Dr. Saadeh joins Allergy journal editorial advisory board

January, 2008 – Dr. Saadeh recently was invited to join the Editorial Advisory Board of The Open Allergy Journal, an international publication of Bentham Science Publishers.

The Open Allergy Journal is a peer-reviewed publication with the mission to provide a complete and reliable source of information on current developments and research in the field of allergies. The Journal emphasizes the publishing of quality papers and is freely available to researchers worldwide via the Internet (www.bentham.org)

“I look forward to serving on the editorial advisory board for The Open Allergy Journal as a way to promote education and the dissemination of information, and to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in allergy research,” said Dr. Saadeh. “When it comes to my patients, I want to make sure I am up-to-date on treatments and knowledge so they receive the very best care available anywhere.”

Dr. Saadeh joins physicians and scientists from 27 countries on six continents who serve on the board. His responsibilities include reviewing papers and articles, soliciting papers and writing articles for the publication.

June 2007 - Barcelona, Spain - Recent research findings may mean good news for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, according to our own Constantine K. Saadeh, M.D., FACP, FACR. Dr. Saadeh shared clinical research study results as co-author of two research abstracts published at the prestigious European Union League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting this summer in Barcelona, Spain.

The first study addressed a method for ultrasound-guided dislodgement of calcifications or osteophytes that can form in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and which result in the development of severe, chronic pain – particularly in the shoulder and elbow. Guided by high resolution ultrasonography, the doctor used a needle to dislodge the calcification or osteophyte. Upon follow-up, three-fourths of treated patients reported resolution of pain and improvement in joint function. The procedure “is safe and seems to be effective,” according to the abstract.

The second involved the drug Rituximab and its efficacy when used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers wanted to measure and explore the clinical response following a first treatment course of the drug and its effect on baseline autoantibody status. Findings confirmed that treatment with Rituximab is an effective, innovative therapy for RA patients. More specifically, it was found that patients who tested negative to blood serum tests for both rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) achieved clinical benefit, as significantly more patients receiving Rituximab achieved a EULAR good or moderate response rating compared with the respective placebo-treated patients.

May, 2007 - Kathy Brecht, of the Amarillo Center for Clinical Research, recently was named the 2007 Woman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Amarillo Chapter.

“Kathy has served as our Program Chairman for two years and she is doing a wonderful job,” said ABWA President Martha Campbell.  “She has shown extraordinary leadership and has a real energy and enthusiasm for her work. Kathy has helped with our fundraising and our work with handicapped children. If called upon to help, and if she thinks she can do it, she never turns down a request.”

Persons nominated for the ABWA’s Woman of the Year Award are singled out for having demonstrated superior leadership and work ethic, and for achieving goals and accomplishments. The nominees are voted upon by their peers.

Ms. Brecht serves as Regulatory Coordinator for the Amarillo Center for Clinical Research, where she is responsible for regulatory requirements for clinical drug trials as mandated by the FDA and the International Congress on Harmonization. In addition, she wears numerous hats that include public relations support, publication and print responsibilities, providing regulatory support for patient coordinators, and working with the principal investigator and research director.

She also is involved in Amarillo Darlin Dames – Red Hat Club, American Heart Association (former board member), The Bridge – Children’s Advocacy Center (former board member), American Cancer Society and Camp Alphie. She has two children and one grandchild.

Clinic Human Resources Director earns PHR certification

April, 2007 - Polly Borden, Human Resources Director at Allergy A.R.T.S., recently earned certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
Awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), this certifies that
Borden possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous exam in this area.

”Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession,” said Susan Meisinger, SPHR, President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Dr. Saadeh Successfully Recertified in Allergy and Immunology

December, 2007 - Constantine Saadeh, M.D., FACP, FACR, recently passed the recertification examination in Allergy and Immunology specialties with the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI).

Since 1974, approximately 5,700 physicians have passed the ABAI board certification examination, while less than one-third have chosen to be board recertified in that time, according to the ABAI. As the process is demanding and requires familiarity with current, ever-changing medical knowledge and treatments, not every specialist chooses to go through the recertification process, nor are they, in most cases, required to do so.

As part of the recertification process, Dr. Saadeh is required to complete additional Continuing Medical Education credits every three years. By passing the 2007 ABAI Recertification examination, he is eligible for the American Medical Association’s Physician’s Recognition Award.

Dr. Saadeh also is board certified in Rheumatology, with an added qualification in geriatrics. He practices at Allergy A.R.T.S. (Asthma, Rheumatology Treatment Specialists), and also conducts research at the affiliated Amarillo Center for Clinical Research.

