Current Research Projects

1. Transfusion Related Complications in Thalassemia: Currently, Dr. Giardina is the Principal Investigator of the CDC sponsored study of the Prevention of Complications in Thalassemia which is monitoring the national blood supply by prospectively testing blood specimens of Thalassemia patients for emerging pathogens among subjects from seven Thalassemia Treatment Centers (TTC) in the United States. Recently, she identified transfusion transmitted Babesisosis as an emerging pathogen in the Thalassemia patients at NYPH/WCMC. The efficacy of Babesia screening is being reviewed with the NYPH Blood Bank. In addition, the prevalence of alloimmunization and autoantibody development is being analyzed in over 400 Thalassemia Major and Intermedia subjects in the CDC's study.

2. The Thalassemia Longitudinal Cohort Study: This NIH sponsored research project involves the longitudinal study of the natural history of Thalassemia Major and Intermedia patients previously participating in the North American Thalassemia Clinical Research Network (TCRN) Study. Dr. Giardina is the Principal Investigator of the New York Region TCRN.

3. The Study of Bone Disease in Thalassemia: This study involves the prospective investigation of low bone mass in thalassemia and treatment options to prevent osteoporosis. Our previous cross sectional observational study of osteoporosis in Thalassemia Major and Intermedia had demonstrated profound bone loss in Thalassemia adolescents and adults beginning in childhood and associated with increase fracture rates and endocrinopathies. These studies involve annual screening for low bone mass and the identification of factors contributing to increased fracture risk, the causes of low bone mass, and the treatments to improve bone strength. Current pilot project is being conducted to identify ideal vitamin D levels to optimize bone strength.