Institutes, Divisions & Centers
Perinatal Biology

Perinatal Biology Research

Ground-Breaking Research to Improve the Health of Preterm Infants

The Division of Perinatal Biology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is dedicated to improving the lives of infants through research. As part of the Section of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology and as a partner in the Perinatal Institute, we work closely with the Divisions of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology to improve the outcomes for mothers and infants.

In the United States, 13 percent of all infants are born premature (less than 37 weeks’ gestation). These premature infants account for 60 percent of neonatal deaths. Preterm infants born at 32 weeks’ gestation or less are at risk for many health complications including:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • White matter brain disease
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis

Perinatal infections and exposure to mechanical ventilation are often associated with these complications. A unique aspect of the pathology is that inflammation in the preterm infant develops in the context of an immature immune system. After a series of ground-breaking experiments, researchers in the Division of Perinatal Biology have developed preterm sheep models to study the pathogenesis of lung and systemic inflammatory responses. This research work is translational in nature.

Section of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology

The Division of Perinatal Biology is part of the Section of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology. Learn More

Perinatal Institute

The Division of Perinatal Biology is part of the Perinatal Institute, which combines research, clinical care, education, training and community outreach to improve the health of infants. Learn More
Perinatal Biology research at Cincinnati Children's.
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Faculty Research

Read more about the research being conducted by the faculty members in the Division of Perinatal Biology. Read More about our Faculty Research