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Maternal Fetal Medicine

Members of the Division:

Laura Gaudet, MSc, MD, Associate Professor, Division Chair
Graeme N. Smith, MD, PhD, Professor

Current Graduate Students:

  • Logan Barr, PhD Candidate (Biomedical & Molecular Sciences)

Graduate Students Completing Degrees:

  • Jennifer Armstrong, MSc (2022)
  • Aida Zaza, MSc (2020)
  • Megan Dickson MSc (2019)
  • Chioma Odozor, MSc (2018)
  • Karalyn McRae, PhD (2018)
  • Janelle Zhan, MSc (2016)
  • Malia Murphy, PhD (2015)
  • Carolina Venditti, PhD (2014)
  • Karalyn McRae, MSc (2013)
  • Victoria Sattarova, MSc (2013)
  • Jessica Stortz, MSc (2012)
  • Andrea Axente MSc (2010)
  • Tracey Weissgerber PhD (2009)
  • Lindsay Patrick, PhD (2008)
  • Michelle Dickenson, MSc (2008)
  • Shannon Bainbridge, PhD (2006)
  • Erica Harnett, MS. (2006)
  • Mark Bustard, PhD (2005)
  • Lindsay Patrick, MSc (2003)


Areas of Research Focus:

  • Pregnancy Outcomes and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
  • Diabetes
  • Prenatal diagnosis
  • Pregnancy and exercise
  • Intrapartum fetal asphyxia
  • Prediction of preterm labour
  • Chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury
  • Tocolysis (treatment of preterm labour)
     

Grants and Awards:

2017-2021 Joseph, K. S., GN Smith, et al. A systems approach for enhancing perinatal care regionalization. CIHR Team Grant: Perinatal Healthcare System Improvement. $1,000,000.
2017-2018 G.N.Smith, Nakatsu, K., Ozolins, T. Development of therapeutics for prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia: One of the leading causes of preterm birth in Canada. CIHR Catalyst Grant: Catalyzing Innovation in Preterm Birth Research. $198,942
2017 G.N.Smith, A.Johri. Reproductive Sciences Vascular Studies Lab. CFI JELF Award.  $160,000
2016-2023 S.W.Wen, M.Walker, GN Smith, L Gaudet, D El-Chaar, W Fraser, T Lacaze, L Zwaigenbaum, E Asztalos. An epidemiologic research program to improve maternal and child health. CIHR Foundation Scheme Grant:. $9,876,973.00
2016-2021 L Gaudet, M Velez, GN Smith, M Walker. OaK 2016-2021: Investigating Contemporary Topics in OB/MFM. CIHR, $750,000
2015-2019 G. Mbaruku, K. Yeates, G.N.Smith, Anna Nswilla. An mHealth strategy to reduce preeclampsia-eclampsia and maternal and infant death in Tanzania. Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa, International Research Development Centre. $1,000,000
2015-2017

C. Nowik, G.N.Smith.  Maternal cardiovascular health: understanding perceptions of risk and improving post-partum follow-up. PSI Foundation. $14,000  

