Diseases Commons^™

Persistent Gaps In Management And Risk Factor Control Among Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: All Of Us Research Program, Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, Soad Al Osta, Yussif Issaka, Isaac Acquah, Ahmad Alkhatib, Leen Othman, Samuel Mensah, Ato Howard, Christie Ballantyne, Salim S. Virani

Population Health, East Africa

Background

Methods

Determinants Of Hypertension Status Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At Menteng Primary Health Center, 2024–2025, Ira Susanti Haryoso, Yudha Radityadana, Muthik Hanim Mufallahah, Lhuri Dwianti Rahmartani

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and substantially increases the risk of both macrovascular and microvascular complications. Data on the determinants of hypertension status among T2DM patients in primary healthcare settings remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of hypertension status in T2DM patients at Puskesmas Menteng during 2024–2025. This was an analytic observational study employing a cross-sectional design. Study subjects comprised T2DM patients registered and undergoing examinations at Puskesmas Menteng over the 2024– 2025 period. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, included age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic status, blood pressure, …

From Risk Factor To Cause Of Death: Hypertensive Heart Disease And The Changing Composition Of Heart Disease Mortality In Texas Compared With The United States, 1999–2020, Jose J. Loayza Pintado, Angelica Lopez Jesus, Aura Calderon, Jorge Aboytes Trevino, Daniela Hernandez

Research Symposium

Background: Heart disease mortality has declined nationwide, but Texas continues to experience higher rates than the United States overall. At the same time, hypertensive heart disease (HHD) has become more prominent within cardiovascular mortality statistics. Whether this shift reflects a growing hypertension-driven contribution to the Texas–U.S. gap has not been well quantified. We compared long-term trends in HHD mortality and the presence of HHD on death certificates among heart disease deaths in Texas versus the United States.

Methods: We analyzed CDC WONDER Underlying Cause of Death and Multiple Cause of Death files, 1999–2020, restricted to decedents aged ≥25 years. HHD …

Maternal Cardiovascular Outcomes In Pregnancies Complicated By Pulmonary Hypertension: A Multicenter Cohort Study, Ali Eidy, Aiden Tang, Tarun Bomma, Prit Patel, Asa Smith-Villegas, Ali Awad Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Maternal Cardiovascular Outcomes in Pregnancies Complicated by Pulmonary Hypertension: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Authors: Ali Eidy, BS, Aiden Tang, BS, Tarun Bomma, BS, Prit Patel, BS, Asa Smith-Villegas, BS, Ali Awad, MD

Background: Routine pregnancies exhibit a considerable amount of cardiovascular strain, which is only amplified when complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). Despite advances in PH treatment and therapy, there is limited data that shows the outcomes of PH on maternal cardiovascular health. This study evaluated these risks across a large, diverse cohort to better understand how PH affects maternal hemodynamics and cardiac functions.

Methods: Using the TriNetX Research …

Improving Blood Pressure Through A Multimodal Intervention, Kalynn Solomey

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a significant public health concern in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023a). Despite the availability of effective pharmacological therapies, many patients struggle to achieve adequate blood pressure control, highlighting the need for accessible, evidence-based lifestyle interventions. An extensive literature search of five databases provided 11 articles for utilization. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention that included hypertension education, individualized lifestyle counseling, self-measured blood pressure training, and a progressive walking program in reducing systolic blood pressure …

The Impact Of Diet Modification And Physical Exercise On Chronic Htn Outcomes Compared To Typical Prescription Treatment Regimen, Artem Duda, Aishwarya Muppoor, Ahson Haider, Meshva Patel, Katherine Xie, Faiqa Ali

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hypertension remains a leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting over one billion individuals worldwide. While pharmacologic therapy remains the standard of care, growing evidence supports the role of lifestyle modification as an effective strategy for hypertension control. This literature review evaluates the effectiveness of dietary interventions and physical exercise versus standard antihypertensive medication regimens in adults with chronic hypertension. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase (2015–2025) identified 5,178 citations, with 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses meeting inclusion criteria. Across studies, structured exercise and dietary interventions consistently reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 3–12 …

Increasing Medication Adherence In Those With Hypertension, Holly Kimiecik

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure and remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024), approximately 47.7% of U.S. adults have hypertension, yet only about one in five achieve blood pressure control below 130/80 mm Hg. Medication adherence plays a critical role in managing hypertension and preventing complications. Adults aged 18 years and older prescribed antihypertensive medications from a primary care clinic in Valparaiso, Indiana, participated in this six-week quality improvement intervention. Evidence from a comprehensive literature review supports combining patient …

