Profile
Dr Chua Mei Chien is a Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neonatology and Head, Special Care Nursery, in KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH).
Her special area of interest is neonatal nutrition, especially nutrition of the preterm infant. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop evidence-based protocols for nutritional management of preterm infants, nurse-led feeding pathway and has won cluster and nationals awards for her work in promoting breastfeeding, her contributions to the Sale of Infant Foods Ethics Committee Singapore (SIFECS) as well as clinical service excellence.
Dr Chua is the Chairperson of the hospital's Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and is instrumental in steering KKH to achieve baby friendly accreditation in June 2014 and March 2017. She established the first Donor Human Milk Bank in Singapore in Aug 2017 in partnership with Temasek Foundation Cares. She is currently serving as president of the Association for Breastfeeding Advocacy (Singapore) and honorary treasurer of the College of Pediatric and Child Heath, Singapore. She also chairs the Perinatal Society of Singapore Advocacy Group for Engagement in Optimal Perinatal Nutrition. She is Chairman of the KKH Medication Safety Committee and represents KKH in the National Medication Council.
Education
- MRCP (Paeds) (UK) 1998
- MMED (Paeds) (Singapore) 1998
- MBBS (Singapore) 1994
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Professional Appointments and Committee Memberships
Membership in Professional & Academic Societies- Council Member (Treasurer), College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Singapore (CPCHS), Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 2018 – Present
- Chairperson, Optimal PErinatal Nutrition – Perinatal Society of Singapore Advocacy Group & Engagement (OPEN‐PAGE), 2018 – Present
- Fellow, Fellowship, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS), 2017 – Present
- Code Review Committee, SIFECS, 2017 – Present
- Member, Perinatal Society of Singapore, 2016 – Present
- President, Association for Breastfeeding Advocacy (Singapore), 2016 – Present
- Core Workgroup, and Accredited Assessor and Reviewer, BFHI (Singapore), 2010 – Present
Administrative AppointmentsMOH- Lead, Labelling of Injectables Workgroup, 2017 – Present
- Member, MOH National Medication Safety Committee, 2017 – Present
SingHealth- Member, SingHealth Medication Safety Workgroup, 2017 – Present
KKH- Co-Chair, Medication Infusion Device Evaluation Committee, 2019 – Present
- Chairman, Medication Safety Committee, 2017 – Present
- Team Lead, Transforming Care Taskforce - Chronic Paediatric Care, 2017 – Present
- Co-Lead, JCI Workgroup: Medication Management and Use (MMU), 2017 – Present
- Member, Pharmacy & Therapeutic Committee, 2017 – Present
- Deputy Chairman, Homecare Programme, 2016 – Present
- Chairperson, BFHI Steering Committee, 2014 – Present
- Chairperson, Department Mortality, 2015 – Present
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Awards
- SingHealth Excellence Award 2019 - Distinguished Team Award.
- MOH Appreciation and Awards 2018 - 10-Year Long Service Award.
- Singapore Health Quality Service Awards - Silver Award – 2017.
- Human Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Fellowship Award (Team) for Donor Human Milk Banking – 2016.
- KKH-SingHealth - 20 years Long Service Award – 2015.
- Best Oral Presentation Award ‘Effect of Additives on the Osmolality of Milk Feeds of Premature Infants’ - Duke SingHealth Scientific Congress – 2010.
- CPIP Merit Project Award for PRAISE Breastfeeding – 2010.
- CPIP Project ‘Proactive Actions to Increase Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding (PRAISE Breastfeeding)’ - TEAM Excellence Silver Award – 2009.
- CPIP Project ‘Proactive Actions to Increase Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding (PRAISE Breastfeeding)’ - 17th PI Forum KKH Runner Up – 2009.
- Service from the Heart (KKH) – 2007.
- National Excellent Service Award (EXSA) – Gold Award – 2006.
- Human Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Fellowship Award for Neonatology – Gastroenterology – 2004.
- Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Fellowship Award for the Master of Medicine (Pediatrics) Course – 1998.
- Prime Minister’s Book Prize – 1987.