2015 Mottola M, Davenport M, Duggan M, Ruchat S, Adamo K, Davies G. Evidence-based Update to the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Exercise During Pregnancy: Optimizing Maternal/Fetal Health. CIHR Knowledge Synthesis Grant. $100,000
2014-2016 S.Dunn, M.Walker, E. Darling,  Z. El-Khatib, D. Fell,I. Graham, J. Grimshaw, J. Harrold, W. Peterson, G. Smith, A. Sprague,M. Taljaard. Understanding Factors Related to Evidence-Informed Practice: Attributes, Contextual Factors and Barriers to Use of the Maternal Newborn Dashboard in Ontario. MOHLTC - HSRF Capacity Research Award, $730,447 x3yr
2014-2016 S.Dunn, M.Walker, E. Darling,  Z. El-Khatib, D. Fell,I. Graham, J. Grimshaw, J. Harrold, W. Peterson, G. Smith, A. Sprague,M. Taljaard. Understanding Factors Related to Evidence-Informed Practice: Attributes, Contextual Factors and Barriers to Use of the Maternal Newborn Dashboard in Ontario. CIHR, $112,000 x2.5yr
2014 A.Toprak, D.Jalink, M.Harrison, G.N.Smith. Surgical Procedure EPA Feedback Rubrics. Queen’s University FHS Special Purpose Grant, $10,000
2013-2017 Smith, G.N., C.Tayade, D.Redfearn, Vasculoendothelial health following a pre-eclamptic pregnancy. CIHR. $430,000
2013-2015 KA Nerenberg, G.N.Smith et al. The Ottawa Hospital Postpartum Vascular Risk Reduction Clinic. University of Ottawa Department of Medicine Priority Research Award. $111,323
2013 G.N.Smith. The Health Improvement after Pregnancy (HIP) Program. Shopper’s Drug Mart Women’s Health Grant, 2013, $20,000
2013 G.N.Smith.  Pregnancy Complications Identify Women at Risk for Developing Cardiovascular Disease. CIHR Planning Grant, 2013. $25,000
2013 Davies GAL, Armour C, Crocker S, Feilotter H, Anger G, Walia J, Nuin P, Hull D, Mackenzie J, Smith G. Comprehensive, non-invasive prenatal genetic testing via maternal blood: A proof-of-concept study.  SEAMO Innovation Fund. $90,000
2012-2014 Smith, G.N., M.Walker, R. Pal, A. Sprague. The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Postpartum Maternal Profile on Discharge Report. AHSC AFP Innovation Fund. $86,956
2012-2014 Armour, C., Davies,G.A.L., G.N. Smith. Noninvasive Detection of Fetal Aneuploidy via Maternal Blood: A Pilot Study. AHSC AFP Innovation Fund, $76,804
2012-2014 Sprague, Ann., M.C.Walker, G.N.Smith, S.W.Wen. Infant outcomes in the first year of life associated with maternal H1N1 vaccination, CIHR - Population and Public Health. $91,234
2012 Smith, G.N., S. Pang. Natiruretic peptides and the fetal programming of salt-sensitive hypertension. Garfield Kelly Cardiovascular Research and Development Fund, $6,000. 
2012 Armour C, Crocker S, Feilotter H, Nuin P, Hull D, Mackenzie J, Davies G, Smith G. Noninvasive detection of fetal aneuploidy via maternal blood: a pilot study. SEAMO Innovation Fund. $88,280
2011-2016 Retnakaran, R., Smith, G.N., et al.  A Pre-conception Cohort to Study Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Pre-gravid Determinants, Early Pregnancy Bio-markers, and Postpartum Cardio-metabolic Risk Factor Profile. CIHR, $804,195
2011-2014 Joseph, K. S., Smith, G.N., et al. Preventing Severe Maternal Morbidity. CIHR Emerging Team Grant - Maternal Health: From Pre-conception to the Empty Nest. $900,000
2011-2013 Dy, J., Smith, G.N., et al. High Dose Versus Low Dose Oxytocin for Labour Augmentation, A Pilot Study. PSI, $154,000
2011 Wen, S.W., Smith, G.N., et al. The development of a collaborative research program in the study of gestational diabetes mellitus. CIHR Meeting Planning & Dissemination Grant: Reproductive and Child Health, $9,323
2010-2014 Wen, S.W., Smith, G.N., et al.  Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation in pregnancy on preeclampsia. CIHR RCT. $12,408,932.
2010-2012 Smith, G.N., M.Walker, D.Redfearn, Keely, E. The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Cardiovascular Risk Screening Program for Women Postpartum. AHSC AFP Innovation Fund. $124,990
2010 Sprague, Ann., Smith, G.N., et al. The Implications of H1N1 on Pregnant Women & Newborns.  CIHR - Health Systems Research on H1N1. $94,032
2010 Smith, G.N., M. Hird, S. MacDonald, M. Walker. Improving Long-Term Maternal Health. CIHR Café Scientifique Program, $3,000.
2010 Smith, G.N., B.A. Croy. Definition of Linkages Between Lymphocyte-based RAS, Gestational Hypertension and the Prenatal Origins of Cardiovascular Disease. Queen’s University and Kingston General Hospital Research Funds, $20,000
2010 Smith, G.N., D.Redfearn, C.Simpson, M.Walker, S.W.Wen. The Development of Pre-Eclampsia Provides a Window of Opportunity for Early Cardiovascular Risk Screening and Intervention. CIHR, $100,000
2010 Smith, G.N., et al. Pregnancy complications identify women at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. CIHR Meeting, Planning and Dissemination Grant. $10,000
2009-2011 Smith, G.N., Effect of Carbon Monoxide (CO) on Placental Function and Development. PSI. $ 168,233
2009 Smith, G.N., D.Redfearn, C.Simpson, M.Walker, S.W.Wen. The Development of Pre-Eclampsia should lead to early cardiovascular risk screening. CIHR. $100.000
2008-2013

