About the Johns Hopkins Neurosciences Intensive Care Nursery
Founded in May 2009, with the support of a grant from the Broccoli Foundation, the NICN was one of the first programs the to open in the United States, following those at Harvard, Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC), and University of California – San Francisco (UCSF).
Our program was the first to incorporate an expansive multi- and cross disciplinary format beyond the usual specialties of neonatology, pediatric neurology and pediatric neuroradiology.
Research
The NICN founding followed the publication of 3 major trials demonstrating that therapeutic hypothermia treatment for acute perinatal brain injury was effective, lowering the extremely high rates of mortality and morbidity in these infants. This was the first brain-targeted treatment for these infants to be shown effective.
To date, we have treated more than 500 infants with therapeutic hypothermia from all regions of Maryland and contiguous areas. This research-based breakthrough now in clinical use is truly an example of how "Research Saves Children".
The NICN has supported numerous research studies since then. Two clinical trials highlight our research program:
- The Preterm Epo Neuroprotection (PENUT) study included babies at both The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with site Principal Investigator Dr. Maureen Gilmore.
- The Safety of Combined Therapy with Erythropoietin and Melatonin for Very Preterm Infants with Intraventricular Hemorrhage (SCEMPI) study. Currently ongoing and led by Principal Investigators Drs. Shenandoah Robinson and Lauren Jantzie at JHH and JHBMC, this study will determine if high doses of Melatonin in combination with Erythropoietin (EPO) are safe for preterm babies.
Current Clinical Research Initiatives
- Serum Biomarkers of Asphyxia – Ernest M. Graham, M.D., Allen Everett, M.D., Raul Chavez Valdez, M.D., Frances Northington, M.D.
- Serum Biomarkers of White Matter Injury in Pre-Term Infants – Ernest M. Graham, M.D., Allen Everett, M.D., Raul Chavez Valdez, M.D., Frances Northington, M.D.
- Erythropoietin and Melatonin for Very Preterm Infants with Intraventricular Hemorrhage - Shenandoah Robinson, M.D., and Lauren Jantzie, Ph.D.
- Clonidine Study for Neuroprotection in HIE - Raul Chavez Valdez, M.D.
- Clonidine Study for Neuroprotection in HIE - Raul Chavez Valdez, M.D.
- Cerebral Ultrasound in Acute Asphyxia - Aylin Tekes, M.D.
- Advanced MRI Post Processing Techniques and Study of Cerebellar and Posterior Fossa Injury and Abnormalities - Aylin Tekes, M.D., Noriko Mori, Shoko Yoshida
- Advanced Brain MRI Analysis - Kenichi Oishi, M.D., Ph.D.
Education
Led by Drs. Raul Chavez Valdez, Frances Northington and NICN Coordinator Charlamaine Parkinson, the educational mission of the NICN encompasses clinical education programs for residents. Outreach and educational materials are available to all referring centers and yearly update courses are taught.
Johns Hopkins NICN is proud of its graduates who have developed their own stellar infant neuroscience-based programs at their own NICUs at Duke University, the University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin, and University of Maryland.
History
We will always be grateful for the strong support and leadership of founders of our NICN program. Without them we would not be able to achieve our goal of maximally improving neurological outcomes of our NICN babies.
In addition to founding member who are still active in our program, our gratitude goes to:
- Michael V. Johnston, M.D., Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Adam Hartman, M.D., Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurology
- Marilee Allen, M.D., Johns Hopkins Children's Center Neonatology
- Thierry A.G.M. Huismann, M.D., Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neuroradiology
- Andrea Poretti, M.D., Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neuroradiology and Kennedy Krieger Institute