Bradley Hurst, MD

Director of Assisted Reproduction
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Prior Positions and Experience

Education

MD: 1984, University of Texas (Houston)
BA: 1979, Plan II – Liberal Arts Honors program, University of Texas at Austin

Investigation of the Underlying Causes of Infertility

Dr. Hurst’s primary research interests involve study of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Reproductive endocrinology encompasses the study of all aspects of the female reproductive system, and includes a wide spectrum ranging from congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract and intersex disorders though reproductive hormonal changes of the postmenopausal woman. While his group has published clinical studies in these diverse areas, the main focus has been the study of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

The ART procedures provide tremendous clinical and basic science research opportunities. Their current basic research and clinical treatment include methods to enhance pregnancy outcomes, micromanipulation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and cryobiology. Their work with PGD requires collaboration with other research laboratories and incorporates fluorescent in situ hybridization, PCR, and may eventually incorporate whole genomic amplification to screen embryos for genetic disease before pregnancy is established. Oocyte cryopreservation may provide fertility-preserving options for women who will require chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and our group has initiated study of oocyte vitrification.

Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are conditions that affect many women during the reproductive years and can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and often require hysterectomy. The cause of endometriosis-related infertility is not understood, and his group has initiated a series of studies in conjunction with the Cannon OB/GYN Molecular Biology Laboratory to determine if there are endometrial or abnormalities in women with endometriosis compared to fertile women. Currently, they are studying specific differences in endometrial gene expression. If these studies confirm there are specific markers for endometriosis-related infertility, they may ultimately be able to develop a non-invasive method to diagnose endometriosis and provide better treatments for this condition. In addition, Atrium Health has been awarded a patent for a new minimally invasive device to treat uterine fibroids under Dr. Hurst’s initiative. Clinical studies with this new device are anticipated.

Recent Publications

Mesen TB. Kacemi-Bourhim L. Marshburn PB. Usadi RS. Matthews M. Norton HJ. Hurst BS. The effect of ketorolac on pregnancy rates when used immediately after oocyte retrieval. Fertil Steril 100:725-8, 2013. [PMID: 23721715]

Tinelli A. Hurst BS. Mettler L. Tsin DA. Pellegrino M. Nicolardi G. Dell'Edera D. Malvasi A. Ultrasound evaluation of uterine healing after laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy: an observational study. Human Reprod 27:2664-70, 2012. [PMID: 22698929]

Tinelli A. Malvasi A. Hurst BS. Tsin DA. Davila F. Dominguez G. Dell'edera D. Cavallotti C. Negro R. Gustapane S. Teigland CM. Mettler L. Surgical management of neurovascular bundle in uterine fibroid pseudocapsule. J Soc Laparoendoscopic Surg 16:119-29, 2012. [PMID]: 22906340]

Tinelli A. Hurst BS. Hudelist G. Tsin DA. Stark M. Mettler L. Guido M. Malvasi A. Laparoscopic myomectomy focusing on the myoma pseudocapsule: technical and outcome reports. Human Reprod 27:427-35, 2012. [PMID: 22095838]

Myers EM. Hurst BS.  Comprehensive management of severe Asherman syndrome and amenorrhea. Fertil Steril 97:160-4, 2012. [PMID: 22100167]

Hurst BS, Jones AI, Elliot M, Marshburn PB, Matthews ML. Absorption of vaginal estrogen cream during sexual intercourse: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. J Reprod Med 2008; 53: 29-32. [PMID: 18251358]

Hurst BS, Elliot M, Matthews ML, Marshburn PB. Ultrasound-directed transvaginal myolysis: preclinical studies. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2007; 14: 502-505. [PMID: 17630171]

Peacock KE, Hurst BS, Marshburn PB, Matthews ML. Effects of fibrin sealant on single-layer uterine incision closure in the New Zealand white rabbit. Fertil Steril 2006; 85: 1261-1264.
[PMID: 16616100]

Hurst BS, Bhojwani JT, Marshburn PB, Papadakis MA, Loeb TA, Matthews ML. Low-dose aspirin does not improve ovarian stimulation, endometrial response, or pregnancy rates for in vitro fertilization. J Exp Clin Assist Reprod 2005, 2: 8. [PMID: 15927049]

Hurst BS, Matthews ML, Marshburn PB. Laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic uterine myomas. Fertil Steril 2005; 83: 1-23. [PMID: 15652881]

Current, Recent and Pending Grant Support

Grant Title: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of three dosage strengths of pulsatile GnRH administered intravenously or subcutaneously via portable infusion pump compared to oral treatment with clomiphene citrate in anovulatory or oligoovulatory infertile females
Funding Agency: Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Role: Principal Investigator
Years: 2005

Grant Title: A multi-center, randomized, open-label, parallel group study of a vaginal micronized progesterone tablet (Endometrin) compared to Crinone 8% Vaginal Gel in female patients undergoing in vitro fertilization
Funding Agency: Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Role: Principal Investigator
Years: 2005