Elizabeth D. Lowenthal, MD, MSCE

female silhouette icon
Elizabeth D. Lowenthal, MD, MSCE, FAAP, AAHIVS, is an Attending Physician in the Special Immunology Family Care Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and lead research physician for CHOP Global Health.

Areas of Expertise: Pediatric and adolescent HIV infection, International health
Locations: Specialty Care, Market Street
Appointments and Referrals: 1-800-TRY-CHOP (1-800-879-2467)


Background

Dr. Lowenthal is an attending physician in the Division of General Academic Pediatrics and a core faculty member of the Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness at CHOP. She specializes in the care and treatment of children and adolescents with HIV. She is also trained as an epidemiologist and is involved with pediatric clinical research in several countries.

Dr. Lowenthal is a graduate of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She completed her pediatric residency training at the Baylor Affiliated Hospitals and her fellowship training in general academic pediatrics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Lowenthal's international experience includes four years of living full-time in Botswana where she served as associate director and clinic director of the Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, a large clinic dedicated to the care and treatment of children with HIV infection. She has also served on national medical advisory committees for Botswana and as a consultant to the World Health Organization. She has taken part in health professional training activities in a number of countries, including Botswana, South Africa and Zambia.

Dr. Lowenthal is the principal investigator for a CDC-funded PEPFAR Public Health Effectiveness Research grant focused on optimizing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in Botswana. She also receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Stoke's Research Institute. Her research interests currently span several areas of international child health including pediatric and adolescent HIV treatment adherence, comparative effectiveness of antiretroviral regimens, adolescent sexual health, social support networks for children and adolescents with HIV, and improving the palatability of pediatric HIV treatments.

Education and Training

Medical School

MD - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Residency

Pediatrics - Baylor Affiliated Hospitals, Houston, TX

Fellowship

Academic General Pediatrics - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Additional Training

HIV Medicine
Epidemiology

Board Certification

Epidemiology
HIV Medicine
Pediatrics – American Board of Pediatrics

Graduate Degree

MSCE in Epidemiology - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Titles and Academic Titles

Attending Physician, Special Immunology Service

Lead Research Physician, CHOP Global Health

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Departments and Services

Publications

Papers

2014

Mburu G, Hodgson I, Kalibala S, Haamujompa C, Cataldo F, Lowenthal ED, Ross DJ. Adolescent HIV disclosure in Zambia: barriers, facilitators and outcomes. Int AIDS Soc. 2014 Mar 10;17:18866. doi: 10.7448/IAS.17.1.18866. eCollection 2014.

Lowenthal ED, Bakeera-Kitaka S, Marukutira T, Chapman J, Goldrath K, Ferrand RA. Perinatally acquired HIV infection in adolescents from sub-Saharan Africa: a review of emerging challenges. Lancet Infect Dis. 2014 Jul;14(7):627-639. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(13)70363-3. Epub 2014 Jan 7.

Beatrice Larru, Jessica Eby, Elizabeth Lowenthal. Antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected pediatric patients: focus on efavirenz. Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics. Dove Press, 5: 29-42, May 2014.

2013

Connolly M, Rutstein R, Lowenthal ED: Virologic testing in infants with perinatal exposure to HIV receiving multi-drug prophylaxis. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 32(2): 196-7, February 2013. PMCID: 23328830

Connolly MD, Rutstein RM, Lowenthal ED. Virologic testing in infants with perinatal exposure to HIV receiving multidrug prophylaxis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Feb;32(2):196-7. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3182787c29.

Lowenthal ED, Ellenberg JH, Machine E, Sagdeo A, Boiditswe S, Steenhoff AP, Rutstein R, Anabwani G, Gross R. Association between efavirenz-based compared with nevirapine-based antiretroviral regimens and virological failure in HIV-infected children. JAMA. 2013 May 1;309(17):1803-9. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.3710.

Ndiaye M, Nyasulu P, Nguyen H, Lowenthal ED, Gross R, Mills EJ, Nachega JB. Risk factors for suboptimal antiretroviral therapy adherence in HIV-infected adolescents in Gaborone, Botswana: a pilot cross-sectional study. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2013 Sep 11;7:891-5. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S47628. eCollection 2013.

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Kathy Lawler, Nurit Harari, Lesedi Moamogwe, Motshodi Masedi, Japhter Masunge, Bolefela Matome, Esther Seloilwe, and Robert Gross. Use of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist for Screening for Psychosocial Dysfunction in Botswana. Thari Ya Bana. UNICEF and the University of Botswana,(4), 68-74, November 2013.

