We're all about children!
 September 2006
This edition:
Letter From Our Chair
This month has definitely underscored the importance of collaborative research and its ability to turn basic science into clinical realities. The Darby Children's Research Institute has had many recent achievements under the oversight of the directors, Drs. Maria and Singh. Just two weeks ago, we learned that Dr. Doe Jenkins and her colleagues in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology were receiving a $1.9 million grant to investigate a strategy proposed initially by Dr. Inderjit Singh. The goal of this investigation is to protect the neonatal brain in utero from infections during the gestational period by treating mothers with N-acetylcysteine. This impressive study builds upon other human trials run at MUSC that have demonstrated that results in mice with encephalitis could be translated into a treatment for multiple sclerosis. [read more] Feature Story NIH funds $1.9 million to collaborative trial to protect newborns Unique, multi-departmental teamwork has resulted in a $1.9 million grant from the NIH to conduct a three-year pilot project to protect the brains of children from damage by the intrauterine infection, chorioamnionitis. Basic scientific discoveries, made in Dr. Inderjit Singh's laboratory in the Darby Children's Research Institute, and strong pediatric clinical research have resulted in this award funded by the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke. The study was designed to test whether giving N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, to pregnant women with the chorioamnionitis can decrease their baby's baseline level of brain inflammation and improve the fetal tolerance of labor and delivery, thereby resulting in less injury to the brains of the unborn babies. [read more] Update From Our Administrator
For almost two years we have been working with Rocco Zappia and Olga Stamatiou who wanted to bring a unique concept to our hospital. It has been their passion to create a visual presence in the Children's Hospital bringing beautiful still art with live action from the South Carolina Aquarium. That passion is now a reality in our lobby. Visitors and staff now enjoy the soothing sounds of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, vibrant seascapes and exciting videos of exotic fish from all over the world. Continuous video shots from the South Carolina Aquarium, the Atlanta Aquarium and the facility in Monaco will be shown throughout the day. Also, a live connection has been made with the South Carolina Aquarium so that the monitors will switch to that location twice a day to show the divers feeding the fish. This is only the first piece of the project. Eventually we hope to see smaller versions in each patient's room and a large interactive program in the atrium where children will actually be able to talk to divers at the aquarium. This exciting lobby piece was made possible through donations made in honor of Dr. Peter Hastings. The SeeWall has had a huge impact on everyone who has come in contact with it. Special thanks to Rocco and Olga for their perseverance and passion to make the SeeWall a reality for our hospital. Darby Children's Research Institute News
DCRI laboratory is originator of many collaborative research efforts Pioneering research in the basic science laboratories of Dr Inderjit Singh continues to lead to further investigations, grants and discoveries throughout MUSC and the medical world. "We have been able to translate much of the basic science work performed in Dr. Singh's lab into clinical medicine with great results," says Dr. Lyndon Key. Dr. Singh's lab conducts studies that have an impact on cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spinal cord injury, MS, and stroke. Many other investigations and human trials have resulted from this research, says Dr. Singh, a professor of pediatrics and director of the division of Development Neurogenetics. [read more] Evidence-Based Tip
[read more] A special thanks to the following individuals for their efforts in putting together Kids Connection each month. Managing Editor: Bernard L. Maria, MD, MBA Publisher: Jennifer Cherock (Trio Solutions Inc.) and Jessica Munday (Trio Solutions Inc.) Web design: Brian Dadin (Trio Solutions Inc.) Feature Writer: Mary Sue Lawrence, Trio Solutions Inc Contributing Writers: Lyndon Key, Bernard Maria, John Sanders, Inderjit Singh, Laura Cousineau |
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