Research

The following are representative of various research activities occurring in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at UT Southwestern.

Clinical Research

NIH Neonatal Network for Clinical Trials: The Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine is an active participant in the Neonatal Network clinical studies.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections: A multicenter study is examining the incidence of CMV infection in term and late preterm neonates, and the use of salivary PCR in the diagnosis of CMV infection.
Transcutaneous bilirubin: Measurement of bilirubin with a transcutaneous device offers a simple and rapid mechanism for estimating serum bilirubin, but the applicability of such devices for preterm neonates is still under investigation.
Gentamicin and its effects on calcium metabolism: Gentamicin is commonly utilized in the treatment of suspected or proven neonatal sepsis/pneumonia. Based on previous studies, single daily dosing of gentamicin may alter the renal excretion and/or the calcium-sensing receptor of the parathyroid gland.
Treatment of chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates: Several alternative diagnostic tests and therapies have been promoted for the neonate whose mother is diagnosed with chorioamnionitis.
Neonatal infections: Cytomegalovirus, syphilis, and other neonatal infections and their potential complications and treatment are part of ongoing studies in our facility.
Follow-up care for very low birth weight and high risk infants, including neurodevelopment, chronic disease, and nutrition is part of our ongoing study of these babies.

Maternal and fetal cardiovascular physiology and development
Animal models relating to neonatal resuscitation and gestational hypertension
Pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease, and novel therapies
Molecular basis of vascular disease
Pulmonary endothelial function, nitric oxide, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and calcium metabolism
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic acid) and its role in inflammation and endothelial function