Health Services AccessibilitySurveys and QuestionnairesQualitative ResearchInterviews as TopicPilot ProjectsClinical ProtocolsPostpartum PeriodMothersDelivery of Health Care, IntegratedGenetic CounselingCounselingPhysician's RolePediatriciansContraception BehaviorGenetic Services
Shetra Sivamurthy studies a variety of topics primarily related to pediatric care. One of her significant areas of research is contraceptive counseling for new mothers during pediatric visits. She discovered that many new mothers are unaware of their contraceptive options and expressed a desire for more support. Additionally, she examines rare complications of infections, such as how pneumonia from Legionella bacteria can lead to autoimmune hemolytic anemia. She is also involved in improving genetic services for children with limited access to specialists by facilitating earlier consultations with pediatricians and genetic counselors.
Key findings
68% of new mothers who resumed sexual activity were not using contraception despite only 18% wanting another child.
In a study of 265 pediatric patients, 71% required further genetic evaluation after meeting with a pediatrician and genetic counselor.
Early treatment with steroids for autoimmune hemolytic anemia after Legionella pneumonia improved red blood cell counts.
In a rare case of plasmablastic lymphoma in an HIV-negative patient, the unique tumor profile indicated a need for updated lymphoma classifications.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Sivamurthy study contraception for new mothers?
Yes, she looks at how pediatricians can help new mothers with contraception counseling during their baby's check-ups.
What kind of genetic services has Dr. Sivamurthy researched?
She has researched new approaches to providing genetic evaluations for children, ensuring they can see pediatricians and genetic counselors quickly.
Is Dr. Sivamurthy's work relevant for patients recovering from pneumonia?
Absolutely, her studies highlight potential complications from Legionella pneumonia, which can lead to autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
What has Dr. Sivamurthy discovered about rare forms of cancer?
She has identified unique characteristics of plasmablastic lymphoma in patients without HIV, suggesting a need for revised classifications in cancer treatment.
Publications in plain English
Contraceptive Counseling in the Postpartum Period: Could Pediatricians Have a Role?
2020
Maternal and child health journal
Harris K, Sivamurthy S, Mohiuddin H, Aguila Gonzalez A, Bui T +4 more
Plain English The study looked at how much new mothers know about contraception and their current use of it during their baby's pediatric visits. It found that 68% of women who had resumed sex were not using any form of contraception, even though only 18% wanted another child. Most mothers (86%) were open to discussing contraception with their child's pediatrician, highlighting a missed opportunity for better family planning support.
Who this helps: This benefits new mothers seeking contraception advice and family planning support.
Legionella-Induced Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Delayed and Unexpected Complication.
2019
Journal of hematology
Durrance RJ, Das Gracas F, Sivamurthy S, Singh BB
Plain English This study looked at a rare complication that can occur after pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, specifically a condition called autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). In a patient who recovered from pneumonia, AIHA developed later, characterized by a positive test result that identified the issue. Treatment with steroids helped improve the patient's red blood cell counts. Recognizing AIHA as a possible consequence of Legionella infection is important because it can lead to serious health issues if not addressed timely.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors by increasing awareness of potential complications in patients recovering from Legionella pneumonia.
A novel approach in pediatric telegenetic services: geneticist, pediatrician and genetic counselor team.
2017
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics
Kubendran S, Sivamurthy S, Schaefer GB
Plain English This study looked at a new way to provide genetic services to children in areas that lack access to specialized care. Researchers found that out of 265 patients, 44% met with a pediatrician and genetic counselor before seeing a geneticist, and 71% of those needed further genetic evaluation. This approach ensured that patients could get timely care—appointments with pediatricians and counselors were always scheduled within 6 weeks, while waiting for a geneticist took 3 to 9 months—but overall, patients were very happy with the service.
Who this helps: This benefits children needing genetic assessments and their families, as well as pediatricians and genetic counselors looking to improve care availability.
A rare case of bilateral chylothorax: a diagnostic challenge--follicular lymphoma versus primary effusion lymphoma.
2015
BMJ case reports
Podder S, Mora M, Patel V, Sivamurthy S
Plain English This study looked at a rare case involving a patient with fluid buildup in both lungs, known as bilateral chylothorax, linked to a type of cancer called follicular lymphoma. The doctors found that the fluid analysis didn't show cancer cells, but special tests indicated the presence of lymphoma cells. This finding is important because it highlights how specific tests can help diagnose cancer even when other signs are missing.
Who this helps: This helps doctors in accurately diagnosing patients with unusual cases of fluid buildup.
Rare presentation of orbital plasmablastic lymphoma with oral cavity involvement in an HIV-negative patient.
2015
BMJ case reports
Podder S, Khetan P, Sivamurthy S, Mandal K
Plain English This study focuses on a rare case of plasmablastic lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the immune system, which usually appears in patients with HIV but was found in a patient without the virus. The researchers discovered that in this patient, the cancer involved the eyes and mouth, and when they checked for specific markers in the tumor, it showed a unique profile that differs from typical cases of large B-cell lymphoma. This finding is important because it highlights the need to update classifications for lymphoma types to better recognize and treat this specific form of cancer.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers who treat lymphoma, especially in patients who are HIV-negative.
Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome presenting initially as suspected meningococcal disease: a case report.
2007
Journal of medical case reports
Sivamurthy S, Mooney JD, Kenny TD
Plain English This study looked at a case of a baby girl who was first treated for a suspected severe bacterial infection but later developed kidney problems associated with a condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). Researchers found that she had a particular type of E. coli bacteria linked to HUS, even though she didn't show typical symptoms like diarrhea. This is important because it shows that doctors need to be aware that serious kidney issues can occur without common signs, allowing for better diagnosis and care in young children.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating kidney issues in infants.