#017 - Exploring the impact of dexamethasone on the PDA and cardiovascular function

What does dexamethasone actually do to the preterm heart over time? In this episode of Rupa's Fellows Friday, Srirupa sits down with Phoenix Plessas-Azurduy, doctoral candidate at McGill University and researcher at the NeoCardioLab under Dr. Gabriel Altit. Phoenix shares her work on NORDIC-SPEC, a prospective longitudinal study using serial echocardiography to characterize the cardiovascular effects of dexamethasone in preterm infants. Her preliminary findings show a progressive reduction in PDA size and increasing ductal closure rates over time within a conservative management context. The conversation also covers mentorship, the value of cold emails, and what it looks like to build a research career from the ground up. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!