In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) is spotlighting a remarkable research associate whose life’s work has the potential to enhance outcomes of patients who experienced traumatic injuries.
Relka Bihari is a Research Associate at LHSCRI in the Department of Surgery who supports research led by Dr. Abdel Lawendy, Associate Scientist at LHSCRI. Bihari always had a passion for science. In fact, when she was younger, she wanted to be an astronaut when she grew up.
“I wanted to learn everything about the human body so that I could survive in space,” says Bihari. “Science always fascinated me so from a young age I wanted to work in this field.”
Today, the research Bihari supports is focused on helping people survive injuries and major life-threatening trauma. She’s still reaching for the stars with big ideas that could change treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Innovative research shows carbon monoxide – a silent killer – could also save lives
One exciting research study Bihari supports is looking into trauma injuries to limbs. When individuals experience something as minor as a leg fracture, they sometimes develop compartment syndrome which is when increased pressure within a muscle compartment restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage. With this syndrome, patients experience pain, but some may not report it to their health-care provider. If not treated quickly with emergency surgery, it could cause damage to nerves and muscles, require an amputation, and in extreme cases, could lead to organ failure and even death.
After an injury to a limb and loss of blood flow, there is an increased level of a certain enzyme that produces carbon monoxide which appears to aid in faster recovery. Although most recognize carbon monoxide as a dangerous gas, it could be a treatment for patients with compartment syndrome – helping to preserve blood flow, aiding in faster recovery and avoiding major complications like organ damage and death.
The research team is looking at injecting compounds that release carbon monoxide rather than inhaling to avoid issues like carbon monoxide poisoning.
“While we are in our early stages of research, the potential is great. Once rigorously tested, researched and proven effective, this has the potential to minimize life-threatening complications from compartment syndrome and eliminate the need for surgery altogether,” says Bihari.
Reflecting on her career
Bihari said that throughout her education and career she has been fortunate to have positive experiences. She has been surrounded by those who support girls and women in science.
“Women can be anything they want to be. They need to first learn what they are passionate about and then pursue it,” says Bihari.
When asked what she is most proud of, Bihari explains, “being part of over 30 research publications which helps advance science towards new standards of care.”
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