Funding outcome

The Challenge: Every year, nearly 2 out of every 1,000 babies are born with a life-altering condition called neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (nHI). This occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow during birth due to complications like a prolapsed cord or placental insufficiency. The often leads to cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and permanent learning disabilities. While 'therapeutic cooling' (hypothermia) is the current standard, 45% of treated babies still suffer significant disability. While doctors have wanted to test the Ketogenic Diet (KD) in these infants, expert reviewers have noted that we first need better evidence from laboratory models that mirror how babies are actually fed in the hospital. The Innovation: We use the KD to rescue the injured brain. During nHI, the brain enters a 'metabolic crisis' where it cannot utilize its primary fuel, glucose. However, the newborn brain is naturally 'primed' to use ketones (fat). Using our unique “Pup-in-Cup” system—providing continuous nutrition to neonatal models—we can offer an 'alternative fuel' to bypass the injury, reduce inflammation, and save brain cells. The Research Plan: We will evaluate three areas: 1. Brain Protection: Measuring if immediate KD treatment reduces brain damage volume. 2. Functional Recovery: Tracking coordination and behavior to ensure cognitive health. 3. Mechanisms: Identifying how the diet blocks the cellular pathways that cause cell death The Impact: Our goal is to bridge the gap between the lab and the hospital. By providing the specific evidence that clinical experts have requested, this study will lay the foundation for a national CIHR-funded clinical trial in human infants. This research could transform the life trajectory for the most vulnerable patients at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, providing a safe, effective way to fuel the brain when it needs it most.