Out-Of-Pocket Costs And Antihypertensive Medication Use Among Veterans: A Natural Experiment, Alexander R. Zheutlin, Alexander Chaitoff, Daniel Addo, Joshua A. Jacobs, Catherine G. Derington, Eric L. Stulberg, Peter A. Glynn, Bernardo Modenesi, Jordana B. Cohen, Adam P. Bress

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure (BP) control remains suboptimal in the United States despite available low-cost antihypertensive medications. Even small out-of-pocket medication costs may contribute to adherence. We determined whether $0 versus >$0 out-of-pocket costs for antihypertensive medications is associated with differences in adherence, discontinuation, BP control, and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS: We included veterans with newly diagnosed hypertension who initiated antihypertensive medication in the Veterans Health Administration from 2004 to 2022. A fuzzy regression discontinuity design with 2-stage residual inclusion leveraged differences in medication copay policy at a 50% service-connected disability threshold (≥50% service-connected disability: $0 out-of-pocket cost versus < 50%: $8 monthly cost). Outcomes included 1-year medication nonadherence (proportion of days covered < 80%), 1-year medication discontinuation (no medication in the final 90 days of the study year), 1-year BP control (systolic BP/diastolic BP < 140/90 mm Hg and < 130/80 mm Hg) and cardiovascular disease events (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, peripheral artery disease, or stroke).

RESULTS: Among 417 …

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System In Preeclampsia: Pathophysiological Insights And Links To Vascular Dementia, Robin C. Finch, Jenny Lutshumba, Elizabeth Mirsky, Esther Ndashaala, Kelsey Bullens, Emma Smith

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by new-onset hypertension during pregnancy and one or more indices of organ damage, is a major driver of both short and long-term maternal health outcomes. Individuals with a history of pre-eclampsia are at increased risk for cardiovascular, renal, and other chronic diseases. Recent studies have linked pre-eclampsia history with increased risk of dementia later in life, underscoring the importance of new guidelines emphasizing blood pressure control to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Unfortunately, neither mechanisms underlying causes of pre-eclampsia nor their links with cognitive function are well understood. Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia …

Race And Patient-Physician Communication On Blood Pressure Management: Helping Improve Care, Samar A. Nasser, Ashley Pender, Ayan Ali, Kardie Tobb, Keith C. Ferdinand

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the relationship of race and ethnicity and patient-physician/clinician communication on blood pressure management.

RECENT FINDINGS: The suboptimal interactions experienced by patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations may be improved by enriching relationships among clinicians, population health scientists, policymakers, and community members/leaders. Current care communication and policies for managing hypertension appear to be insufficient. Implementing and disseminating effective strategies to efficiently improve the quality of hypertension care and recognize social determinants of health among minoritized populations is intertwined with enhanced communication.

SUMMARY: Approaches such as self-affirmation—encouraging patients to reflect on their strengths …

Phentermine And The Failing Heart: A Case Of Phentermine Associated Cardiomyopathy Complicated By Pulmonary Hypertension, Nisha Puri, Cecil Jnawali, Ethan Wincler, Ryan Scagliarini, Dmitri Zbarsky, Julie Worthington

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Challenges Associated With Enhancing Hypertension Among The Underserved African American Population, Ashley Richardson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background 

African Americans face a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, tend to develop complications at younger ages, and have disproportionately higher mortality rates. Key social determinants of health (SDoH)—including food deserts, unequal access to healthcare, and geographic disparities in healthcare resources—contribute to these ongoing inequities. Addressing both systemic and individual barriers is crucial for effective hypertension management.

Objective

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a culturally relevant, community-based intervention designed to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among Black adults with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods 

Quality improvement (QI) initiatives typically employ multicomponent, equity-focused models. The primary components of …

Place Matters: Investigating The Social And Environmental Drivers Of Hypertension In Nashville, Marquinta Harvey, Michael D. Oliver, Tatum Brown, Deya Rassul, Thomas Strickler, Jarod Parrish, Catherine Bass

Funded Scholarship

Hypertension disparities persist across communities, driven by interactions between social determinants of health (SDOH) and behavioral factors. This study examines geographic and demographic patterns of hypertension in Nashville, Tennessee, to assess how socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors contribute to inequities in prevalence, treatment, and control. Granular ZIP code-level analyses highlight community-specific drivers and the need for policy reforms to advance health equity.

