Featured Publications
Predictors of new persistent opioid use after benign hysterectomy in the United States
AlAshqar A, Ishiwata R, Moss C, Andersen KM, Yanek L, Bicket MC, Alexander GC, Borahay MA. Predictors of new persistent opioid use after benign hysterectomy in the United States. American Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 227: 68.e1-68.e24. PMID: 35248573, PMCID: PMC9253094, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.02.030.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNew persistent opioid usePersistent opioid usePerioperative opioid prescriptionOpioid usePerioperative prescriptionBenign hysterectomyOpioid prescriptionsSurgical complicationsClinical Classification Software codesNational insurance claims databaseLogistic regressionNew persistent usePrevalent opioid useRetrospective cohort studyInsurance Claims DatabaseMultivariate logistic regressionPersistent usePreoperative painCohort studyNaïve womenInvasive hysterectomyMedication usePain disordersSurgical indicationsTobacco smokingSurgical and oncologic outcomes in surgically treated women 80 years and older with endometrioid endometrial cancer as a function of their comorbidities
AlAshqar A, Ghazarian M, Webster E, Upadhyay A, Azodi M, Schwartz P, Ratner E, Altwerger G. Surgical and oncologic outcomes in surgically treated women 80 years and older with endometrioid endometrial cancer as a function of their comorbidities. Gynecologic Oncology Reports 2023, 49: 101240. PMID: 37636496, PMCID: PMC10450407, DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101240.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEndometrioid endometrial cancerOldest-old womenOncologic outcomesEndometrial cancerOlder womenComorbidity statusEarly-stage endometrioid endometrial cancerKaplan-Meier survival analysisLymph node dissectionRetrospective cohort studyFive-year survivalTimes higher riskCounseling of patientsComorbidity burdenPreoperative optimizationComorbidity indexNode dissectionCohort studyIndependent predictorsMedian agePostoperative infectionSurgical treatmentRisk diseaseSurgical managementWomen 80
2024
Evaluating the Accuracy and Utility of Large Language Models in Answering Common Contraception Questions [ID 2683633]
Patel A, Jasani S, AlAshqar A, Panakam A, Amin K, Sheth S. Evaluating the Accuracy and Utility of Large Language Models in Answering Common Contraception Questions [ID 2683633]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2024, 143: 12s-12s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0001013000.12240.72.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchLanguage modelContraception questionsAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansReproductive health educationBardLanguageMicrosoft BingKruskal-Wallis testTextReference textNo significant differenceEvidence basisAcademy of Family PhysiciansContraceptive counselingContraceptionKruskal-WallisAmerican AcademySignificant differenceAssess responsePhysician reviewReferralFamily physiciansQuestionsDispensing patterns of antidepressant and antianxiety medications for psychiatric disorders after benign hysterectomy in reproductive-age women: Results from group-based trajectory modeling.
