Neonatology at Pennsylvania Hospital
Pennsylvania Hospital has been at the forefront
of neonatal services since the mid 1950's. A large
percentage of the infants born at Pennsylvania
Hospital are from high-risk pregnancies, and many
of these babies require advanced neonatal care.
Our neonatal team is known for its successful
care of extremely small infants, some weighing
less than 500 grams (approximately one pound).
According to data from an international comparative
database (Vermont/Oxford Neonatal Network), Pennsylvania
Hospital ranks consistently among the best centers
in the United States for outcomes of preterm infants.
Leadership, Education and Research
Our neonatologists participate in research and
education as faculty members of the University
of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Our clinical
research - which is always conducted with the
consent of the parents - focuses on enhancing
the ability of premature babies to exist outside
the uterus without developing chronic diseases.
Recent areas of research include:
- Use of inhaled nitric oxide to reduce lung
inflammation and chronic lung disease
- Early, low dose or inhaled corticosteroids
to prevent chronic lung disease
- Clinical nomograms to predict bilirubin-induced
brain damage
- Optimal mechanical ventilation strategies
- Effects of cardiovascular drugs on organ blood
flow
- Optimization of antioxidant vitamin therapies
- Use of specialized antibodies to prevent newborn
infections
The Newborn Pediatrics physicians participate
in the education of neonatal fellows, residents
and medical students. They publish in peer-reviewed
journals and speak at national and international
conferences about new information on the management
of infants. They provide education to community
organizations and individuals worldwide, and work
within the government structure to promote health
care of women and children.
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