Projects
Exercise training in patients with COPD experiencing an exacerbation KU Leuven
This multicenter FWO-project (in collaboration with Ghent university) focuses on the development and implementation of an exercise training program in primary care for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) after an acute exacerbation (AE). AEs contribute to the severity of the lung disease and lead to a large disease burden because they cause loss in function and decline in muscle strength and physical activity. The ...
Effects of functional strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation during hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial Hasselt University
Innate imprinting of resident alveolar macrophages by allergic airway inflammation: mechanism and consequences for asthma exacerbation Ghent University
In a mouse model of asthma, resident alveolar macrophages showed an increased inflammatory reactivity upon post-infection of the asthmatic lung. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying the altered macrophage innate functionality and hereby to enable interference with asthma exacerbation.
Targeting the modified innate functionality of the post-asthma alveolar macrophage for relieving Respiratory Syncytical Virus-induced astham exacerbation. Ghent University
Alveolar macrophages residing in the bronchoalveolar lumen of the lungs exhibit after an allergic asthma phase a modified functionality, featuring an increased inflammatory responsiveness to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, yet exhibit an unaltered antiviral defense. This uncoupling of inflammatory and antiviral responsiveness may well be at the origin of RSV-induced asthma exacerbation and promises a new therapeutic opportunity ...
Elucidating the clinical and genetic determinants of exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the elderly Ghent University
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) occurs frequently in elderly people, and is associated with episodes of worsening symptoms such as dyspnea, coughing and sputum (i.e. exacerbations). These COPD exacerbations sometimes require hospitalisation and increase the risk of mortality. We will perform epidemiologic research in large population-based cohort studies to unravel the clinical and genetic risk factors of COPD exacerbations.
Machine Learning-based solutions for the prediction of acute COPD exacerbations Ghent University
The CATALINA study: The contribution of breath analysis and home-based biomonitoring to standardized qualitative care and follow-up for acute COPD exacerbations KU Leuven
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death while producing an enormous cost on the health system. Despite its pandemic proportions and its huge impact, the disease is poorly understood. In particular, acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) which are driving the diseases process are poorly managed with 10% hospital related mortality, 30% 3-month readmission rates and 25% mortality within one year. Particularly striking is the lack of knowledge on ...
Early detection of COPD exacerbations based on non-obtrusive data coming from patient-friendly wearable biosensors KU Leuven
Early detection of COPD exacerbations allows early treatment. This is crucial to avoid the accelerated disease progression related to having exacerbations. Previous attempts to pick up signs and symptoms of exacerbations included active self-monitoring, putting burden to patients and resulting in low compliance. Multiple vital signs can now be measured using unobtrusive wearable biosensors, allowing a silent data collection and know to come ...
Increasing muscle strength after exacerbations in patients with COPD to minimalise the effect on physical activity KU Leuven
In this project we will construct a resistance exercise training program for patients with respiratory disease treated at home for an acute exacerbation of COPD. We will subsequently test this program for its feasibility and effectiveness to restore physical activity after acute exacerbations. To that end patients will be randomly allocated to receive the resistance training program after an acute exacerbation or receive usual care. The ...