Research
The division of neonatology actively engages in clinical outcomes research, with an emphasis on cardiopulmonary issues, physiology, nutrition and the epidemiology of necrotizing enterocolitis.
We are participating in two NIH-funded multicenter trials of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in premature infants. One study, in collaboration with the NICHD Neonatal Network, is seeking to determine whether a short course of iNO therapy of very ill premature infants in the first 3 days of life improves the rate at which these infants survive without chronic lung disease. The second trial, funded by NHLBI, is investigating whether long-term use of iNO in premature infants decreases the incidence of chronic lung disease. Each of these studies will examine the neurodevelopmental outcomes of surviving infants through two years of age.
The division has consistently done groundbreaking research in the use of long chain fatty acids and arachidonic acids as supplements in premature formulas. These studies showed that formulas containing these supplements improved Bayley scores and visual acuity indices in infants and led to FDA approval of Enfamil LIPIL formula.
We also have a wealth of clinical data on the epidemiology and natural history of necrotizing enterocolitis with a focus on rotavirus as an etiologic agent. These data are now beginning to appear in pediatric and surgical peer reviewed journals.
To view publications for faculty, please visit the faculty page and click on the word bio to the right of each faculty member's name. Then follow the link at the bottom of the page titled "search for publications by this faculty member," which links to the PubMed site.