Area of research
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience · Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
Research interest
Dr. Isaacs, as the principal investigator at the Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, leads an advanced Translational Neurosurgery Lab. This lab is dedicated to tackling significant challenges in neonatal medicine, specifically neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage and perinatal sepsis, which frequently result in post-hemorrhagic or postinfectious hydrocephalus. The lab blends clinical expertise with experimental research to investigate the inflammatory pathways contributing to these neurodevelopmental disorders. State-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques and comprehensive genomic and proteomic analysis tools are employed to deepen the understanding of the disease mechanisms at a molecular level. Innovatively, the lab uses nanoparticles for cellular studies and targeted therapy delivery, as well as pioneering the use of cerebrospinal fluid as a liquid biopsy tool in pediatric neurosurgery. The research team, led by Dr. Isaacs, also focuses on genetic and epigenetic factors, aiming to develop personalized treatment strategies. With the use of experimental models for both in vitro and in vivo experiments, the lab strives to translate its research findings into enhanced clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes for neonates affected by these conditions.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of permanent and temporary CSF diversion in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: a Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network study
Reimagining durability of hydrocephalus treatment using conditional survival
Comparing ventriculoatrial and ventriculopleural shunts in pediatric hydrocephalus: a Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network study
Pro-inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid profile of neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage: clinical relevance and contrast with CNS infection
Does machine learning improve prediction accuracy of the Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score? A contemporary Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network cohort study
Characteristics of shunt failure in 38,095 adult shunt insertion surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Treatment of hydrocephalus following posterior fossa tumor resection: a multicenter collaboration from the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network
A standardized infection prevention bundle for reduction of CSF shunt infections in adult ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery performed without antibiotic-impregnated catheters
Clinical outcomes in pediatric hydrocephalus patients treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
<i>Paenibacillus</i> infection with frequent viral coinfection contributes to postinfectious hydrocephalus in Ugandan infants
Age-specific global epidemiology of hydrocephalus: Systematic review, metanalysis and global birth surveillance
Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis