Highlighting EAP Young Investigator Award Presenter – Derek P. De Winter

The EAP Young Investigator Award session in Vienna (October 2024), featured outstanding presentations from promising researchers in the field of paediatrics. We are pleased to spotlight the important research of Derek P. De Winter (Netherlands), who presented during the EAP Young Investigator Award session at the EAPS Congress in Vienna. The judges faced a difficult task, given the exceptional quality of each presentation. View more details below!

Exploring Predictive Strategies for Exchange Transfusions

Derek’s research investigates whether antenatal maternal serology tests—specifically maximum antibody titers and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) tests—can be used to predict the need for exchange transfusions (ET) in neonates with hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The study, conducted across 24 hospitals in the Netherlands, included data from over 600 patients and examined ET trends over the past decade.

Key Findings

• Maternal antibody titers were strong predictors:
• Only 0.9% of infants required ET if titers were ≤1:32, compared to 17.2% when titers reached 1:256.
• ADCC test results showed similar predictive value:
• The need for ET increased from 1.1% to 17.9% when ADCC levels rose from <50% to ≥50%.
• Shifting Treatment Landscape:
• The number of non-NICU hospitals performing ET decreased by 56.1% between 2010 and 2021, reflecting a shift in care practices.

Impact on Neonatal Care

This study offers valuable insights into how early maternal testing can help caregivers anticipate severe hyperbilirubinemia and determine the optimal place of birth for high-risk neonates. Derek’s research not only supports more precise treatment strategies but also highlights how the reduction in ET procedures has altered the care landscape, limiting the number of hospitals equipped to perform this life-saving procedure.

See You in Warsaw

16-19  October 2025

Join Us in Warsaw – EAP Congress and MasterCourse 2025

We congratulate Ser Yee Soh for his important contributions to paediatric research. Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more remarkable work from the EAPS Congress.

We invite you to join us at the EAP Congress and MasterCourse in Warsaw from 16–19 October 2025, where innovative research and collaboration will once again take centre stage. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity – see you in Warsaw!

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