Dr. Poorva Deshpande

MD, MRCPCH
Clinician Investigator

Department of Paediatrics (Neonatology), Mount Sinai Hospital

Improving outcomes for the most vulnerable newborns

Our research focuses on how the heart and brain interact during the most fragile period of life in extremely preterm infants. By combining advanced bedside tools including targeted neonatal echocardiography and near-infrared spectroscopy, we track changes in circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain in the first days after birth. With this integrated approach, we aim to identify early warning signs of brain injury and open the door to more precise, proactive care.

A major focus of our work is the PIONIRS (Predicting Intraventricular Hemorrhage using Echocardiography and Near-infrared Spectroscopy) study, which combines brain oxygen monitoring with echocardiography to predict bleeding in the brain. Detecting vulnerability before injury occurs has the potential to transform neonatal care by enabling earlier intervention and improving long-term outcomes for preterm infants.

We also aim to understand how neonatal intensive care practices influence brain activity. We are studying how different types of respiratory support affect sleep-wake cycling, a critical marker of brain health that we measure with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (EEG), a bedside monitoring technique that enables continuous, long-term surveillance of brain function. 

Through these studies, and in collaboration with national and international partners, we strive to protect brain health, improve survival and give the smallest babies the best possible start in life.

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Contact

Email: [email protected]

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Location

600 University Avenue
Toronto, M5G 1X5
 

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Publications: PubMed
ORCID: 0000-0001-7228-0118
Sinai Health Physician Profile: Poorva Deshpande

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  • 2018–present; Staff Neonatologist, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto
  • 2018–present; Assistant Professor in Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto 

Former appointments

  • 2015–2018; Clinician Scientist in Training, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto
  • MSc, Medical Science, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto; 2015–2019
  • Neonatal Transport Fellowship, University of Toronto, Toronto; 2013–2015
  • Neonatal Hemodynamics and Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography Fellowship, University of Toronto, Toronto; 2013–2015
  • Neonatal Perinatal Fellowship, University of Toronto, Toronto; 2010–2013
  • MRCPCH (UK)
  • MD/MBBS, University of Nagpur, India
  • 2021 – Leadership in Education Award, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto

Predicting intraventricular haemorrhage with echocardiography and near infrared spectroscopy. (PIONIRS) PA

Study type: Prospective Observational Study 
Status: Recruitment in progress

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most serious complications of extreme prematurity, often resulting in lifelong neurodevelopmental challenges. Current clinical care lacks reliable ways to predict which infants are at highest risk before injury occurs. In the PIONIRS study, we combine echocardiography and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate how heart function and brain oxygenation interact in the first days of life. We use the ICM+ software to study cerebral autoregulation. By integrating cardiac and cerebral monitoring, we aim to identify physiological patterns that precede IVH.

Respiratory support and brain health in preterm infants PA

Study type: Prospective Crossover Study
Status: Recruitment in progress 
 

While respiratory support is essential for survival of preterm infants, little is known about how different modes of support affect brain health. In this study, we aim to assess how non-invasive breathing support techniques influence sleep-wake cycling, a critical marker of brain health in preterm infants. We measure brain activity with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (EEG), alongside assessments of cardiorespiratory stability. Findings from this work could inform more brain-friendly approaches to respiratory care, ultimately supporting healthier neurodevelopmental outcomes.

We are always looking for motivated researchers to join our team.

Summer students
Summer students should contact Dr. Poorva Deshpande directly. 

Notable publications

Trends in cyclicity and amplitudes on amplitude-integrated electroencephalography during transition in extremely low gestational age infants

Acta Paediatrica, 2023

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Relationship between cerebral oxygenation, cardiac output, and blood pressure during transitional period in extremely low gestational age neonates

Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023

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A practical approach toward interpretation of amplitude integrated electroencephalography in preterm infants

European Journal of Pediatrics, 2022

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Combined multimodal cerebral monitoring and focused hemodynamic assessment in the first 72 h in extremely low gestational age infants

Neonatology, 2020

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Patent ductus arteriosus: The physiology of transition

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2018

Read the paper

Join our team

Visit our job board to see research positions. 

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