Thriving BABIES

Infancy is a time of rapid growth and development, but also vulnerability. High quality healthcare, guided by the latest evidence during this critical phase, is essential for babies to thrive, laying the foundation for future health and development.

Omega-3 can make preterm babies smarter!

You may have heard of the various health benefits of Omega−3 fatty acids, such as better heart health and a lower risk of dementia. Dr Jacqueline Gould of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute led a study supported by the WCH Foundation that set out to determine if supplementing preterm babies with Docosahexaenoic acid to the same amount they would have received in utero would lead to better developmental outcomes.

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Safe and effective dosing of antibiotics in neonates

Gentamicin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat neonatal sepsis, however the best dosage of this potentially life-saving antibiotic is a fine balancing act between effectiveness and safety. Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak and his team explored various dosing guidelines across Australia to find out which dose is ‘just right’.

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Guidelines for DHA supplementation in preterm infants

Dr Jacqueline Gould of SAHMRI and her team have previously shown that Omega 3 DHA given to very preterm infants can improve their IQ. With funding from our Bloom Research Program, they will now undertake research to develop guidelines that will make DHA supplementation in very preterm infants standard practice in South Australia and beyond.

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Probiotic treatment for infants

Professor David Lynn of Flinders University and SAHMRI, and his collaborators, with the support of our Bloom Research Program, will explore whether probiotics can help improve the vaccination response of infants who have received antibiotic treatment, so they are better protected against disease.

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