Research

Center Overview

In addition to being an educational and research facility, the specialists in the Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility provide the highest quality patient care and state-of-the-art technology. The Obstetrics and Gynecology faculty is involved in research activities funded by the National Institute of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Reproduction, the Department of Defense and a number of non-federal granting agencies, including the pharmaceutical industry (Phases I-IV).

Clinical Research Experience

The section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility has extensive experience in the execution of investigator-initiated and sponsored trials. Presently, the Section is conducting clinical trials in:

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), including the effectiveness of therapies such as ASA, heparin, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Infertility
Endometriosis
Menopausal symptoms

Research Facilities Description

Clinical Projects are undertaken in two facilities on the Hyde Park campus:

The Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM)
The National Institute of Health General Clinical Research Center

The administrative facilities are housed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Investigator Experience

David Cohen, MD: Associate Professor and Section Chief

Clinical and research expertise: reproductive endocrinology, molecular genetics, abnormal uterine bleeding, menopause, in-vitro fertilization, and fertility preservation.

Arthur Haney, MD: Professor and Chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Clinical and research expertise: endometriosis, infertility, genital tract anomalies, and uterine leiomyomata.

Helen Kim, MD: Assitant Professor and Director of IVF Program

Clinical and research expertise: reproductive endocrinology, menstrual disorders, hormonal problems, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and in-vitro fertilization.

Dr. Kim is currently investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the mouse gonadotropin releasing hormone gene (GnRH).

Mary Stephenson, MD, MSc, Professor & Director of the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program

Clinical and research expertise: recurrent pregnancy loss, evaluation of miscarriages, autoimmune disease and pregnancy, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, inherited thrombophilias & reproduction, and in-vitro fertilization.

Dr. Stephenson is the Principal Investigator of a multicentered, randomized trial for patients with recurrent miscarriage. The trial is designed to determine whether IVIG is an effective treatment for recurrent miscarriage.

Dr Stephenson is a co-investigator of a multicentered study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases (NIAMS) which is designed to follow subjects with APS and/or SLE throughout pregnancy.