Laudelino Lopes
Affiliations
Scientist, Division of Maternal, Fetal & Newborn Health Children’s Health Research Institute
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Associate Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute
Division Head, Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Western University
How my research helps children
Basic Research: Stem Cells
Infusion of stem cells from umbilical cord blood can improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells. Cerebral palsy, caused by a brain injury or lack of oxygen in the brain, during pregnancy, before birth or during the first few years of life, can impair movement, learning, hearing, vision and cognitive skills. Two to three children in 1,000 are affected by it, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Animal studies indicate that infused stem cells help injured brain cells recover and replace brain cells that have died. Autologous stem cell transplantation, in which the transplant recipient is also the donor, is the safest form of stem cell transplantation because it carries virtually no threat of immune system rejection. I believe that stem cell research holds extraordinary potential for the development of new therapies for the children we treat and for the countless others like them throughout the world.
Clinical Research: First Trimester Ultrasound – A New Horizon
Scans in early pregnancy are usually performed in the first trimester around 12 weeks. You may have an earlier scan, if you are experiencing pain or bleeding for example or unsure of LMP dates. It is recommended that all pregnant women have a scan in the first trimester, to establish the date when the baby is due, check the number of babies, also the position of the placenta. First trimester ultrasonic scans may show 'soft' markers for chromosomal abnormalities, such as the absence of fetal nasal bone or an increased fetal nuchal translucency (back of the neck) to enable detection of Down syndrome fetuses.
Looking Forward….
Basic: Our Research Department established a stem cell program whose sole mission is to explore, understand and translate the promise of stem cells into clinical therapies and treatments
Clinical: The Ob/Gyn Department – Western University became a referral center for Genetic/Ultrasound Screening and High Risk pregnancy.
Academic Achievements
Associate Professor - Western University - Canada - Full-time Faculty member. Scientist at Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Canada. Associate Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute (LHRI), Canada - since November 2009.
Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Chief of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine named PERINATAL LARANJERIAS since February 12, 1993 until October 2009, as a full-time Associate Professor - offering 47 beds for OB/GYN, 3 beds for Maternal Intensive Care and 35 beds for Neonatal (NICU). Over 5,000 deliveries are currently performed per year.
Perinatal Laranjerias is a benchmark in specialized Perinatal care. The Departments which Dr. Lopes coordinates are considered a regional, state, national and international reference in Maternal Fetal Medicine.
In the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and at the Department of OB/GYN, around 35,000 ultrasounds are performed per year, along with 300 invasive procedures in Fetal Medicine. Moreover, we have a significant clinic of minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS), as well as 24-hour emergency facilities' for OB/GYN, adding up to 800 non-obstetrical procedures annually. Hold the position of Division Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound Departments.
A new unit called Perinatal Barra was opened in january 2009, and Dr. Lopes was invited for the position of Chief Director of the OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Departments for all units. (Supervising 75 assistant physicians in both units.)
The working schedule included 20 hours in clinical and surgical practice (imaging, surgeries and outpatients) and 20 hours dedicated to managing, organization and coordination. My main responsibilities involve academic coordination, teaching and continuing education, organization of the CME Centre, participation in national and international meetings and tutoring of Master and Doctoral thesis and dissertation. In the past years, I tutored six Master and two PhD students, all of whom have already concluded their academic programs using data from our own institution.
Research
Current Research Activities
Stem Cell
Human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCB) have been shown to have a therapeutic role in different models of central nervous system (CNS) damage, including stroke. We evaluated the possible therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCB) in P7 rats submitted to the Rice-Vannucci model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage.
Our results demonstrated that intraperitoneal transplantation of HUCB, 3 hours after the HI insult, resulted in better performance in two developmental sensor motor reflexes, in the first week after the injury. We also showed a neuroprotective effect in the striatum, and a decrease in the number of activated microglial cells in the cerebral cortex of treated animals. We suggest that HUCB transplantation might rescue striatal neurons from cell death after a neonatal HI injury, resulting in better functional recovery.
