Dr. Tsalikian – Page 2

July 24, 2019January 11, 2022

The Effects of Diabetes on the Developing Brain.

It has long been wondered what effects diabetes in kids may have on the developing brain. Recent studies suggest that higher glucose levels found in poorly controlled diabetes alter brain development. Dr. Tsalikian is an author on a recent manuscript (link) published in the prestigious journal Diabetologia furthering these observations. The multicenter observational trial found that among children with diabetes, those with higher average glucose levels had greater degrees of persistent disruption of their brain white matter, and that the changes in white matter were associated with worsened cognitive performance. These results suggest that good glucose control is important for future brain function in children with diabetes. However, since the study was observational and correlative, these conclusions are not truly definitive and further study is needed. It remains crucial that children with diabetes be followed by an expert pediatric endocrinology team, such as at the University of Iowa. Several other of our division members contributed to this work, including Dr. Tansey, along with study coordinators Julie Coffey MSN, Joanne Cabbage, and Sara Salamati.

June 18, 2019January 11, 2022

Our Program is Nationally Ranked Among the Best Children’s Diabetes & Endocrinology Programs.

We have been rated among the Best Children’s Hospitals for Diabetes & Endocrinology Care by the US News & World Report 13th annual national report, where we were ranked #21 nationwide. Other top ranked specialties at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital included neonatology, pediatric urolology, pediatric orthopedics, pediatric nephrology, and pediatric cancer.

“Being once again ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals—and the only nationally ranked children’s hospital in Iowa—highlights our dedication to providing the best care to all of Iowa’s children, as well as those in surrounding states and across the country. This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our doctors, nurses, and staff.”
Dr. Eva Tsalikian

June 1, 2019January 11, 2022

Dr. Tsalikian Tapped to Become Interim Chair of Pediatrics.

Dr. Tsalikian, who has long headed the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes, has been asked to serve as the interim Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa and as the interim physician-in-chief of University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. These requests recognize her strong leadership skills for leading an academic medical department focused on excellent clinical care and advancing treatment and prevention through cutting edge research. Dr. Tsalikian assumed these duties effective June 1, 2019. Dr. Tsalikian received her medical degree from the University of Athens. Her training in endocrinology research was obtained at the University of California San Francisco and at Mayo Clinic. She completed a pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and a Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

March 29, 2019January 11, 2022

Does Diabeteic Ketoacidosis Impact Brain Development in Children?

Dr. Tsalikian has helped author a recent manuscript aimed at better understanding whether diabetic ketoacidosis might impact brain development in children. This manuscript was published this month in the prestigious journal Diabetes Care (permanent link to manuscript, link to public free version). They found that children who had experienced moderate-to-severe diabetic ketoacidosis had altered brain dimensions and lower cognitive scores. These results, though only correlative, suggest that moderate-to-severe diabetic ketoacidosis has an adverse impact on the developing brain. Several other of our division members contributed to this work, including Dr. Tansey, along with study coordinators Julie Coffey MSN, Joanne Cabbage, and Sara Salamati.