NVIAG Science Fair 2023: Investigating the Use of Ultrasound Scans to Rule Out Eye or Brain Damage from High Blood Pressure

NVIAG Science Fair 2023 for research to rule out eye or brain damage due to high blood pressure

Tessa Mulder, a trainee internist and researcher in acute internal medicine at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), has been awarded the 2023 science fair by the Dutch Association of Internists for Acute Medicine (NVIAG). Mulder will receive funding to investigate whether an ultrasound scan of the optic nerve can effectively rule out eye or brain damage in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, especially when it reaches very high levels, can cause acute damage to organs such as the eyes or the brain, which can be life-threatening. As a result, ophthalmologists often assess the fundus, specifically the optic nerve, in these patients to rule out any potential damage. There are indications that the diameter of the optic nerve and its associated nerve sheath can serve as a measure of the presence or absence of eye damage caused by high blood pressure. Mulder’s research aims to determine whether an ultrasound scan conducted in the emergency room can safely rule out eye damage.

During the study period, patients will undergo both an ultrasound of their eyes by acute medicine internists and A&E doctors, as well as a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Mulder expressed hope that the research results will eventually lead to a reduction in ophthalmological consultations, making healthcare more efficient for patients. The research is being conducted in collaboration with acute medicine internists Martijn Bauer and Geert Groeneveld, as well as ophthalmologist Marina Marinkovic, all from the LUMC. Several hospitals in the Leiden region are also participating in the study.

Science Prize for Gonca Karahan and Astellas Transplantation Research Prize for Sebastiaan Heidt and Ilse Gille

At the annual conference of the Dutch Transplantation Association held on June 14 and 15, 2023, scientists from the Transplantation Immunology group of the Department of Immunology received multiple awards.

Dr. Gonca Karahan was awarded the Science Prize of the Dutch Transplant Association. This prestigious prize is given annually to a scientist who has made a significant contribution to research in the field of transplantation medicine. Dr. Karahan’s work focuses on developing improved methods to assess the immunological risk for individual transplant patients. The use of these new laboratory tests has the potential to reduce the risk of organ rejection in transplant recipients.

Trainee researcher Ilse Gille, along with group leader Dr. Sebastiaan Heidt, received the Astellas Transplantation Research Prize for their research project aimed at developing a new cellular therapy for patients who are difficult to transplant. Some patients on the waiting list for organ transplantation have already developed immunity against foreign tissue groups, which significantly reduces their chances of finding a compatible donor organ. Current treatments for this group of patients are non-specific and suppress the entire immune system, leading to an increased risk of infections and cancer. Gille and Heidt’s research aims to develop a cellular therapy that specifically targets immunity against foreign tissue groups while preserving the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens. The research project is funded by the Dutch Kidney Foundation.

These awards and research projects highlight the ongoing efforts of scientists and researchers in the medical field to improve patient care and outcomes. The recognition and funding received by Mulder, Karahan, Heidt, and Gille are a testament to their dedication and contributions to their respective fields of study.

How can ultrasound scans of the optic nerve be used to eliminate the risk of eye or brain damage in patients with high blood pressure?

Tessa Mulder, a trainee internist and researcher at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 science fair award by the Dutch Association of Internists for Acute Medicine (NVIAG). Mulder’s research project aims to investigate the possibility of using ultrasound scans of the optic nerve to eliminate the risk of eye or brain damage in patients with high blood pressure who are admitted to the emergency department (ED).

High blood pressure can pose severe threats to organs such as the eyes and brain, particularly when it reaches extremely high levels. It is crucial to assess the fundus, specifically the optic nerve, in these patients to rule out any potential damage. Preliminary evidence suggests that measuring the diameter of the optic nerve and its associated nerve sheath can serve as an indicator of eye damage caused by high blood pressure. Mulder’s research aims to determine if ultrasound scans conducted in the emergency room can reliably rule out such damage.

During the study, patients will undergo both ultrasound scans of their eyes by acute medicine internists and A&E doctors, as well as consultations with ophthalmologists. Mulder envisages that the research findings will eventually contribute to a decrease in ophthalmological consultations, thereby improving healthcare efficiency for patients. The study is a collaborative effort involving acute medicine internists Martijn Bauer and Geert Groeneveld, as well as ophthalmologist Marina Marinkovic, all from LUMC. Additionally, several hospitals in the Leiden region are also participating in the research.

The NVIAG Science Fair is a prestigious award, and Mulder’s research holds significant promise in improving patient care and streamlining healthcare processes in the future.