From seed to success: How philanthropy fuels child health research at McMaster

Philanthropy is a lifeline for scientific discovery, often serving as the first catalyst for research programs that have the potential to change lives.

Thanks to a significant donation to McMaster University’s Department of Pediatrics in 2021, the Collaborative Research Excellence (CoRE) Builder Team Grant was established. These annual grants support transformative child health research with a special focus on collaborative, cross-disciplinary studies that have the potential to secure external funding in the future.

Over the past three years, CoRE has empowered seven pioneering projects in areas including pediatric palliative care, antibiotic safety, and cardiovascular health. Several studies have progressed to receive Canadian Health Institutes of Research (CIHR) funding, and study results have been published in prestigious journals like JAMA Pediatrics.

“This level of impact wouldn’t be possible without donor support,” says department chair Angelo Mikrogianakis, who serves as chief of pediatrics at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH). “The CoRE projects also create incredible opportunities for our trainees to work closely with experienced researchers and engage meaningfully with the families and patients at MCH ensuring that our research truly aligns with the needs of the children we serve.”

CoRE project highlights

Caring for Kids Hospitalized with Pneumonia

Pneumonia remains Ontario’s leading cause of hospitalization in children. Under the leadership of Jeffrey Pernica and Shamini Selvakumar, a clinical trial at McMaster Children’s Hospital is investigating whether a novel blood test can distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, potentially sparing children unnecessary antibiotic treatment. For those who do require antibiotics, the study assesses whether a shorter treatment duration can be as effective as the traditional longer course.

Pediatric Palliative Medicine Impact Study

Dave Lysecki’s team is examining the efficacy of pediatric palliative care services. By studying hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and medical costs, early findings indicate a 44 per cent reduction in ICU time and a 37 per cent decrease in healthcare expenses for children in their last year of life. These results highlight the profound impact of palliative care in South-Central Ontario, demonstrating both compassionate care and cost-effectiveness.

Addressing Misdiagnosed Allergies in Pediatric Care

While many children are incorrectly diagnosed with allergies to antibiotics like penicillin, Jacqueline Wong and Dominik Mertz aim to change this. Through a study at McMaster Children’s Hospital, their team is exploring “de-labeling” unnecessary allergy diagnoses, potentially leading to safe and effective infection treatments. Their work could allow many more children to benefit from critical antibiotic therapies.

Investigating Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

As cannabis use is prevalent among some expectant mothers, Sandeep Raha’s research seeks to clarify its effects on pregnancy and infant health. His team’s work engages mothers and healthcare professionals to better understand cannabis’s developmental impact on babies, addressing an urgent need for data that informs safer prenatal and postnatal care.

Revealing Heart Risks for Ontario Youth with Hypertension

Pediatric hypertension is often overlooked, with fewer than 25 per cent of children receiving routine blood pressure checks. Rahul Chanchlani’s study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, underscores the long-term cardiovascular risks for children with high blood pressure, linking pediatric hypertension to increased risks of stroke and heart attack later in life. His findings call for greater awareness and preventive screening in youth healthcare.

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These projects highlight the power of philanthropy in transforming scientific ideas into actionable child health knowledge.  

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