Inflammatory Conditions

A major study into the genetic and environmental aetiological components contributing to childhood asthma is ongoing with colleagues in the North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital. The Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS) cohort comprises approximately 1500 high risk asthma families which have been longitudinally followed. 1500 children have now had over 8 years of repeated airway function testing from birth. This cohort has been studied intensively and is revealing important findings.

Closely allied to the asthma study, a collaborative project on childhood eczema is currently underway. This study is also investigating children in the MAAS cohort and a further cohort – PADI (Probiotics in Atopic Dermatitis in Infancy). 

Key investigators for both studies include:

• Ashley Woodcock
• Adnan Custovic
• Angela Simpson

Other conditions with an inflammatory component currently being studied include:

• Polymyalgia rheumatica (in collaboration with Dr Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Gay, Lugo, Spain)
• Large vessel vasculitis (Dr Richard Watts, University of East Anglia)
• Behcet’s disease (Dr C Papasteriades, Athens, Greece)
• Osteoarthritis (Professor John Loughlin, Newcastle University)