Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering
  1. News
  2. People
  3. Research Projects
  4. Potential research student projects
  5. Seminars and Events
  6. Resources & Facilities
  7. Media and publications
Biomedical Engineering

Optical imaging and optical spectroscopy investigating necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates

Principle investigator

Professor P. A. Kyriacou

Collaborator

Professor A. Petros, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

Project overview

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and death. The pathophysiology is poorly understood. The project focuses on the investigation of the NEC using imaging and optical modalities to assess the microcirculation, perfusion and oxygen saturation. Commercial near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), house-made PPG - ZEN research device developed by the BERG and Sidestream-Dark Field (SDF) imaging will be combined and correlated for this purpose. In addition, a PPG sensor is developed for the neonate’s abdominal area using wavelengths of the NIR region. Clinical trials will take place in Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.