The following are representative of various research activities occurring in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center:

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.

Laboratory Research

• 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

Recent abstracts, original articles, and invited talks by our faculty members may be viewed by accessing the Research links provided in the left panel.