Airway epithelial studies in children with wheezing disorders

The Shields group have developed an ex-vivo model of the airway epithelium in children. Samples are obtained from the bronchi of children in an ethically acceptable way - namely bronchial brushings and lavage samples are obtained when children are anaesthetised for elective surgical procedures.  The brush samples from the epithelium are cultured and differentiated in the laboratory to formciliated and goblet cells as is present in the normal airway.  We are using this model to study RSV disease (acute bronchiolitis, with Dr Ultan Power), viral induced wheezing disorders and atopic asthma (with Professors Heaney, Ennis and Drs Schock and McGarvey).

Molecula rmethods used for rapid point of care testing of respiratory and seriousbacterial infections in children

In collaboration with Professor Peter Coyle and Drs Derek Fairley and Tom Bourke we have developed and piloted the potential use of a near patient rapid diagnostic test for early meningococcal disease in children.   In addition, we have a bioarchive of microbiologically characterised specimens which can be used for development of new rapid diagnostic tests.

Clinical studies

We have been investigating various non-invasive rapid monitoring tests as ways of determining the presence of allergic airways inflammation in asthma children.This has included a novel hand held breath temperature device, exhaled nitricoxide and a wheezometer (to quantify wheeze in young infants)