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Rachel Foong

Senior Research Fellow

Professor Graham Hall

Honorary Research Associate

Associate Professor Kathryn Ramsey

Co-Head, Foundations of Lung Disease

Associate Professor Shannon Simpson

Head, Strong Beginnings Research, Co-head Foundations of Lung Disease

Lung study helps history-making generation get a handle on their health

A lung function study carried out by Dr Shannon Simpson provided the most comprehensive follow-up of very pre-term children of any study so far carried out on the lung health of this vulnerable group.

Global push to eliminate confusion on lung function tests

A global research network has taken another step towards standardising the way doctors interpret commonly used lung function tests.

Trial determines safest airway device for babies in surgery

A groundbreaking WA trial, published in The Lancet, has determined that a laryngeal mask for babies is preferred over endotracheal tube during minor surgeries

The perspectives of autistic adolescents and their parents on sleep strategies for insomnia

Autistic adolescents are vulnerable to sleep difficulties, with up to 80 % experiencing sleep problems, most commonly insomnia. Little is known about how autistic adolescents are involved in their own sleep treatment, and their depth of knowledge about their sleep difficulties. The aims of this study were to investigate autistic adolescent and parent perspectives of experiencing and managing insomnia, and what factors influence the development of these perspectives on insomnia and treatment. 

Oscillometry: clinical significance and applications

Respiratory oscillometry (or the forced oscillation technique) is a highly practical lung function test that can be applied in a wide range of clinical scenarios in children and adults, including the clinic, intensive care unit, patient home monitoring and emergency departments. Oscillometry measurements complement spirometry in detecting abnormal lung function, measuring effects of treatment such as inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators, and changes due to disease activity.

The effect of moderate-to-late preterm birth on lung function over the first 5 years of life in a South African birth cohort

Preterm birth is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, particularly due to lung disease. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have the highest rates of preterm birth. Infants born extremely preterm rarely survive, so the largest burden is amongst moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) infants. The long-term health impact on MLP children in LMIC is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MLP birth on lung function trajectories from birth to 5 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study.