Ann E. Kearns, M.D.

My research interests are the relationship between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease and the potential role of estrogen in the development of both diseases. I am involved in the KEEPS trial, which is an trial of hormone replacement early after the menopause and examines surrogate cardiovascular markers including coronary artery calcification, carotid intimal thickness, and vascular reactivity, in women randomized to placebo, oral, or transdermal therapies. My study examines detailed bone density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in these women, with the goal of determining how CV disease and bone loss are affected by estrogen versus aging.

In addition, I am interested in the optimal evaluation and treatment of patients following a hip fracture. This project involves Olmsted county population data to determine the risks for a second hip fracture and help identify who best benefits from treatment after a hip fracture.