Investigating a new treatment for preterm babies with brain injury

Every year, about 8% of babies born in New Zealand arrive prematurely. These children face a significant risk of lifelong challenges – such as learning difficulties, lower IQ and behavioural issues – due to brain injury and impaired development. One major cause of this is low oxygen levels in the womb or during birth.

Right now, there are no treatments to protect these tiny brains. What’s more, spotting brain injury in preterm babies is tricky and can take time to diagnose. To really make a difference, paediatricians need treatments that can be given following birth, even after a very long delay.

Dr Simerdeep Dhillon is leading a study to see if a commonly used drug (Exenatide), given days after a period of low oxygen, can help reduce inflammation and repair the preterm brain. If successful, this research could pave the way for future studies that might reduce disabilities and improve outcomes for preterm infants.