Neonatal Research Group
The NRG is involved in clinical and basic science research on perinatal and neonatal topics. We promote excellence in research, contributing to the understanding of perinatal and neonatal disease and improving the outcome of preterm and term neonates.
The NRG is involved in a breadth of research topic areas including acute neonatal hemodynamics and perfusion, perinatal epidemiology, neonatal nutrition, neonatal resuscitation and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Results of studies conducted by the group have resulted in establishing the norms of oxygen saturations after birth, as well as establishing dosage guidelines for antibiotics in preterm neonates, which are now accepted internationally and have resulted in better understanding of control of respiration in neonates. The group also emphasizes the training of neonatal residents to be future leaders of research in neonatology. Our trainees have published in high impact journals and have won several awards at national and international research meetings.
A selection of studies in which NRG members are currently involved:
Impact of Red Cell Transfusion on Superior Mesenteric Artery Flow Patterns and Intestinal Oxygenation in Fed Preterm Neonates" (SPARTAN Study) – Dr. Stritzke
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) management in pregnancy provincial pathway group – Dr. Stritzke
Effects of using the new generation of lipid emulsion (SMOF) that contains Omeg-3 fatty acids on neonatal morbidities – Dr. Alshaikh
Studies related to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: an observational study examining the relationship between bilirubin levels and the severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a cost-benefit analysis of the transcutaneous bilirubinometry program in Calgary and efficacy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry in preterm neonates – Dr. Rabi
De Stress study, multicenter observational study (Calgary and Edmonton) of parent stress, neonatal outcomes and staff work environment in traditional and Single Family room NICUs – Dr. Howlett
KIDSCAN, a national infrastructure to foster clinical trials in children – Dr. Lacaze
The effect of ibuprofen on patent ductus arteriosus closure in neonates and the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin – Dr. Yusuf
Urinary metabolomics profile and risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestation – Dr Yusuf
Oxidant and anti-oxidant levels in preterm infants before and after blood transfusion – Dr. Yusuf
A study of endothelial progenitor cells and factors affecting their levels in preeclampsia and pregnant women who smoke – Dr. Yusuf
Umbilical cord blood levels of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors and risk of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants – Dr. Yusuf
Does FICare (Family integrated care) for preterm infants with primary admission to Level II NICU reduce hospital length of stay? – Dr. Lodha
Multi-center, randomized, open label, clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of Lucinactant for inhalation in preterm infants 26-28 weeks gestation – Dr. AbouMehrem
Multicenter randomized control trial of assisted ventilation during delayed cord clamping for extremely preterm infants – Dr. Thomas
Initiation of resuscitation on placental circulation: a feasibility study - Dr. Thomas