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Research

Instability of peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) in preterm infants is correlated with late disability and is poorly understood. We hypothesised that a reduced ventilation to perfusion ratio (VA/Q) is the key predisposing factor for SpO2 instability.

The CIRCA DIEM study is a multicentre, prospective, open, blinded end-point (PROBE) parallel controlled study which aims to compare long term neuro-developmental outcomes of premature babies cared for in a cycled environment to premature babies who receive routine care in a non-cycled environment.

Research

Preterm infants are often vitamin A deficient, and vitamin A has functions that could mitigate the processes that lead to bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Therefore, supplementation of preterm infants with vitamin A to reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia makes inherent sense.

Research

Laboratory models provide an important tool in helping to understand the cellular and molecular drivers of respiratory disease. Many animal models exist that model the neonatal outcomes of preterm birth.

Research

The extent of lung hypoplasia impacts the survival and severity of morbidities associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

The CIRCA DIEM Study is a clinical research study being coordinated by the Chronobiology Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia, who are based in Perth, Western Australia and involving research teams from around the world.

The CIRCA DIEM study aims to establish if cycling environmental light and noise levels for premature infants during their initial hospital stay leads to earlier development of circadian (daily) rhythms and better outcomes for the preterm babies, including improved brain development.

Research

Age-specific definitions for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are available, including a specific definition for neonates (the "Montreux definition"). The epidemiology of neonatal ARDS is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical course, treatment, and outcomes of neonatal ARDS.

Research

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common complication of preterm birth with lifelong consequences. Multiple BPD definitions are currently used in daily practice. Uniformity in defining BPD is important for clinical care, research and benchmarking. The aim of this Delphi procedure is to determine what clinicians and researchers consider the key features for defining BPD.

Research

Surfactant replacement therapy by nebulization to spontaneously breathing patients has been regarded as the Holy Grail since surfactant deficiency was first identified as the cause for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. It avoids neonatal endotracheal intubation, a procedure that is often difficult and occasionally harmful.