Elizabeth Lowenthal and Tafireyi Marukutira. Disclosure of HIV Status to HIV-infected Children in Areas with High HIV Prevalence. J Ped Infect Dis 2(2): 144-146, April 2013. PMCID: doi.10.1093/jpids/pit026

Bosse KR, Russell EA, Chikwava KR, Rutstein RM, Lowenthal E. Acute Renal Injury in a 14-Year Old with HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Apr 1. [Epub ahead of print]

2012

Lowenthal E, Lawler K, Harari N, Moamogwe L, Masunge J, Masedi M, Matome B, Seloilwe E, Gross R. Rapid psychosocial function screening test identified treatment failure in HIV+ African youth. AIDS Care. 2012;24(6):722-7. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2011.644233. Epub 2012 Jan 31.

Abstracts

2014

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Tafireyi Marukutira, Ontibile Tshume, Jennifer Chapman, Tebo Dipotso, Omphile Lepodisi, Keboletse Mokete, Jean Nachega, Gabriel Anabwani, Robert Gross: Parental Absence from Clinic Predicts Virologic Failure in Adolescents in Botswana. Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections March 2014 Notes: Boston, Massachusetts (March 3-6).

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Rachel Hammond, Knashawn Morales, Tafireyi Marukutira, Ontibile Tshume, Gabriel Anabwani, Robert Gross: Self-report and Parent-report Measures Over-estimate Adherence Among Adolescents in Botswana. 9th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence. IAPAC (eds.). June 2014 Notes: Miami, FL USA.

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Rachel Hammond, Tafireyi Marukutira, Jennifer Chapman, Jessica Eby, Gabriel Anabwani, Robert Gross, Knashawn Morales: Evidence for a Hawthorne Effect in the Measurement of Antiretroviral Adherence in Adolescents. 9th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence June 2014.

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Tafireyi Marukutira, Keboletse Mokete, Ontibile Tshume, Gabriel Anabwani, Karen Glanz, Robert Gross: Social Desirability Bias in Assessment Tools Used with HIV+ Adolescents in Botswana. 9th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence. IAPAC (eds.). June 2014.

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Tafireyi Marukutira, Ontibile Tshume, Gabriel Anabwani, Robert Gross: Prediction of Virologic Failure Among Adolescents Using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. 9th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence June 2014.

2013

Katherine Riva, Seipone Mphele, Elizabeth Lowenthal: Factors Affecting Alcohol and Drug Use among Secondary School Students in Botswana. Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellows Annual Conference May 2013.

Marc Callender, Elizabeth Lowenthal, Rodney Finalle, Maura Murphy, James Guevara: Exploring Paternal Engagement in the Dominican Republic. Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting May 2013.

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Keboletse Mokete, Tafireyi Marukutira, Ontibile Tshume, Jennifer Chapman, Robert Gross, Karen Glanz: Establishing Construct Validity of Psychosocial Assessment Tools for Use in HIV+ African Adolescents and Exploring Previously Under-appreciated Factors Related to Medication Adherence_ SEISIDA/AIDS Impact conference Barcelona(oral presentation) September 2013.

Jessica Eby, Jennifer Chapman, Tafireyi Marukutira, Tebo Dipotso, Omphile Lepodisi, Ontibile Tshume, Keboletse Mokete, Elizabeth Lowenthal: "Electronic monitoring of adolescent adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Botswana: Impact of cleaning and capping medication event monitoring system (MEMS) data on the adherence-outcome relationship" Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Conference November 2013.

2012

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Jonas Ellenberg, Thuso David, Margaret Tshokonego, Edwin Machine, Aditi Sagdeo, Sefalani Boiditswe, Richard Rutstein, Gabriel Anabwani, Robert Gross: Virologic Outcomes in Children Receiving EFV-based and NVP-based cART in a Large African Cohort. Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (S-1005) Seattle March 3-8 2012.

David Bearden, Kate Brizzi, Gabriel Anabwani, Dennis Dlugos, David Goldfarb, Dennis Kolson, Elizabeth Lowenthal, Parth Mehta, Andrew Steenhoff, Sudha Kessler: Risk Factors of Epilepsy in Children with HIV/AIDS in Botswana. 64th Annual American Academy of Neurology Meeting - New Orleans April 21-28 2012.

Jessica H. Rutstein, Elizabeth D. Lowenthal, Richard M. Rutstein: Treatment Initiation and Cognitive Outcomes in HIV+ Children and Youth. Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meeting - Boston MA April 28-May 1 2012.

Jessica H. Rutstein, Elizabeth D. Lowenthal, Richard M. Rutstein: Effect of CMV co-infection on Cognitive Outcomes among HIV-infected Children. 2012 Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meeting - Boston MA April 28-May 1 2012.

Elizabeth Lowenthal, Tafireyi Marukutira, Marape Marape, Gabriel Anabwani, Robert Gross: Pill Count Adherence as a Predictor of Antiretroviral Treatment Failure in Children 7th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence. Miami, FL June 3-5 2012.

