So, still working on the interactive (neonatal) infectious disease case…Today, I want to dive into a topic that often leaves some us scratching our heads: Antibiotics treatment!

Starting or not starting antibiotics is like walking a tightrope between not wanting to jump the gun and wanting to nip that infection in the bud. We worry about unnecessary antibiotic use, but we also don’t want to risk the infection spreading or getting worse. It’s a tough call! We need to weigh the severity of the infection, consider the patient’s medical history, and rely on good old medical judgment to make the right decision.

When it comes to stoping the antibiotics. It’s a balancing act between ensuring a complete recovery and avoiding unnecessary exposure to antibiotics. It’s almost like playing detective…Has the infection been fully eliminated or are we just temporarily putting it to sleep. All the while, the fear of antibiotic resistance lurks in the background, reminding us not to overstay our welcome with these powerful drugs.

Lastly, we have to take into account the specific bacteria causing the infection and its susceptibility to different antibiotics. It’s a delicate process that requires expertise and a deep understanding of microbiology. Thank goodness for the amazing healthcare professionals who guide us through this maze and make informed choices.

It’s like a never-ending puzzle with high stakes. But fear not! We’re getting better at tackling these challenges.

As usual I find myself juggling multiple responsibilities while also taking time to experience the vibrant cultural festivals here in Toronto.

One of my major focuses recently has been working on an exciting PhD article about experimental group B Streptococcus maternal vaccines. It’s fascinating to explore a vaccine that has the potential to protect both mothers and their newborns from harmful infections. But let me tell you, diving into the world of immunology and conducting research can be quite the adventure! 🧪🔬

I am also reviewing some comments on a paper regarding a maternal sepsis model. Receiving comments from peer-reviewers is in many ways an enlightening experience.

But it wasn’t all work! Toronto is known for its vibrant and multicultural atmosphere, and I couldn’t resist immersing myself in the city’s cultural festivals. This past weekend, I had the chance to attend the Salsa Festival. The food, energy, music, and dance moves were simply mesmerizing!

Experiencing these cultural festivals served as a reminder of the importance of balance in life. Amidst the rigorous demands of academia, it’s crucial to find time for joy, exploration, and connecting with diverse communities.

During the Pediatric Grand Rounds, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation closely related to my own PhD research on the diagnostic and prevention of severe neonatal infections. The speaker, Dr. Alasteir Fung, is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation. His research aims to develop a prediction model for infant hospitalization by utilizing clinical features assessed by community health workers during home visits in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In my own project, I am focusing on metabolic profiles. By exploring the potential of metabolic profiles, I aim to contribute to the development of more targeted and effective strategies for managing neonatal infections, ultimately improving the health outcomes of this vulnerable population.

In approximately half of the cases, PRS is accompanied by other malformations. However, when PRS occurs in isolation without other malformations, it does not seem to directly impact neurodevelopment. Nonetheless, it is important to actively intervene and address the UAO to mitigate the risk of neurocognitive impairment.

Managing a variety of tasks as a PhD student in Toronto while fulfilling obligations in Norway can be challenging. While I cannot claim expertise in this matter, I learned a valuable lesson during my niece’s Martial Arts class. The instructor asked the children, “How are you doing?” and they enthusiastically responded, “Supergood and getting better!” Inspired by their attitude, I have adopted the mindset of striving to be supergood while continually improving.

During these past few days, I have embraced this approach. I have had the opportunity to witness and enjoy the Canadian celebrations of July 1st (Independence Day). Additionally, I dedicated time to working on the systematic review related to GBS and the GBS interactive case. Tomorrow, a new adventure awaits as I embark on orientation at the SickKids hospital, where I will be visiting for the next two months.

Though I cannot predict the exact challenges that lie ahead, I am committed to approaching them with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and the determination to excel.

Exciting day today discovering and navigating the public transport system in Toronto. Had a wonderful meeting with Division head Dr. Estelle Gauda who recently published a paper in Nature Pediatric research showing the amino acid L-citrulline (L-CIT) mitigating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in the early stage of lung development in the newborn rat. This is the first study describing the effect of L-CIT on the signaling pathways operative in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in a preclinical inflammatory model of newborn lung injury. Excited to get to know the Neonatal department at SickKids during the next weeks, including presenting my PhD work in the Chief’s rounds and working on an interesting case report on reoccurring Group B streptococcus meningitis in a preterm infant for The Toronto Centre for Neonatal Health (TCNH).

Excited for me and my family to be visiting Toronto these next three months… I’ll be doing a medical observership at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (Canada) and continuing working with the remaining PhD articles. One of the best things about being a PhD student at the Research group for child and adolescent health at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway is being able to meet and talk to different researchers in the same field of research, so I’m truly grateful that I get the opportunity to do a clinical and non-clinical observership in the field of pediatrics. Hopefully the whole family gains some new perspectives and friendships from this short life abroad project. Lots of thanks to UNN, Helse Nord RHF and my main supervisor Dr. Claus Klingenberg for making this observership happen!