Research team
Expertise
Diagnostic sleep studies. Upper and lower airway evaluation in asthma & COPD and design of clinical studies in bronchial carcinoma.
Functional respiratory imaging to predict treatment outcome in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea.
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent collapse of the upper airway during sleep resulting in an abnormal sleep pattern and drops in oxygen concentration. It affects up to 50% of obese children and can be considered as one of obesity's most important complications. It results in neurocognitive impairment but can also augment the obesity-related cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, a correct treatment is mandatory. Adenotonsillectomy, the classical first line treatment, has a success percentage of only 50%. This implies that 50% of obese children with OSA are at risk of being exposed to unnecessary surgery. The aim of this research project is to identify markers that could predict the outcome of this surgery in obese children with OSA. In a first study, we will identify markers that correlate with the severity of OSA in these children. More classical markers include for instance body mass index, neck circumference, tonsil size, etc. We will also use a more innovative approach with parameters obtained from ultra low dose CT-scanning and functional imaging methods (computational fluid dynamics) to describe more detailed physical characteristics of the airway (volume, cross sectional area, resistance). Second, we will identify markers that predict the success of treatment. Finally, we will apply virtual surgery on these images to determine if a specific child will benefit from surgery.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Verhulst Stijn
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Fellow: Lauwers Eline
- Fellow: Slaats Maria
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Next generation sleep monitoring platform (NXT_SLEEP).
Abstract
Currently, these sleeping disorders are diagnosed using polysomnography (PSG), which is a sleep test that monitors different physiological signals such as heart rate, respiration, EEG, muscle tone and eye movement. This type of test needs to be performed in a sleep laboratory, under the supervision of an expert who attaches several electrodes to the patient. Although PSG is an important diagnostic tool for sleep medicine, it is an uncomfortable and costly procedure, especially when multiple nights of observation are required. NXT_SLEEP will focus on the development of a next generation sleep monitoring platform that is less obtrusive and therefore more comfortable than the traditional polysomnography, allowing recordings for more than one night in a home environment, and using new sensors that deliver complete and useful information regarding the physiological parameters relevant for sleep-related breathing disorders.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
New insights in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pulmonary aspiration in children.
Abstract
This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand UZA. UA provides UZA research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Effectiveness of a community-based rehabilitation program for COPD patients.
Abstract
This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand UZA. UA provides UZA research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Sleep-disordered breathing in obese children and adolescents.
Abstract
This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
A functional imaging study of the vascular wall in sleep apnea patients.
Abstract
Study of the vascular wall by means of functional imaging in patients with sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder with a high prevalence, which is present in 5 to 10% of the general population, depending on its severity. Untill recently sleepiness during the daytime, fatigue and concentration problems are considered as the most important consequences of the disease. These symptoms are often present and disappear quickly after the start of adequate treatment with CPAP (1). The last decennium it has become clear that sleep apnea, which is characterized by repetitive oxygen desaturation, with inherent reoxygenation, is an important source of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. More recently these changes have been associated with increasing vascular pathology. Indeed, sleep apnea is associated with hypertension and an increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The link between severe OSA and cardiovascular burden has been shown convincingly by a very significant reduction of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with adequate nCPAP therapy compared to untreated OSA patients (2). OSA can lead to cardiovascular pathology by an incrase in sympathetic tone, but probably also by complex inflammatory processes and oxidative stress at the vascular wall (3). Therefore it is extremely important to describe in a very sensitive and adequate manner the changes in the structure of the vascular wall in OSA patients. The structural changes in the larger vessels can only be detected by means of a threedimensional reconstruction. Moreover, it is of interest to calculate the vascular resistance. Only recently, an analysis method has become available which makes it able to calculate resistances in geometries, when boundary conditions like pressure and flow are known. This method is known as 'computational fluid dynamics' or CFD. There is already some experience with biomedical applications of CFD in both the cardiovascular (4) and respiratory field (5). In the current research project we will study patients with different degrees of sleep apnea, before and after adequate treatment, with focus on the structure of the vascular wall, using CFD. The treatments which will be considered are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs compared to CPAP. Also the effect of combination therapies will be evaluated. References 1. McMahon, J. P., B. H. Foresman, and R. C. Chisholm. 2003. The influence of CPAP on the neurobehavioral performance of patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: a systematic review. WMJ. 102:36-43. 2. Marin, J. M., S. J. Carrizo, E. Vicente, and A. G. Agusti. 2005. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in men with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea with or without treatment with continuous positive airway pressure: an observational study. Lancet 365:1046-1053. 3. Lavie, L. 2004. Sleep apnea syndrome, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular morbidity. Sleep 27:1053-1055. 4. Eloot, S., Y. D'Asseler, P. De Bondt, and R. Verdonck. 2005. Combining SPECT medical imaging and computational fluid dynamics for analyzing blood and dialysate flow in hemodialyzers. Int.J Artif.Organs 28:739-749. 5. De Backer, J., O. Vanderveken, W. Vos, A. Devolder, S. Verhulst, J. Verbraecken, P. Parizel, M. Braem, P. Van de Heyning, W. De Backer. 2007. Functional imaging using computational fluid dynamics to predict treatment success of mandibular advancement devices in sleep-disordered breathing. J Biomechanics 40:16: 3708-3714.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Verbraecken Johan
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Fellow: Vrints Heleen
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Characterizing the effects of inhaled particulate matter on airways: an overall study design from atmosphere to alveoli.
