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Patricia Lynn Ashley

Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Pediatrics, Neonatology
Box 102509, Durham, NC 27710
2400 Pratt Street, 8th Floor, Durham, NC 27705

Overview


My current clinical time is divided between inpatient and outpatient care of infants who graduate from the ICN or TCN.  In addition, I am a provider in our Transitions program for the most medically fragile and complex infants that we care for.
My research interests center on how Nutrition influences growth and development, primarily in infants born extremely premature.  Through a combination of clinical research and basic science involving study of the microbiome and metabolome, we are seeking new answers regarding how to optimize growth, development, and eventual long term outcomes for these infants.
I also have taken on administrative and regulatory roles involving research over the last three years when I became a member of the IRB.  More recently I have taken on the role of Director for the Children's Clinical Research Unit.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Pediatrics · 2021 - Present Pediatrics, Neonatology, Pediatrics

Recent Publications


Clinical Characteristics of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Diagnosed by Independent Adjudication of Abdominal Radiographs, Laparotomy, or Autopsy in Preterm Infants in the "Connection Trial".

Journal Article Am J Perinatol · January 2025 OBJECTIVE:  Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) classically is diagnosed by radiographic demonstration of pneumatosis intestinalis/portal venous gas (PI/PVG). This study examines clinical characteristics of NEC confirmed by independent evaluation of abdominal ... Full text Link to item Cite

Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation Lead to Severe Growth Failure in Infants.

Journal Article Ann Surg · September 1, 2024 OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the incidence of growth failure in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) and whether initial laparotomy versus peritoneal drainage (PD) impacted the likelihood of growth fa ... Full text Link to item Cite

Progression of Enteral Feeding Volumes in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants in the "Connection Trial".

Journal Article Am J Perinatol · May 2024 OBJECTIVE: Investigate daily feeding volumes and their association with clinical variables in the early postnatal care of premature infants of the "Connection Trial." STUDY DESIGN: A total of 641 infants of 510 to 1,000-g birth weight (BW, mean: 847 g) and ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Growth Failure in Extremely Preterm Infants: Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analysis

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Gerber Foundation · 2014 - 2018

Gastrin-Releasing Peptide and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2011 - 2018

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Texas, Dallas · 1991 M.D.
University of Texas, Dallas · 1984 Ph.D.