Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology)
State University of New York at Buffalo
Children's Hospital of Buffalo

Phone: (716) 878-7689
Lab: (716) 829-3368
Fax: (716) 878-7945
E-Mail: vkumar@upa.chob.edu

Special Interests:
Dr. Kumar's basic research focuses on the mechanisms involved in the development of lung inflammation and repair in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. He is currently directing the operation of a large research project utilizing a preterm ventilated sheep model to study the effects of inhaled Nitric Oxide on lung inflammation and pulmonary vasculature in preventing BPD. He is also examining the role of growth factors and cytokine expression in chronic lung injury model treated with iNO. His past research interests included studying the effects of beta agonists on surfactant secretion by type II cells. Additional academic interests include neuroprotective strategies in preventing IVH/PVL in preterm infants, birth asphyxia/HIE in term infants, hyperbilirubinemia, resident/fellow education, and international child health.

Medical School:
MD (MBBS), Karnatak Medical College, Karnatak University, Hubli, Karnataka, India, 1985

Pediatric Residency:
J.N. Medical College, Karnatak University, Belgaum, Karnataka State, India
1986-1989
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
1996-1997
Chief Resident
1997-1998

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship:
University of Connecticut
1993-1996

Certifications/Memberships
Diplomat of American Board of Pediatrics
Board Certified in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Member of Indian Academy of Pediatrics
Member of National Neonatology Forum, India

Recent Publications:

Vasanth HS Kumar, Constance Christian & Mitchell Kresch. Effect of Sameterol on secretion of phosphatidylcholine by alveolar type II cells. Life Sciences, Vol 66, No. 17: 1639-1646, 2000.

Vasanth HS Kumar, J Clive, TS Rosenkrantz, MD Bourque & N Hussian. Inguinal hernia in preterm infants (<=32 week gestation). Pediatr Surg Int. 18:147-152, 2002