Chair: Innovation in the treatment of chronic respiratory failure due to COPD (part 3).
Abstract
With this grant we will expand the NIV studies in COPD patients using functional CFD base imaging. This will not only learn more about the effect and indications of NIV but will also allow to start with phenotyping of COPD patients and to correlate the discovered phenotyping in relation with the resultus of interventions. By doing so the work will become of more general interest and will support therapeutic flow charts to be developed for this heterogeneous COPD population.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Innovating therapeutical interventions for infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Fellow: Devolder Annick
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Innovation in the treatment of chronic respiratory faillure.
Abstract
This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand UZA. UA provides UZA research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Functional analysis of the respiratory system by computational fluid dynamics.
A phase 3 study of the efficacy of nicotine substitution (NS) on the appearance of acute nicotine withdrawal symptoms in hospitalised patients, coupled with translational research of the determinants of such withdrawal symptoms.
Pulmonary rehabilitation and systemic inflammation.
Biomarkers and their value in the diagnosis and treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Abstract
Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a general term for chronic, irreversible lung disease that combines qualities of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The progressive course of COPD is often aggravated by exacerbations, the majority of them produced by bronchial infection [1]. Frequent exacerbations have been demonstrated to have negative impact on quality of life and pulmonary function in patients with COPD, particularly in active smokers. Furthermore, acute exacerbations are the most frequent cause of medical visits, hospital admissions and death among patients with chronic lung disease [2]. There is increasing evidence that COPD is associated with chronic inflammation in the airways and lung parenchyma, leading to damage of lung tissue. Patients with COPD are known to have increased numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in their sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid relative to normal subjects [3]. However, little is known about the inflammatory response during acute COPD exacerbation. Patients with mild acute exacerbation COPD showed increased numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, CD-3 lymphocytes and TNF-a-positive cells in bronchial biopsies compared with other COPD patients examined under conditions of clinical stability [4]. Similarly, other investigators have shown that patients with COPD who experience frequent (3 or more per year) exacerbations have higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in induced sputum compared to patients with fewer exacerbations [5]. Although these studies suggest that patients with COPD exacerbation show evidence of increased inflammatory activity relative to control subjects, there are no longitudinal studies that have compared concentrations of biomarkers in individual patients before, during, and after an acute COPD exacerbation. On the other hand acute exacerbations of COPD are not well defined. Use of signs as cough, sputum purulence and volume, dyspnoea and change or increased use of medication (steroid, antibiotics) are all subjective parameters. There is an urgent need for additional descriptors to make a distinction between severe and mild exacerbations, to correlate with progression of the disease and to correlate with the clinical outcome. The aim of this study is 1) to determine if inflammatory markers associated with persistent neutrophilic inflammation and activation in COPD increase at times of acute COPD exacerbation relative to the clinical stable disease; 2) to determine whether the presence of acute bacterial infection at the time of exacerbation could be correlated with increase in sputum markers of inflammation in both COPD patients and in smokers (without COPD) with and without respiratory infections.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Study of the influence of fine particles in indoor and outdoor air on chronic obstructive respiratory diseases in Antwerp and surroundings on the basis of an improved chemical analytical methodology.
