Research

The Division of Neonatology has a long history of involvement in research activities. The majority of the studies are clinically related projects designed to investigate various aspects of the clinical care provided in the neonatal ICU. Members of the Division also participate in basic science research through collaboration with colleagues in other departments, both here at ECU and at other Institutions. Over the years, the Division has participated in several multicenter NIH funded trials, as well as industry sponsored studies. We are also fortunate to have the services of a full time research nurse to help support research activities within the Division. The following is a sample of some of the areas of investigation currently in progress;

Clinical Projects:

• Evaluation of the effects of indomethacin on renal blood flow and perfusion
• Adrenal size and function in the premature infant
• Role of genetic factors in IVH (as a participating site in an NIH funded study)
• Role of antimicrobial prophylaxis in fungal infections in VLBW infants (as a participating site in a private grant funded study)
• Ongoing developmental outcomes in ELBW infants (as a participating site in an NIH funded study)

Basic Science Projects:

• Role of tight junction proteins in gut health (through a collaboration with Dr. Yan-Hua Chen, PhD, in the department of Anatomy and Cell Biology)
• Placental epigenetic mechanisms (through a collaboration with Dr. Alexander Murashov, PhD, in the department of physiology)

Quality Assurance and Improvement Projects:

• Multiple projects as a participating site in the Vermont-Oxford Network of neonatal outcomes.
• Multiple projects as a participating site in the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina (PQCNC)