‘Cell Theraphy Through Transplant of Stem Cells from the Umbilical Cord in Newborns with Serious Neurological Complications’, Fundação Carols Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro FAPERJ – Regenerative Medicine, Principle Investigator
CHIPS
‘CHIPS (MIRU – Toronto)’, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-Co-applicant
Twin Birth Study
‘Twin Birth Study: A Multicentre Controlled Trial Comparing Planned Vaginal Birth for Twins at 32-38 Weeks Gestation’, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Randomized Controlled Trials, Co-applicant
Laser and Fetal Surgery
‘Laser and Fetal Surgery’ Fundação Carols Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro FAPERJ – Innovation in OB/GYN – Rio de Janeiro – Brazil, Co-applicant
Future Research Plans
Clinical Research - The 11-13 weeks scan
Create conditions at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Division (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Western University) to cover all the important aspects of first-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities, the diagnosis of major fetal defects and screening for preeclampsia, based on the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) Society model.
Make sure that all consultants and sonographers will obtain the FMF Certificates of competence in the measurement of nuchal translucency, assessment of the nasal bone, measurement of the facial angle, assessment of ductus venosus flow, assessment of tricuspid flow and measurement of uterine artery Doppler flow.
Basic Science Research
‘Insulin-Like Growth Factor System in Mesencymal Stem Cell Development’, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Operating Grant (Requested), Co-applicant
Awards & Grants
Distinctions/Awards/Credentials (2005-2012)
2011 - Consultant of the Year Award - Citywide Department of Family Medicine - Western University, Canada
2011 - Top Medical Quality and Social Responsibility Award - Academia Brasileira de Honrarias ao Merito, Obstetrics, Sao Paulo, Brazil
2010 - Best Poster Award - The Fetal Medicine Foundation - United Kingdom - 9th World Congress in Fetal Medicine and the Eurofetus Meeting, Rhodes, Greece
2009 - Top Medical Quality - Distinction - Brazilian Medical Academy, Brazil
2008 - Latin Am Quality Award - Distinction - Latin American Academy of Art (ALA), Brazil
2008 - Dipl Prof Merit Med Sc - Credential - Latin American Academy of Art (ALA), Brazil
2008 - 1st Award Jorge Rezende - Research Award - Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2008 - Award Med Analysis - Distinction - Brazilian Medical Association, Brazil
2007 - Top Medical Quality - Distinction - Brazilian Medical Academy, Brazil
2007 - Top Quality Latin Am OB/GYN - Distinction - Brazilian Parliamentary Order, Brazil
2006 - MD Prof Merits in Research - Research Award - Brazilian Medical Academy, Brazil
2006 - Top Entrepreneur Montreal - Distinction - Brazilian Medical Academy, Brazil
Grants Held (2005-2012)
Funding in support of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Therapy – Awarded by Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Co-applicant, 2011-2016
Funding in support of Evaluation of a comprehensive first trimester pregnancy risk assessment - a pilot study – Awarded by Western University Academic Enrichment Fund (AEF) – 2011-2012
Funding in support of CHIPS (MIRU – Toronto) – Awarded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Co-applicant – 2009-2015
Funding in support of Cell Therapy Through Transplant of Stem Cells from the Umbilical Cord in Newborns with Serious Neurological Complications – Awarded by Fundação Carols Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro FAPERJ – Regenerative Medicine – Principle Investigator – 2005-2012
Funding in support of Twin Birth Study: A Multicentre Controlled Trial Comparing Planned Vaginal Birth for Twins at 32-38 Weeks Gestation – Awarded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research –Randomized Controlled Trials – Co-applicant – 2003-2011
Funding in support of Laser and Fetal Surgery – Awarded by Fundação Carols Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro FAPERJ – Innovation in OB/GYN – Co-applicant – 2006-2011
Funding in support of Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticoseriods for Preterm Birth – Awarded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) – Randomized Controlled Trials – Co-applicant – 2006-2010
Recent Publications
Publications
2005-2012
Magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection. Costa FS, Lopes LM, Brennecke S. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet [Online]. 2011 June;33(6):265-270
SNAPPE-II application newborns with very low birth weight: evaluation of adverse outcomes in severe placental dysfunction. Carvalho PRN, Moreira MEL, Sá RAM, Lopes LM. J Perinat Med. 2011 May;39:343-347
Normal range for fetal urine production rate by 3-D ultrasound in Brazilian population.
