OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST AND PEDIATRICIAN OLENA LUKIANOVA HAS DIED

15.08.2014
Outstanding scientist and pediatrician OLENA LUKIANOVA has died

On the 15th of August, 2014, 91-year Olena Lukianova left her life. She was outstanding, world-renowned scientist and pediatrician, public figure, honorary director of  “Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, State Prize Laureate, Honored Worker of Science of Ukraine, Doctor of medical Sciences, Professor, Academician of  the National Academy of Medical Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Many years of Olena Lukianova’s life was associated with the Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Since 1949, after graduation from Kiev Medical Institute, Olena. Lukianova started her career at the Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of the National Medical Sciences of Ukraine, having risen from junior research assistant to the head of department and deputy director. From 1979 to 2005 she headed the Institute. In 1966 she defended her doctoral thesis; in 1968 she obtained the title of professor. O.M. Lukianova was the Member of the National Academy of Sciences Ukraine (1992), the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine (1993), the Academy of Medical Sciences of USSR (1984), the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (1992) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (1998).
Scientific developments of Olena Lukianova are significant contribution to fundamental and applied medicine. Her main area of  research activities was to study the metabolic imbalance of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in pregnant women, newborns and young children, the development of effective methods of their prevention and treatment; studying topical problems of pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive system in children; a comprehensive study of the impact of adverse environmental factors on the biological system “pregnant woman – fetus – child” and the development of methods of prevention and rehabilitation of ecology-related pathology in children of different age groups. Olena Lukianova was the first who managed to combine motherhood medicine with childhood in modern science and practice of medicine.
Olena Lukianova developed modern methods of prevention and treatment of health disorders related to vitamin D deficiency in the body; she set mechanisms of disease and proposed new classification of diseases caused by impaired metabolism of vitamin D and calcium-phosphorus homeostasis in children; she clarified important level of bone metabolic disorders depending on the type of somatic pathology, child’s age, the impact of adverse environmental factors on her body. These results formed the basis of review of existing and development of new methods of prevention and treatment of diseases of hypocalcemic conditions in children. A new vitamin D – Videin-3 was created with the participation of O.M. Lukianova.
Olena Lukianova is the founder the first Ukrainian scientific school of pediatric gastroenterology. Specific mechanisms of chronic diseases stomach, intestines, liver, biliary tract and pancreas in children were disclosed under her leadership and direct involvement, She proposed scheme of pathogenetic therapy and prevention, developed and put into practice the methods of endoscopic and ultrasonic examinations of the digestive system in children. Olena Lukianova created new products of clinical nutrition for children with disorders of the digestive system.
Olena conducted unique studies on the effects of radiation exposure on the state of the biological system “mother – fetus –child”.  As a result, it was found principles and features of health problems and developed diagnostic criteria and therapeutic and preventive systems of action for children and women with radiation controlled regions of Ukraine, who were affected by acute or long-term exposure.
A brilliant talent and great organizational skills have been realized by O. Lukianova during her nearly three decades of leadership by the Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, which became effective model of scientific and practical activities and cooperation with domestic and foreign scientists. O.M. Lukianova created a powerful school of scientific personnel in clinical and social pediatrics, perinatology and neonatology. More than 80 doctors and candidates of sciences were prepared under the guidance of Olena Lukianova..
Olena Lukianova is the author of more than 600 scientific papers, including 25 monographs, 10 manuals and textbooks, encyclopedias, 18 patents of Ukraine.
The prominent organizer of science, O.M. Lukianova was one of the founders of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, curator of a number of important national and state health and social programs that were aimed at improving the health of children and women in Ukraine. Olena Lukianova spent a great social activity; she was the member of the World and European Association of perinatologists, the executive committee of the International Association of pediatricians and president of the Association of Pediatricians of Ukraine for many years.
Olena Lukianova’s merits in development of domestic medical science are recognized in Ukraine and abroad, her scientific and social activities are honored with high state awards.
The scientific and medical community, colleagues and students express relatives and friends of Olena Lukianova deep condolences over her death.