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Research

Surfactant delivery by aerosol inhalation – past, present, and future

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. 

Research

Unstable SpO2 in preterm infants: The key role of reduced ventilation to perfusion ratio

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.

Research

Antenatal creatine supplementation reduces persistent fetal lung inflammation and oxidative stress in an ovine model of chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis is a common antecedent of preterm birth and induces inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs. Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs may improve respiratory outcomes in preterm infants. Creatine is an organic acid with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Research

Neonatal high frequency ventilation: Current trends and future directions

High frequency ventilation (HFV) in neonates has been in use for over forty years. Some early HFV ventilators are no longer available, but high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and jet ventilators (HFJV) continue to be commonly employed. Advanced HFOV models available outside of the United States are much quieter and easier to use, and are available as options on many conventional ventilators, providing important improvements such as tidal volume measurement and targeting.

Research

Epidemiology of Neonatal Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Prospective, Multicenter, International Cohort Study

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

Simplified bedside assessment of pulmonary gas exchange in very preterm infants at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age

We aimed to develop and validate a prediction table for a simplified measure of rightward shift of the fetal oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) versus inspired oxygen pressure (P IO2) curve as an objective marker of lung disease severity in very preterm infants, independent of unit altitude or oxygen prescribing policies.

Research

Neurodevelopmental impairment in children with Robin sequence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Estimate the global prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with Robin sequence (RS) at one year or more of age.

Research

The development and refinement of a sensitive bedside test to continually measure the severity of BPD and lung development in preterm infants

Graham Jane Shannon Hall Pillow Simpson BAppSci PhD CRFS FANZSRS FThorSoc FERS BMedSci (Dist) MBBS, PhD (Dist) FRACP BMedSci (hons), PhD Honorary