Diabetes And Hypertension Frequencies And Trends In The Health Districts Of Sololá, Alejandro Cerón, Sophie Perfetto, Ana Textor, Sidona Alemayehu, Emilia Alvear Escobar, Adele Beard, Sarah Berson, Rachel Bryant, Jennifer Calzontzi, Rylee Castro, Eva Cress Palencia, Jake Czarnecki, Jordyn Epstein, Nikki Harris, Patience Hinojos, Max Hippisley, Erin House, Jackson Hullett, Nathan Johnson, Amelie King, Saule Lankelyte, Juan Loya, Ashley Mackenzie, Ilana Mighdoll, Molly Morrill, Maria De Jesus Ramos Jimenez, Lilly Teklemedhin, Joseph Trujillo, Lauren Verachtert, Nathan Verachtert, Violet Vreeland, Alex Welch, Jada Wright

Anthropology: Undergraduate Student Scholarship

This report was prepared by the students, Graduate Teaching Assistants, and instructor of “The Social Determination of Health” class taught in the fall of 2025 at the University of Denver. The report was prepared for Dr. Luis Pablo Méndez, of the Vice Ministry of Health Regulation, Surveillance and Control, of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance of Guatemala. The work used the following guiding question: How can available data about service production can be used to inform the planning process for the implementation of the Global Hearts Initiative’s HEARTS technical package in the Distrito de Redes Integradas de …

Diurnal Behavioral Outcomes And Bbb Integrity In Adult Male Shr And Wky Rats, Pallavi Shrivastava, Oluchukwu D. Biose, Riya Dahal, Abdallah Jwayyed, Rukayat A. Raji, Huijing Xia, Eric Lazartigues, Ifechukwude J. Biose

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Day and night neurobehavioral tests were performed for Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) to establish an optimal testing window. Also, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in brain areas related to cognition was measured to determine strain-specific differences. Six months old male SHR and WKY were randomly divided into day (i.e., 9–11 a.m.) and nighttime (i.e., 7–9 p.m.) testing regimen. Neurobehavioral tests included: Y-maze spontaneous alternation, open field, novel object recognition (NOR), and tail suspension test (TST). BBB integrity was measured in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum. WKY showed higher recognition memory at night compared to SHR and …

At1-Aa Induced Hypertension During Pregnancy Contributes To Developmental Programming Of Hypertension In Female Offspring, Nathan Campbell, James P. Lemon, Melissa Helmich, Dylan Solise, Alexandra Demesa, Ella Goolsby, Evan Lamarca, Evangeline Deer, Denise C. Cornelius, Ty Turner, Lorena M. Amaral, Baoying Zheng, Babbette Lamarca

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension during pregnancy, is accompanied by organ dysfunction, in addition to placental dysfunction, and is associated with chronic inflammation and fetal growth restriction. Agonistic autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA) are produced in PE women and induce a PE-like phenotype when infused into pregnant rats. PE offspring are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension; however, AT1-AA’s role in these risks is unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that AT1-AA exposure during pregnancy contributes to hypertension in adult offspring. We infused AT1-AA (1:40) starting on gestational day (GD) 14, allowed the dams to give birth, …

Hypertensive Remodelling: When Bigger Body Means Bigger Problems, Eric Lazartigues

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Overview Of Exosomal Non-Coding Rnas In Cardiovascular Disease Using High Throughput Sequencing, Mortaza Eivazi, Leila Abkhooie, Kamran Hosseini, Parnia Mobasheran, Tahereh Ebrahimi, Vahideh Tarhriz, Eric Lazartigues

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Non-coding RNAs including miRNAs, long-ncRNAs, and circular RNAs play crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication and epigenetic regulation. They control gene expression at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational, thereby influencing associated signaling pathways. Encapsulated within exosomes, micro-vesicles, and apoptotic bodies, ncRNAs can be transported between cells while being protected from harsh environmental conditions. Studies have shown various expression patterns across different cell types and in various physiological and pathological states. However, the precise correlations and extent of their contribution to diseases are still under investigation. Recent studies have reported the involvement of extracellular vesicle-associated ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of …

Targeting Kinin B1r Attenuates Hypertension Through At1r-Dependent Mechanisms, Drew Theobald, Riley N. Bessetti, Yumei Feng Earley, Eric Lazartigues, Karen Litwa, Srinivas Sriramula

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic hypertension is chronically high blood pressure that is initiated and maintained through excessive sympathetic nervous system activity and has been associated with increased B1R (kinin B1 receptor) activation. We previously reported a central role for B1R in mediating inflammatory pathways in the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate salt hypertension. Additionally, we identified a causal relationship between B1R expression after Ang II (angiotensin II) stimulation, and that B1R can mediate the bidirectional interaction between neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. However, whether there are any interactions between AT1R (Ang II-type I receptor) and B1R, and if B1R can mediate the effects of …

