Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network

描述（由申请人提供）：休斯顿德克萨斯大学医学院（UT-Houston）的母胎医学部门正在重新申请第三轮参与NICHD MFMU网络（最初资助6/2001）。Susan Ramin博士，原PI，于2006年10月成为妇产科主席，Sean Blackwell博士于2007年6月被招募到UT-Houston担任PI。Blackwell博士带来了MFMU网络的经验（之前是WSU候补PI 2003-2006），创新和作为PI的独特专业知识。重要的是，他通过提高数据质量和增加主题招募/保留，成功地展示了他在过渡期间的领导技能。德克萨斯大学休斯顿分校的MFMU网络在其两所大学附属教学医院进行大部分业务：纪念赫尔曼医院（每年分娩4,800人）和林登B.约翰逊综合医院（每年分娩3,800人）。两个地点的行政和医生领导都提供了畅通无阻的潜在研究对象，高质量的研究空间和“研究文化”。与私人妇产科医生和UT教师的合作得到加强，并改善了门诊研究的机会。UT-Houston MFM研究基础设施还支持其他正在进行的NICHD多中心研究，包括先兆子痫发病机制网络、GPN网络和国家儿童研究。此申请描述了招聘和保留的跟踪记录（包括长期随访），我们的MFM教师的专业知识和生产力，以及UT-Houston对MFMU网络的科学贡献。我们描述了一项概念研究，该研究解决了一个重要的健康问题（妊娠糖尿病和胎儿过度生长），这是一项创新，证明了我们对进行大型、多中心临床试验所需的必要考虑和方法的理解。UT-Houston拥有充足的患者、机构资源和高素质的PI，为MFMU的下一个周期及以后的使命做出贡献。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston (UT-Houston) is reapplying for its third cycle of participation in the NICHD MFMU Network (initially funded 6/2001). Dr. Susan Ramin, the original PI, became OB/GYN Chair in 10/2006 and Dr. Sean Blackwell was recruited to UT-Houston to serve as PI starting in 6/2007. Dr. Blackwell brings experience within the MFMU Network (prior WSU Alternate-PI 2003-2006), innovation, and unique expertise as the PI. Importantly, he has successfully demonstrated his leadership skills during the transition by improving data quality and increasing subject recruitment/retention. The MFMU Network at UT-Houston conducts the majority of its operations at its two university-affiliated teaching hospitals: Memorial Hermann Hospital (4,800 annual deliveries) and Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital (3,800 annual deliveries). The administrative and physician leadership at both locations have provided unobstructed access to potential subjects, high-quality research space, and a "culture of research." Collaborations with private OB/GYN physicians and UT faculty have been strengthened and resulted in _ improved access for out-patient studies. The UT-Houston MFM research infrastructure also supports other on-going NICHD multi-center studies including Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia Network, GPN Network, and the National Children's Study. This application describes the track record of recruitment and retention (including long-term follow-up), the expertise and productivity of our MFM faculty, and the scientific contributions of UT-Houston to the MFMU Network. We describe a concept study that addresses a significant health problem (gestational diabetes and fetal overgrowth), which is innovative and demonstrates our understanding of the necessary considerations and approach needed in conducting large, multi-center, clinical trials. UT-Houston has the available patient population, institutional resources, and dedication of a highly- qualified PI to contribute to the mission of the MFMU for the next cycle and beyond.