Women's Services | Antenatal Testing | Childbirth and Newborn Care | Fetal Care | Maternal Fetal | Meet the Team | Midwifery | MOMobile | New Moms & Dads | Pelvic Pain | Reproductive Medicine | Specialty Services
Driven by a commitment to excellence in teaching, research and clinical care, St. Joseph’s has been a symbol of quality health care in Arizona for 113 years. The Women’s Care Center plays an important role in the research component within our hospital, conducting several clinical research studies at any given time. St. Joseph's has over 30 active studies for the purpose of preventing preterm birth.
Current research includes:
-
Progesterone Receptors and the Control of Human Myometrial Contractility: To provide a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which progesterone controls cell function, which may assist in the development of new strategies in preventing preterm birth. Conducted by Drs. Garfield and Chambliss
-
Comparison of Uterine EMG, TOCO and IUPC in Pregnant Women: To help determine the superior of the three methods of monitoring uterine contractions. Conducted by Drs. Balducci and Garfield
-
Recording of Uterine and Abdominal Muscle Contractility via EMG: To evaluate the performance of the EMG device in monitoring uterine contractions. Conducted by Drs. Balducci and Garfield
-
Measurement of Light Induced Autofluorescence of the Cervix: To test a non-invasive device designed for the objective evaluation of the status of the cervix. Conducted by Drs. Balducci and Garfield
-
Adrenomedullin and Human Trophoblast Invasion: To determine the changes of adrenomedullin (ADM), a secreted hormone found in the placents, and its receptor expression by trophoblasts in both normal and pregnancies involving pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Knowledge gained from this study may assist in designing appropriate therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent the development of PIH. Conducted by Dr. Dong
-
Umbilical Cord Blood Nicotinic Receptor Study: To evaluate roles played by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and perhaps nicotine exposure, in the function and development of the immune system. Conducted by Dr. Lukas
-
Adiponectin and Leptin and Metabolic Disease Cord Blood Study: To provide new insights into potential roles of the two important adipokines (signaling proteins secreted by adipose tissues), adiponectin and leptin, in fetal growth and development, which is likely linked to the subsequent development of diabetes in adult life. Results from this project may lead to further studies that will identify high-risk infants who may benefit from early interventions to delay and prevent diabetes. Conducted by Dr. Huang
-
Labetalol vs. Magnesium Sulfate in the Prevention of Eclampsia (LAMPET): To evaluate whether Labetalol is as effective as Megnesium Sulfate in the control of eclamptic seizures. Conducted by Dr. Balducci If patients qualify as candidates, they may be approached to participate voluntarily in any one of these studies.
For more information about research within the Women’s Care Center, please contact Kelli Williamson at 602-406-6689.
