Research Projects
Quality Improvement in a Resource-Poor NICU Funding: CINCERE Programme, Sinai Health System, Canada An international collaborative quality improvement research initiative conducted in partnership with the Sinai Health System, Canada, under the CINCERE programme. The project focused on systematically improving the quality of neonatal care in resource-limited settings, establishing a model for evidence-based quality improvement applicable to NICUs across low- and middle-income countries.
Mission Programme on Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (Ongoing) Funding: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India The department is participating as a co-investigator in this DBT-sponsored national mission programme focused on the identification, diagnosis, and management of rare genetic disorders in the paediatric and neonatal population.
AWAKEN 2.0 — Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury Study (Ongoing) Under the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative (International) The department is an active participant in the AWAKEN 2.0 study, a large multi-centre international collaborative examining the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury in neonates, under the umbrella of the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative.
Duo-PAP vs Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Trial A prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of Duo-PAP (Nasal Duophasic Positive Airway Pressure) versus standard nasal CPAP in preterm neonates presenting with respiratory distress syndrome, contributing to evidence on non-invasive respiratory support strategies in preterm care.
Impact of Neonatal Counselling on Parental Stress in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit A study examining the effect of structured neonatal counselling interventions on levels of stress experienced by parents of neonates admitted to the NICU, with implications for family-centred care practices.
Rate of Self-Extubation in Neonates with Endotracheal Tube Fixation: Central vs. Corner Method — A Randomised Controlled Trial A randomised controlled trial evaluating two methods of endotracheal tube fixation — central and corner — in intubated neonates, with the primary outcome of self-extubation rate, aimed at improving airway safety in the NICU.
Financial Implications for Families of Newborns Admitted in a Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit in Northern India A study examining the direct and indirect financial burden experienced by families of neonates admitted to a Level III NICU, providing important data on the economic impact of neonatal illness in the Indian context.
Long-Term Outcomes of Neonates with Rh Isoimmunisation A follow-up study assessing neurodevelopmental and haematological outcomes in neonates with Rh isoimmunisation. The study found normal neurodevelopmental outcomes in affected babies, with significant anaemia requiring blood transfusion up to 3–6 months of age.
Clinical Outcomes of Neonates with Cytomegalovirus Infection A prospective study documenting the spectrum of organ involvement and clinical outcomes in neonates with confirmed CMV infection, highlighting the significance of multi-organ involvement in this population.
Norepinephrine versus Epinephrine for Fluid Refractory Septic Shock in Neonates: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kirti M. Naranje A pilot RCT comparing norepinephrine and epinephrine as vasoactive agents in fluid refractory neonatal septic shock. Findings demonstrated that norepinephrine is comparable to epinephrine in shock reversal and also improves systolic and diastolic echocardiographic parameters, laying the groundwork for larger trials.
Cardiovascular Transition in Late Preterm and Term Neonates During the Early Postnatal Period: A Prospective Observational Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Anita Singh A prospective study evaluating the haemodynamic and echocardiographic changes in the first 72 hours of life in late preterm and term neonates. The study documented maturational differences in right and left ventricular function across gestational ages, reflecting the dynamic nature of neonatal cardiovascular adaptation.
Cranial Ultrasound in Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Neonates: A Prospective Cohort Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kirti M. Naranje A prospective study using cranial ultrasound to evaluate intracranial findings in SGA neonates, contributing to the understanding of neurological risk in this vulnerable population.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Infants Born to Diabetic Mothers: A Case-Control Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Anita Singh A case-control study assessing cardiac structural and functional changes on echocardiography in infants of diabetic mothers, informing surveillance and management protocols for this high-risk group.
Quality Improvement Initiative to Enhance Duration of Kangaroo Mother Care in Neonates Below 2000 g
Principal Investigator: Dr. Akanksha A quality improvement project employing structured interventions to increase the duration of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in preterm and low birth weight neonates, with a focus on measurable, sustainable practice change within the unit.
Ongoing
Respiratory Viral Infections in a Level III NICU — A Prospective Observational Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Akanksha | Funding: SGPGIMS Intramural Grant A prospective study characterising the burden, clinical profile, and outcomes of respiratory viral infections in neonates admitted to a tertiary Level III NICU in Northern India.
Randomised Controlled Trial on Parenteral Lipid Administration in Preterm Neonates
Principal Investigator: Dr. Akanksha A randomised trial evaluating strategies for parenteral lipid administration in preterm neonates, aimed at optimising early nutritional support and improving growth outcomes.
Predictive Score for Screening of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants
Principal Investigator: Dr. Abhishek Paul Development and validation of a clinical predictive scoring tool to guide screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm neonates, with the goal of optimising resource utilisation and early detection.
Urinary Biomarkers for Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury in Neonatal Sepsis
Principal Investigator: Dr. Abhishek Paul A prospective study identifying and validating urinary biomarkers that may enable early, non-invasive detection of acute kidney injury in neonates with sepsis.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting Central Venous Catheter Lifespan and Complications in Neonates
Principal Investigator: Dr. Anita Singh A prospective study examining the clinical factors that influence the functional lifespan and complication rates of central venous catheters in the NICU, aimed at improving vascular access outcomes and patient safety.
Ventriculitis in Neonates: A Cohort Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Anita Singh A prospective cohort study examining the clinical profile, causative organisms, management strategies, and outcomes of ventriculitis in neonates, addressing a serious and under-studied complication of neonatal meningitis.
Pneumothorax in Neonates — Clinical Profile, Management and Outcome
Principal Investigator: Dr. Anita Singh A study documenting the incidence, clinical presentation, management approaches, and short-term outcomes of pneumothorax in neonates admitted to the NICU.