Breadcrumb

American College of Rheumatology honours a trainee from The Institute

Leah Flatman’s research investigates risks associated with maternal medication exposure during pregnancy

Source: The Institute
January 29, 2025

Leah Flatman, a trainee at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) and doctoral candidate in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health at McGill University, was recently honoured by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). She received the Emerging Investigator Excellence Award in the Reproductive Issues in Rheumatic Disorders category for her abstract titled “Rotavirus Vaccine in Offspring Exposed to Tumour Necrosis Factor Inhibitors During the Third Trimester Does Not Increase Diarrhea-Associated Healthcare Events.”

Leah Flatman, trainee at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and doctoral candidate in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University
Leah Flatman, trainee at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and doctoral candidate in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University

In this research study, as Leah Flatman explains, “The focus is on children who were born to mothers with chronic inflammatory diseases who were exposed to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) during gestation. Previous guidelines recommended delaying administration of the rotavirus vaccine until after six months of age to TNFi-exposed offspring, due to fear of adverse events as a result of their potential immunosuppression. My research looks at the risk among TNFi-exposed offspring who received the rotavirus vaccine within six months of life, compared to those who remained unvaccinated within the first six months. Our findings suggest no increased diarrhea risk from rotavirus vaccination during the first six months of life in the offspring, even with late TNFi pregnancy exposure.”

This work is part of her doctoral research supervised by Drs. Sasha Bernatsky and Évelyne Vinet, both researchers in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program at The Institute who conduct research in the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation. “Leah is a rising star in research, as is illustrated by her many awards so far,” says Dr. Vinet. “We have no doubt she will become a great leader in health outcomes research in Canada, and globally,” adds Dr. Bernatsky.

The Emerging Investigator Excellence Award recognizes outstanding abstracts presented by investigators at an early stage of their career, and only one is awarded in each abstract category. “I am honoured to receive this award as it highlights the importance of my doctoral work investigating the risks associated with maternal medication exposure during pregnancy,” says Leah Flatman. “Recognitions like these inspire me to continue advancing the field and produce research that makes an impact while supporting safe and effective care for mothers and their children.”

Leah Flatman received her award at the 2024 American College of Rheumatology Scientific Meeting, held last November at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, U.S.

Related news

RI-MUHC trainee wins best abstract award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association