Neonatal Research Program

Since the 1960s, CHOC has been a pioneer in neonatal care, establishing one of the first neonatal units in the region to meet the unique needs of premature babies. This initiative laid the foundation for a legacy of innovation and specialized care that continues to evolve today. Over the past decade, CHOC has expanded its focus from participating in multicenter studies to leading neonatal research in areas that have direct translational impact to improve the outcomes for our patients and families and inform practices within the United States and beyond. This evolution highlights our commitment to enhancing the quality of care for our most vulnerable patients.

At the core of this transformative journey is the CHOC Neonatal Research Program, which integrates leading-edge research with high-quality neonatal care, establishing groundbreaking collaborations between our NICU, Small Baby Unit and specialized clinics. This effort has propelled us to the forefront of neonatal medicine, paving the way for a future where newborns in Orange County and beyond receive the best possible start in life.

The Neonatal Research Program at CHOC focuses on advancing care for the tiniest patients, specializing in neonatal neurology, gastrointestinal diseases and surgeries and cardiovascular health. Our program aims to apply innovative research tools to provide unique insights, including magnetic resonance imaging to define the neurological impact of the care practices in our preterm infants through novel cardiovascular care approaches. We have also pioneered advanced treatments, including cooling and genetic therapies for rare conditions. Through collaboration with other specialized units, we’re enhancing patient outcomes and setting new standards in neonatal medicine.

Current Neonatal Studies at CHOC

Defining the NICU Auditory Environment
This study focuses on examining the sound environment in a NICU and its effects on brain development in babies aged 30-40 weeks. It aims to investigate how different factors, such as the presence of parents, the room’s physical conditions and the clinical atmosphere, influence what these infants hear. By analyzing the impact of human speech and other sounds within the NICU, researchers hope to understand better how these auditory experiences contribute to the brain development of these young patients. The goal is to identify strategies that can enhance the NICU environment to support optimal brain growth and development in these critical early weeks of life.

Impact of Therapeutic Hypothermia on Brain Injury
We aim to develop an extensive database to explore the impact of cooling therapy on infants diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy, focusing on aspects tied to pregnancy, delivery, resuscitation and the cooling care process. The investigation will analyze the adverse effects and the incidence of brain injury, comparing data gathered from other studies. This approach will deepen our understanding of cooling therapy’s effectiveness and safety in treating this critical condition.

Care Approach for Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Our medical team is dedicated to enhancing the care for infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition where a connection in the heart that normally redirects blood away from the lungs during fetal development remains open after birth. We’re focusing on standardizing the approach to decide on the most appropriate intervention—medical, surgical, or cardiological—for preterm infants affected by PDA. To achieve this, we are inviting infants to participate in our study, which aims to improve health outcomes through the standardization of treatment pathways.

New Cooling Therapy for Infants
We are introducing a unique study for infants at CHOC who are undergoing cooling therapy after a risk of a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain at the time of birth. We know that the cooling treatment can prevent brain injury and disability in one out of five babies, and yet there remains a need for additional neuroprotective measures for many infants. Currently, a new intravenous anti-inflammatory agent is currently being tested at CHOC, offering hope for enhanced brain protection and better overall outcomes. This novel treatment is part of an FDA-approved study and is available exclusively at CHOC and a select few children’s hospitals across the country.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Research
Our research and clinical teams, under the guidance of Dr. Irfan Ahmad, are conducting a thorough investigation into necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe gastrointestinal condition that can be fatal. They are examining various risk factors associated with the disease and pioneering new treatment methods. Among the innovative approaches being explored is the study of intermittent blood flow restriction, a strategy that may offer preventative benefits against the development of this serious illness.

Early Rehabilitation in Neonatal Stroke
We are teaming up with neonatal therapist Dr. Susan Duff and an engineer who has designed a novel sensor to track limb movement to define the evolution of motor disability quantitatively in neonatal stroke. Neonatal stroke is common, with the first week of life being the most common time in life to have a stroke. It is often missed, as the motor signs are so subtle until the infants develop cerebral palsy in the first few years of life, after which it is challenging to correct. We will use these measures to design a new rehabilitative approach to start in the neonatal period aimed at the prevention of cerebral palsy in these infants.

• Multidisciplinary Team of Neonatal Experts: At CHOC, the Neonatal Research Program is supported by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, therapists and scientists dedicated to enhancing infant and family outcomes.
• Network of 17 Clinical Sites: Our community network spans 17 clinical sites, enabling comprehensive studies across diverse settings and furthering our understanding and application of neonatal care.
• Targeted Studies: Under the leadership of Dr. Terrie Inder, CHOC’s Neonatology Research Program focuses on the most pressing neonatal conditions, particularly on conducting targeted knowledge studies and therapeutic exercises.
• Collaborative journey: Rather than setting up extensive basic science labs, CHOC’s philosophy is about partnering with families. We believe that engagement with our patients and families not only informs but guides our studies.
• Biotech Collaborations: Our collaborations with biotech companies to monitor neonatal vital signs and stress levels and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies are helping to advance treatments for neonatal conditions in ways that are crucial for both patients and the broader field.