Peixoto-Filho FM, de Sa RA, Velarde LG, Lopes LM, Ville Y. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2011 Mar;382(3):497-500
Human cord blood transplantation in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: functional outcome related to neuroprotection in the striatum. Pimentel-Coelho PM, Magalhães ES, Lopes LM, deAzevedo LC, Santiago MF, Mendez-Otero R. Stem Cells Dev. 2010 Mar;19(3):351-358
Median levels of free beta-hCG and PAPP-A in the first trimester screening for Down syndrome in a Brazilian population from a private center in Rio de Janiero.Lopes LM, Peixoto FF, Sa RM, Fonseca AA, Neto EV. Ultrasound in Obstet Gynecol. 2009 34:222
First-trimester combined screening for aneuploidy in a Brazilian population from a private center in Rio de Janeiro: a preliminary study. Lopes LM, Peixoto FF, Sa RM, Fonseca AA, Neto EV.
Ultrasound in Obstet Gynecol. 2009 34:218
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome - Brazilian Perinatal Center Case Review. Lopes LM, De Sá RAM, Jorge De Almeida P. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada. 2009 31(5):S45
Human cord blood transplantation in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: functional outcome related to neuroprotection in the striatum. Pimentel-Coelho PM, Magalhães ES, Lopes LM, De Azevedo LC, Santiago MF, Mendez-Otero R. Stem Cells Dev. 2009 Mar 18
Doppler and birth-weight Z score: predictors for adverse neonatal outcome in severe fetal compromise. Silva FC, Sá RAM, Carvalho PRN, Lopes LM. Cardiovascular Ultrasound. 2007 Mar 20; 5:15
Predicting adverse neonatal outcome in severe fetal compromise: A pivotal role for estimated fetal weight Z scores. Sá RAM, Salomon LJ, Carvalho PR, Lopes LM, Ville Y. Prenat Diagn. 2007; 27(12):1129-1132
Three-dimensional ultrasound fetal urinary bladder volume measurement: reliability of rotational (VOCAL®) technique using different steps of rotation. Filho P, Maia F, Sá RAM, Lopes LM, Velarde LGC, Marchiori E, Ville Y. Archives of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2007; 276(4):345-349
Three-dimensional ultrasound fetal urinary bladder volume measurement: reliability of rotational (VOCAL®) technique using different steps of rotation. Filho P, Maia F, Sá RAM, Lopes LM, Velarde LGC, Marchiori E, Ville Y. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2007; 30:0378-378
Reliability of three-dimensional ultrasound fetal urinary bladder volume measurement. Filho P, Maia F, Sá RAM, Lopes LM, Velarde LGC, Marchiori E, Ville Y. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007; 30:0551-551
Predicting adverse neonatal outcome in severe fetal compromise: a pivotal role for estimated fetal weight Z-score. Sá RAM, Salomon LJ, Carvalho PRN, Lopes LM, Ville Y. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007; 30:0583-583
Videohysteroscopy resection of myoma: the importance of ultrasound in the per-operatory. Valle ER, Araujo R, Sá RAM, Lopes LM. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007; 30:0612-612
Adverse neonatal outcome in severe compromised premature fetuses - the pivotal role of ductus venosus velocimetry. Cosmo YC, Murta CGV, Sá RAM, Carvalho PRN, Lopes LM. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007; 30:0643-643
Centrell's Pentolgy in Twins: Prenatal Diagnosis. Sá RAM, de Souza Filho GP, Lopes LM, Faleiro EC, Junior JA. Twin Research and Human Genetics. 2006; 9:597-599
Stem Cells - Parte II. Lopes LM. Femina (Brazilian Federation of the Societies of Gynecology and Obstetrics). 2006; 34:379-380
Stem Cells - Parte I. Lopes LM. Femina (Brazilian Federation of the Societies of Gynecology and Obstetrics). 2006; 34:311-313