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Research Interests
- Impact of Nutrition in newborn period on growth and development especially in premature newborns
- Optimising Nutritional Intake in Preterm Infants
- Programming Effect of Nutrition on Long-Term Health
- Promotion of Breastfeeding
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Publications
Refereed Journals (International)- Influence of Mode of Delivery on Cytokine Expression in Cord Blood. Nandanan B, Chua MC, Chiang WC, Goh A, Kumar D, Knippels L, Garssen J, Sandalova E. Hum Immunol. 2019 Mar 26. pii: S0198-8859(19)30174-0. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.03.018.
- Nutrients or Nursing? Understanding how Breast Milk Feeding Affects Child Cognition. Pang WW, Tan PT, Cai S, Fok D, Chua MC, Lim SB, Shek LP, Chan SY, Tan KH, Yap F, Gluckman PD, Godfrey KM, Meaney MJ, Broekman BFP, Kramer MS, Chong YS, Rifkin-Graboi A. EUR J Nutr. 2019 Feb 26. doi: 10.1007/s00394-019-01929-2.
- Adherence to a Healthy Eating Index for Pregnant Women is associated with Lower Neonatal Adiposity in a Multiethnic Asian Cohort: The Growing Up in Singapore towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) Study. Ai-Ru Chia, Mya-Thway Tint, Chad Yixian Han, Ling-Wei Chen, Marjorelee Colega, Izzuddin M Aris, Mei-Chien Chua, Kok-Hian Tan, Fabian Yap, Lynette Pei-Chi Shek, Yap-Seng Chong, Keith M Godfrey, Marielle V Fortier, Yung Seng Lee, Mary Foong-Fong Chong. Am J Clin Nutr 2018;107:71–79.
- Association between Maternal Exposure to Phthalates and Lower Language Ability in Offspring Derived from Hair Metabolome Analysis. Jones B, Han TL, Delplancke T, McKenzie EJ, de Seymour JV, Chua MC, Tan KH, Baker PN. Scientific Reports 2018; Vol 8, Article number: 6745, doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24936-5.
- Effect of Synbiotic on the Gut Microbiota of Cesarean Delivered Infants: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter Study. Mei Chien Chua, Kaouther Ben-Amor, Christophe Lay, Anne E.N. Goh, Wen Chin Chiang, Rajeshwar Rao, Charmaine Chew, Surasith Chaithongwongwatthana, Nipon Khemapech, Jan Knol, Voranush Chongsrisawat. JPGN 2017;65: 102–106.
- Direct vs. Expressed Breast Milk Feeding: Relation to Duration of Breastfeeding. Wei Wei Pang, Jonathan Y. Bernard, Geetha Thavamani, Yiong Huak Chan, Doris Fok, Shu-E Soh, Mei Chien Chua, Sok Bee Lim, Lynette P. Shek, Fabian Yap, Kok Hian Tan, Peter D. Gluckman 2,11, Keith M. Godfrey 12,13, Rob M. van Dam 14,15, Michael S. Kramer, Yap-Seng Chong. MDPI Nutrients 2017, 9, 547; doi:10.3390/nu9060547.
- Docosahexaenoic Acid and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants. Collins CT, Makrides M, McPhee AJ, Sullivan TR, Davis PG, Thio M, Simmer K, Rajadurai VS, Travadi J, Berry MJ, Liley HG, Opie GF, Tan K, Lui K, Morris SA, Stack J, Stark MJ, Chua MC, Jayagobi PA, Holberton J, Bolisetty S, Callander IR, Harris DL, Gibson RA. N Engl J Med. 2017 Mar 30;376(13):1245-1255. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1611942.
- Medications That Increase Osmolality and Compromise the Safety of Enteral Feeding in Preterm Infants. Suresh Chandran. Mei Chien Chua. Wanyun Lin, Jia Min Wong, Seyed Ehsan Saffari, Victor Samuel Rajadurai. Neonatology 2017;111:309–316. doi: 10.1159/000454667.
