Sandra Elizabeth Juul, MD, PhD

Professional History

Board Certified:

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Pediatrics

Medical/Professional School:

University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle

Residency:

University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Pediatrics

Fellowship:

Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Clinical Interests:

Non-hematopoietic effects of erythropoietin (Epo), particularly its neuroprotective effects. Hematopoiesis and iron balance in preterm infants are additional areas of interest and research.

Research Focus Area:

Neuroscience / Neurodevelopment

Description of Research:

Recombinant erythropoietin (rEpo) has been used since 1989 as an erythropoietic agent in adults and children. More recently, Epo effects have been recognized in tissues other than bone marrow. Functional receptors for Epo are present in the developing brain, liver, heart, blood vessels, and intestine.

During development, endogenous Epo acts as a general trophic and anti-apoptotic factor. Mechanisms of Epo action are being investigated. Two promising areas of research include the use of rEpo to prevent or ameliorate necrotizing enterocolitis, and the use of rEpo to decrease brain damage following injury such as perinatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Using a variety of molecular biology, cell and tissue culture techniques, and in vivo models, Dr. Juul's research is focused on determining the effects of Epo on neurodevelopment, neuroprotection, intestinal development, and intestinal injury. Additional areas of interest include neonatal hematology, and iron deficiency in the developing neonate.

Key Publications:

Juul SE, Anderson DK, Li Y, Christensen RD. Erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in the developing human central nervous system. Pediatr Res. 1998;43:40-49.

Juul SE, Ledbetter DJ, Joyce AE, Dame C, Christensen RD, Zhao Y, DeMarco VG. Erythropoietin acts as a trophic factor in neonatal rat intestine. Gut. 2001;49:182-9.

Juul SE, Zerzan JC, Strandjord TP, Woodrum DE. Zinc Protoporphyrin/Heme as an Indicator of Iron Status in NICU Patients. J Pediatr. 2003;142:273-8.

Juul SE. Enterally dosed recombinant human erythropoietin does not stimulate erythropoiesis in neonates. J Pediatr. 2003;143:321-326.

Juul SE, McPherson RJ, Francis X. Farrell, PhD, Linda Joliffe, PhD, Ness DJ, Gleason CA. Erythropoietin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of nonhuman primates and fetal sheep following high-dose recombinant Erythropoietin. Biol of Neonate. 2004;85:138-144.

Honors & Awards:

Phi beta kappa, 1977, AOA, 1981