Lucile Packard Children’s Stanford- Executive Director Center for Fetal and Maternal Health

Research Interests

I conduct clinical sample analysis in order to identify molecular markers of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and to gain deeper pathophysiologic insight. Specific pathways of interest include the intersection of development and metabolic capacity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. We utilize rodent model and cell based systems to study the mechanisms of the molecular pathways of interest. Our lab also conducts clinical studies in order to develop classifiers of NEC risk, identify care gaps in NEC care and optimum care pathways and outcomes for patients with NEC.

Current Projects

We are analyzing large metabolic data-sets to define metabolic contribution to NEC risk and acquisition. We are validating promising biomarkers of NEC in plasma and stool. We are defining enteric mucosal changes that suggest enteropathy and contribution to NEC pathophysiology.

Recent Publications

Kastenberg ZJ, Lee HC, Profit J, Gould JB, Sylvester KG. Impact of Deregionalized Care on Mortality in Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. JAMA Pediatr. 2015 Jan;169(1):26-32 PMID: 25383940

Sylvester KG, Moss RL. Urine Biomarkers for Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Pediatric Surgery International. Pediatr Surg Int. 2015 May;31(5):421-9 PMID: 25807901

Tao GT, Liu B, Zhang R, Liu GY, Abdullah F, Harris MC, Brandt M, Ehrenkranz E, Bowers C, Martin CR, Moss RL, Sylvester KG. Impaired Activity of Blood Coagulant Factor XIII in Patients with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Sci Rep. 2015 Aug 17;5:13119 PMID: 26277871

Kim D, Fu C, Ling XB, Hu Z, Tao G, Zhao Y, Kastenberg ZJ, Sylvester KG, Wang SX. Pilot Application of Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Biosensor for Necrotizing Enterocolitis. J Proteomics Bioinform. 2015;Suppl 5. pii: 002. Epub 2013 Dec 18. PMID: 26798207