Diana Racusin
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences
My contributions to science reflect my interest in pregnancy exposures and maternal and fetal outcomes. Notably, I have investigated the effects of prenatal marijuana and tobacco exposure in a cohort of 12,069 gravidae. In this large retrospective cohort study we demonstrated that co-use of marijuana and tobacco was associated with smaller neonates, increasing occurrence of maternal asthma attacks, and preterm delivery. I served a co-investigator in this study.
a. Chabarria KC, Racusin DA, Antony K, Kahr M, Suter M, Mastrobattista J, Aagaard KM. Marijuana use and its effects in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; 2016 Oct; 215(4):506.e1-7. PMID: 27263998
Additionally, I have done a significant amount of work investigating pregnancy interventions such as diabetic assessment, screening for spina bifida, and mode of delivery and their role in downstream maternal and fetal outcomes. These studies emphasize the importance of identifying risk factors early in pregnancy and, thereby, improving medical care and resulting sequelae for mothers and babies. I was the primary investigator in all of these studies.
McGovern Medical School Faculty
Education & Training
MD, University of Texas Southwestern, 2009