How can the relatively poor outcomes of lung transplantation be improved through better understanding of basic biology and/or clinical care?
Conventional trials are becoming too expensive and complex, and have low recruitment rates and are not generalizable.
How does insufficient sleep impair hormonal, cellular, and tissues barriers mediating lung immunity and risk of lung infection?
Critical Challenge
We have a number of highly effective evidence-based interventions that have been shown to reduce ASCVD events - statins, BP drugs, aspirin, acute care. Yet large proportions of high risk population groups are not taking evidence-based treatment. Numerous interventions have been tried at multiple levels from the individual patient to the federal government payors. What are the best practices? How can we systematically... more »
There are many novel imaging modalities, including radiographic, scintigraphic, sonographic, MR-based, and molecular for the heart and vessels. Patients have unique medical "signatures"- genetic risk factor profiles, epigenetic markings, "omics" profiles, and personal clinical and family history as well as symptom constellation and physical exam findings. Can these all be integrated into a single personalized profile... more »
Heart transplant is the ultimate treatment for AHA stage-D heart failure. Due to availability, heart transplants will be limited to about 2,500 per year. Patients with AHA stage-D heart failure has estimated prevalence of 0.2% for age >45. Thus, patients in need far exceed organs available. A failed heart has very challenging environment for cellular therapy. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can offload the heart... more »
What factors drive neurodevelopment impairment in children with congenital heart disease?
Sarcoidosis affects individuals of all races and ages and both genders, although it tends to cause significant morbidity and mortality for people in the prime of their productive life. Women, minorities and underserved populations tend to be more affected. Recent studies suggest that sarcoidosis and its severe manifestations, such as cardiac, neurologic and end stage pulmonary disease' are increasing, While the current... more »
It is very difficult to find doctors that are educated in Sarcoidosis. Some think its not big deal, patients are hypochondriacs, looking for attention etc. How do we get the doctors to learn more about Sarcoidosis to better help their patients who live with this.
Effect of adenotonsillectomy on neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in infants and and toddlers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
What are the risk factors and treatment options for pulmonary hypertension related to diastolic dysfunction in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?
What are the true risks of physical activity and competitive sports for children/young adults with congenital heart disease and arrhythmia syndromes?
As a clinician, over the years I have noted major differences in adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetics who are treated with insulin +/- oral agents compared to those only treated with oral agents. Cardiovascular events occur much less often and at a much later timeframe in diabetics ("Type 2/adult onset") treated with insulin as the primary method. Even with newer agents, there may be slight improvement, but... more »
What is the relation of environmental factors such as cigarette smoke exposure to the risk of developing acute lung injury as well as the outcome from acute lung injury and sepsis?