Predicting adverse neonatal outcome in fetuses with severe placental insufficiency: a pivotal role for birth weight Z-scores. Sá RAM, Salomon LJ, Lopes LM, Ville Y. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006; 28:492-492
Ultrasound guided IUD implantation. Sá RAM, Lopes LM, Weiner CP, Gomes PC, Marinho PRS, Pereira Jr JP. Ultrasound Obstet Gynaecol. 2005; 26:425
Emergency Contraception Female. Oliveira CA, Sá RAM, Lopes LM. 2005; 14-18
Endocrine Factors Associate with Recurrent Abortion. Lopes LM, Oliveira CA, Sá RAM, Agular RALP. Femina. 2005; 33:203-203
Streptococcus B infections during the Female Gestation. Lopes LM. Femina. 2005; 12-13
Fetal Assessment in High-Risk Pregnancies. Lopes LM, Sá RAM, Chaves N, Hermogenes, Carvalho PRN, Azevedo GL. Femina. 2005; 33:379-379
Down Syndrome - Clinical Investigation. Lopes LM, Sá RAM, Peixoto F, Fernando MCarvalho PRN, Azevedo GL. Femina. 2005; 33:705-708
Routine use of ultrasound-guided curettage for incomplete abortion or missed abortion - five year's experience. Lopes LM, Werner CPSP, Sá RAM, Silva MB, Courado ALM, Costa Jr IB. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology: the Official Journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2005; 26:374
Screening for Pre-eclampsia by Uterine Artery Doppler at 10-14 Weeks of Gestation - Normal Ranges. Sá RAM, Lopes LM, Perira Jr JP, Marinho PR, Gomes PC, Azevedo GL, Almeida TCA, Pritsivelis C. Hypertension in Pregnancy. 2005; 89-89
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Lopes LM, Sá RAM, Silva MB, Dourado ALM. Femina. 2005; 33:541-541
Book Chapters (2005-2012)
Doppler en Embarazo Multiple con enfasis en el Sindrome de Transfusion Feto-Fetal. Sá RAM, Lopes LM, Ville Y. In: Doppler Materno-Fetal Coleccion de Medicina Fetal y Perinatal (Eds. Mario Palermo, Ana Expinesa). 2011; Ch 10, 141-154
Polidramnia Oligodramnia. Lopes LM, Peixoto-Filho FM, da Silva. In: Obstetricia 11th ed Guanabara Koogan - Rio de Janeiro (Eds. Carols Antonio Barbosa Monetegro, Jorge Rezende Filho). 2010. Ch 33, 423-431
Reliability of Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Measurement of Hourly Fetal Urine Production Rate. Sá RAM, Peixoto-Filho FM, Mocarzel CC, Lopes LM, Velards LGC, Grupo Periatla. In: Handbook of Prenatal Diagnosis: Methods, Issues and Health Impacts. Nova Biomedical (eds. Elian Perira and Juliano Soria). 2010 Nova Science Publisher, Inc. 2010; Ch XIX, 302-307
Perspective of the use of Umbilical cord stem cells. Lopes LM, Santos MBP, Sá RAM, Santos RR. In: Perinatologia Básica. 3rd ed Rio de Janeiro (Editora Guanabara Koogan SA). 2006; v. 1, 28-34
Perspective of the use of Umbilical cord stem cells in Regenerative Medicine. Lopes LM, Santos MBP, Sá RAM. In: PROAGO - Programa de atualizacao em Ginecologia e Obstetricia (ed. Porto Alegre / RS: Artmed Panamericana Editora Ltda). 2006; 97-127
Articles, published in magazines (2005-2012)
Top Entrepreneur. Lopes LM. Top of Business Magazine. Porto Alegre - RS, 9-9, 2007
Safe baby expectancy. Lopes LM, Sá RAM. Revista de Domingo Jornal do Brazil. Rio de Janeiro, 46-47, 2006
Diabetes and Neurological Disorders - New possibilities. Lopes LM. Revista de Manguinhos (Journal). Rio de Janeiro, 17-17, 2005
Group B Streptococcus Infection During Pregnancy. Lopes LM. FEMALE. Rio de Janeior, 12-13, 2005
Baby blues - Depression after Labour. Lopes LM. Veja Magazine. Brazil, 116-117, 2005
Stem Cell Therapy. Lopes LM. Femina Journal. v 2, 2005
Contact
Phone: 519-646-6106
Fax: 519-646-6213
Email: laudelino [dot] lopes [at] sjhc [dot] london [dot] on [dot] ca