CRADLE
TCD
Circadian Rhythm Alterations anD outcome in neonatal Encephalopathy
CRADLE: Circadian Rhythm Alterations anD outcome in neonatal Encephalopathy – TCD
Supervisors
- Primary PI: Prof Eleanor Molloy (TCD)
- Supervisory team:
Prof Ger Boylan (UCC), Dr. Annie Curtis (RCSI), Ms. Mandy Daly, Prof Declan Devane (UCHG)
Description
Changes in circadian rhythm are common in many illnesses including neonatal brain injury and neonatal encephalopathy (NE). NE is associated with persistent abnormal systemic inflammatory responses that may be amenable to immunomodulation as an adjunct to therapeutic hypothermia. Alterations in circadian rhythm affect immune function and are associated with changes in melatonin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Understanding the role of the circadian rhythm in neonatal brain injury and inflammation may lead to simple therapeutic measures such as decreasing the duration duration of light exposure to increase endogenous melatonin production. Therefore, we wish to investigate whether alteration of the circadian rhythm in babies with NE decrease inflammation and improve outcome?
The CRADLE PhD scholar will cross disciplines in neuroimaging, neuromonitoring and neuroimaging, biostatistics, immunology and neuroscience. Their role is crucial to the entire HRB NEPTuNE programme as they will consent and meet all parents in the programme initially and collect biobanked samples and ensure all clinical data and management is standardised. The remaining HRB NEPtuNE PhD scholars will subsequently use this data and followup these recruited infants with neuroimaging, development or EEG.
NEPTuNE Scholar
Tim Hurley
My name is Tim Hurley and I’m delighted to be taking part in the HRB NEPTuNE programme. I graduated from UCD Medical School in 2014 and have been working as a doctor in paediatrics for the last 3 years. During this time I have completed the Paediatric Basic Specialist Training Scheme and have become a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Within paediatrics my main interest is in neonatology and as part of my training I spent 6 months working in the Coombe Hospital which I hugely enjoyed. Having a strong interest in clinical research I have taken part in a number of research projects and have completed a Masters in Clinical Research in NUI Galway. Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) remains a major challenge for this population and the HRB NEPTuNE programme will lead to improved understanding and care of these patients. The HRB NEPTuNE programme is a major opportunity to work with supervisors with extensive experience in researching NE and other students with an interest in NE. I look forward to working with patients and their families who will be involved in this programme.