Alexandra Ward

Dr. Alexandra Ward

Liverpool University
+1
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

18Years (2009-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 January 2009 in PharmacoEconomics
Verified
Journal Article
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SGShien Guo
Shien Guo
DBDuygu Bozkaya
Duygu Bozkaya
Alexandra WardAlexandra Ward
Alexandra Ward
JOJudith A. Oʼbrien
Judith A. Oʼbrien
KIKhajak Ishak
Khajak Ishak
DMDennis M. Meletiche
Dennis M. Meletiche

23 September 2020 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
HLHannah Lawlor
Hannah Lawlor
Alexandra WardAlexandra Ward
Alexandra Ward
AMAlison Maclean
Alison Maclean
SLSteven Lane
Steven Lane
MAMeera Adishesh
Meera Adishesh
DHDharani K. Hapangama
Dharani K. Hapangama
Early diagnosis of the rare and life-threatening uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is essential for prompt treatment, to improve survival. Preoperative distinction of LMS from benign leiomyoma remains a challenge, and thus LMS is often diagnosed post-operatively. This retrospective observational study evaluated the predictive diagnostic utility of 32 preoperative variables in 190 women who underwent a hysterectomy, with a postoperative diagnosis of leiomyoma (n = 159) or LMS (n = 31), at the Liverpool Women’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, between 2010 and 2019. A total of 7 preoperative variables were associated with increased odds of LMS, including postmenopausal status (p < 0.001, OR 3.08), symptoms of pressure (p = 0.002, OR 2.7), postmenopausal bleeding (p = 0.001, OR 5.01), neutrophil count ≥7.5 × 109/L (p < 0.001, OR 5.72), haemoglobin level <118 g/L (p = 0.037, OR 2.22), endometrial biopsy results of cellular atypia or neoplasia (p = 0.001, OR 9.6), and a mass size of ≥10 cm on radiological imaging (p < 0.0001, OR 8.52). This study has identified readily available and easily identifiable preoperative clinical variables that can be implemented into clinical practice to discern those with high risk of LMS, for further specialist investigations in women presenting with symptoms of leiomyoma.

20 March 2017 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
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Journal Article
Open access
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HFHenry J. Folse
Henry J. Folse
JMJayanti Mukherjee
Jayanti Mukherjee
JSJohn J. Sheehan
John J. Sheehan
Alexandra WardAlexandra Ward
Alexandra Ward
RPRyan L. Pelkey
Ryan L. Pelkey
JKJennifer Kim
Jennifer Kim
Aims: To use the Archimedes model to estimate the consequences of delays in oral antidiabetic drug ( OAD ) treatment intensification on glycaemic control and long‐term outcomes at 5 and 20 years. Materials and methods: Using real‐world data, we modelled a cohort of hypothetical patients with glycated haemoglobin ( HbA1c ) ≥8%, on metformin, with no history of insulin use. The cohort included 3 strata based on the number of OADs taken at baseline. The first add‐on in the intensification sequence was a sulphonylurea, next was a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, and last, a thiazolidinedione. The scenarios included either no delay or delay, based on observed and extrapolated times to intensification. Results: At 1 year, HbA1c was 6.8% for patients intensifying without delay, and 8.2% for those delaying intensification. For no delay vs delay, risks of major adverse cardiac events, myocardial infarction, heart failure and amputations were reduced by 18.0%, 25.0%, 13.7%, and 20.4%, respectively, at 5 years; severe hypoglycaemia risk, however, increased to 19% for the no delay scenario vs 12.5% for delay. At 20 years, the results showed similar trends to those at 5 years. Conclusions: Timing of intensification of OAD therapy according to guideline recommendations led to greater reductions in HbA1c and lower risks of complications, but higher risks of hypoglycaemia than delaying intensification. These results highlight the potential impact of timely treatment intensification on long‐term outcomes.