One of the roles of the liver is the detoxification of the unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) produced during haemoglobin metabolism. In newborns the whole functions of the liver are not completelly activated, thus, in the first days of life, the amount of blood UCB can increase to potentially toxic levels. When entering the tissues, UCB is responsible for the yellow skin and sclera color, but most importantly UCB can induce a neurological damages, such as auditory, motor, and cognitive deficits (transitory or permanent), or even death, if not treated.
NUMBERS
Neonatal jaundice:
In the 60% of term newborns
In the 80% of pre-term newborns
Only a small fraction can develop severe neonatal jaundice
With dramatic consequences
Worldwide:
1309.3 death avery 100000 newborns, principally in developing countries (In the Sub-saharan areas it represents the 7° cause of neonatal death, in South Asia the 8°, in West EU the 9° and in North America the 13°)
Jayanti et Al., Pediatr Med 2021 | http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/pm-21-5
UNMET CLINICAL NEEDS
- To understand the molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage
- To identify new therapies (pharmacological) that do not require specialized instrumentation or hospitalization.
- To identify the risk factors (genetics) to better stratify and treat patients
Our reseach acivities fucus on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the brain damage. in addition we are looking for new therapeutical approaches that may be used where and when the conventional ones are not available. We aim in identify the personal genetic determinants responsible for the individual susceptibility of neonates to the neurological damage induced by bilirubin. The final goal is to develop a diagnostic chip that will improve the current guidelines for intervention in hyperbilirubinemic neonates, improving the prevention of the neurological sequel and reducing the use of un-necessary therapies.
IL NOSTRO OBIETTIVO
Improve diagnosis and find new therapies
HOW
Ideas
Collaboration
Effort
We will develop a chip for the identification of neonates at risk
Together with Hospitals and Universities, Nationwide and Worldwide
Of medical doctors, neonatologists, and researchers in the prevention and treatment of the disease