Graduate Seminar Series: Clinical Stream – Shaghayegh Chavoshian

Graduate Seminar Series: Clinical Stream
Graduate Seminar Series for the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This day is for clinical stream presenters.
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Presentation Title: Investigating the Influence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Asthma and Proposing a Prediction Model
Abstract:
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that can make breathing difficult and sometimes impossible. There are a variety of factors and comorbidities in asthma that can lead to respiratory insufficiency or failure such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite the large overlap between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea, the underlying mechanisms of the pathophysiological link between these two disorders are in their infancy. Previously, it has been shown that the fluid accumulation in the neck and thorax while supine can be a unifying mechanism for the overlap of asthma and OSA. However, it is not clear how the rostral fluid shift in the thorax affects airway narrowing in asthma and how it can be managed. Our central hypothesis is that one mechanism by which OSA can predispose to small airway narrowing in asthma is by increasing negative intrathoracic pressure and aggravating fluid accumulation in the thorax during sleep.
In this study, we aim to address the current gaps in asthma management through three interconnected objectives. First, we will investigate the changes in mechanical properties of airways in patients with asthma and OSA due to increased negative intrathoracic pressure and thoracic fluid volume (TFV). Second, we will investigate if OSA treatments by either removing intrathoracic pressure or reducing TFV would alleviate overnight narrowing in airways in populations with asthma and OSA. Third, we will develop a model to predict asthma worsening by monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration signals.
By accomplishing the objectives of this study, more information about the interaction between asthma and OSA will be gained. Furthermore, with the help of monitoring ECG and respiration signals, there will be better ways for frequent monitoring of airway narrowing in asthma, which may help develop better tools to manage asthma, especially in those with asthma and OSA.
Supervisor Name: Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi
Year of Study: 2
Program of Study: PhD
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610372821?pwd=azd4SCtYVWtreVovaGNPV1c2NGY2Zz09
Meeting ID: 896 1037 2821
Password: 483329
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