Ishiwata R, AlAshqar A, Miyashita-Ishiwata M, Borahay MA. Dispensing patterns of antidepressant and antianxiety medications for psychiatric disorders after benign hysterectomy in reproductive-age women: Results from group-based trajectory modeling. Womens Health (Lond) 2024, 20: 17455057241272218. PMID: 39165003, DOI: 10.1177/17455057241272218.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2023
ICG Fluorescence Technique for Detection of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Laparoscopic Endometrial Cancer Staging
AlAshqar A, Mutlu L, McNamara B, Harold J, Clark M, Huang G, Azodi M, Schwartz P, Santin A, Ratner E, Altwerger G, Andikyan V. ICG Fluorescence Technique for Detection of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Laparoscopic Endometrial Cancer Staging. Journal Of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2023, 30: s36. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2023.08.110.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEndometrial cancer stagingSentinel lymph nodesLymph nodesCancer stagingSentinel lymph node identificationICG fluorescence techniqueTertiary care hospitalLymph node identificationICG techniqueSentinel lymphCare hospitalIntervention useStagingDye techniqueNode identificationLymphPatientsMalignancyHospitalUterine Collagen Cross-Linking: Biology, Role in Disorders, and Therapeutic Implications
Kurt I, Kulhan M, AlAshqar A, Borahay M. Uterine Collagen Cross-Linking: Biology, Role in Disorders, and Therapeutic Implications. Reproductive Sciences 2023, 31: 645-660. PMID: 37907804, DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01386-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPreterm birthUterine fibroidsLysyl oxidaseWarrants further investigationUterine extracellular matrixCervical insufficiencyHealthy pregnancyUterine disordersUterine tissueAdvanced glycationTherapeutic implicationsTherapeutic targetPathogenic featuresSteroid hormonesNitric oxideBiomechanical strengthUterine collagenNormal biophysical propertiesFibroidsFurther investigationPentosidinePyridinolineDisordersBirthTissue integrityUterine Transcriptome: Understanding Physiology and Disease Processes
Kirschen G, Hessami K, AlAshqar A, Afrin S, Lulseged B, Borahay M. Uterine Transcriptome: Understanding Physiology and Disease Processes. Biology 2023, 12: 634. PMID: 37106834, PMCID: PMC10136129, DOI: 10.3390/biology12040634.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTranscriptome analysisMRNA transcript levelsTranscriptome profilesRNA sequencingTranscript levelsMolecular underpinningsMolecular analysisRelative recruitmentReproductive physiologyPhysiologyTranscriptomicsComprehensive understandingRecent advancesSequencingAbundancePersonalized therapySuch insightsRecruitmentCycleOxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Uterine Fibroids: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications
AlAshqar A, Lulseged B, Mason-Otey A, Liang J, Begum U, Afrin S, Borahay M. Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Uterine Fibroids: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications. Antioxidants 2023, 12: 807. PMID: 37107181, PMCID: PMC10135366, DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040807.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchUterine fibroidsClinical implicationsOxidative stressFibroid developmentUterine fibroid developmentProfibrotic mechanismsBody of evidenceDietary factorsNeoplastic entitiesComplex pathobiologyCurrent evidenceFibroidsPathobiologyPharmaceutical antioxidantsAntioxidantsPathophysiologyTumorsDiagnosisHypoxiaBiomarkersAssociation of Surgical Start Time with Outcomes of Benign Hysterectomy
Brah T, AlAshqar A, Borahay M. Association of Surgical Start Time with Outcomes of Benign Hysterectomy. Journal Of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2023, 30: 389-396. PMID: 36708764, DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2023.01.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSurgical start timeSame-day dischargeLength of stayAdverse perioperative eventsBlood lossBenign hysterectomyPerioperative eventsPerioperative adverse eventsRetrospective cohort studyTotal hospital chargesOperating room timeLaparoscopic cohortPerioperative outcomesAdverse eventsCohort studyBenign indicationsHospital chargesSurgical approachHysterectomyRoom timeMultivariate linear regressionStayHealthcare systemDecreased rateLinear regression
2022
