Research Axis
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health Axis
Research Theme
Cardiometabolic and vascular health: from genetics to environmental approaches
Address
CHUSJ
Office 6e bloc 9
Phone
514 345-4931 #2152
Fax
514 345-4896
My main interest is in pediatric cardiology. Many aspects, such as interventional catheterization, play an important role in my career. More precisely, Kawasaki disease is the center of my clinical research. Kawasaki disease is the primary cause of acquired heart disease in the pediatric age group. This disease targets the coronary artery circulation in children between 6 months and 6 years of age. While the major consequences of Kawasaki disease are illustrated by aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary arteries and subsequent stenosis, the least alarming consequences observed during the onset of the illness may have a rather delayed impact, leading to early atherosclerotic disease in this population of patients growing both in number and age.
In my projects, I focus on the epidemiological aspect as well as on primary and secondary prevention of the ensuing coronary pathology. A way to prevent the consequences of this disease on the coronary arteries is to establish the diagnosis as early as possible; hence, our works have allowed us to determine that the use of a blood test (NT-proBNP) clearly enhances the diagnostic certainty. From this certainty emanates the need for the appropriate treatment. In this regard, we are part of a multicentric research program studying the effect of a new treatment (Etanercept, an anti-TNF-alpha) in association with immunoglobulins.