Recurrent episodes of wheeze in infants are troublesome for those affected, and a common cause of visits to the emergency room and hospitalization in this age-group. Some of these children (about 30%) will develop asthma, while many will be symptom-free before starting school. Wheeze in young children can vary considerably in terms of severity, duration, risk of relapse, contributing causes, treatability and risk for future chronic asthma. Symptoms may be caused by viral infections, allergen exposure or airway irritants.
We aim to develop molecular tools that can be used for both diagnosis and prognosis for this group of children. With specific biomarker profiles, we hope to be able to predict which of these children that will develop chronic asthma, and who will grow out of their symtoms. The analyzes are performed on a global level, as well as through targeted analayses of candidate genes and molecular networks.
In addition, our research contributes to increased understanding of the molecular contribution to asthma, and the identification of various risk factors, eg genetic factors, infections and allergy development.
Research Projects
Gene Expression in Wheezing and Asthmatic Children
The GEWAC study (Gene Expression in Wheezing and Asthmatic Children) is a prospective cohort study where 156 children (6 months – 3 y) with acute wheeze were included during an emergency visit due to ongoing wheeze. The children were recruited during 2008-2012, at Astrid Lindgren's children's hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. The cohort was followed with annual visits until the age of 7. A follow-up visit at the age of 10-13 years is now ongoing.
The children in the GEWAC study are well characterized by clinical examination, questionnaires and biological sampling. In this longitudinal cohort, we follow both the clinical course and the presence of viruses and bacteria, allergy development, such as genetic (including gene expression) and epigenetic components over time.
Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy in Children
In addition, we try to understand what impact genetic factors have on the development of eczema and food allergy, in a large Nordic intervention study called PreventADALL (Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy in Children). We believe that different genetic conditions affect the function of the barrier in the skin and airways. A more permeable barrier gives an increased risk for both eczema and food allergy, and therefore, the presence of certain genetic variants or mutations could indicate a group where prevention are of extraordinary importance.