Gentle Ventilation of the Preterm Infant

This is a broad-spanning project that involves the generation of a database of all infants less than1500 grams born at UTMB. The database will allowq uality assurance assessments and retrospective cliical investigations in adition to enhancing prospective clinical investigations.

The current project involves comparing neonatal outcomes during a two year period before and after the inititation of continuous positive pressure ventilation as the main means of ventilation of premature infants. We are also investigating the impact of more aggressive parenteral and enteral nutritional regimens during this time period.

Researchers

• Dr. Cara Geary
• Dr. Melinda Caskey (Pediatric Resident)
• Dr. Rafael Foseca (Pediatric Resident)
• Dr. Manuela Murray (Pediatric Resident)

Funding

Current Research Support

• Co-Investigator
  Principal Investigator: Roberta Jeanne Ruiz 07/01/02-03/31/07 Source: NIH/NINRR01 NR07891 Title of Project: Predicting Risk of Preterm Birth CRH,Cytokines,and Psychosocial Factors in Hispanics. The overall purpose of this proposal is to test a biobehavioral model of causal pathways initiated by stress, anxiety, and depression that may alter endocrine and immune factors leading to an inflammatory response, cervical changes, and ultimately LBW and preterm birth in Hispanics.

Completed Research

• Support Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Training Grant, 1992-1993
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Training Grant Recipient; 2001-2003
• Forest Pharmaceuticals Advanced Newborn Medicine Grant, 2002-2003

Relevant Publications

• Geary,C.and Whitsett J.:Inhaled nitric oxide foroligohydramnios-induced pulmonary hypoplasia: A report of two cases and review of the literature. J. Perinatol.22:82-85,2002.
• Geary CA, Akinbi H,Korfhagen T., Boucher RC, Koller B, Jobe A, Rice W.Increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Double Purinergic Receptor (P2Y1 and P2Y2) Knockout Mice. AmJ Physiol LungCell Mol Physiol. 2005 Nov; 289 (5):L890-5.
• Geary,Cara.Ventilator Management inThe Saint-Francis Guide to Pediatrics. Lippincott,Williams &Wilkins. Editors Migita DS and Christakis DA.Philadelphia, © 2003.
• Geary,Cara. Hyaline Membrane Disease inThe Saint-Francis Guide to Pediatrics. Lippincott,Williams&Wilkins. Editors Migita DS and Christakis DA. Philadelphia,© 2003.
• GearyCaraA, andJeffrey A. Whitsett.Amniotic FluidMarkers of Fetal LungMaturityinIntensive Care of theFetus and Neonate.Elsevier Mosby.Editor:A.R.Spitzer. Philadelphia.©2005 pp.122-133.