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Current Research

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

  • The  Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology)  is conducting a research study on Bulkamid, an investigational urethral bulking agent for minimally invasive treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). You may be eligible for this study if you are seeking treatment for urinary stress incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity such as sneezing, coughing, or laughing). For more information, please contact Diann C. Fernandez, A.R.N.P., at 305-243-4805.

The following studies are being conducted by Carlos Medina, MD, and Peter Takacs, M.D., Ph.D. For more information, contact Indira Bolanos at 305-243-2150.

  • A study is being conducted that focuses on comparing different modes of repairing pelvic organ prolapse.
  • A multi-center study is being conducted to assess the Perigee Transobturator Anterior Prolapse Repair System with Porcine Dermis.
  • A proposal is being developed to study the inter-observer agreement of a simplified version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System.
  • In addition, Dr. Takacs is also studying how aging of the female pelvic floor affects the development of pelvic organ prolapse.

Gynecology

  • Trials of a new device which uses light to detect cervical cancer are being conducted by Nahida Chakhtoura, M.D., Director of the Division of Gynecology/Generalist, and by OB/GYN Chair Leo B. Twiggs, M.D.
  • Dr. Chakhtoura and Dr. Twiggs are also conducting vaccine trials for the Human Papilloma Virus. For more information, contact Iliana Rivas at 305-243-5774.
  • Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, a serum/plasma bank has been created to study the identification of biomarkers in ectopic pregnancies. Peter Takacs, M.D., Ph.D., is the principal investigator of this study. For more information, contact Indira Bolanos at 305-243-2150.

Gynecologic Oncology

  • A multi-center study sponsored by MGI that tests an alternative treatment for high-grade cervical dysplasia is currently being conducted by Joseph Lucci, III, M.D., Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology. For more information, contact Diann Fernandez at 305 243-4805.

Obstetrics

  • A multi-site study sponsored by Glaxo Smith Kline  is looking at a medication used to prevent or stop preterm labor in patients at 34-36 weeks gestation.
  • In conjunction with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institutes of Health, the safe labor study will evaluate current labor/delivery practices in the U.S. to determine duration of labor before it is determined that a woman should have a C-section.
  • The University of Miami is also collaborating with the Canadian Institute of Health Research at the University of Toronto on a study comparing planned Cesarean delivery versus planned vaginal delivery of twins at 32-38 weeks of gestation.

These studies are being conducted by Victor Gonzalez-Quintero, MD, MPH, Interim Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director, OB/GYN Residency Program. For more information on these studies, contact Diann Fernandez at 305 243-4805.

  • The IMPAACT (International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDs Clinical Trial Group) study is a worldwide, multi-site study looking at developing and evaluating safe, cost effective approaches for the interruption of mother-to-infant HIV transmission.
  • A perinatal core protocol has been submitted for a multicenter trial of the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group.
  • Pharmacokinetic properties of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy are being studied.
  • A phase one study is underway of the safety, tolerance and pharmacokinetics of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and the combination of TDF plus Emtricitabine in HIV-1 infected pregnant women and their infants.
  • A pediatric HIV/AIDS clinical study is being conducted to survey and monitor antiretroviral toxicities.

These studies are being conducted by Amanda Cotter, MD, MPH. For more information on these studies, contact Patricia Bryan, MPH, at 305-243-4447.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

The following are being tested:

  • Medication used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding.
  • Medication used to increase the success of in vitro fertilization.
  • Medication used to treat hot flashes in menopausal women.

These studies are being conducted by George Attia, M.D., Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. For more information, contact Yvette Rivero at 305-243-2169.

  • A follow-up study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute focuses on women from the centers who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative study, which examined the effects of nutrition, hormone replacement medication, and/or Vitamin D in post-menopausal women. This study is being conducted by Mary Jo O’Sullivan, MD, Professor Emeritus. For more information, contact Diann Fernandez at (305) 243-4805.

Reproductive Health and Family Planning

  • In conjunction with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, this study is recruiting HIV positive women to participate in testing an over the counter lubricant to see if it will decrease the presence of the HIV virus in the vagina.

This study is being conducted by Paul Norris, M.D., Co-Director, Reproductive Health Services. For more information on Dr. Norris’ study, contact Yvette Rivero at 305-243-2169.

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