Deep Learning-Driven Proteomics Analysis For Gene Annotation In The Renin-Angiotensin System, Mortaza Eivazi, Kamran Hosseini, Shahin Alipanahi, Huijing Xia, Luke Restivo, Ayushi Patel, Mahdieh Gozali, Tahereh Ebrahimi, Amy Scarborough, Vahideh Tarhriz, Eric Lazartigues

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is central to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and cardiomyopathy, yet the functions of many RAS genes remain unclear. This study developed a multi-label deep learning model to systematically annotate RAS gene functions and elucidate their roles in biological pathways. A total of 39,463 RAS-related publications from PubMed and PMC were processed into text format. Feature matrices were generated using TF-IDF and token processing, followed by dimensionality reduction via Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) was applied for multi-label classification, with performance evaluated using Precision, F1-Score, Ranking Loss, and ROC-AUC metrics. The model outperformed …

Parent Needs, Recommendations, And Systemic Challenges Affecting Pediatric Hypertension Detection, Abbas H. Zaidi, Erica D. Sood, Sarah De Ferranti, Samuel Gidding, Varsha Zadokar, Jonathan M. Miller, Anne E Kazak

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Pediatric hypertension (HTN) affects 3%-5% of children in the United States, yet only 25% are diagnosed and 60% lack recommended follow-up care. Skepticism about elevated blood pressure (BP) readings and reluctance to use antihypertensive medications by parents and clinicians highlight the need for stakeholder-informed strategies to address these challenges. This study examined parents' perceived needs, their recommended strategies to improve HTN detection, and contextual health system challenges. Parents and clinicians from 10 pediatric primary care clinics participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Only parents of children with documented stage 2 BP readings and a HTN diagnosis, but with gaps in care …

Vascular Risk Factors And 1-Year Cognitive Change Among Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury, Andrea L. C. Schneider, Katherine Hunzinger, Benjamin L. Brett, Danielle K Sandsmark, Sonia Jain, Xiaoying Sun, Raquel C. Gardner, Geoffrey T. Manley, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Lindsay D. Nelson, Patrick Belton, Shawn Eagle, Shankar Gopinath, Ramesh Grandhi, C. Dirk Keene, Vijay Krishnamoorthy, Christine Mac Donald, Michael Mccrea, Randall Merchant, Pratik Mukherjee, Laura B. Ngwenya, David Okonkwo, Claudia Robertson, David Schnyer, Sabrina R. Taylor, John K. Yue, Ross Zafonte

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and vascular risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment, but it is unknown if individuals with vascular risk factors experience worse cognitive outcomes after TBI.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive function among patients with TBI with vs without comorbid preinjury vascular risk factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective cohort study examined individuals with TBI enrolled in the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI) Study between February 26, 2014, and August 8, 2018, with a 1-year follow-up. Analyses were conducted February 26, 2024, to May 29, 2025.

EXPOSURES: Vascular risk factors (ie, hypertension, diabetes, …

Do Female Patients Experience Worse Outcomes Than Male Patients After Inguinal Hernia Repair? An Analysis Of The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative Database, Amrita Iyer, Sunjay Kumar, Martina Rama, Sourav Podder, Li-Ching Huang, Sami Tannouri, Talar Tatarian, Francesco Palazzo

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common general surgery operations. Some evidence suggests that female patients are at greater risk of chronic postoperative pain and hernia recurrence. We investigated rates of chronic inguinal pain and recurrence after inguinal hernia repair in both male and female patients using the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database.

METHODS: The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database was queried for patients undergoing elective, unilateral inguinal hernia repair who completed 30-day clinical follow-up and baseline and 1-year European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Survey surveys. Both open and minimally invasive cases were included. …

Circrna-Based Antimir Therapy: A Novel Approach To Hypertension Treatment, Vahideh Tarhriz, Kamran Hosseini, Leila Abkhooie, Eric Lazartigues

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The increasing recognition of the types and functions of non-coding RNAs has opened new avenues for their use as novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension. While most preclinical and clinical studies on hypertension focus on prognosis and treatment, there are still no specific therapeutic approaches for primary and essential hypertension. Modest efficacy and reduced long-term adherence to treatment underscore the need for novel, mechanism-based strategies to address the underlying molecular mechanisms. AntimiRs, as synthetic RNA molecules, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as naturally occurring RNA species that function as microRNA sponges, could play a crucial …

