Center for Perinatal Research :: The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Center for Perinatal Research Faculty

Director:

Leif Nelin, MD

Principal Investigators

Gail E. Besner, MD
John Bauer, PhD
Robert Castile, MD, MS
Bernadette Chen, MD
Warren J. Frazier, MD
Peter Giannone, MD
Mark W. Hall, MD
Sudarshan Rao Jadcherla, MD, FRCP(I), DCH
Mark A. Klebanoff, MD, MPH
Yusen Liu, PhD
Fred Long, MD
Jennifer A. Muszynski, MD
Reena B. Oza-Frank, PhD, RD
Nehal Parikh, DO, MS
Lynette Rogers, PhD
Jonathan L. Slaughter, MD
Mike Stenger, MD
Trent Tipple, MD
Jennifer K. Trittmann, MD

Associate Investigator

Louis Chicoine, MD

Affiliate Members

William Ackerman, MD
Rachel E. Brown, MD
Cliff Cua, MD
Al Gest, MD
Jay Iams, MD
Douglas Kniss, PhD
Mark Landon, MD
George Mandy, MD
Richard E. McClead, MD
James A. Menke, MD
Alicia Moise, MD
Craig Nankervis, MD
Richard O'Shaugnassey, MD
Kris Reber, MD
Ed Shepherd, MD
Christopher J. Timan, MD

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Center for Perinatal Research

In the Center for Perinatal Research, basic science programs focus on molecular mechanisms of lung development and injury, digestive diseases, infection and inflammation, as well as pulmonary hypertension; with a particular focus on bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis. The Center's Mission is to prevent premature delivery and to improve the outcomes of critically ill neonates and children through innovative interdisciplinary basic and translational research.

The Ohio Perinatal Research Network (OPRN) is a collaborative among clinicians and scientists from medical and research institutions with the goal of examining risk factors, associated complications and ultimately the prevention of preterm births. Learn more about OPRN.

Focus on Prematurity

Prematurity is a significant health challenge facing Ohio and part of The Research Institute’s strategic plan because of the following:

  • Ohio rates are high for infant mortality & preterm births
  • Nationwide Children's can effectively integrate perinatal research and clinical programs
  • Nationwide Children’s has one of the largest neonatal care networks in the United States
  • Significant potential exists for local and national educational, government and public agency partnerships
  • Nationwide Children's is positioned to be an international leader in the fight against prematurity

Featured Research

Research Focused on Preventing Severe Intestinal Injury in Newborns

Dr. Gail Besner’s primary research began in 1990 with the identification of the growth factor "heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor" (HB-EGF).  Dr. Besner works to understand HB-EGF’s ability to protect the intestine from injury.  The long range goal of this research is determine whether or not HB-EGF could be used in therapies to protect and treat intestinal damage in high-risk neonates.

Her studies have shown that HB-EGF’s anti-inflammatory effects and chemical properties play a vital role in the regenerating of intestinal cells after they have been damaged.  Lab research has shown that HB-EGF can protect the intestine from damage caused by hemorrhagic shock, blood supply restriction and the disease necrotizing enterocolitis. Necrotizing enterocolitis results in the destruction of the intestine in newborn babies, especially those born prematurely. Clinical studies are on the horizon to further test HB-EGF as a treatment option.

Newborn and Infant Feeding Disorders Program

Dr. Jadcherla’s research focuses on neonatal feeding disorders. His clinical research works to define the mechanisms of feeding failure and airway compromise in developing infants and to pave the way for evidence-based diagnosis and therapeutic intervention particularly in neonatal dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic lung disease of infancy. The Neonatal and Infant Feeding Disorders Program at Nationwide Children’s under the direction of Dr. Jadcherla, is the only program in the world taking a multi-organ perspective to understand infant feeding disorders. Read more about feeding disorders.

Small Baby Guidelines

The Small Baby Guidelines (SBGs), developed by the neonatology team at Nationwide Children’s, provide a uniform, interdisciplinary approach to the family-centered care of extremely premature babies.  The guidelines outline care regarding development, nutrition, cardiovascular functioning, infection and other potential health concerns during the first week of these infants’ lives. Guidelines included the following sub-headings.

  • Respiratory
  • Skin
  • Development
  • Cardiovascular
  • PDA
  • Fluids/nutrition
  • Neurological/sedation
  • Infection control and family issues

Evaluation of the SBGs can improve patient outcomes and decrease the length of hospitalization. Infants who were treated using SBGs were discharged an average 13 days earlier than infants who were not treated using a unified approach. The research was published in Acta Paediatrica (2009) and was the first published study that examined this particular patient population while covering all aspects of their care.  Learn more about the Small Baby Guidelines.

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