Master's theses at UKBB

Topic
Iron supplementation and influence on haemoglobin in premature infants

Background
All premature babies < 32 weeks' gestation and/or < 1500 g birth weight are given iron supplementation with Maltofer® (iron-III-hydroxide-polymaltose complex) from the 14th day of life. Due to new dose recommendations, the quantity of routine substitution was halved in 2022.

Question
Does the change in dose of iron supplementation affect haemoglobin levels in preterm infants up to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and at discharge?

Method
Retrospective data analysis. The haemoglobin values (at 36 weeks PMA and at discharge) from the period before the dose change (2020-2021) are compared with the period after the dose adjustment (2023-2024) (approx. 250 children).

Carer
PD Dr Roland Neumann

If you are interested, please contact us by e-mail: roland.neumann@ukbb.ch

Topic
Placental histology and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background
Placental dysfunction seems to contribute to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm infants.

Aim
To explore the association between placental histopathology and the development of BPD

Methods
Data collection from medical charts & reports on placental histopathology in preterm infants with and without BPD in a cohort of infants < 28 w gestational age (approximately 150 infants from 5 years).

Literature
Parsons A et al. Understanding the role of placental pathophysiology in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2022. PMID: 36219136.

Carer
PD Dr Roland Neumann

If you are interested, please contact us by e-mail: roland.neumann@ukbb.ch

Topic
Impact of Spinal and Hip Surgery on Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes in Non-Ambulatory Children

Are you interested in pediatric orthopedics, children with neurological conditions, and patient-centred research? We are seeking a motivated master's student to support a study investigating the long-term outcomes of hip and spine surgeries in children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS III-V) and other neurological or neuromuscular disorders. The project focuses on evaluating quality of life using validated patient-reported outcome measures (CPCHILD) alongside clinician-reported assessments of spinal alignment and range of motion (SAROMM).

As part of the team, you will be in direct contact with patients and their families-supporting recruitment, assisting in the completion of questionnaires, and potentially participating in clinician-reported assessments. This hands-on role offers valuable clinical exposure and the chance to contribute to meaningful research aimed at improving care and outcomes for children with complex needs.

Master's student supervision
Dr Michèle WidmerSenior Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedics/Neuroorthopaedics

Supervision
Prof. Dr med. Dr sci. Heide Elke Viehweger, Deputy Head of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Head of Neuroorthopaedics and Centre for Movement Analysis