Dr. Saito is an Associate Professor within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She is an active member of the Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (C.E.N.T.E.R.) program. She divides her time between clinical care of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal motility disorders, with an active research program studying patients with IBS, constipation, and diarrhea. Her patient-oriented research centers on studying the genetics of IBS in families, identifying traits and risk factors for IBS, patient education, diet and nutritional factors, and treatment efficacy in patients with IBS. Her main research focus is on studying the genetics of bowel symptoms. The ultimate goal of her research program is to better understand the mechanisms underlying IBS so that better diagnostic tests and treatments can be identified and created. Her clinical interests include seeing patients with the following disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastrointestinal and esophageal motility disorders.

Education
Fellowship – Gastroenterology NIH Research Fellowship
Mayo Clinic

MPH – Epidemiology, Health Services Research
Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene & Public Health

Residency – Internal Medicine
Mayo Clinic

M.D.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University

B.A. – Biology
Johns Hopkins University

Mayo Clinic is a multi-specialty academic medical institution whose three shields encompass patient care, medical research, and education. Outpatients are seen at the downtown clinic at the interconnected Mayo, Gonda and Plummer buildings. Hospital patients are seen at either the Rochester Methodist Hospital in downtown Rochester or at Saint Marys Hospital, located three blocks west of the downtown campus. Mayo’s system is built on working together with doctors being free to consult with each other about patients, under one integrated electronic medical record system.

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic is the largest practice of its kind in the United States. Gastroenterologists and clinics are organized around interest groups oriented toward diseases, organs, procedures, or patient groups. Outpatients and patients in the hospital are cared for by a team of physicians and allied health personnel with broad expertise in gastroenterological and hepatobiliary diseases. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota ranks No. 1 for Digestive Disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, patients with disorders such as IBS are seen by a group of physicians specializing in IBS and other functional and motility disorders.

 A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pregabalin (Lyrica) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This study is being done to see if Lyrica helps people with irritable bowel syndrome, otherwise known as "IBS". Lyrica is the trade name for pregabalin, which was first approved by the FDA in June 2005 and has been available through prescription since fall 2005, and is marketed by Pfizer. Lyrica is known to have clinical efficacy treating pain disorders including IBS-related conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Estimated Enrollment: 100
Study Start Date: March 2010
Estimated Study Completion January 2013
Estimated Primary Completion Date: March 2013(Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)

Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years to 70 Years
Genders Eligible for Study: Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

CONTACT NUMBER: 507-284-5010

 Effect of Ranolazine on Gastrointestinal Motor Function and Pain in Patients With IBS-D

Will Ranolazine improve bowel function and abdominal pain in human subjects with IBS-D?

Estimated Enrollment: 60
Study Start Date: September 2014
Estimated Study Completion Date: September 2015
Estimated Primary Completion Date: September 2015 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)