Croy, A., G.N.Smith, M. Adams. Evaluation of Natural Killer Cell Contributions to the Known Elevated Risk For Pre-eclampsia in Diabetic Pregnancy. CIHR. $775,000.

2008-2013 Wen, S.W., S.Davidge, T.Hongzhuan, G.N.Smith, J.Trasler, M.Walker, Q.Yang. A pre-conception cohort to study preeclampsia: etiology, early biomarkers, and cardiovascular risk after childbirth. CIHR. $972,140.
2008-2010 Chen, X., S.W.Wen, G.N.Smith, M.Walker. Beta-blockers uses for chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension and adverse perinatal outcomes. CIHR.  $100,000.
2008-2009

Hird, M.J., M.Walker, G.N.Smith. SSHRC Presidential Fund Initiative:  Capturing the Outcomes and Impacts of Publicly Funded Research. SSHRC. $24,963.

2007-2012 Von Dadelszen, P., Y.C.MacNab, L.Magee, G.N.Smith, A.Gruslin, J.M.Moutquin, K.Walley, S.Lee, J.Russel, J.M.Ansermino, M.J.Doublas, A.Ouellet. PIERS (Preeclampsia integrated estimate of risk for mothers) validation across conditions and clinical settings.  CIHR. $300,000.
2007-2011 Fraser, W., M.Walker, G.N.Smith, et. al. Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals  (MIREC). $4 million.
2007-2010 Wen S-W, Walker M, Smith GN, Rodger M. Folic acid supplementation in early second trimester and the risk of pre-eclampsia. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $182,437
2007-2009 Smith, G.N. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in pregnancy and the impact on fetal outcome. PSI Foundation. $168,434.
2007-2009 MacDonald, S., M.Hird, G.N.Smith. The Ethics of Contacting Patients in 21st Century Health Research: Translating Ontario’s PHIPA Provisions into Ethical Practice. PSI Foundation, $97,500.
2006 Kisilevsky B.S., Hepper P., Davies G.A.L., & Smith G.N. Environmental influences on fetal auditory processing: Laying the foundation for language. CIHR International Opportunities Development/Planning Grant - development. $25,000.00
2006  Kisilevsky B.S. & Davies G.A.L. Early detection of auditory processing deficits affecting language development. March of Dimes Foundation. $240,723.00 USD
2005-2010 Fraser W, Walker M, Smith GN, et. al. Maternal-Infant Research on oxidative stress. INTAPP. $1,700,000
2005-2009 Liston RM, Magee LA, Smith GN et. al. Birth under 29 weeks: Improving outcomes for mothers and babies. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $643,000
2005-2008 Croy A, Smith GN, Childs T. Evaluation of natural killer cell contributions to the known elevated risk for pre-eclampsia in diabetic pregnancy. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $330,621 
2005-2008 Rodgers M, Walker M, Keating S, Yang Q, Kingdom J, Wen SW, Smith GN. TAPP: Thrombophilia and placental pathology. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $180,000
2005-2008 Wen SW, Walker M, Krewski D, Yang Q, Smith GN. Environmental carbon monoxide (CO) level and the risk of pre-eclampsia (PE). Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $107,000
2005-2007 Smith GN, Walker M. Diagnosing the development of subclinical chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM). Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) Foundation. $167,436 
2005-2007 Walker M, Yang Q, Wen S-W, Bulman D, Little J, Smith GN. Genomics: A novel screening test for susceptibility to pre-eclampsia. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) Foundation. $175,000
2005-2006 Medves J, Smith GN, Sprague A, Mitchell A. What factors influence rural womens' choices: Giving birth in rural Alberta and Ontario. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $66,862