Our own Dr. Saadeh publishes rheumatology research abstracts

January, 2007 - Our own noted rheumatologist and researcher Dr. Constantine Saadeh recently had published in Arthritis & Rheumatism the results of two retrospective studies drawn from clinical observation and collaboration with other rheumatology specialists in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism is the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

The first described a study confirming that treatment with the medication Rituximab is an effective, novel therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients with certain baseline autoantibodies. When compared to the results from those using a placebo, the Rituximab patients had far better results.

The second paper addressed the effectiveness of the medication Infliximab (INF) when its dosage is escalated in clinical practice. INF is known as an effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; however, a significant number of patients do not achieve at least a 20 percent improvement in their condition. Therefore, clinicians often increase dosage to enhance outcome. Saadeh’s research concluded that patients who failed to respond to the starting dose of INF, may not achieve any significant improvement even if the dose is increased.

Allergy A.R.T.S. and the Amarillo Center for Clinical Research (ACCR) are closely affiliated and are dedicated to healing through learning.

Allergy A.R.T.S. and ACCR add Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

January, 2007 - Allergy A.R.T.S. and its affiliated Amarillo Center for Clinical Research recently added Melissa Griffith, MSN, RN, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, to the professional staff of each.

A Lafayette, LA, native, Ms. Griffith comes to Amarillo from Temple, Texas, where she was a registered nurse at Scott and White Hospital. She also has nearly five years of clinical research experience, during which she was involved in several published studies, and expects to use the expertise gained there in her role as a nurse practitioner.

“Both the clinic’s subspecialties and the clinical research in which it participates piqued my interest in Allergy A.R.T.S.,” Ms. Griffith explained. “I look forward to meeting my patients and treating them with the care, compassion, and expertise they deserve and need to achieve and maintain a meaningful quality of life.”

Ms. Griffith received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, and earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Ms. Griffith is authorized to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners and is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Ms. Griffith and her husband, Christopher, have a daughter Katelyn.

Four ACCR staff members now certified clinical research coordinators

Certification assures both patients and healthcare professionals that they will be working with experienced, highly knowledgeable clinical professionals as they participate in and/or conduct medical research.

These research coordinators include: Michael Gaylor, EMT-Paramedic, SRC, ACCR’s Senior Research Coordinator and Administrator; Christy Kennon, Laboratory Coordinator and Study Coordinator; Gigi O’Connell, Clinical Research Coordinator; and Deborah Stone, NREMT-B, Assistant Research Director. 

Renowned Scientist Helps World Breathe Easier

Through APRI, Dr. Goldman conducts experiments that use a state-of-the-art pulmonary device for lung function testing. The procedure, known as “Impulse Oscillometry Spirometry” – or IOS, is performed nowhere else in the region except at Amarillo’s Allergy A.R.T.S. Clinic, where Goldman conducts his research, and in only a handful of other places around the country.

“This equipment is so sensitive that we sometimes find patients who have a breathing problem who didn’t realize it, but may have complained of other symptoms,” explained Dr. Goldman. “When breathing is relieved or improved, often other symptoms also improve.”

IOS is proving to be not only a valuable respiratory diagnostics tool, but also a means to determine the effectiveness of medications and treatments. Dr. Goldman hopes to have the opportunity to measure breathing and collect samples from thousands of area residents.

Since 1994, Dr. Goldman has been a faculty member at UCLA where he conducted pulmonary research. A graduate of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, his career has taken him around the world where he has practiced, taught and/or conducted research at Harvard, Case Western Reserve University, the University of Utah, Oxford, the University of Paris, and several hospitals.

April, 2006 – ACCR researcher and Allergy A.R.T.S. rheumatologist Dr. Constantine K. Saadeh reported successful remission in patients with lupus skin, lung and synovial disease in a limited study he conducted through ACCR involving the use of the medication rituximab, also known by its trade name Rituxan.

In a report at the annual European Congress on Rheumatology, Dr. Saadeh described the successful rituximab-induced remission of severe extrarenal SLE (lupus) in five of six treated patients who were previously unresponsive to the two most widely-prescribed drugs for this condition (cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate).

ACCR is closely affiliated with the Allergy A.R.T.S. clinic founded by Dr. Saadeh in Amarillo.  This study and others are ongoing at the center.

All five of the patients who responded to Rituxan were given two 500-mg doses of the medication one week apart. The resulting disease remission lasted at least three months after treatment.

ACCR & Allergy A.R.T.S. open new clinic wing

December 1, 2005 – ACCR and Allergy A.R.T.S. recently opened the doors to the “Heather Alonzo Memorial Center for Excellence”, a new 9,000-square-foot wing adjoining its building on Plum Creek Drive in northwest Amarillo. This addition includes new treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art pulmonary diagnostics lab, and new check-in and waiting areas. An additional 3,000-square-foot administration and research area is slated for completion February 1, 2006.

