Head: prof dr Twan Mulder
Main research topics:
This unit participates in clinical studies on the effect of new therapies and new therapeutics within a well-defined study population. Multidisciplinary research mainly focuses on cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity in young patients with specific diseases such as Down syndrome and obesity. Other research topics include long-term follow-up of premature infants, children with Down syndrome, with Fabry syndrome and organization of transition from infant to adult care.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is common pulmonary complication of preterm birth. It is known that BPD negatively affect respiratory health in childhood. Current diagnostics involve an assessment of the need for oxygen therapy and/or passing. Even though respiratory support reflects clinical disease severity, it lacks indicators that reflect pathophysiological processes in the lungs. In this translational research line (animal models and clinical studies) the pathophysiological mechanisms of BPD and the role of breathomics in the diagnosis and disease severity of BPD are further explored.
Pediatric intensive care
The study on the immune pathogenesis during RSV-infection in children focuses on the immunological balance in different populations of children with an RSV infection including children with a common cold as well as children in need of mechanical ventilation due to severe bronchiolitis. The T-cell balance in these children is studied in search of factors predictive of the severity of an RSV infection.
PhDs & Projects
PhD Lucas Panneel
Exposure to plasticizers leaching from plastic medical devices in Neonatal Intensive Care and impact on the long-term neurocognitive and pulmonary development.
PhD Inès Ghys
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