Blood Flow in Newborn Infants

This is an opportunity to assist with a funded study (MAGPIE 2) detailed below and to develop similar research in other groups of babies such as those with congenital cardiac abnormalities. <br /> <br /> The ideal candidate will have echocardiography or ultrasonography experience (or a wish to develop such skills) and be willing to learn Superior Mesenteric Artery Doppler Ultrasound scanning and near infrared spectroscopy of the brain and abdomen. They will also be keen to develop and explore other methods for assessing blood flow in the gut and other organs of newborn babies on neonatal and paediatric intensive care.

<p>Secondary objectives: <br /> 1.    To investigate if withholding feeds around blood transfusion in very preterm babies (<30 weeks gestational age) will result in a difference in the change in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity and diastolic velocity) following blood transfusion compared to those whose feeds are continued around transfusion.<br /> 2.    To investigate if preterm babies with preceding severe anaemia (defined as pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels of 80g/L or less) will have reduced gut tissue oxygenation (SCOR), compared to those without severe anaemia. </p> <p><br /> 270 babies in 5-6 sites. 25-50 expected in Leeds</p>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine, Health & Human Disease as your planned programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul>

A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.

The four year PhD programme Medicine, Health and Human Disease (within the International PhD Academy in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s) require IELTS band score 7.0 (with not less than 6.5 in any skill area) or Internet Based TOEFL 95 (with not less than 22 in listening, 22 in reading, 24 in speaking and 22 in writing).

<p>For further information please contact the fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</p>