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High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is an established mode of respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit. Large clinical trial data is based on first intention use in preterm infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Clinical practice has evolved from this narrow population. HFOV is most often reserved for term and preterm infants with severe, and often complex, respiratory failure not responding to conventional modalities of respiratory support.

Instability of peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) in preterm infants is correlated with late disability and is poorly understood. We hypothesised that a reduced ventilation to perfusion ratio (VA/Q) is the key predisposing factor for SpO2 instability.

We aimed to develop and validate a prediction table for a simplified measure of rightward shift of the fetal oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) versus inspired oxygen pressure (P IO2) curve as an objective marker of lung disease severity in very preterm infants, independent of unit altitude or oxygen prescribing policies.

Evidence suggests that intramuscular vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Our objective was to compare enteral water-soluble vitamin A with placebo supplementation to reduce the severity of BPD in extremely preterm infants.

The Chronobiology team works to understand the factors that contribute to poor lung and heart function in newborn infants and find ways to prevent heart and lung disease.

Head, Developmental Chronobiology

Meet the team behind the CIRCA DIEM study.

A sub-study is an ‘add-on’ study that helps to answer specific questions within a larger research project. If you decide to participate in the CIRCA DIEM study, you or your child may be invited to take part in one of the CIRCA DIEM sub-studies.

The CIRCA DIEM study aims to establish if cycling environmental light and noise levels for premature infants during their initial hospital stay leads to earlier development of circadian (daily) rhythms and better outcomes for the preterm babies, including improved brain development.