Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons^™

Standardizing Group Visits For Gestational Diabetes Education: A Quality Improvement Initiative In An Outpatient Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, Nha Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: At an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic in Northern California, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education is delivered inconsistently across nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered dietitians (RDs), with no standardized curriculum, referral criteria, or educational materials. Aim: By August 12, 2026, this project aimed to develop and implement a standardized GDM group visit framework for NPs, RDs, and scheduling staff in maternal-fetal medicine clinic, increasing compliance with standardized referral, enrollment, and educational processes from a baseline of 0% to 50%. Methods: Using baseline observations, workflow assessment, stakeholder input, and a literature review, the QI team developed standardized bilingual slide …

Comment On: Managing Sickle Cell Disease And Related Complications In Pregnancy: Results Of An International Delphi Panel, Deva Sharma, Ilknur Pamuk, Kenneth I. Ataga, Alexandra Benachi, Selim Büyükkurt, Sophie Lanzkron, Hakan Ozdogu, Shivan Pancham, Lydia H. Pecker, Susan E. Robinson, Safak Yilmaz Baran

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

Consensus-based recommendations on managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy were recently published in a hematology journal. As this topic is also of great interest to obstetricians and gynecologists, we summarize some of these recommendations, while highlighting the challenges of providing evidence-based medical care to pregnant individuals with sickle cell disease.

Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage And Associated Factors Among Women Aged 25-59 In Eswatini: Insights From The 2021 Population-Based Hiv Impact Assessment (Phia), Abenezer Melaku Tafese, Bikiltu Dirbaba, Meseker Fentie, Charnita Zeigler-Johnson

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in Eswatini, which reported the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates globally in 2022. However, recent nationally representative published data on cervical cancer screening coverage in Eswatini remain limited. This study aimed to estimate cervical cancer screening coverage and identify factors associated with screening uptake among women aged 25-59 years in Eswatini.

METHOD: Data were drawn from the 2021 Eswatini Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA), a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey. Survey-weighted bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify …

Assessing Hpv And Hpv Vaccine Awareness And Perception Amongst Undergraduate Students, Maura Hawkins

Honors Theses

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Vaccination rates remain low among college-aged students despite an effective vaccine being available. This study investigates HPV and HPV vaccination-related knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions among undergraduate students to inform targeted intervention strategies. Participants included undergraduate students (n = 19) who attended one of three focus groups conducted in April 2025 at the University of South Alabama. Structured interview guides explored HPV knowledge, perceived risk and severity, attitudes towards vaccination, autonomy in health decision-making, trust in health information sources, and preferred educational strategies. Discussions were …

Syphilis And Hiv Co-Infection Risk Factors At Dr. Moewardi Hospital, 2018–2022: A Retrospective Study, Endra Yustin Ellistasari, Prasetyadi Mawardi, Pratiwi Prasetya Primisawitri, Stella Gracia Octarica

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Treponema pallidum, the agent causing syphilis, is transmitted through contact with infectious lesions, bodily fluids, blood transfusions, or perinatally. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can mask the clinical manifestations of syphilis, while syphilis may exacerbate HIV progression. This study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with HIV co-infection among patients with syphilis.

Methods: This retrospective, analytical, observational study reviewed medical records from the Dermatology and Venereology outpatient clinic at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia, between January 2018 and December 2022. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables were extracted. Univariable analysis was performed using simple binary logistic regression to …

Healthcare Experiences And Needs Of Patients With Pregnancy Of Unknown Location: A Qualitative Study, Kavita Vinekar, Zahava Shimshi, Amanda Doty, Samantha Kolowrat, Rebecca Mercier, Agatha Berger, Kristin L. Rising

Jefferson Center for Connected Care Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with bleeding or pelvic pain in early pregnancy are commonly found to have pregnancies of unknown location (PUL), with no sonographic findings of intrauterine nor ectopic pregnancy. We aimed to explore healthcare experiences and needs of patients presenting with PUL.

METHODS: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore healthcare experiences among patients with PUL. Patients were eligible if they presented with bleeding or abdominopelvic pain to the OB/GYN office or emergency department and were found to have a PUL followed in an electronic health record tracking list; had an initial human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) …

Enhancing Emergency Department Preparedness For Amniotic Fluid Embolism Through Evidence-Based Simulation Training, Olivia M. Smoak

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Maternal mortality in the United States remains a significant and worsening public health concern, with increasing reliance on emergency departments (EDs) as access points for maternal care. Emergency clinicians are therefore more likely to encounter high-acuity obstetric emergencies, including maternal cardiac arrest and amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), yet often receive limited formal training in these conditions. Simulation-based education, interdisciplinary training, and cognitive aids have been identified as effective strategies to improve performance in high-risk, low-frequency events.

