Retinopathy of Prematurity Exam Stress Test (REST)
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.
Probiotics in Neurodevelopment
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.