The Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation

Oxygen is a vital element in the care of preterm infants and has been given more often than any other drug over the past 80 years. Despite this, we know very little about how much or how little oxygen is safe particularly at birth. Preterm birth, or birth before 37 weeks’ gestation, is occurring in 8% of pregnancies in Canada. Preterm birth is associated with many health complications, particularly when the birth happens before 29 weeks’ gestation. At this gestational age, t

We are excited to share that recruitment to the SURFSUP Trial (SURFactant Administration by SUPraglottic Airway)has now been completed. Led by Calum Roberts from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, and Joyce E. O’Shea from the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, SURFSUP brought together neonatal teams across several centres and countries to answer a very practical question: Can surfactant be administered through a laryngeal mask as effectiv

There are many ways to improve the lives of newborn infants. Some involve conducting research. Some involve caring for babies and families in the neonatal intensive care unit. And some involve working together with parents to ensure that research and care truly reflect the needs of the families we serve. I am honoured to have recently been elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF), a national organization dedicated to improving the l

Choosing the Right Interface for Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants The first few minutes after birth are among the most critical in a newborn's life. While most babies transition to breathing on their own, approximately 5–10% require respiratory support, and preterm infants are particularly vulnerable because of their immature lungs. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is the cornerstone of neonatal resuscitation. However, successful ventilation depends not only on the p

One of the most rewarding parts of research isn't proving yourself right. It's asking the next important question. That is exactly how this study came to life. It started with one presentation... Earlier this year, our team published the first study comparing endotracheal tube (ETT) and supraglottic airway (SGA )administration of epinephrine in a neonatal piglet model. We wanted to answer a simple but important question: If vascular access is not yet available during neonatal