Skip to content

Research

Department of Pediatrics
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has major NIH grant support and our fellows have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of basic science, clinical and translational research. We encourage our fellows to explore the research available on our different campuses and specialties.  Our institution has a funded Clinical and Translation Science Institute, the Miami Transplant Institute, a Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), and has been continually funded as both an International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) and Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS) site. These programs provide our fellows with the opportunity to participate in HIV-related clinical trials, epidemiological studies, laboratory-based projects and international projects.  In addition, ongoing research in the areas of molecular modalities to measure response to treatment of Tuberculosis offer opportunities as well.  Newer areas of investigation include congenital infections, and tropical medicine.  Monthly protocols presented through the Pediatric Transplant ID Research Subcommittee are also available.

HIV researchers within the Division have focused on the mechanism of perinatal transmission of HIV, early diagnosis of HIV infection in infants, the natural history of HIV infection and the pathogenesis of infection and factors involved in long term survival.

The division receives both federal and private funding for several large research projects. We participate in the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) which offers clinical trials to HIV seropositive pregnant women and infected infants and children. Our Center has a distinguished history in clinical trials.  The division participated in the design and implementation of clinical trials for both Zidovudine and Didanosine in children with HIV infection. Results of these trials were critical for the licensure of both drugs for use in children. We were also instrumental in initiating trials of Zidovudine in pregnant women. The division participated in a large double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter trial to test the effect of Zidovudine use by HIV seropositive pregnant women. Results showed a significant reduction of perinatal HIV transmission from 25% to 8%.  The study enrolled 50 women and their infants in this trial, the largest number at any single site. The findings of this trial represent a breakthrough in the prevention of pediatric HIV infection.

Our faculty is recognized for their expertise in HIV and participate in many advisory groups, consensus workshops and national and international meetings related to HIV/AIDS in children. The division has also been awarded Ryan White Part A and D funding for health and support services for persons with HIV spectrum.

  • Faculty Research Interest

  • Clinical/ Translational Research