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Associate Professor Shannon Simpson

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

Rachel Foong

Senior Research Fellow

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.

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 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. 

Early detection of lung function abnormalities in young children with cystic fibrosis

In this review, we have examined the role of lung function testing in infants and preschool children with CF.

PELICAN: Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network

The PELICAN (Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network) Clinical Research Collaboration was launched by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2020

Testing your lungs: Spirometry

Healthy lungs help you to breathe better. This means you can sleep better, as well as play sports, run and walk without being short winded.

Investigating the relationship between environmental factors and respiratory health outcomes in school children using the forced oscillation technique

The significance of both indoor and outdoor sources of air pollution and effect modifiers such as green space and heating require further investigation

Determinants of early-life lung function in African infants

To assess the determinants of early lung function in African infants.