ANNUAL REVIEW master Final3a - St Vincent's University Hospital

St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group Limited - Annual Review 2007
Education & Research
neutrophils is being assessed. We have established an in vitro model of intermittent hypoxia/reoxygenation
to investigate molecular mechanisms by which intermittent hypoxia effects neutrophil activation. Finally we
will correlate changes in neutrophil phenotype in OSAS patients with neutrophils exposed to IH to determine
common molecular pathways which may represent novel therapeutic avenues.
In collaboration with Prof. Heneghan, we have studied the ability to identify sleep apnoea from digital signal
processing of the ECG signal, based on characteristic changes in the ECG that accompany apnoea. The
measurement of oxygen saturations and heart rate variability has been independently proposed as screening
tools in the evaluation of patients with suspected OSAS. In collaboration with Prof. Conor Heneghan’s group
we have evaluated a combined electrocardiograph and oximeter recorder in patients simultaneously
undergoing polysomnography. Interim analysis of the data to date shows a high correlation (0.94) of the
Apnoea-Hypopnoea index by the two techniques suggesting combined holter-oximeter monitoring may
provide a suitable device for home screening of OSAS.
In collaboration with Dr. Lowery, we have developed new surface electrode configurations to record
genioglossus EMG with a view to studying the role of skeletal muscle fatigue in the pathophysiology of OSA.
Dr. David McSharry is carrying this project forward.
Neurology Research in Multiple Sclerosis
Consultant Neurologists Dr. Niall Tubridy, Prof. Michael Hutchinson
Research Registrar
Post Doc.
PhD Student
Dr. Roisin Lonergan,
Dr. Jean Fletcher,
Cheryl Sweeney,
The Department of Neurology has an international reputation in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) and
research for many years thanks to the work of Professor Michael Hutchinson and various colleagues. This
research has been largely clinically based and in recent years has emphasised the use of disability scales in
MS.
In 2005, a collaboration was set up with the laboratory of Professor Kingston Mills in Trinity College Dublin with
the help of Professor Cliona O’Farrelly of the ERC at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (now of TCD). The aim of
the research is to establish a viable translational collaboration between the laboratory and the MS clinics at SVUH.
Dr. Jean Fletcher started in August 2005 and is looking at serum samples for people with MS attending the
neurology clinics. She is looking at the effect of interleukin -17 in MS in particular and the aim is to try and
establish the role of T regulatory cells in this condition. It is ultimately hoped that by establishing a role for
such cells in MS it may be possible to develop potential therapies. Jean is also extracting DNA from a second
sample for storage which we intend to use in further work at a later stage and to share with other established
groups in this area of research. Jean is working with Cheryl Sweeney who is helping with the human work
but also working for her own PhD using animal models.
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