Perioperative opioid dispensing and persistent use after benign hysterectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hessami K, Welch J, Frost A, AlAshqar A, Arian S, Gough E, Borahay M. Perioperative opioid dispensing and persistent use after benign hysterectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 229: 23-32.e3. PMID: 36539027, PMCID: PMC10276170, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.12.015.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPersistent opioid useOpioid useBenign hysterectomyHysterectomy routeOpioid dispensingsAbdominal hysterectomyVaginal hysterectomyBack painAlcohol useDosage of opioidsEquivalents of opioidsRoute of hysterectomyYounger patient ageRandom-effects modelWeb of SciencePerioperative opioidsPatient agePerioperative periodSecondary outcomesPrimary outcomeHysterectomyOpioidsHigh riskOperative complexityStudy inceptionClimate change and cardiovascular disease: implications for global health
Khraishah H, Alahmad B, Ostergard RL, AlAshqar A, Albaghdadi M, Vellanki N, Chowdhury MM, Al-Kindi SG, Zanobetti A, Gasparrini A, Rajagopalan S. Climate change and cardiovascular disease: implications for global health. Nature Reviews Cardiology 2022, 19: 798-812. PMID: 35672485, DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00720-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsClimate changeFrequency of droughtsExtreme weather eventsCoastal floodingEarth's weatherStorm surgeDust stormsWeather eventsAnthropogenic activitiesGlobal warmingCascading eventsExtreme temperaturesForest firesStormsWeatherMitigation strategiesExposure pathwaysPotential mitigation strategiesAir pollutionEventsWarmingFloodingHurricanesDroughtWildfiresImpact of Obesity on Clinical and Financial Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions
Le Neveu M, AlAshqar A, Kohn J, Tambovtseva A, Wang K, Borahay M. Impact of Obesity on Clinical and Financial Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions. Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology Canada 2022, 44: 953-959. PMID: 35598864, PMCID: PMC9481667, DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.04.018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLength of stayClass III obesityAdverse perioperative eventsEffect of obesityInvasive hysterectomyPerioperative eventsClass IRetrospective cohort studyImpact of obesityOperating room timeCohort studyMean BMIBlood lossBenign hysterectomyClinical outcomesHysterectomy methodsHospital chargesRobotic hysterectomyObesityHysterectomyRoom timePatientsBenign conditionsClass IIIClass IICardiometabolic profile of women with uterine leiomyoma: a cross-sectional study.
Alashqar A, El Ouweini H, Gornet M, Yenokyan G, Borahay MA. Cardiometabolic profile of women with uterine leiomyoma: a cross-sectional study. Minerva Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 75: 27-38. PMID: 35333033, DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.04952-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCardiometabolic risk factorsCardiometabolic comorbiditiesCross-sectional studyUterine leiomyomaCardiometabolic profileMedication useRisk factorsJohns Hopkins Health SystemEpic electronic medical record systemUnfavorable cardiometabolic profileCardiovascular disease preventionPrevalence odds ratiosUterine leiomyoma developmentElectronic medical record systemAssociated medicationsLeiomyoma riskMedical record systemOnly medicationEssential hypertensionMetabolic syndromeHospital encountersPrescription medicationsEarly managementOdds ratioLeiomyoma diagnosis
2021
Predictors of same‐day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications
AlAshqar A, Wildey B, Yazdy G, Goktepe ME, Kilic GS, Borahay MA. Predictors of same‐day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications. International Journal Of Gynecology & Obstetrics 2021, 158: 308-317. PMID: 34674257, DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13992.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSame-day dischargeInvasive hysterectomySurgeon factorsPostoperative day 0Retrospective cohort studyShorter operative timeMinimal blood lossMultivariate logistic regressionSame dayProcedure start timePostoperative complicationsCohort studyBlood lossEarly dischargeBenign indicationsOperative timeRobotic hysterectomySurgeon numberStudy populationHysterectomyLarge cohortDay 0Logistic regressionPatientsSurgeon educationChallenges in treatment of renal echinococcosis with gross hydatiduria and unsalvageable kidney: a case report
Shuaibi S, AlAshqar A, Alabdulhadi M, Al-Adsani W. Challenges in treatment of renal echinococcosis with gross hydatiduria and unsalvageable kidney: a case report. Journal Of Medical Case Reports 2021, 15: 487. PMID: 34587998, PMCID: PMC8479882, DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-02992-2.Peer-Reviewed Case Reports and Technical NotesConceptsRenal echinococcosisExtensive renal involvementCase presentationThisFlank painRenal involvementPositive serologyParenchymal destructionConclusionThis caseRenal scintigraphyCase reportProper counselingTherapeutic approachesDual pharmacotherapyPatientsSurgeryHydatiduriaPharmacotherapyEchinococcosisRare occurrenceChallenges physiciansExposure historyScientific evidenceSatisfactory responseTreatmentPhysiciansVascular biology of uterine fibroids: connecting fibroids and vascular disorders.