Abstract
Prevalence rates of chronic obstructive respiratory diseases (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma) seem to be increasing and have important health and economic effects. The aim of this project is to evaluate the influence of air pollution on the occurrence of this disease. The following objectives have been formulated: 1) The identification and follow-up of health parameters of airways (respiratory symptoms, lung function, bronchial hyperreactivity) and allergy in Antwerp and a number of municipalities of the province. 2) Determination of individual exposure ('exposure assessment'). 3) Evaluation of the association between the composition of the ambient air (particulate fractions) and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asthma and allergy in adults and children in Antwerp and a number of municipalities of the province. 4) In order to determine the relation between these respiratory symptoms and the chemical composition, a full chemical characterization of the fine and ultrafine fractions is needed. These fractions consist, apart from inorganic components, mainly of soot and organic compounds. Especially the analysis of the organic fraction is a very difficult matter. Therefore, we will evaluate the possibilities of Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography coupled with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the analysis of the organic fraction. Also the other (inorganic) fractions will be characterized (both qualitatively as (semi)-quantitatively) using modern techniques, already available. As such, it should be possible to get a better insight into the relationship with previously mentioned respiratory diseases (COPD and asthma).Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Weyler Joost
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Van Bever Hugo
- Co-promoter: Van Grieken Rene
- Co-promoter: van Sprundel Marc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Consulting on medical scientific aspects of common interest in Pulmonary Medicine.
Abstract
Consulting regarding 1) trends in Pulmonology in Belgium, 2) optimal use of Internet in Pulmonology, 3) problems related to use of carrier gases and MDI's in the treatment of obstructive lung diseases.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
European prospective study of environment, allergy and the lung (respiratory health survey II). (EU-PEAL)
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Promoter: Vermeire Paul
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
New developments in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
The anti-inflammatory effects of Accolate.
Abstract
Randomised double blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Accolate (zafirlukast) 20 mg bd in mild asthmatic patients.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The role of the redox status of the epithelial lining fluid of the lung in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive lung disease.
Abstract
The aim of the study is to get more insight in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive lung disease, with regard to the redox status of the epithelial ling fluid and the role of the gamma-glutamylcycle as an important enzyme system involved in the regulation of the extracellular redox status.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Vermeire Paul
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Cross-over study comparing formoterol and placebo in patients with nocturnal asthma.
Abstract
The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of long-acting beta2agonists on the breathing pattern and airflow obstruction during the night in patients with bronchial asthma. Long-acting beta2-agonists may indeed be very helpful in the treatment of nocturnal asthma but have never been studied thoroughly during the night. Beside classic measurements of airflow limitation (spirometry, disease specific questionnaires) also full polysomnography will be performed at several occasions : at baseline, after 4-6week treatment with formoterol and after 4-6 week treatment with placebo. These measurements will allow carefull analysis of sleep structure and breathing pattern so that finally the influence of long-acting beta2-agonists on these parameters will be known.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Treatment of patients with sleep related breathing disorders taken into account the characteristic of the upper airway.
Abstract
Patients with sleep related breathing disorders do have sleep disruption with daytime hypersonulolence beside an increased risk for cardiovascular accidents. Therefore these patients need to be treated adequately. The selection of treatment modalities should be as specific as possible. Identification of the site of upper airway obstruction as well as the critical closing presssure may be very imortant in making this selection; the aim of the project is to evaluate the treatment of the disease when these characteristics are taken into account. Also new treatment modalities such as electrical stirnulation of the Hypoglossal nerve will be evaluated.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Role of gastroesophageal reflux in the pathogenesis of sleep apnoe.
Abstract
Both human and animal experimental data have shown that afferent impulses from upper airway receptors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of sleep related breathing disorders. Gastroesophageal reflux in particular may be an important stimulus of pharyngeal mucosal receptors. The aim of the present study is to establish a possible link between sleep apnoea and gastroesophageal reflux. In patients with sleep apnoea and clinical signs of reflux, polysomnography in combination with PH measurements in the esophagus will be performed. Changes in the breathing pattern will be related with changes in oesophageal PH.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Acute lung injury in cardiac surgery patients.
Abstract
Extracorporeal circulation, as it is used during cardiac surgery, induces activation of neutrophils. This activation leads to the expression of adhesion molecules at the surface of the cells. Because of this phenomenon neutrophils will adhere to the endothelium of the pulmanory capillaries and release several inflammatory mediators. The release of inflammatory mediators causes damage to the alveolo-capillary membrane and finally pulmonary edema with an increased number of neutrophils in the alveoli. The type of the membrane used determines whether this kind of activation occurs. The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether heaprin-coated membranes are more biocompatible and cause less pulmanory damage. A comparative study will be performed between the classical membranes and the heparin-coated membrane (Duraflo II).Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The role of exposure to silica in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritides.
