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Normal in utero lung development and growth rely upon the expansion of airspaces and the controlled efflux of lung liquid into the amniotic space. Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) also have lung hypoplasia due to occupation of the chest cavity by the stomach and bowel and, in the most severe cases, the liver. Balloon tracheal occlusion reduces the severity of lung hypoplasia in fetuses with CDH but increases the risk of premature birth.
Preterm infants have immature control of breathing and impaired pulmonary gas exchange. We hypothesized that infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have a blunted ventilatory response and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) instability during a hypoxic challenge.
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.
Abnormalities of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer in asthma may develop before birth. We hypothesize that antenatal inflammation causes physiological abnormalities of the ASM that predisposes asthma. This study determined the short-term effects of antenatal inflammation on the developing ASM.
The extent of lung hypoplasia impacts the survival and severity of morbidities associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Jane Pillow BMedSci (Dist) MBBS, PhD (Dist) FRACP Head, Developmental Chronobiology jane.pillow@thekids.org.au Head, Developmental Chronobiology
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 is a multicentre study, involving several different hospital sites across Australia. Here, you can find out more about which hospitals recruit babies into the CIRCA DIEM Study.
The Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) is an independent group of experts that oversees participant safety and the integrity of the CIRCA DIEM Study.
The CIRCA DIEM biobank is a unique collection of biological samples - such as blood, stool and saliva - collected from babies enrolled in the trial.