First Recipient of the FWGBD RFA Announced

Promoting XXcellence in Women's Health: Optimal Management of Women and Girls with Blood Disorders

Earlier this year, we challenged new faculty or fellows in hematology and/or in obstetrics/gynecology to submit research projects in areas critical to the Foundation's mission.

The objectives of the FWGBD Promoting Excellence in Women's Health: Optimal Management of Women and Girls with Blood Disorders are to:

• Foster and sustain interest/knowledge of the next-generation of healthcare providers, i.e., physician-researchers working in Blood Disorders Affecting Women/Girls
• Foster collaboration between two core disciplines for WGBD—the Ob/Gyn and the Hematologist
• Support an opportunity for junior faculty or fellows to conduct research in this important area

Congratulations to the winning applicant, Leslie Skeith, MD, Thrombosis Fellow, at The Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Her mentor is Dr. Marc Rodger.

The title of Dr. Skeith's winning proposal is: Exploring the concept of a minimal clinically important difference among patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and past pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND: Given poor quality data, a large multicenter randomized trial comparing LMWH and aspirin versus aspirin alone is still needed to confirm or refute the efficacy of antepartum LMWH and aspirin prophylaxis in women with APS and past pregnancy loss. When planning the appropriate sample size of a future randomized controlled trial, the statistical concept of a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is often determined by surveying specialists in the field, with little input from patients.

STUDY IMPLICATIONS: By understanding MCID from a patient’s perspective, we can better plan the pilot randomized trial APPLE (Anti PhosPholipid syndrome Lowmolecular-weight heparin pregnancy loss Evaluation) for outcomes that matter to patients. Input from the questionnaire and patient interviews can also better inform us on including an appropriate QOL questionnaire in the randomized controlled trial.

Dr. Skeith will receive $15,000 with which to conduct her research. The award covers a one-year period.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Skeith and her colleagues.