DR. AVERY C. ROSSIDIS, MD

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This study looked at a type of fetal surgery called fetoscopy, which uses a less invasive method to fix birth defects, focusing on how to safely introduce gas into the fetus. Researchers tested different conditions of gas exposure on fetal sheep and found that using warm, humidified carbon dioxide without exposing the umbilical cord was safe for the fetus, showing no harmful changes in blood or brain circulation. This is important because it supports the use of safer surgical techniques that can help treat common birth defects without putting the fetus at risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with birth defects and their families by providing safer treatment options.

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This study looked at how adding nitric oxide (NO) to the gas that helps oxygenate blood during a specific procedure called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) might affect newborn lambs. The researchers found that while all lambs experienced a drop in platelet counts, those receiving NO maintained significantly higher platelet levels at 24 hours—about 62% of their starting levels compared to just 32% for those not receiving NO. Additionally, the levels of a protein indicating platelet activation were lower in the NO-treated group, suggesting that the treatment might help protect platelets during the procedure. Who this helps: This research benefits newborn patients who require ECMO therapy.

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This study looked at how low oxygen levels in the womb affect brain development in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) using an artificial womb. It found that the oxygen supply was significantly lower in the hypoxic lambs (15.6 mL/kg/min) compared to those with normal conditions (21.6 mL/kg/min), leading to smaller brains and changes in blood flow similar to those seen in human fetuses with CHD. Understanding these effects helps researchers explore new treatments to protect fetal brain development in CHD patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with congenital heart disease and their families by leading to better treatment options.

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This study looked at how low oxygen levels before birth affected brain cells in fetal sheep, which can help us understand brain development issues in children with congenital heart disease. Researchers found that in sheep exposed to low oxygen, round-shaped brain cells (microglia) increased from 6% in normal conditions to 33% in low oxygen conditions. This change in brain cells may offer clues about why some children with congenital heart disease have developmental delays. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working with children who have congenital heart disease.

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This study examined how a special system called EXTEND helps premature lambs develop their brains outside the womb. Researchers found that lambs kept in this fluid-filled environment for up to 28 days showed no signs of brain injury and had normal brain development comparable to their full-term peers. This is important because it suggests that this system could help prevent major lifelong disabilities often seen in extremely premature babies. Who this helps: This benefits premature infants and their families by offering a potential solution for improving their neurological outcomes.

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This study looked at how a special supportive environment for premature lambs, called EXTEND, affects their intestinal development compared to lambs that grow inside their mother. The researchers found that the intestines of the EXTEND-supported lambs showed normal growth and functioning, with healthy structures and movements. However, these lambs had fewer immune cells, which is important for fighting infections. Who this helps: Patients, especially premature infants, may benefit from improvements in their care.

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This study looked at how changing the approach to using antibiotics after surgery for appendicitis in children affects their recovery. Researchers found that by using a new protocol, they could completely avoid giving antibiotics to patients with nonperforated appendicitis after surgery, leading to a drop in the number of antibiotic doses from three to none and allowing more children to go home within 24 hours. For patients with perforated appendicitis, there were fewer instances of using a strong type of IV antibiotics at discharge and a reduced need for special longer-term IV lines, showing that the new protocol is safe and effective. Who this helps: This helps children undergoing surgery for appendicitis and their families.

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This study focused on how replacing natural amniotic fluid with a synthetic solution affects the growth and bowel development of rabbit fetuses. Researchers found that after 100 hours of using the synthetic fluid, the fetuses' growth and bowel development were almost the same as those in the control group, with experimental weights at 91.4% of the controls. These findings suggest that it may be possible to develop a synthetic amniotic fluid that does not harm fetal development, which is crucial for supporting extremely premature infants. Who this helps: This helps newborns, especially those born very premature, by potentially improving their chances for healthy development.

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This study examined how premature fetal lambs develop in a special extra-uterine environment while experiencing low oxygen levels. Researchers found that after being kept in low oxygen conditions for 3 weeks, the lambs had poorer mitochondrial function, especially during the first two weeks, with more than a 20% difference in mitochondrial activity compared to those with normal oxygen levels. Understanding these effects on fetal development matters because it highlights the potential risks of low oxygen for premature infants and could inform future care strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical professionals working with premature infants.

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This study looked at how erythropoietin (EPO) could help extremely premature lambs by preventing anemia and the need for blood transfusions while they were supported in a special environment designed for their development. The researchers found that lambs receiving high doses of EPO (800 units per kilogram per day) did not show anemia and needed no blood transfusions, whereas those not given EPO required an average of five transfusions. These findings are important because they suggest that EPO can significantly improve the health of extremely premature lambs, making their treatment more effective. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and neonatal intensive care units working with premature infants.

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The study investigated how a lack of oxygen during pregnancy affects the brain development of fetal sheep, which can be similar to conditions seen in babies with congenital heart disease. Researchers found that fetuses with chronic low oxygen levels had 36% less neuronal density and thicker layers in the cerebellum, indicating impaired brain development. This matters because it shows that even when nutrition is normal, a lack of oxygen can harm brain development, which has implications for understanding the impacts of heart defects in humans. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with patients who have congenital heart disease.

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Researchers developed a special support system called EXTEND for extremely premature lambs to see how well their cells used oxygen, which is important for their health. They studied four premature lambs, which were supported for about three to four weeks, and compared them to five control lambs. They found that the supported lambs had normal oxygen consumption rates in most organs, with their liver showing even better function than the control group. This means that EXTEND can effectively support the health of severely premature lambs, which is crucial for improving care for premature infants in general. Who this helps: This helps premature infants and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers developed a way to edit genes in fetal lungs before birth using CRISPR technology, delivering it directly into the amniotic fluid at precisely the right time during pregnancy. In mice with a genetic lung disease that normally kills them at birth, this prenatal gene editing fixed the mutated gene, improved their lung structure, and allowed them to survive. This breakthrough shows that editing genes in the womb could save the lives of babies born with inherited lung diseases that currently have no cure.

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This study examined how low oxygen levels (hypoxia) during pregnancy affect the heart development of preterm lambs. Researchers found that lambs with low oxygen levels had weaker heart function, smaller heart cells, and more blood vessels in the heart compared to those with normal oxygen levels. These changes can lead to serious heart issues later in life, making it important to find ways to improve oxygen levels for developing fetuses. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly preterm infants at risk of heart problems.

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Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing technology to fix faulty genes in mouse fetuses before birth, targeting genes that cause high cholesterol and a fatal liver disease called hereditary tyrosinemia type 1. The edited genes persisted and functioned properly after the mice were born—cholesterol levels dropped in one group, and the other group survived a disease that normally kills them. This proof-of-concept shows that prenatal gene editing could potentially prevent or cure certain genetic diseases before a baby is even born.

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This study looked at a serious problem that can happen when a feeding tube accidentally moves out of place, causing a tear in the part of the intestine called the duodenum. This is rare, but it can lead to severe health issues. Recognizing this risk is important because it helps improve the safety of gastrostomy tube procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients who need feeding tubes and their doctors.

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The study examined blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) in children who suffered trauma, focusing on identifying risk factors and screening practices. Among nearly 12,000 pediatric trauma patients, 8.8% had at least one risk factor for BCVI, but only 6.1% of those were screened, leading to the discovery of 11 cases of BCVI, which is a rate of just 0.095%. Key risk factors for developing BCVI included having a cervical spine fracture and a low consciousness score, reinforcing that the screening methods used for adults should also apply to children, as many at-risk kids are currently overlooked. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and the doctors treating them.