The purpose of the evidence-based practice project was to evaluate whether an interdisciplinary simulation with obstetric-led debrief and introduction of the AFE checklist improves …

Developing Antibodies Against Galectin-3 And Galectin-9 To Target Endometriosis, Ashleigh Burger, Noah Farnsworth, Jared J. Reisnouer, Cheyenne Vue

2026 Symposium

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by pelvic pain and the formation of endometrial-like tissue on the outside of the uterine lining. This condition affects nearly 10% of women across the globe and confirming whether someone has endometriosis requires visualization in surgery. While the specific causes of this disease remain unclear, the over-expression of the Galectins 3 and 9 in ectopic endometrial tissues suggests a role in the development and maintenance of the condition. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific proteins with potential as diagnostic or treatment tools. The goal of this study is to generate antibodies against Gal3 and Gal9. …

Improving Adherence To Comprehensive Gynecological Assessments In Female Rectal Cancer Patients Prior To Rectal Cancer Treatment, Rachael Smith, Eleanor Williams, Emily Young

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: A retrospective chart review of 139 female patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer treated at our institution (2017-2022) revealed only 32.6% (n=45) had documented age-appropriate gynecologic screenings prior to surgical intervention. These findings were disseminated to colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists through departmental meetings and tumor boards. This follow-up study evaluates the impact of that educational initiative on gynecologic referral patterns. 

Hypothesis: Targeted education of colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists would significantly increase gynecologic referral rates for female rectal cancer patients. 

Methods: This pre-post quality improvement study compared gynecologic referral rates among female patients with …

Premenstrual Disorders In Females With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Systematic Review, Akhila Archakam, Nikhila Archakam, Harshal Parmar, Wesley Kim

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are prevalent conditions associated with substantial functional impairment and psychiatric morbidity. Symptoms are driven by heightened sensitivity to cyclical fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone rather than absolute hormone levels. Individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may exhibit altered neurobiological and emotional regulation pathways that increase vulnerability to these hormonal changes; however, this relationship has not been systematically synthesized.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 2000–2026 for studies evaluating associations between ADHD, …

Impact Of Routine Yoga Practice On Metabolic And Hormonal Outcomes In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Priya Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting approximately 8–12% of reproductive-aged women and is commonly associated with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction¹. Lifestyle modification remains first-line therapy; however, adherence to conventional interventions is often limited²,³. As a result, there has been growing interest in complementary approaches such as yoga, which integrates physical activity, breath control, and stress reduction⁴.

This focused literature review evaluates the impact of routine yoga practice on metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted, identifying 201 articles. After screening and applying …

Impact Of Early Term Induction Of Labor On Cesarean Delivery And Impact Of Early Term Induction Of Labor On Cesarean Delivery And Maternal-Fetal Outcomes In Patients With Obesity: A Maternal-Fetal Outcomes In Patients With Obesity, Priya Patel, Nathanael Hoskins

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m²) in pregnancy is associated with increased risks, including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and higher cesarean delivery (CD) rates. Evidence supporting early-term (37 0/7–38 6/7 weeks) induction of labor (IOL) to improve outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated whether IOL in patients with obesity is associated with decreased CD rates.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included pregnancies undergoing IOL between 37 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks from 2018–2023 at a single institution. Exclusion criteria included spontaneous labor, prior CD, multiple gestations, fetal anomalies, non-vertex presentation, and pre-labor rupture of membranes. Primary exposures were …

Case Report: Postpartum Ovarian Vein Thrombosis Without Abdominal Pain, Moshammat Nishu, Russell Mordecai, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 27-year-old woman (2 prior pregnancies: 1 term birth, 1 preterm birth, 2 living children)  who presented with right ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) in the absence of abdominal pain on postpartum day 5 after spontaneous vaginal delivery. Although OVT is classically associated with abdominal pain, this case illustrates that OVT may present without abdominal pain and should be considered as a differential to prevent a delay of diagnosis in the emergency department. This case also highlights the diagnostic challenge in postpartum fever when an alternative infectious source may lead to premature closure and prevent the …

Case Report: Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecium Urinary Tract Infection With Stercoral Colitis Presenting In An Elderly Patient, Muhammad Zain Raza, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with altered mental status characterized by confusion, decreased verbal interaction, and reduced responsiveness noted by her spouse. The patient had a history of chronic constipation and was brought from home for further evaluation. Initial evaluation raised concern for infection or intracranial hemorrhage as a possible cause of altered mental status. Imaging of the CT brain without contrast was unremarkable, however; abdomen and pelvis revealed a large rectal stool impaction with rectal wall thickening and surrounding perirectal fat stranding consistent with Stercoral Colitis. Urine culture subsequently identified vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium. The …

Heterotopic Pregnancy: A Case Report, Oluwatomi Alade, Robin Lahr, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Heterotopic pregnancy occurs when there is simultaneous intrauterine pregnancy as well as extra uterine ectopic pregnancy.  Historically, this was considered very rare with an estimated incidence of 1 in 30,000 pregnancies however, the incidence has been increased with the use of assisted reproductive  technology.  The most common location is the fallopian tube and less common include the cervix or the ovary. It can be difficult to diagnose because the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound may falsely reassure clinicians and delay evaluation for a concurrent ectopic pregnancy.  These patients usually present with nonspecific symptoms including abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, …

Effect Of Pcos Treatment On Mental Health Outcomes, Audriti Mazumder, Aubrey Olson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract (250 words)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with a range of physical symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility. While its metabolic and reproductive manifestations are well characterized, the impact of PCOS on mental health remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PCOS and mental health outcomes, with a particular focus on changes in symptoms following treatment and the influence of demographic factors.

