FARR Alex, M.D. Ph.D. M.P.H.

Research Interests: Human Microbiota, Infections in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Epidemiology, Preterm Delivery, Obstetric Risk Assessment, Preterm Prevention, Vaginal Microbiome

The primary scientific focus of our research group is to evaluate the vaginal microbiota and the entire microbiome during pregnancy with regard to preterm premature rupture of the amniotic membranes (pPROM), preterm delivery, neonatal morbidity and mortality. For this purpose, we operate our own microbiologic laboratory for infections in obstetrics and gynecology, and further collaborate with the Joint Microbiome Facility at the Medical University of Vienna. Apart from that, we analyze data from large, population-based and nationwide databases to answer specific research questions in obstetrics.

Methods & Techniques

Clinical and laboratory research; microscopy; vaginal cytology; longitudinal and observational studies; prediction models

Selected Publications

Windsperger K, Kiss H, Oberaigner W, Leitner H, Muin DA, Husslein PW, Farr A: The „off-hour phenomenon“ in obstetrical care: an attainable target to improve neonatal outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019 Apr 27 [Epub ahead of print]

Holzer I, Husslein PW, Bettelheim D, Scheidl J, Kiss H, Farr A. Value of increased nuchal translucency in the era of non-invasive prenatal testing with cell-free DNA. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2019 Mar 22 [Epub ahead of print]

Muin DA, Haslacher H, Koller V, Kiss H, Scharrer A, Farr A: Impact of fetal maceration grade on risk of maternal disseminated intravascular coagulation after intrauterine fetal death. Sci Rep 8: 12742, 2018

Stolz M, Zeisler H, Heinzl F, Binder J, Farr A: An sFlt-1:PlGF ratio of 655 is not a reliable cut-off value for predicting perinatal outcomes in women with preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens 11: 54-60, 2018

Farr A, Kiss H, Holzer I, Hagmann M, Husslein P, Petricevic L: Evaluation of vaginal flora in women with opioid substitution therapy during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 16: 206, 2016

Farr A, Kiss H, Hagmann M, Machal S, Holzer I, Kueronya V, Husslein P, Petricevic L: Role of intermediate vaginal flora in early pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 10: e0144181, 2015

Farr A, Kiss H, Hagmann M, Holzer I, Husslein P, Petricevic L: Effect of asymptomatic colonization with Candida albicans on pregnancy outcome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 94: 989-996, 2015

Farr A, Kiss H, Hagmann M, Marschalek J, Husslein P, Petricevic L. Routine use of an antenatal infection screen-and-treat program to prevent preterm birth: long-term experience. Birth 42: 173-180., 2015