Discipline: Paediatrics

Point Of Care Ultrasound For Functional Multi-Organ Evaluation In Neonatal Encephalopathy

PhD Student: Aoife Branagan Supervisor: Prof Molloy Funder: Neptune Scholarship Programme - HRB

Overview of Project: Neonatal encephalopathy results in significant mortality and morbidity in survivors. At present, the only therapy available is therapeutic hypothermia. The hypoxic injury in neonatal encephalopathy is not confined to the brain. The multiorgan injury and systemic inflammation which occurs have been shown to correlate with outcomes.

The use of neonatologist-performed ultrasound is becoming more prevalent in Neonatal Intensive care Units in the diagnosis and management of multiorgan injury. We hypothesise that multiorgan dysfunction evaluation in infants with neonatal encephalopathy will be improved by combining ultrasound, routine biomarkers and inflammatory indices to predict outcomes and response to therapy. We also aim to assess the use of novel therapeutic agents as adjunctive therapies to therapeutic hypothermia, by assessing their effect ex-vivo effect on the immune function of infants with therapeutic hypothermia.

Long-term impact of project: Despite the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on outcomes of neonatal encephalopathy, 50% will have disability. We hope that examining the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of multi-organ dysfunction, with novel biomarkers, will improve multiorgan dysfunction outcomes. We will also assess adjuvant treatment strategies with the hope of improving developmental and health outcomes.

PhD Candidate Quote : With the help of my supervisor and staff of the maternity hospitals in Dublin, I hope my PhD project will have a positive impact on the care of infants born with Neonatal Encephalopathy