Kirschen GW, AlAshqar A, Miyashita-Ishiwata M, Reschke L, El Sabeh M, Borahay MA. Vascular biology of uterine fibroids: connecting fibroids and vascular disorders. Reproduction 2021, 162: r1-r18. PMID: 34034234, PMCID: PMC8320308, DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0087.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsConceptsVascular disordersMyometrial smooth muscle cellsSystemic vascular disorderSmooth muscle cellsAbdominal painAldosterone systemUrinary retentionEndothelial dysfunctionEssential hypertensionUterine fibroidsBenign tumorsFibroid growthDisease processFibroidsNovel treatmentsFibroid pathogenesisMuscle cellsCell-intrinsic factorsVascular biologyPharmaceutical agentsUterusVasculature systemDisordersConstipationHypertensionDiet and Nutrition in Gynecological Disorders: A Focus on Clinical Studies
Afrin S, AlAshqar A, Sabeh M, Miyashita-Ishiwata M, Reschke L, Brennan JT, Fader A, Borahay MA. Diet and Nutrition in Gynecological Disorders: A Focus on Clinical Studies. Nutrients 2021, 13: 1747. PMID: 34063835, PMCID: PMC8224039, DOI: 10.3390/nu13061747.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsConceptsGynecological disordersDietary habitsPolycystic ovary syndromeCurrent clinical dataPotential confounding factorsPlant-derived natural compoundsOvary syndromeGynecological malignanciesVitamin DGynecological diseasesClinical dataClinical studiesUterine leiomyomaPhysical activityMediterranean dietConfounding factorsEpidemiological investigationsHealthy lifestyleHomeostatic functionsRed meatBalanced dietNutritional factorsNutritional dataDietDisordersRole of inflammation in benign gynecologic disorders: from pathogenesis to novel therapies†
AlAshqar A, Reschke L, Kirschen GW, Borahay MA. Role of inflammation in benign gynecologic disorders: from pathogenesis to novel therapies†. Biology Of Reproduction 2021, 105: 7-31. PMID: 33739368, PMCID: PMC8256101, DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab054.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsConceptsBenign gynecologic disordersRole of inflammationGynecologic disordersClinical sequelaeCardiometabolic risk factorsNF-κB inhibitorCardiometabolic medicationsInflammatory markersSystemic complicationsGynecologic malignanciesVitamin DInflammatory pathwaysLesion progressionRisk factorsCardiovascular diseaseCyclooxygenase-2Uterine leiomyomaPathophysiological perspectiveSex steroidsHormonal treatmentDiagnostic adjunctTherapeutic implicationsNumerous cytokinesImmune systemInflammationPrimary Headache Disorder Among School Students in Kuwait
Shuaibi S, AlAshqar A, Ahmed SF, Alroughani R, AlThufairi H, Owayed S, AlHamdan F, Al-Hashel J. Primary Headache Disorder Among School Students in Kuwait. Frontiers In Neurology 2021, 12: 621017. PMID: 33603711, PMCID: PMC7884619, DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.621017.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPrimary headache disordersProbable medication-overuse headacheMedication overuse headachePrimary headachesTension-type headacheHeadache disordersMean ageChronic headacheMigraine headacheAge groupsProbable tension-type headacheCross-sectional studyFurther epidemiological studiesHeadache-Attributed RestrictionImpaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaireAttributable burdenFemale genderStudy populationType headacheEpidemiological studiesDiagnostic criteriaHeadacheProbable migraineHealth servicesSocial handicap
2020
Predictors of the cost of hysterectomy for benign indications
AlAshqar A, Goktepe ME, Kilic GS, Borahay MA. Predictors of the cost of hysterectomy for benign indications. Journal Of Gynecology Obstetrics And Human Reproduction 2020, 50: 101936. PMID: 33039600, PMCID: PMC7856010, DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101936.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLength of stayCost of hysterectomyRetrospective cohort studyOperating room timeHospital finance departmentElectronic medical recordsConcomitant proceduresBlood lossCohort studyPatient ageBenign indicationsOne-year increaseVaginal approachRobotic hysterectomyHysterectomy costModifiable factorsSurgical approachTexas Medical BranchInsurance typeMedical recordsInvasive approachOpen hysterectomyHysterectomyOperative factorsRoom time