A survey-based study was conducted using a Qualtrics questionnaire distributed via QR code and social media platforms. Questions were modeled after validated screening tools, including …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Antihypertensive Therapy Chosen Through Maternal Hemodynamic Profile Analysis, Margaret Weimer

Poster Presentations

In treatment of emergent hypertension, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends both oral labetalol and nifedipine, with no preference shown between the two. These medications have different mechanisms of action. Studies have suggested that consideration of hemodynamic profile may be an effective way to determine medication, but have not considered the Rule of 55, a simple calculation to predict hemodynamic profile.

Goals: 1. Determine if tailoring the antihypertensive to patient’s hemodynamic profile is associated with better control of blood pressure. 2. Determine if the Rule of 55 is an accurate method to determine hemodynamic profile.

Polypoid Endometriosis With Endometroid Intraepithelial Neoplasia Mimicking Malignancy, Austin T. Jones, Charles M. Quick, Monique A. Spillman

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

External Iliac Artery Dissection And Thrombosis After Prophylactic Uterine Artery Balloon Occlusion For Placenta Accreta Spectrum (Pas), Anna Parker, Linda Haddox

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Carcinoma Of The Bladder Diagnosed Incidentally Following Cesarean Section, Fatima Hussain, Mimi Rogers

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

The Case Of A Pain-Ridden Pregnancy In A Woman With Sickle Cell Disease, Katie Riffle, Linda Haddox

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Factors Associated With Postpartum Readmission For Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy In A United States Border Population, Narinta Limtrakul, Fran Franceschini, Erdemir Aysn, Alondra Sierra, Manuel Rivera-Alsina

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

When A Copper Iud Crosses Boundaries: Colo-Uterine Fistula With Sepsis, Melissa Cullum, Victoria Roberts, Linda Haddox

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Diagnostic Challenges And Surgical Management Of A Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy Mimicking Cesarean Scar Implantation, Xena Morataya, Laura Reguero, Uti Essien, Stacy Sassaman, Jorge Venegas

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Recurrent Molar Pregnancy – A Case Report, Jayce Jaynes, Sarina Garcia, Dorovenia Hawkins-Koch

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Body Mass Index On Fertility And In Vitro Fertilization, Morgan R. Kidd

Honors College Theses

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving …

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Narrative Review Of Disparities Between Black And White Women In The United States And Strategies For Improvement, Lynne Li, Jessica Schlewitt

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an inflammatory syndrome of the upper female reproductive organs caused by infection, most commonly via Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, spreading to one or more reproductive organs. With PID responsible for many of the major morbidities of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain, the urgency is high to mitigate the impacts of untreated PID, especially in higher-risk populations. This paper discusses the current disparities in PID diagnosis, treatment, and management between Black and white women and proposes interventions to reduce health inequalities involving PID. To conduct this narrative review, …

Endometriosis Knowledge Among Emergency Medicine Providers: Diagnostic Skills And Symptom Recognition, Caidon Iwuagwu, Laurel X. Chen, Ellen Slattery, Pranjal Srivastava, Hamsitha Karra, Sheyenne Tung, Adrienne Burton, Camila Bomtempo, Jamie Aranda

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Objective: Endometriosis is associated with significant diagnostic delays, averaging 6.7 years, largely due to nonspecific symptoms and inadequate diagnostic approaches. Over 15,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States annually involve patients with endometriosis, highlighting the need for knowledge of endometriosis. This study surveys emergency medicine (EM) attendings, residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and fellows to assess knowledge and practice in managing endometriosis-related ED complaints. Methods: A questionnaire from a prior endometriosis survey was modified for EM providers and administered anonymously via email (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) in monthly newsletters to providers at an academic and six associated community EDs. …

Low-Dose Aspirin For Preventing Intrauterine Growth Restriction And Pre-Eclampsia In Sickle Cell Pregnancy, Lydia Pecker, Sophie Lanzkron

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

No abstract provided.

Evidentiary Standards For Newly Approved Antibiotics For Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections, Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio, Enrique Seoane-Vazquez, John H. Powers Iii

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Importance: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections and are typically treated with existing oral antibiotics. In 2024–2025, the FDA approved two new oral agents, sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid and gepotidacin, via expedited review pathways, for the treatment of uUTIs. Objective: To assess the clinical significance and regulatory evidence supporting FDA approval of sulopenem/probenecid and gepotidacin for uUTI, and to analyze the adherence of pivotal phase III trials to regulatory standards for approval and FDA guidelines. Design, Setting, and Participants: Comparative descriptive analysis of publicly available data from phase 3 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical …