Young scientist’s novel skin patch idea may save babies’ lives
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A PhD student from Monash University has found that a simple skin patch could reduce brain damage in babies.
James Aridas’ discovery to use melatonin, currently used in the US to treat jet lag, has the potential to reduce death rates and prevent disabilities caused by birth asphyxia.
The condition, which affects four million babies worldwide each year, occurs when a baby’s brain and organs do not get enough oxygen during birth.
James said melatonin embedded in skin patches could be key to reducing permanent brain injury, by using them during the vital window of time after birth.
“The amount of harm depends on how long and severe the period of asphyxia is, and how quickly treatment is given. At the moment we only have hypothermia treatment, which cools the baby’s brain. But it’s expensive and that means it’s not readily available in developing countries,” said James.
Whilst hypothermia treatment works in some cases, the success rate is limited - fifty per cent of babies who receive treatment either develop a disability or die.
James said that babies with mild asphyxia may recover fully, but babies whose cells are starved of oxygen for a longer time may result in permanent injury to their brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, bowels and other organs.
“We desperately need a treatment that can reduce this damage, we believe we’ve found it,” said James.
In a new approach James and the team looked to the hormone melatonin as a potential new treatment. Previous studies have shown that it can combat waste products that build in the body’s cells. Without oxygen, cells cannot work properly resulting in a build up of these waste products, causing temporary or permanent damage.
Based at the MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, the team used melatonin on lambs after birth asphyxia. MRI scans revealed the hormone improved brain metabolism and reduced cell death.
James said combining melatonin and a simple patch could make a big impact, especially in developing countries.
“This simple and inexpensive idea has the potential not only to reduce mortality rates, it could dramatically improve the quality of life for children who survive but go on to develop conditions such as cerebral palsy,” James said.
“Melatonin patches are easy to use and can be stored without refrigeration. That’s critical for people living in remote areas in developing countries.”
The novel idea has received recognition from Fame Lab, a global competition to find the world’s leading early career scientists. After winning the Victorian final in April, James’ work was highly commended at the Australian national finals in Freemantle on 13 May.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the team hope to begin clinical trials in India next year.