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Department Research

 
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The OB/GYN Department at the University of Virginia is involved in a wide range of research studies on women's health.  We also have a dedicated Epidemiologist on staff, Lisa M. Pastore, PhD, to assist in the departmental studies and to conduct independent research.

View Dr. Pastore's Profile

Fragile X Premutation Screening in Adult Women

Premature menopause is defined as menopause before the age of 40. Recent information suggests that there is a link between premature menopause and genetic premutations in the Fragile X gene. We implemented a self-administered questionnaire in 2004 to assess the patient acceptability of and reactions to the Fragile X premutation genetic testing among adult women who do not have any relatives with Fragile X syndrome (which presents as mental retardation among males). Using their input, we developed a Fact Sheet for clinical use by clinicians who have adult female patients with ovarian dysfunction- premature menopause, early menopause before 45 or infertility associated with possible early ovarian failure.  [ Pastore LM, Morris WL, Karns LB. Emotional Reaction to Fragile X Premutation Carrier testing Among Infertile Women. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2008;17:84-91.].  This document is available for free “downloading”- please copy the context of the web page into your word processor, and edit, as appropriate, for your patient population.

View Fact Sheet Page...

With two grants from the National Institutes of Health, this study will be enrolling 85 women in total.  Through the summer of 2011, 80 women have enrolled.  The goal of the study is to examine the relationship between the fragile X gene and early ovarian aging.  We are also interviewing couples about the genetic testing process. 

PUBLICATIONS FROM THE FRAGILE X STUDY

Pastore LM, Karns L, Pinkerton J, Silverman L, Williams CD, Camp T.  Acceptance of Fragile X Premutation Genetic Screening in Women with Ovarian Dysfunction.  Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006 Mar:194(3):738-43. AJOG Article

Scriver J, Baker VL, Young SL, Behr B, Pastore LM. Inter-laboratory validation of the measurement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) after various lengths of frozen storage. Repro Endocrin Biol. 2010:8:145. PMCID: PMC3009700. Impact factor 2.08. 1477-7827-8-145

Pastore LM, Morris WL, Karns LB. Emotional Reaction to Fragile X Premutation Carrier testing Among Infertile Women. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2008;17:84-91.

Acupuncture For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Study

Dr. Pastore has completed a randomized clinical trial of acupuncture for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  Ninety-six women enrolled in this study, and eighty four women comleted the two month intervention.  This study was funded with a grant from the National Institues of Health.

 

PUBLICATIONS FROM THE PCOS ACUPUNCTURE STUDY

Pastore LM, Patrie J, Morris W, Dalal P, Bray M. Depression Symptoms and Body Dissatisfaction Association Among Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women. (in press, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Feb 2011)  PSR 8287 Article

Pastore LM, Dalal P. Recruitment strategies for an acupuncture randomized clinical trial of reproductive age women. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2009;17:229-35. PMCID: PMC2717029  MarketingMsFinal Article

Pastore LM, Williams CD, Jenkins J, Patrie J. True and Sham Acupuncture Produced Similar Frequency of Ovulation and Improved LH/FSH Ratio in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2011.  PCOS_Acup_paper

Stovall DW, Bailey AP, Pastore LM. Identification Of Insulin Resistance And Impaired Glucose Intolerance In Lean Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Women’s Health. 2011;20(1):37-43. PMCID: PMC3026650.   jwh 2010 article