The Effects of Emerging and Commonly Used Medications on the Developing Brain

About this Research Topic

Background

The majority of medications used in neonatal intensive care units are used "off-label" and their effects on the developing brain are often not well-described. As a necessary part of clinical care, critically ill infants in the NICU are commonly exposed to these medications. The neonatal period, particularly in preterm infants, is a time of rapid brain development and is highly vulnerable to the environment and exposures during this critical window.



The goal of this Research Topic is to assemble a group of original research papers and reviews on the most up to date information and research on effects of commonly used and emerging medications in the NICU on the vulnerable, developing brain.



Contributions to this issue will address the effects of commonly used medications in the NICU on neurodevelopment and the developing nervous system as well as the effects of new or emerging medications being used on neurodevelopment and/or the developing brain.
Special emphasis will be placed on neurosedative medications and studies that focus on neurodevelopmental outcomes related to other commonly used medications in the neonatal ICU (i.e. antibiotics, diuretics, steroids).

Keywords: Neonate, Neonatal intensive care unit, Medications, Pharmacology, Developing brain

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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