Women's health-related scientific findings presented by University of Pittsburgh r...( SAN DIEGO March 27 The clinical and...)

SAN DIEGO, March 27 The clinical and basic science research findings of nearly two dozen studies are being presented by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh-affiliated Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) at the 55th annual meeting of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI). In addition, James M. Roberts, M.D., MWRI founding director, will be honored during the sessions, which take place March 26 to 29 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego.

An internationally known authority on the potentially deadly pregnancy complication preeclampsia, Dr. Roberts will receive the societys 2008 Frederick Naftolin Award for Mentorship. Established in 2003 to recognize contributions to the training and career development of investigators in the field of reproductive and womens health, the award is named for former SGI President Frederick Naftolin, M.D., Ph.D., of New York University.

It is indeed an honor to receive this award, said Dr. Roberts, professor and vice chairman of research in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. American medicine has somewhat belatedly realized the importance of gender-based research for women, but each year, more young investigators discover this vital area of study. It is a great privilege to be part of this process of discovery.

Some 5 percent of first pregnancies are complicated by preeclampsia, a condition characterized by soaring blood pressure and protein in the urine that is a leading cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal disability and death, particularly in undeveloped countries and among disadvantaged populations.

Among the findings being presented are:

A study of conversational points covered during patients first obstetric visits has revealed that physicians and other caregivers are
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