Gastroenterology Program Rated Among Top Three in Nation
Monday, June 10, 2002CINCINNATI -- The division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is among the top three pediatric gastroenterology programs in the United States, according to a review of the division by an outside Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
Major Research in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition One of the main factors for the division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children's being named among the top three pediatric gastroenterology programs in the United States is research, much of it NIH-funded. The Scientific Advisory Committee review identified a "cadre" of researchers publishing in "high impact biomedical publications." These researchers include: - Michael Bates, MD, PhD
Dr. Bates' research team focuses on the mechanisms by which the intestine and liver develop before birth. The formation and growth of organs depend on genes being turned off and on, so that the proteins they encode are made at the correct places in the body and at the precise times they are needed. He is identifying genes that are turned off and on by Hlx, a protein important for normal development of the intestine and liver. Dr. Bates is also conducting research regarding a variety of congenital and acquired defects of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Jorge Bezerra, MD
Dr. Bezerra's laboratory studies how the liver undergoes repair following injury. One project involves biliary atresia, a disease that is the main diagnosis resulting in the need for liver transplantation.
Dr. Bezerra is conducting large-scale studies of how genes are expressed in biliary atresia in hopes of finding the genetic mechanisms responsible for this disease. Using gene chips, his lab has identified unique genetic profiles in patients with biliary atresia. This knowledge may lead to new diagnostic tools and targeted treatments to stop disease progression.
- John Bucavalas, MD
The goal of Dr. Bucavalas' research is to improve outcomes for children who undergo liver transplantation. "We do not entirely understand the predictors of complications and quality of life of pediatric transplant recipients," he says. "The information is critical for us to define the best way to allocate organs and to ensure long-term function of the new organ." Dr. Bucavalas is leading a national, multi-center study to better understand these predictors.
- Mitchell Cohen, MD
Dr. Cohen's research involves basic science experiments to understand the mechanisms of infant diarrhea and the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestine. His clinical research involves testing new treatments and prevention strategies for diarrhea. Diarrhea kills about four million people in developing countries each year, and it remains a problem in developed countries as well. In the United States, 300-500 children die each year from this potentially preventable condition.
- James Heubi, MD
As program director of the General Clinical Research Center, Dr. Heubi is a leader in clinical research. Among his research projects, he is evaluating whether cholesterol exposure during infancy has a lasting effect on cholesterol metabolism later in life, the potential of bile acid to prevent certain liver injury in newborns and to treat cystic-fibrosis-related liver disease, and newly defined abnormalities of bile acid metabolism, many of which lead to fatal liver disease. He also is interested in bone metabolism in childhood.
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Every four or five years, outside experts review medical divisions at Cincinnati Children's. The medical center instituted the process years ago to ensure that it maintains the highest levels of clinical care as well as unparalleled research and teaching programs. SAC reviews also help ensure good stewardship of Cincinnati Children's fiscal resources.
The SAC review of the division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition was conducted by Greg Gores, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, and Philip Sherman, MD, of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, both considered leaders in their fields. Dr. Gores listed Cincinnati Children's, Children's Hospital Boston and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as having the top three departments. Dr. Sherman listed Cincinnati Children's, Children's Hospital Boston and St. Louis Children's Hospital.
"Cincinnati Children's is most fortunate to have a division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition that is among the very best in the world," says Tom Boat, MD, chairman of Pediatrics and director of the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation. "Our faculty, led by William Balistreri, MD, are the leaders in diagnosing and treating liver diseases in childhood and adolescence."
The SAC reviewers identified strengths in clinical care, research, training and education, and personnel/leadership:
Clinical care: Clinical strengths included the hepatology and liver transplant programs and the development of multidisciplinary care clinics, such as the food allergy clinic and the Aerodigestive and Sleep Center.
The SAC review also recognized the potential "for the development of a nationally recognized small bowel transplant program. Similar opportunities exist with the development of a focus in IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and the creation of an IBD clinic."
Research: The SAC review identified an opportunity to become a national research leader in pediatric IBD, motility and small bowel transplantation, in addition to "current leadership roles in hepatology and liver transplantation." The reviewers recognized that a "cadre"of researchers is publishing in "high impact biomedical publications."
Training and education: The reviewers noticed "impressive and articulate current trainees who see themselves as members of a premier training program in the nation for pediatric gastroenterologists. This view is supported by the fact that this is one of six pediatric gastroenterology training sites which is funded by the National Institutes of Health."
Personnel / leadership: The national leadership provided by Dr. Balistreri, director of the division, is a major strength, according to the SAC review. The "cohesive and mutually supportive faculty" reflects positively on his leadership, as does the "loyal nursing staff."
The objectives of the division are to develop processes to optimize and coordinate delivery of secondary, tertiary and quaternary care; translate advances at the bench and in clinical trials to practice; be a national leader in the care of disorders with pediatric aerodigestive disorders, chronic liver disease, short gut syndrome, and transplantation of intestine and liver; and to be a regional leader in the care of children with inflammatory bowel disease and motility disturbances.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is a 426-bed institution dedicated to the pursuit of perfect healthcare. It is the only pediatric organization in the United States to receive the prestigious Pursuing Perfection grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation ranks third nationally among all pediatric centers in research grants from the National Institutes of Health. The Cincinnati Children's vision is to be the leader in improving child health, through patient care, research and education.
Contact Information
Contact: Jim Feuer, 513-636-4656,
jfeuer@chmcc.org