- A Comparison of Practices during the Confinement Period among Chinese, Malay, and Indian Mothers in Singapore. Fok, Doris; Aris, Izzuddin; Ho, Jiahui; Lim, Sok Bee; Chua, Mei Chien; Pang, Wei Wei; Saw, Seang-Mei; Kwek, Kenneth; Godfrey, Keith; Kramer, Michael; Chong, Yap Seng. Birth. 2016 Mar 27. doi: 10.1111/birt.12233.
- Determinants of Breastfeeding Practices and Success in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population. Pang, Wei Wei; Aris, Izzuddin; Fok, Doris; Soh, Shu-E; Chua, Mei Chien; Lim, Sok Bee; Saw, Seang-Mei; Kwek, Kenneth; Gluckman, Peter; Godfrey, Keith; van Dam, Rob; Kramer, Michael; Chong, Yap Seng GUSTO Study Group. Birth. 2016 Mar;43(1):68-77. doi: 10.1111/birt.12206. Epub 2015 Dec 8.
- Prebiotic-Supplemented Partially Hydrolysed Cow's Milk Formula for the Prevention of Eczema in High-Risk Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Boyle RJ,Tang ML, Chiang WC, Chua MC, Ismail I, NautaA, Hourihane JO, Smith P, Gold M, Ziegler J, Peake J, Quinn P, Rao R, Brown N, Rijnierse A, Garssen J, Warner JO, PATCH Study Investigators Allergy, 2016 May;Vol: 71, Pages: 701-710.
- Higher Protein and Energy Intake is Associated with Increased Weight Gain in Pre-Term Infants. Carmel T Collins, Mei Chien Chua, Victor S Rajadurai, Andrew J McPhee, Lisa N Miller, Robert A Gibson, Maria Makrides. J Paediatr Child Health. 2010 Mar;46(3):96-102. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2009.01645.x. Epub 2010 Jan 26. PMID:20105257.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome from Maternal Cough Mixture Ingestion. Chua Mei Chien; Victor Samuel Rajadurai. Perinatology 2004, Vol 6(1): 37-40.
Refereed Journals (Local)
- Perinatal Society of Singapore Advocacy Group for Engagement on Optimal Perinatal Nutrition with the Support of Integrated Platform for Research in Advancing Metabolic Health Outcomes of Women and Children (IPRAMHO). Mei Chien CHUA, Tony TAN, Wee Meng HAN, Mary Foong Fong CHONG, Seng Bin ANG, Victor Samuel RAJADURAI, Lay Kok TAN, Lay Wai KHIN, Claudia CHI, Juin LEE, Kok Hian TAN. Abstract from the Singapore Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Volume 50 Number 1: 10-12, 2019.
- Early Discharge Planning in Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies: A Quality Improvement Project. Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare. Anand Amudha Jayanthi, Chua Mei Chien, Khoo Siok Hong, Yuen Poh Leng, Fong Mary Choi Wan, Annie Goh, Pratibha Agarwal. 2016 Nov 03. DOI: 10.1177/2010105816676827.
- Use of Central Venous Lines in Pediatrics – A Local Experience. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 1998 May; 27(3):358-62.
Published Abstracts
- Transgenerational Perinatal Nutrition – Optimising Nutrition for Mother, Baby and Child. Chua Mei Chien. Abstract from the Singapore Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Volume 50 Number 1, 2019.
- Utilisation of Donor Milk amongst Muslims in Tertiary Hospitals in Singapore. Mei Chien Chua, Pooja A. Jayagobi, Anng Anng Wong, Cynthia Pang, Siew Tin Ang. Abstracts from the 19th International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation Conference. Breastfeeding Medicine, Vol. 13 No. 7, 2018.
Non-Refereed Publications
Books & Chapters
- The Baby Bear Book – A Practical Guide on Pediatrics (Third Edition 2015) – Contributed the Chapter on Breastfeeding (Author).
- Healthy Start for Your Baby – Healthier Child, Brighter Future (HPB 2013) – Content Advisor and Editor.
- Management of Breastfeeding for Preterm Infants Clinical Practice Guidelines (MOH, 2003).
Abstracts
- The Journey of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in Singapore. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Congress, World Health Organization Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland 2016.
