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:
Effects of using the new generation of lipid emulsion (SMOF) that contains Omeg-3 fatty acids on neonatal morbidities – Dr. Alshaikh
The effect of ibuprofen on patent ductus arteriosus closure in neonates and the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin – Dr. Yusuf
Brain Imaging in Moderate Preterm Neonates: The BIMP Study
PI: Dr. Lara Leijser
Children who are born moderate-late preterm (GA between 32-37 weeks) have an increased risk for brain injury and lifelong disabilities compared to healthy, term-born infants. The BIMP study uses brain MRI and comprehensive developmental assessments to learn more about the nature of brain injury that can occur in these preterm infants and the potential long-term developmental implications for these children and their families.
· Eligible participants were preterm infants born between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks gestation.
· This study is now conducting 5-year follow-up research visits and is no longer recruiting
P3 Brain Health Study
PI: Dr. Lara Leijser
The P3 Brain Health study examines the role of maternal inflammation in brain maturation, injury, and developmental outcomes in preterm infants compared to term-born infants. The study collects maternal and umbilical cord blood samples, performs brain MRIs at term-equivalent age, and conducts developmental assessments at 2 years and 5 years.
- Infants born at all levels of prematurity to families in the P3 Cohort study are eligible to participate.
- This study will continue recruitment until December 2027.
P3 Sibling Cohort Study P3 Cohort
PI: Dr. Lara Leijser
The P3 Sibling Cohort explores the risk of recurrence of preterm birth by examining multiple pregnancies within the same families. This study uses detailed epidemiological data and biosamples from the P3 Cohort to assess whether epidemiological factors or genetic variants in inflammatory pathways contribute to the risk of recurrent preterm birth.
- Families in the P3 Cohort study are eligible to participate in the P3 Sibling Cohort study if they have subsequent pregnancies.
- This study will continue recruitment until February 2029.
The CONNECT Study- Connecting Families to Improve parental Self-Efficacy and Parent Psychosocial and Infant Health Outcomes in the NICU using an eHealth Solution – Dr. Amuchou Soraisham
ABC-QI study – Dr. Abou Mehrem Alberta Collaborative Quality Improvement Strategies to Improve Outcomes of Moderate and Late Preterm Infants (ABC-QI) Trial: a protocol for a multicentre, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial - PubMed
IVC and Abdominal aorta diameter measurements in preterm neonates (INPrem) – Dr. Prashanth Murthy
The MVP Trial - A Cluster Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial of Manual T-piece versus Ventilator Positive Pressure Ventilation during Resuscitation of Extremely Premature Neonates:Dr. Amuchou Soraisham
Evaluation of caffeine levels and cardiorespiratory responses after discontinuation of caffeine therapy in preterm infants - Dr. Hassan