Abstract
This study, aiming to study the association between occupational exposure to silicon-containing compounds and the development of ANCA-positive glomerulonephritis, consists in 4 interdependent parts. A case-control study will determine the risk ratio of nephrotoxicity after silica- exposure. In a toxicological part, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid will be investigated. During a chemical analysis, the identificatian/specification of the silicon particle will be studied. A experimental part aims to obtain more insight in the pathophysiological mechanism using a ratmodel with inhalation of silica particles.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Broe Marc
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
- Co-promoter: D'Haese Patrick
- Co-promoter: Nouwen Etienne
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Study of upper airway reflexes in patients with obstructive sleep apnoe syndrome.
Abstract
Patients with obstructive sleep apnoe syndrome will be evaluated with additional measurements of the upper airway compliance. Also the site of the obstruction will be determined. To obtain these data pressure in the pharynx will be measured at several sites during sleep. Based on these data patients will be selected for specific stimulation techniques (electrical/mechanical) in order to treat their obstructive sleep apnea syndrome more specifically.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Van de Heyning Paul
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Role of N-Acetylcysteine as an anti-inflammatory agent in patients with COPD.
Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) will be treated with N-Acetylcysteine. During the course of the treatment airway inflammation will be studied by analysing induced sputum. Beyond cellular components various inflammatory mediators in the sputum will be studied. The results obtained with this method will be compared with a crossover design to those seen in the same COPD patients treated with inhaled steriods.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Role of exposure to and inhalation of silicon compounds in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.
Abstract
In the project the (1) relationship between the exposure to silicon compounds and the prevalence of ANCA-positive glomerulonephritis (2) the value of BAL for the evaluation of exposure to silicon compounds (3) the type and the composition of silicon compounds in the working environment responsible for the development of ANCA's be investigated and an experimental rat model be developed.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Broe Marc
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Co-promoter: De Clerck Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
A multinational study to assess efficacy, safety and tolerance of oral levofloxacin in comparison with cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of adult patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD) will be treated when infected with a new generation quinolone (levofloxacin). The results will be compared to those obtained with cefuroxime axetil.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
A multicentre, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, dose-ranging study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral twice daily administration of SB 2053 12 in out patients with mild asthma.
Abstract
Patients with mild to moderate asthma will be treated during three months with a leucotriene-antagonist in addition to their treatment with inhaled sterioids. They will be followed using clinical outcome and lung function tests. Also the PRN use of inhaled bet2mimetics will be used as a parameter.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Effects of beta-agonist on asthma.
Abstract
Study on the effects of long-active beta agonists on various parameters of asthma parameters as well as on breathing related sleep parameters. Impact on airway inflammation.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Vermeire Paul
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Study of chronic airway inflammation in COPD of risk factors in asthma; of epidemiology and treatment of lung cancer.
Abstract
Study before and after treatment of inflammatory mediators in COPD. Stduy of risk factors possibly contributing to high asthma in the community. Study of lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma in the Flemish region as well as of new treatment modalities of both conditions.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Vermeire Paul
- Co-promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Use of formoterol in bronchial asthma.
Abstract
Patients with mild to moderate asthma will be treated with a long-acting inhaled beta2mimetic (formoterol) in order to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of this (additional) treatment in patients with unstable asthma. Patients will be treated with formoterol, more specifically in order to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy when administered by turbohaler. Also the role of formoterol in the treatment of nocturnal asthma will be studied.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Place of D-2522 in asthma therapy.
Abstract
The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of long acting B-2 agonists (D-2522) in the treatment of bronchiaal asthma. D-2522 in powder form administered by turbohaler will be evaluated in different dosages. Also the potential sparing effect of inhaled steroids by D-2522 will be studied. Finally the usefulness of D-2522 for nocturnal asthma will be examined.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Vermeire Paul
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Study of acute lung injury after extracorporeal circulation during cardiac surgery.
Abstract
Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) leads to activation of the complement system, intrapulmonary sequestration of neutrophils and release of several mediatoris of inflammation. The aim of the study is to explore further this type of ARDS like lung injury. The release of these mediators, derived from the most important inflammatory cells, into the blood and locally into the lung parenchyma will be studied.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Role of N-acetylcysteine pretreatment in the prevention of acute lung injury (ARDS).
Abstract
Prevention of acute lung injury will be studied in a model of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). ECC provokes a well described inflammatory pattern which can be studied by measuring inflammatory mediators in the blood and in the lung parenchyma. The potential protective effect of pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine will be studied.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Backer Wilfried
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project