We model human neonatal hypoxic brain injury in experimental models by varying the degree of hypoxia-ischaemia. Our neuroprotective interventions include induced-hypothermia without and with xenon inhalation (combination therapy).
We optimize hypothermia therapy by defining the precise window of intervention, the duration of the process and the degree of cooling. Because cooling is a stressor, we investigate the effects of sedation and analgesia (used to relieve discomfort) on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.
We research injury in newborns triggered by low oxygen to the brain. We work on methods to attenuate brain injury and improve quality of life of affected individuals. We have identified that decreasing body temperature in a process called ‘cooling’ helps the injured brain and combining this with breathing a gas known as ‘xenon’ can help protect the brain further.
As newborns may be given drugs to help relieve stress during the cooling process, we aim to understand the long-term effects of these drugs on the brain.