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Normal in utero lung development and growth rely upon the expansion of airspaces and the controlled efflux of lung liquid into the amniotic space. Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) also have lung hypoplasia due to occupation of the chest cavity by the stomach and bowel and, in the most severe cases, the liver. Balloon tracheal occlusion reduces the severity of lung hypoplasia in fetuses with CDH but increases the risk of premature birth.

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is an evidence-based intervention that reduces mortality, anaemia and disability in infants born <37 weeks' gestation who do not require immediate resuscitation. However, it is neither reliably recorded nor routinely implemented in Australia. The Wait a Minute or More study aims to reduce this gap between the evidence and practice by integrating timely sharing of cord clamping data with Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality methods to increase the proportion of preterm infants receiving DCC for 60s or longer (DCC60).

Gut microbiota play a critical role in long-term health by supporting metabolism, immune function, inflammation regulation, and neurological development via the gut–brain axis. Beneficial bacteria enhance gut integrity through short-chain fatty acid production, pathogen inhibition, and mucosal barrier support.

Head, Neonatal Health

Tobias Jenny Strunk Mountain MD, PhD, FRACP MBA MClinEpi Head, Neonatal Health Program Manager, Neonatal Health / Protect Trial tobias.strunk@

Tobias Jenny Strunk Mountain Other Investigators MD, PhD, FRACP MBA MClinEpi Head, Neonatal Health Program Manager, Neonatal Health / Protect Trial

The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers will lead a new national clinical trial (COSI-2) to determine whether topical coconut oil can reduce late onset sepsis in extremely preterm infants.