2004-2006 Kim, P., G.Ryan, G.N.Smith, et al.. Fetal Alert Network. Ministry of Health (Ontario Gov’t), $2,212,980.
2004-2006 Smith, G.N. Synergistic Effect of Hypoxia and Chorioamnionitis on Fetal Brain Injury. Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy (OFCP). $50,661.
2004-2006 Von Dadelszen P, Magee L, Douglas M, Gruslin A, Lee S, Moutquin J, Russell J, Smith GN, Walley K. PIERS (Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk) model: Predicting adverse maternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia. Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $314,890
2004 Smith, G.N.  28th Annual Perinatal Investigators Meeting. IHDCYH-CIHR, $5000.
2004 Wolfe, L.A., Davies, G.A.L. Effects of Menopause on Acid-Base Regulation and Respiratory Chemosensitivity. Ontario Thoracic Society. $29,335.00
2004 Wolfe, L.A., Davies, G.A.L. Effects of Menopause on Acid-Base Regulation and Respiratory Chemosensitivity. Ontario Thoracic Society (Block Term Grant Funding). $8,000 
2003 Wolfe LA, Davies GAL. Effects of prenatal exercise and preeclapmsia on indices of vascular endothelial function: A pilot study. Kingston General Hospital: Garfield Kelly Cardiovascular Research and Development Fund. $5,000
2003 Davies GAL, Wolfe LA. Value of prenatal exercise to prevent preeclampsia.Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $58,000
2003 Smith GN, O'Neill JP, Tessier JL, Johnston SL, Jamieson MA. The development of web-compatible educational material in Obstetrics and Gynecology. CTAQ. $6,000 - 1 year term
2003 Smith GN, Graham C, Walker M, Wen S-W, MacDonald S, Kisilevsky B. Pre-eclampsia: maternal and fetal outcomes and innovative therapies. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) New Emerging Team Competition. $1,750,000 - 5 year term
2003 Fraser W, Smith GN et al. Bi-National trial of antioxidant prophylaxis in pregnancy (BINTAPP). Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $4,900.000 - 5 years
2003  Gaudet L, Patrick L, Flavin M, Islam O, Smith GN. Is preterm premature rupture of the membranes with/without chorioamnionitis associated with neonatal brain diffusion MRI findings? Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $19,5000
2003 Macrae AR, Chitayat D, Chodirker B, Davies G, Holowaty P, Knight G, Lockner C, Mackenzie J, Palomaki G, Toi A, Van Caeseele P. The SAFER study: Second and first trimester evaluation of risk of fetal trisomies. Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $640,000
2003 Nakatsu K, Brien JF, Smith GN, Szarek WA. Regulation of vascular function by heme oxygenase and carbon monoxide. Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $628,866 - 2 year term
2003 Roggensack A, Smith GN, Davidge S. Endothelial apoptosis and peroxynitrite formation in the maternal vasculature of women with preeclampsia. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $20,000 - 1 year term
2003 Smith GN. Maternal and placental involvement in the chorioamnionitis inflammatory response. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $166,286 - 2 year term
2002 Harvey M-A, Johnston SL, Davies GAL. Relationship between relaxin level in second trimester and prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse following childbirth. Physician Services Inc. (PSI) $20,000 - 6 month term
2002 Smith GN, Robinson L, Comette M, Graham T. The effect of caffeine on screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Canadian Foundation for Women's Health. $16,000 - 1 year term
2002 Smith GN. Chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury. Premiers Research Excellence Award. (PREA)$100,000 - 5 year term