Rebecca Randall, Elizabeth Lowenthal, Richard Rutstein: Vitamin D, PTH and Tenofovir among Children/Adolescents with Perinatally Acquired HIV. 4th International Workshop on HIV Pediatrics. Washington, DC July 20 2012 Notes: Oral Presentation.

Lowenthal E, Ellenberg J, David T, Tshokonego M, Machine E, Sagdeo A, Boiditswe S, Rutstein R, Anabwani G, Gross R: Virologic Outcomes in Children Receiving EFV-based and NVP-based cART in a Large African Cohort. Botswana International HIV Conference. Gaborone, Botswana September 2012.

Lowenthal E, Lawler K, Harari N, Seloilwe E, Matome B, Masedi M, Moamogwe L, Masunge J, Gross R.: Psychosocial Distress and Treatment Failure in HIV+ African Youth. Botswana International HIV Conference. Gaborone, Botswana September 2012.

Books

Chapters

2011

Elizabeth D. Lowenthal and Beth Rezet: Malnutrition. Chapter 14 in Netter's Pediatrics. Edited by Todd Florin and Stephen Ludwig. Elsevier. 2011.

Elizabeth D. Lowenthal. : Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Chapter 95 in Netter's Pediatrics. Edited by Todd Florin and Stephen Ludwig. Elsevier. 2011. Edited by Todd Florin and Stephen Ludwig. Elsevier. 2011.

2010

World Health Organization. : Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection in Infants and Children: Towards Universal Access. Recommendations for a Public Health Approach. Geneva. (Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy Working Group/TRG Subgroup) June 2010.

Lowenthal ED, Cruz N, Yin D. : Neurologic and Psychiatric Manifestations of Pediatric HIV Infection. HIV Curriculum for the Health Professional, 4th Ed. Baylor College of Medicine. 2010.

Lowenthal ED, Montshiwa K. : Complementary and Alternative Medicine. HIV Curriculum for the Health Professional, 4th Ed. Baylor College of Medicine. 2010.

Lowenthal ED, Phelps BR. : Growth and Development in HIV-infected Children. HIV Curriculum for the Health Professional, 4th Ed. Baylor College of Medicine. 2010. 

2008

(Member of the Committee for the Clinical care of HIV/AIDS in Botswana, responsible for guidelines development.) : Botswana National HIV Treatment Guidelines. Botswana Ministry of Health. 2008.

(member of expert evaluation panel): Botswana National Isoniazid Preventative Therapy Programme Expert Evaluation Panel Report. Botswana Ministry of Health 2008.

2007

Botswana AIDS Impact Survey III: 2007-2008 (BAIS III). : Member of Technical Working Group and laboratory subcommittee. Full report published by the Botswana Ministry of Health. 2007-2008.

Lowenthal ED, Millon JC, Kline MW. : Management of HIV Infection. Chapter 118 in Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Third Edition. Long, Pickering, and Prober Editors 2007.

2004

Kline NE, Lowenthal ED, Terlonge DT. : Neurologic and Psychiatric Manifestations of Pediatric HIV Infection. HIV Curriculum for the Health Professional, 3rd Ed. Baylor College of Medicine. 2004.

Lowenthal ED, Ateka G, Montshiwa K. : Complementary and Alternative Medicine. HIV Curriculum for the Health Professional, 3rd Ed. Baylor College of Medicine 2004.

Lowenthal ED, Millon JC. : Growth and Development in HIV-infected Children. HIV Curriculum for the Health Professional, 3rd Ed. Baylor College of Medicine. 2004.

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial positions

2014-present, Ad hoc reviewer for Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
2013-present, ad hoc reviewer for Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
2013-present, Ad hoc reviewer for AIDS Care- Psychology Health and Medicine - Vulnerable Children and Youth
2013-present, Ad hoc reviewer JAIDS
2012-present, Ad hoc reviewer for Social Science and Medicine
2012-present, Ad hoc reviewer for Pediatrics
2012-present, Ad hoc reviewer for African Journal of AIDS Research
2012-present, Associate Editor of the Journal Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety.
2012-present, Ad hoc reviewer for Journal of the International AIDS Society
2011-present, Ad hoc reviewer for Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal
2010-present, Ad hoc reviewer for Journal of Adolescent Health

Academic and institutional committees

2014-present, member, University of Pennsylvania Clinical Epidemiology Unit Outreach Working Group
2014-present, Steering Group Member, CHOP Global Health Center
2013-present, Faculty, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Penn Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
2013-present, CHOP Residency Global Health Pathway Development Committee
2013-2014, Department of Pediatrics Flu Project(Special Immunology representative)
2013-present, member, CHOP Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness Pilot Grant Review Committee
2013-present, General Pediatrics Scientific Review Committee, member
2012-2013, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Search Committee for PhD Epidemiologist
2011-2013, International Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship (DDCRF) Advisory Committee, University of Pennsylvania
2011-present, University of Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research Developmental Pilot Grant Reviewer
2008-present, Global Health Leadership Team, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia