Fever studies
Sponsor
Initiatives
Influenza studies
The mortality and hospitalization rate for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complaints increase during influenza epidemics. Acute respiratory-tract infections are associated with a temporary increase of the risk of acute ischaemic heart disease. However, studies have shown that vaccination against influenza provides protection against cardiovascular complications.
During the past few decades much attention has been paid to the role of respiratory-tract infections, such as influenza (flu), and the associated risk of acute cardiovascular complications. Chronic infections have been linked to atherosclerosis and acute infections linked to complications of cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of this association have not yet been elucidated.
Our studies investigate the bidirectional relationship between inflammation and coagulation and their role in plaque rupture and cardiovascular disease.
The role of the crosstalk between coagulation and inflammation may provide a link between acute respiratory-tract infections and atherothrombotic disorders. Inflammation activates coagulation and vice versa. Therefore, in reaction to infections the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques may occur.
Flu and cardiovascular complications
ACSII
Acute Coronary Syndrome and Influenza Infection)
The aim of this study is to investigate whether serologic proof of the presence of respiratory viruses, such as influenza, parainfluenza and respiratory-syncytial virus, can be found in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Atherosclerosis
In this study atherosclerotic lesions obtained from endarterectomies in patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis are investigated for the presence of viruses that cause respiratory-tract infections.
Flu and coagulation
VIVID
Vascular responses to Influenza Virus infections and Influenza-like Diseases
We investigated whether a respiratory-tract infection, such as the flu, leads to changes in coagulation factors in a healthy population.
Project:
- The relationship between influenza infections and the risk of cardiovascular complications, 2003-2008.In collaboration with the Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands/Department of Nephrology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam/Erasmus University Rotterdam, Dept. of Virology.
Tymen T. Keller. PhD, December 2006. Amsterdam, Matthijs van Wissen, PhD expected 2009.