- Correlating the Breast Characteristics with Latch Assessment Scores and the Evaluation of a New Modified Breast Pump in Chinese Breastfeeding Mothers. Duke-SingHealth Scientific Congress 2016.
- A Synbiotic Mixture of scGOS/lcFOS and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is Able to Restore the Delayed Colonization of Bifidobacterium Observed in C-Section Delivered Infants. ESPGHAN 2016.
- Knowledge Attitude and Perceptions of Singaporean Mothers Regarding Human Milk Bank. ASPR 2015.
- Adequacy of Transitional Energy and Protein Intake in Very Low Birth Weight in VLBW Infants. ASPR 2015.
- Evaluation of Standardized Versus Customized Parenteral Nutrition in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. Duke SingHealth Scientific Congress 2014.
- Characterising the Breast Size of Breastfeeding Mothers of Different Races. Duke SingHealth Scientific Congress 2012.
- Effect of Additives on the Osmolality of Milk Feeds of Premature Infants. Duke-SingHealth Scientific Congress 2010.
- Characterising the Nutritional Intake of Preterm Infants Born <33 weeks gestation. KKH ASM 2009.
- Comparison of Intake and Growth in Infants <33 weeks Gestation. PSANZ 2008.
- To Increase Usage of Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) in the Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infant Population by 15% Over a Six-Month Period. SingHealth Quality Convention 2007.
- Outcome of Nutritional Intervention on Growth of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants. KKH 3rd Combined Annual Scientific Meeting 6th to 8th July 2007.
- Improving the Nutritional Intake of the VLBW Infant. 47th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Research 7th to 10th October 2006.
- To Improve The Nutritional Intake of the Very Low Birth Weight Infant. KKH 2nd Combined Annual Scientific Meeting 7th to 8th July 2006.
- Improving the Nutritional Intake of the VLBW Infant. Singapore Clinical Quality Improvement Forum. Marina Mandarin Singapore 7th October 2005 – 2nd Runner Up.
- Natural History of ASD Diagnosed in the Neonatal Period. Presented at the 36th Singapore-Malaysia Congress of Medicine – Golden Jubilee of the Singapore Paediatric Society in Conjunction with the 36th Annual Combined Surgical Meeting 2002.
- Use of Central Venous Lines in Paediatrics – A Local Experience Presented at the 4th Pediatric Scientific Meeting on ‘Challenges in Child Health’ – Chapter of Paediatrics, Academy of Medicine, and Singapore Paediatric Society Meeting 1995.
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Research Trials
Latest Ongoing Research Projects
Principal Investigator
- Human Milk Microbiome as a Biological Reservoir for New Drug Therapeutics – Discovery through a Platform Technology Approach
- A Pilot Study Evaluating Sleep, Stress and Infant Nutrition Using a Chatbot with Parents of Preterm and Full-Term Infants
- A Retrospective Audit of the Neonatal Nutritional Practices and Their Impact on the Growth Patterns of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Babies
- A Follow-Up Study to Investigate the Evolution of Allergic Diseases and Possible Risk Markers in High-Allergy Risk Singaporean Children Up to 10 Years of Age
- To Investigate the Immediate Effect of Birth on Immunological Parameters in Cord Blood and Compare with Data of CS Born Infants Collected in the JULIUS Study
Co-Investigator
- Best Practices to Improve Healthcare Outcomes – Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants – Interventions and Outcome
- The Role of Postprandial Intestinal Perfusion in Feeding Intolerance and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Premature Infants
- Bowel Sounds Sensor (BoSS) Project in Term Newborn Babies
- Antibiotic Use for Very Low Birth Weight Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Early Identification of Hemolysis with ETCOc Measurement in Newborns at Risk for Severe Hyperbilirubinemia
- Can Pentoxifylline Improve Long Term Outcomes in Preterm Infants with Late Onset Sepsis or Necrotizing Enterocolitis? A Pragmatic, Randomised, Placebo Controlled Trial
- Investigating the Outcomes of Early Feeding in Preterm Infants on a Nurse-Led Semi-Cue-Based Feeding Pathway
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