Cedars Sinai Guerin Children’s Launches First Neuro NICU in LA Region

Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's has launched the first Neuro Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Neuro NICU) in the Los Angeles region.

Neuro NICU is a specialized program that brings together multidisciplinary pediatric specialists to deliver advanced, coordinated care for newborns with complex neurological conditions. Housed within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai, the program is designed to provide timely intervention during the crucial period of early brain development.

The Neuro NICU's comprehensive, multidisciplinary model of care includes leading experts in neonatology, neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology and genomics. The staff also includes specially trained NICU nurses and social workers adept at deploying around-the-clock care tailored to the unique needs of newborns and their families.

"The newborn brain is fundamentally different from that of a child or an adult, which is why neurological care at this stage requires highly specialized expertise," said David Rowitch, MD, PhD, deputy director for Research at Guerin Children's. "Understanding how the developing brain responds to injury and how to interpret imaging in this context is critical. The Neuro NICU allows us to bring that expertise together in a coordinated way for each patient."

The Neuro NICU team, led by co-directors Yolanda Brown-Madan, MD, and Xin Ye, MD, is equipped to treat patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including neonatal seizures, stroke, severe congenital neurological disorders, brain malformations, as well as birth complications and traumatic injuries to the brain or the nervous system.

A defining feature of the Neuro NICU is the early integration of genomics, which allows the team to deliver precision gene therapies and genetic diagnoses to infants sooner. Guerin Children's is among the first programs to offer rapid whole-genome sequencing for babies in a NICU setting, with genetic results delivered in a matter of days.

Research at Guerin Children's has shown that more than 40% of children seen by pediatric neurologists have an underlying genetic condition. Having genetic information readily available can directly influence clinical decisions and improve the ability to personalize care for vulnerable newborns.

"Our comprehensive approach in the Neuro NICU enables Guerin Children's to deliver a seamless continuum of care as patients improve and grow beyond their stay," said Shervin Rabizadeh, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and deputy director of Guerin Children's.

The Neuro NICU also employs state-of-the-art, infant-specific technologies, including continuous video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, which provides real-time data to help clinicians intervene quickly during critical moments.

That same level of technological capability extends beyond the unit. Designed to function as a regional center for neonatal neurological care, the Neuro NICU extends its reach to affiliated partners and hospitals in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. Specialized neonatal transport services allow teams to initiate critical therapies before a baby arrives at Guerin Children's.

"Our goal is to ensure that newborns receive the right care at the right time, regardless of where they begin their medical journey," said Rangasamy Ramanathan, MD, director of the Division of Neonatology at Guerin Children's. "Through advanced transport capabilities and virtual collaboration, the Neuro NICU allows us to support community hospitals and families across the region."

Additionally, the program offers virtual consultations, enabling neurologists to guide care remotely and support physicians at referring hospitals.

"The launch of the Neuro NICU reflects Guerin Children's' commitment to advancing research-driven, specialized, world-class pediatric care for the most vulnerable patients in greater Los Angeles and beyond," said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children's Health and executive director of Guerin Children's.

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