Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
I am particularly interested in studying the intersection between pediatric gastroenterology and hematologic and oncologic processes, as I feel like this is an underrepresented area of medicine. One area of particular interest is hepatic VOD (veno-occlusive disease). Defibrotide is a medication effective FDA-approved treatment for treatment of pediatric VOD/SOS with good outcomes; however, it’s precise mechanisms are not well elucidated. It’s array of activities on the vascular endothelium and implications for hemostasis are broad and include anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and fibrinolytic capabilities with a wide number of known and proposed actions. I am interested in exploring defibrotide’s anti-thrombotic action on platelets and protective effects on vascular endothelium, specifically as they relate to PAR modulation.
Also interested in clinical research in liver pathology, outcomes, and alternative treatments in patients with autoimmune liver disease.