Kathryn A. Knoop, Ph.D.

Closed for Enrollment

• Bioavailablity of Maternal EGF during LOS Rochester, Minn.

  This project aims to understand the risk factors for neonatal late-onset sepsis (LOS), a leading cause of death of preterm newborns. The majority of LOS is attributable to bloodstream infections.  Survivors have a significant risk of cognitive or developmental problems, highlighting the need for identification of preventive measures and interventions for bloodstream infections. We hypothesize that stool from LOS patients will contain reduced concentration of EGF, indicative of increased intestinal permeability.

• Maternal EGF presence in breastmilk and infant stool Rochester, Minn.

  This project aims to understand protective factors present in maternal breastmilk. We hypothesize the maternal proteins will be present in infant stool of breastmilk babies in a concentration that reflects the concentration in breastmilk. Furthermore we hypothesize the concentration of proteins in both donor milk and the stool of infants fed donor milk will be decreased when compared to age matched mom’s own milk (MOM) fed infants. We will be measuring the concentration of maternal proteins in milk and stool of infants.