The fourth annual AMDA Research Grant (named the 2013 Helen Walker Research Grant) was awarded to Dr. Barbara Smith with the University of Florida for her Project: “[Diaphragmatic] Pacing in Subjects with Pompe DiseaseA rare genetic disease in which the body cannot properly break down glycogen, leading to buildup that damages muscles and can affect breathing and, in some cases, the heart..” Respiratory insufficiencyA condition in which the breathing muscles are too weak to support normal breathing needs. is a serious, and often life-threatening effect of Pompe Disease and her team’s work will investigate a potential new groundbreaking area in managing patients with Pompe Disease.
There are two primary aims for this research project, which will stuffy patients with Pompe disease who have a received a diaphragmThe main muscle used for breathing. pacemaker due to hypoventilationBreathing that is too shallow or too slow to remove enough carbon dioxide from the body..
• The first aim is to measure the rate and extent that intramuscular diaphragm pacing replaces positive pressure ventilation.
• The second aim is to determine whether patients who receive a diaphragm pacemaker report changes in their quality of life.
Congratulations Dr. Smith!