Nutrition in respiratory conditions
The nutritional arm of a gene-therapy study in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with G551D gene mutations (led by Dr Tierney) investigated the effects of the gene potentiator drug (Kalydeco™) on body composition. Overall, three months on the medication resulted in increased body weight, body mass index and fat mass.
With a view to refining approaches to nutrition assessment and management in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Natalie Shalit, Dr Susannah King and Dr Tierney examined factors that influence dietary intake in adults with COPD and found that a range of physical, practical and social support factors influenced food choices and nutritional habits.