The Neonatal Biorepository has collected a wide range of samples from neonates and their families, along with extensive clinical and demographic data. This comprehensive dataset provides researchers with a wealth of information that can be crucial for conducting robust genetic, epidemiological, and clinical studies related to birth defects and neonatal conditions. The availability of such detailed data enables researchers to analyze factors contributing to neonatal health and develop evidence-based interventions.

This project is to examine change in a stress hormone, cortisol, in relation to an acute, stressful procedure that occurs as part of routine NICU care (weekly eye examination). We will use cheek swabs taken before and after the routine eye examination to quantify cortisol levels. We will examine change in cortisol in relation to the eye examination, and the extent to which this correlates with changes in neonatal physiology measures (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate) that are continuously monitored in clinical care. We will also examine whether providing a cloth eye mask after the eye examination reduces neonatal stress.

The administration of probiotics in the neonatal period has been routinely performed as a measure to decrease intestinal dysbiosis and reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis. Based on the outcomes of extremely premature infants at the University of low we would like to compare outcome data for this group of infants in the time prior to and following routine administration of probiotics. Our hypothesis is infants who received probiotics will have improved growth (weight, length, and head circumference) at the time of discharge and will have improved neurodevelopmental outcomes, as assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, performed at or near 24 months of age.

The objective of this study is to identify genetic predictors of response to treatment with acetaminophen during the first 2 weeks after birth. Results will inform more precise treatment selection to identify positive responders earlier, eliminate the risk of side effects in predicted non-responders, and guide alternative treatment for babies at high risk for acetaminophen failure.

The impact of late preterm birth (34+0 – 36+6 weeks’ gestation) on brain development has not yet been fully characterized. This study utilized MRI in conjunction with neurocognitive assessment to explore the form-function relationship of the late preterm brain. A late preterm cohort of sixty school-aged children was recruited and scanned using MRI. The cohort also completed a battery of tasks to assess their executive function, processing speed, memory, visual motor integration, intelligence, and achievement. Imaging and testing data can be compared with a historical full term control cohort.

The present study aims to better understand how variability in neonatal physiologic stress impacts epigenetic modifications and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Infants enrolled in the PROMPT study (see below) who have also provided consent for study of their DNA will be included in the study. DNAm of 14 candidate loci will be the primary outcome, although samples will be run on an array that provides genome-wide DNAm. Samples from several time points during NICU hospitalization will be used to examine change in DNAm relative to neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months of age.