Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2009

Mentor: Naim Maalouf, MD
Department: Internal Medicine - Mineral Metabolism
Room number: CS6.104
Mail Code: 8885
Phone number: 214-648-2954
E-mail: naim.maalouf@utsouthwestern.edu

Project I title: Ethnic Differences in the Presentation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 092008-087

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type: Patient-based research

Brief Description of Project:

The aim of the study is to determine whether patients with primary hyperparathyroidism of different races present with different clinical and biochemical features.

The source(s) of research materials will be charts of patients who have undergone parathyroid surgery at Parkland Hospital or Zale Lipshy University Hospital between 2000 and 2008.

Information to be extracted will include patient's age, race, historical findings including the presence/absence of fractures and history of kidney stones, biochemical findings such as serum and urine chemistries, radiologic findings (bone mineral density, neck imaging studies), and pathological findings.

Project II title: Ethnic Differences in the Presentation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 092008-087

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type: Patient-based research

Brief Description of Project:

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common condition that can present with a number of clinical manifestations including kidney stone disease, osteoporosis, or may be diagnosed prior to symptoms on routine laboratory testing. The aim of this study is to determine the reason(s) for which patients with primary hyperparathyroidism of different races present with different clinical and biochemical features. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism will be enrolled prospectively from various clinics. An additional source of research materials will be charts of patients who have undergone parathyroid surgery at Parkland Hospital or Zale Lipshy University Hospital between 2000 and 2009.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

- Lee L, Saunders J, Zhou XJ, Maalouf NM. Acute interstitial nephritis complicating a new diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Hawaii Med J. 2008 Jan;67(1):12-4.
- Capolongo G, Maalouf NM, Pak CY. Association between 24-hr and Fasting Urine pH in Nephrolithiasis. Manuscript submitted.