2002 Wolfe, LA, O'Donnell DE, Davies GAL. Respiratory limitation to exercise tolerance in late gestation: Fact or fiction? Ontario Thoracic Society. $28,445
2002 Wolfe LA, O'Donnell DE, Davies GAL. Respiratory limitation to exercise tolerance in late gestation: Fact or fiction? William M. Spear Endowment Fund for Pulmonary Research at Queen's University. $8,000
2001 Stulberg RA, Johnston SL, Chamberlain SM, Sauerbrei E, Smith GN. Endoanal sonography at delivery to diagnose occult anal sphincter injury. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $19,500 - 1 year term
2001 Holden J, Smith GN et al. Unravelling the mystery of autism: From genotyping and phenotyping to prospective identification and prevention. IHRT Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $4,180,410 - 5 year term
2001 Rodgers M, Walker MC, Smith GN et al. The TIPPS Trial: Treatment in problematic pregnancies with low molecular weight heparin. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $401,719 - 2 year term
2001 Smith GN. Chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI)Foundation. $128,500 - 2 year term
2001 Smith GN. The Canadian preterm labour nitroglycerin trial. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigators Award. $250,000 - 5 year term
2000 Smith GN. Guinea pig chorioamnionitis model and cerebral palsy. Ontario Foundation for Cerebral Palsy. $29,900
1999 Smith GN. The pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin in human pregnancy. Kingston General Hospital Equipment Grant. $10,000
1999 Smith GN. The pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin in human pregnancy. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $65,140 - 2 year term
1999 Fisher S, Davies GAL. Oral vs. vaginal misoprostol for the induction of labour at term.Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $11,000
1999 Ferguson S, Smith GN, Windrim R, Walker MC. The association of fetal and maternal hyperhomocysteinemia with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $11,000.00
1999 Davies GAL. Cervical length and relaxin in the prediction of preterm birth. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $89,000
1999 Davies GAL, Duncan A. Interphase FISH. Its application to late gestation diagnosis of autosomal aneuploidy. Queen's University Dept. of Pathology Clinical Trust. $8,000
1999 Davies GAL, Harrison K. FISH for prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy. Kingston General Hospital Clinical Grant Fund. $8,500
1999 Nakatsu K, Brien JF, Marks GS, Smith GN. Effects of nitrovasodilators, NO and CO on blood vessel function. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $590,288 - 5 year term
1999 Smith GN. The pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin in preterm labouring sheep. Canadian Foundation of Women's Health. $10,000 - 1 year term
1999 Smith GN. The Queen's University Perinatal Research Centre. Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund. (ORDCF) $600,000
1999 Walker MC, Smith GN, Kingdom JC, Sermer M, Donnelly J, Ash K, Wells P. Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy: Thrombophilia prevalence and obstetrical outcomes.Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $70,302.00 - 1 year term
1999 Windrim R, Smith GN, O'Brien K, Walker MC, Barrett J. The use of nitroglycerin to stop preterm labour: a randomized double-blind multi-centre trial. Physicians' Services Inc.(PSI) $92,000 - 2 year term
1999 Wolfe LA, Davies GAL. Early human pregnancy, A new model for the study of chemical control of ventilation. Ontario Thoracic Society. $24,300


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