SUMMARY
The research interests of Katia Bravo-Jaimes, M.D., seek to incorporate global health equity to reduce disparities in congenital heart disease and cardio-obstetrics care. As a cardiologist, Dr. Bravo appreciates the importance of research for providing guidance in the daily decision-making process. While she recognizes that several key advances in cardiology have been obtained from large clinical trials and registries, not all subpopulations enjoy this "data privilege."
Some underrepresented populations include women, certain racial minorities, patients with concomitant cancer and heart disease, those living at high altitudes, and adults with congenital heart disease. Indeed, the need to continue optimizing care through evidence-based strategies is what drives Dr. Bravo's work.
Focus areas
- Developing a new algorithm to detect critical congenital heart disease (CHD) at different altitudes by employing pulse oximetry in the ANDES-CHD study.
- Enhancing early detection of congenital heart disease in the Andes with artificial intelligence-guided ECG and echocardiography.
- Using gene expression profiles to determine the mechanisms of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with the Fontan circulation.
Significance to patient care
The development of a new algorithm to identify critical congenital heart disease at different altitudes may permit early detection and contribute to a reduction of neonatal mortality. By leveraging the power of technology, using artificial intelligence, Dr. Bravo hopes to make early detection a reality for children with congenital heart disease living in the Andes. Determining the mechanisms underlying Fontan-associated liver disease may allow her team to develop new therapeutics for patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease.
Professional highlights
- Adult Congenital Heart Association research grant, 2021
- UCLA Global Health Seed Grant Program, 2021
- International Society of Nephrology Global Outreach Program grant, 2011