanishing twin pregnancy, when the pregnancy started as twins but only one fetus survives. Researchers are working on a new method using a noninvasive prenatal test called Panorama® to accurately identify the genetic health of the surviving twin and determine if they have any chromosomal abnormalities.