Association Between Food Insecurity And Chronic Eye Disease In The National Institutes Of Health's All Of Us Research Program, Ramin Talebi, Fei Yu, Victoria L. Tseng, Anne L. Coleman

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Purpose

Design

Participants

Methods

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Analysis Of Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, And Cholesterol Screening Results Collected During Street Outreach Events In Atlantic County, New Jersey, As Part Of A Mobile Community Health Worker Program To Identify Residents At High Risk For Severe Covid-19, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn, Alexander E. Abbott, Donato F. Tassoni, Amy Palen, Frank Carozza, Nicole M. Miller

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: This study seeks to evaluate the status of random blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screening results in Atlantic County, NJ. This study also aims to identify the rates of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension within the target population, and potential differences between surveyed age demographics.

Methods: Medical students participating in the COVID-19 CHW Service Corps collected blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings at multiple screening events in Atlantic County, NJ during a two-year period. This data was analyzed retrospectively using ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal Walis Test, and Tukey's pairwise comparisons.

Results: Senior adults had significantly higher SBP than …

Managing Cardiovascular Health In The Hispanic Community: Implementing The Share Approach At A Primary Care Clinic, Jacqueline Molina

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of the Seek, Help, Assess, Reach, and Evaluate (SHARE) approach in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the Hispanic population at a primary care clinic while improving health literacy. The aim was that by February 2025, Hispanic patients at the clinic would achieve a 10% reduction in CVD risk factors.

Background: The project was implemented at a small private primary care clinic in Texas. CVD risk factors prevalent include hypertension, mixed hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus.

Methodology: Before implementation provider and staff were educated on the SHARE …

Enhancing Holistic Patient Care Of Black Individuals Diagnosed With Hiv And Comorbid Chronic Conditions, Marc Fleming, Saharnaz Nejdat, Jon C. Schommer, Crystal K. Hodge

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Pharmacists can play a crucial role in delivering the holistic care model. Research suggests that HIV-positive African American patients particularly benefit from this approach compared to other communities. Typically, pharmacists in community pharmacy settings are limited in their access to a patient's medical record, preventing holistic care delivery.

Objectives

This study addressed the impact of access to medical records on a holistic patient care approach among pharmacists engaged in medication therapy management.

Methods

This was a sub-analysis of a randomized controlled trial of the impact of community pharmacist access to medical records during MTM for African Americans diagnosed with …

Molecular Subtyping Of Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy, Michal Elovitz, Elaine Gee, Nathaniel Delaney-Busch, Alison Moe, Mitsu Reddy, Arkady Khodursky, Johnny La, Ilma Abbas, Kay Mekaru, Hunter Collins, Farooq Siddiqui, Rory Nolan, Rupsa Boelig, Daniel Kiefer, Pamela Simmons, George Saade, Antonio Saad, Ebony Carter, Thomas Mcelrath, Stephen Quake, Mark Depristo, Carrie Haverty, Manfred Lee, Eugeni Namsaraev, Vincenzo Berghella, Ai-Ris Collier, Antonia Frolova, Esther Park-Hwang, Luis Pacheco, Elizabeth Sutton, Maneesh Jain, Kara Rood, William A Grobman, Joseph Biggio, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Arun Jeyabalan, Morten Rasmussen

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, affect 1 in 6 pregnancies, are major contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality, yet lack precision medicine strategies. Analyzing transcriptomic data from a prospectively-collected diverse cohort (n = 9102), this study reveals distinct RNA subtypes in maternal blood, reclassifying clinical HDP phenotypes like early/late-onset preeclampsia. The placental gene PAPPA2 strongly predicts the most severe forms of preeclampsia in individuals without pre-existing high risk factors, months before symptoms, and its overexpression correlates with earlier delivery in a dose-dependent manner. Further, molecular subtypes characterized by immune genes are upregulated in less severe forms of HDP. …

The Impact Of Provider Communication On Treatment Adherence In Patients With Hypertension And Diabetes, Trey Carlson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Current research cites effective provider communication as an important factor in improving treatment adherence and the health outcomes of patients. This study examines the effect of provider communication on treatment adherence in patients with chronic illnesses with a specific focus on hypertension and diabetes. Provider communication was measured using patient satisfaction surveys and treatment compliance was measured as the percentage of hypertensive and diabetic patients with a blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg and hemoglobin A1C levels below 9%. A one-way MANOVA revealed that provider communication had no significant impact on the combined treatment compliance variables for hypertension and diabetes (Wilk’s …