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Unstable SpO2 in preterm infants: The key role of reduced ventilation to perfusion ratioInstability 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
Neurodevelopmental impairment in children with Robin sequence: A systematic review and meta-analysisEstimate the global prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with Robin sequence (RS) at one year or more of age.

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.
Research
Postnatal steroids as lung protective and anti-inflammatory in preterm lambs exposed to antenatal inflammationLung inflammation and impaired alveolarization precede bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory and reduce ventilator requirements in preterm infants. However, high-dose glucocorticoids inhibit alveolarization. The effect of glucocorticoids on lung function and structure in preterm newborns exposed to antenatal inflammation is unknown. We hypothesise that postnatal low-dose dexamethasone reduces ventilator requirements, prevents inflammation and BPD-like lung pathology, following antenatal inflammation.
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Multipotent adult progenitor cells prevent functional impairment and improve development in inflammation driven detriment of preterm ovine lungsPerinatal inflammation increases the risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown. Given their anti-inflammatory and regenerative capacity, multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) are a promising cell-based therapy to prevent and/or treat the negative pulmonary consequences of perinatal inflammation in the preterm neonate.
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Vitamin A and bronchopulmonary dysplasia: the next stepsPreterm 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.

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.
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Living with lung disease: experimental models to assess the long-term effects of prematurityLaboratory 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
Impact of fetal treatments for congenital diaphragmatic hernia on lung developmentThe extent of lung hypoplasia impacts the survival and severity of morbidities associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

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.