Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS
- Medical Director, Pancreas Care Center
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
- maisam.haija@cchmc.org
- Board Certified
About
Biography
I was inspired to pursue my career by children and knowing that their growth and health are so essential for them to reach their best potential. I enjoy making people feel better, and I believe in open communication between the provider and the family.
As a gastroenterologist, I specialize in pancreatic diseases, pancreatitis, growth and nutrition, and general gastroenterology-related diseases. Each of my patients and their families has unique needs, which need to be taken into account when making treatment decisions. What works for one patient may not work for another. I use evidence-based treatments and engage my patients in my thinking and decision-making, which is vital to the success of treatment.
I have won many awards, including the Clinical Care Achievement Award from Cincinnati Children’s. This award is for excellence in care provided to gastroenterology and pancreas patients.
In my research, I am focused on acute pancreatitis, predictive models for severe pancreatitis and diabetes that occurs after acute pancreatitis. I’m also actively working on research in acute recurrent chronic pancreatitis and total pancreatectomy islet auto-transplantation arenas.
In my free time I like to travel mostly, to explore new beaches when I can. My hobbies include exercise and doing outdoor activities with my family. I enjoy cooking with my children and trying new recipes without making a mess in the kitchen!
MBBS: Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jordan, 2003.
Residency: Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2009.
Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2012.
Services and Specialties
Gastroenterology GI, Pancreas Care
Research Areas
Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, Global Health
Additional Languages
Arabic
Insurance Information
Cincinnati Children's strives to accept a wide variety of health plans. Please contact your health insurance carrier to verify coverage for your specific benefit plan.
Publications
Clinical and imaging predictors for the development of diabetes mellitus following a single episode of acute pancreatitis in youth. Digestive and Liver Disease. 2025; 57:519-525.
Prepancreatic postduodenal portal vein discovered in a pediatric patient undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: a case report and review of literature. Frontiers in Surgery. 2025; 11:1509807.
Impact of Elevated Serum Triglycerides on Children with Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis from INSPPIRE-2. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2025; 276:114298.
Analgesia in paediatric acute pancreatitis: A scoping systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025; 80:203-208.
Liberal Fluid Resuscitation is Associated with Improved Outcomes in Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2025; 276:114329.
Islet Isolation Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation in the POST Consortium. Transplantation. 2025; 109:207-216.
Novel chymotrypsin C (ctrc) variants from real-life genetic testing of pediatric pancreatitis cases. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]. 2024; 24:e16.
Pediatric acute pancreatitis fluid management: under-resuscitation is associated with higher rates of progression to severe acute pancreatitis outcomes. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]. 2024; 24:e58-e59.
The role of pancreatitis risk genes in diabetes development post index admission of acute pancreatitis in children. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]. 2024; 24:e10-e11.
Evaluating continuous glucose monitoring after total pancreatectomy: a scoping systematic review. Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]. 2024; 24:e190-e191.
From the Blog
Cincinnati Children’s Doctor and Patient Honored at National Pancreas Foundation Gala
Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS4/21/2023
Vitamin A May Reduce Pancreatitis Risk During ALL Treatment
Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD, MS, Mayur Sarangdhar, PhD ...3/15/2023
Stomach Pain and Acute Pancreatitis: Questions To Ask Your Child’s Doctor
3/31/2016
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