“Our growth and limited storage and treatment areas led to the decision to add on to our existing building,” explained Michael Gaylor, director of the Amarillo Center for Clinical Research.

Added Michael Harris, administrator of Allergy A.R.T.S., “This is just one part of an ongoing effort to give our patients the best care possible and to provide high quality working conditions for our employees.”

The new wing was built by CIB, Inc., of Amarillo. It includes new treatment rooms for patients of doctors and nurse practitioners, allergy testing prep and treatment areas, expanded office and storage spaces, and the new pulmonary diagnostics lab with its own waiting room.

The new general check-in and waiting area was specifically planned with the special needs of ACCR clients and Allergy A.R.T.S. patients in mind. Its furnishings are ergonomically designed for arthritis patients and are upholstered with materials easily sanitized and naturally “unfriendly” to viral and bacterial organisms.

A memorial area near the front doors will feature a granite, revolving globe citing the “Heather Alonzo Memorial Center for Excellence.” English ivy, perennials, and a stone prayer bench that includes the poem written by Dr. Saadeh in Heather’s honor will complete the entrance area.

Offered Dr. Saadeh, “It is our prayer that through the healing and hope we are able to offer, Heather’s too brief life will continue to inspire us all.”

July 20, 2005 – In recent months, two physicians affiliated with the Amarillo Center for Clinical Research (ACCR) and the Allergy A.R.T.S. clinic, were asked to present important research findings in six areas to colleagues at three different scientific meetings.

The papers presented by Constantine Saadeh, MD, FACP, FACR, and Luis Ramos, MD, FACR, covered several topics, including: aeroallergens, respiratory impedance, ultrasonography use in arthritis diagnosis, tendon teasing, lupus medication, and ultrasound-guided joint injection.

Research results presented by Dr. Saadeh at the 61st Annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology in March included a study of the “Effects of Deep Inspiration on Respiratory Impedance Measured by Impulse Oscillometry (IOS)”, which examined, in part, airway inflammation and bronchomotor (bronchial changes) tone in response to deep breathing by asthmatic patients. He also reported on an investigation “of Aeroallergens in the Public Schools of the Texas Panhandle.” This study stressed the importance of knowing the specific aeroallergens present in children’s environments in order to better treat their symptoms.

Dr. Saadeh was asked to present three papers at the prestigious Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) in Vienna, Austria, in early June. This is the fourth consecutive year he has been asked to do so.

He first described the success of ultrasound-guided tendon and nerve teasing procedures on the treatment of chronic tendinopathy (particularly in the biceps and elbow) in patients who failed to respond to traditional steroid injections. The second involved the efficacy of using rituximab in the treatment of extrarenal (outside of kidney) disease in lupus patients. The third paper presented a comparison on the outcomes of ultrasound guided joint injection with the outcomes of blinded injections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The color Doppler ultrasound-guided injections appeared to be a superior and a more effective method of managing pain and/or inflammation (95 percent relief with ultrasound vs. 42 percent relief in blind injections).

Dr. Ramos addressed the 2005 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, in June. He reported on a study that concluded high-resolution color Doppler ultrasonography on affected joints, when appropriately performed, is an effective tool for managing rheumatoid arthritis patients, helps medical personnel decide when to start various therapies and medications, helps with follow-up, and helps doctors decide when to stop or resume treatments.

Drs. Saadeh and Ramos see patients at the Allergy A.R.T.S. Clinic, located at 6842 Plum Creek Drive, where they specialize in treating allergies, asthma, arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

February 3, 2005 - The steady progress and growth of ACCR’s sister clinic, Allergy A.R.T.S., has earned it the 2004 Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Jim Henson Small Business of the Year award. And with the recent groundbreaking for a new clinic wing, that growth seems assured for many years to come.

“We were honored that someone had enough faith in us to nominate our practice for this award,” said Dr. Saadeh. “It has only been through the hard work and dedication of many, many people, and the loyalty of our patients, that we have come to achieve this success. We are humbled and at the same time proud to be a part of a dynamic community that offers so many avenues for high quality healthcare to its population.”

Allergy A.R.T.S. now has well over 8,000 patients and 60 staff members, and offers state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge therapies to its patients.

January 6, 2005 - ACCR, Ltd. and Allergy A.R.T.S., LLP of Amarillo recently received national COLA accreditation for their quality laboratory services. This accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality, demonstrate accuracy, and pass a rigorous on-site survey. The clinic received an excellent overall score of 95.7 percent, with 100 percent ratings in Specimen and Test Management and in Quality Assurance.

COLA, which is dedicated to excellence in healthcare, is approved by the federal government and sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, the College of American Pathologists, and the American Osteopathic Association.