Oulu University Hospital

The Department of Pediatrics at Oulu University Hospital is advancing pain relief and sedation for children, testing new drugs and protocols to make minor procedures safer and more comfortable.

• Intranasal dexmedetomidine for painless venous access in the pediatric emergency room
• Comparative study of novel analgesic regimens after minor surgical interventions
• Safety evaluation of combined sedative‑analgesic approaches during lumbar puncture

Across 82 trials, 54 investigators are exploring innovative anesthesia techniques to improve pediatric care.

Diagnostic research at the pediatric unit focuses on early detection of serious illnesses, using genetic testing and imaging to refine patient selection for targeted therapies.

• Implementation of DPYD gene testing to predict fluoropyrimidine toxicity
• Centralized MRI review to improve surgical resection rates in brain tumors
• Point‑of‑care viral testing to guide steroid use in infant wheezing

These efforts support precise diagnosis and personalized treatment pathways for children.

Therapeutic innovation at Oulu University Hospital includes evaluating novel drugs and combination regimens for a wide range of pediatric and adult diseases.

• Early‑phase safety and dose‑finding of bexmarilimab in hematologic malignancies
• Assessment of talazoparib plus enzalutamide for metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer
• Evaluation of rocatinlimab for pruritus relief in skin disease

The therapeutic pipeline spans oncology, immunology, and rare disease indications.

Cardiovascular research at the pediatric department targets heart rhythm disorders and vascular complications, aiming to reduce stroke and improve long‑term outcomes.

• Antiplatelet therapy trial comparing ticagrelor + ASA versus ASA alone after coronary bypass
• Apixaban versus no anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in end‑stage renal disease
• Study of thromboprophylaxis with apixaban in abdominal surgery patients

These studies seek safer, more effective strategies for preventing cardiovascular events.

Digestive health investigations examine colorectal and pancreatic cancers as well as inflammatory lung disease, testing new chemotherapeutic combinations and prophylactic measures.

• BRAF‑mutant metastatic colorectal cancer treated with targeted therapy
• Neoadjuvant thromboprophylaxis trial in pancreatic cancer patients
• Antibiotic regimen comparison for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (APPAC II)

The goal is to improve survival and reduce treatment‑related complications.

Research in female reproductive health focuses on cancer prevention and postoperative infection control following gynecologic surgery.

• Prophylactic azithromycin versus cefuroxime after hysterectomy
• Study of hormonal and immunologic factors in endometrial cancer
• Evaluation of contraceptive safety in adolescent patients

These trials aim to reduce infection rates and advance therapeutic options for women.

Hematologic research at the pediatric unit addresses leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, exploring novel agents and maintenance strategies.

• Quizartinib combined with chemotherapy for FLT3‑ITD positive AML
• Tafasitamab + lenalidomide versus placebo in relapsed follicular lymphoma
• Elranatamab monotherapy compared with standard regimens in relapsed multiple myeloma

The aim is to increase remission rates and extend survival in blood cancers.

Male urogenital investigations concentrate on prostate cancer treatment optimization and surgical outcomes.

• Talazoparib + enzalutamide for metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer
• Comparison of radium‑223 versus next‑generation antihormonal therapy in bone‑metastatic prostate cancer
• Evaluation of peri‑operative anticoagulation in urologic surgeries

These studies seek to improve disease control and quality of life for male patients.

Musculoskeletal trials address rare connective‑tissue disorders and injury recovery, testing pharmacologic and procedural interventions.

• Dupuytren’s contracture treatment effectiveness trial (DETECT)
• Valproate as adjunct to chemotherapy for children unable to receive radiation
• Study of postoperative rehabilitation protocols after orthopedic surgery

The focus is on functional improvement and reduction of disease progression.

Oncology research spans solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, evaluating targeted agents, immunotherapies, and combination regimens.

• BMS‑986213 versus nivolumab in untreated metastatic melanoma
• Epithelial ovarian cancer trial of belzutifan + pembrolizumab
• Phase III study of V940 + pembrolizumab as adjuvant therapy for resected NSCLC

The objective is to improve overall and disease‑free survival across cancer types.

Neurological studies at the pediatric center focus on brain tumors, infantile spasms, and neuro‑inflammatory conditions, testing both drug and surgical approaches.

• International trial for atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRT) in infants
• Prophylactic vigabatrin to prevent infantile spasm syndrome in high‑risk children
• Centralized MRI review to enhance resection rates in ependymoma

Research aims to increase cure rates while minimizing long‑term neurological deficits.

Metabolic investigations target diabetes, obesity, and related complications, evaluating novel pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions.

• Frexalimab to preserve endogenous insulin secretion in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
• Study of weight‑management strategies in overweight and obese children
• Assessment of metabolic outcomes in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy post‑CABG

The goal is to improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Respiratory research includes chronic lung diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and viral‑induced wheezing in infants.

• BI 1015550 trial to slow lung function decline in progressive fibrosing ILDs
• Oral prednisolone for rhinovirus‑induced acute wheezing in children <2 years
• Evaluation of experimental therapy for chronic lung disease in preterm infants

These studies aim to preserve lung function and reduce severe respiratory events.

Dermatologic trials investigate treatments for pruritic conditions and rare skin disorders, focusing on patient‑reported outcomes.

• Rocatinlimab versus placebo for prurigo nodularis
• Assessment of novel biologics for severe eczema in children
• Safety and efficacy of topical agents for chronic dermatologic inflammation

The aim is to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

A subset of trials involves cross‑disciplinary approaches that do not fit traditional therapeutic categories, exploring innovative technologies and patient‑centred outcomes.

• Development of AI‑assisted imaging analysis for tumor margin detection
• Patient‑reported outcome measures integrated into electronic health records
• Feasibility study of remote monitoring devices in pediatric care

These exploratory projects support future advances in clinical research methodology.

Research on reproductive and urinary physiology examines hormonal influences, congenital anomalies, and preventive strategies in children.

• Hormonal profiling in infants at risk for tuberous sclerosis‑associated spasms
• Evaluation of renal function thresholds for contrast‑enhanced imaging
• Study of urinary biomarkers predicting acute kidney injury post‑surgery

Findings aim to enhance early detection and tailor interventions for pediatric patients.