Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of either partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. These events give rise to intermittent hypoxemia, increased of inspiratory effort, and sleep fragmentation. The interplay of intermittent hypoxia and oxidative stress has been identified as a key factor in amplifying the basal inflammatory response. This response, in turn, assumes a central role in the development of dyslipidemia, diabetes, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, hypercoagulability and stroke.
Furthermore, both experimental and clinical data lend support to the notion that sleep apnea might be linked to a heightened risk of cancer, along with increased tumor aggressiveness and elevated cancer mortality rates.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stands as a prominent global cause of mortality and impairment. This disorder emerges from the inhalation of particulate matter like tobacco smoke and air pollutants, compounded by genetic and sociocultural influences. Despite its intricate heterogeneity, COPD is unified by the presence of airflow limitation and persistent respiratory symptoms, which profoundly curtail daily physical activity of patients.
Our research focus converges on two pivotal aspects of the disease: the epidemiological and clinical delineation of its several treatable traits and the effort towards early detection, particularly smokers.
COVID / Respiratory Failure
Respiratory failure presents itself through two distinct pathways: hypoxemia and hypercapnia. In cases of hypoxemia, the respiratory system struggles to adequately provide oxygen, while hypercapnia arises when the system falters in effectively expelling carbon dioxide from the body.
While respiratory failure is the ultimate outcome of numerous respiratory diseases and several disorders of different origins, its significance has recently surged due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).