Practice Location

100 E LANCASTER AVE
WYNNEWOOD, PA 19096-3450

Phone: (610) 642-1908

What does ROBERT SMINK research?

Dr. Smink studies how chronic illnesses affect mental health and the genetic causes of polycystic liver disease. For example, in his research, he discovered that patients with COPD are much more likely to experience depression than those with other chronic conditions or even healthy individuals. He examines the impact of these mental health issues on patient outcomes and advocates for better support for patients managing both physical and psychological health. Additionally, Dr. Smink investigates genetic mutations related to diseases like polycystic liver disease, which helps families understand their risks and options for diagnosis and treatment.

Key findings

  • Patients with COPD are 80% more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to those with diabetes.
  • Patients with COPD are about 68% more likely to be diagnosed with depression than individuals without chronic illnesses.
  • Two key mutations in the PRKCSH gene are associated specifically with polycystic liver disease in affected families.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Smink study depression and COPD?
Yes, Dr. Smink's research shows that patients with COPD are significantly more likely to suffer from depression.
What is polycystic liver disease?
Polycystic liver disease is a genetic condition characterized by multiple fluid-filled cysts in the liver, which can impact liver function.
How does Dr. Smink's work help patients?
His research helps patients with chronic illnesses like COPD and polycystic liver disease by identifying risks and improving understanding of their conditions.
What genetic factors does Dr. Smink investigate?
He studies specific genetic mutations in the PRKCSH gene linked to polycystic liver disease.
Is Dr. Smink's work relevant to mental health?
Yes, his findings emphasize the mental health risks associated with chronic illnesses, particularly depression among COPD patients.

Publications in plain English

The risk for depression comorbidity in patients with COPD.

2009

Chest

van den Bemt L, Schermer T, Bor H, Smink R, van Weel-Baumgarten E +2 more

Plain English
This study looked at the connection between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and depression. Researchers found that patients with COPD are 80% more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to those with diabetes and about 68% more likely than people without chronic illnesses. This finding is important because it highlights a significant mental health risk for individuals with COPD, suggesting that they may need more support in dealing with both their physical and mental health. Who this helps: This helps patients with COPD and their healthcare providers.

PubMed

Touch prep cytology as a preferred approach for evaluating sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer.

2007

The breast journal

Lisa Attebery M, Sieling BA, Ciocca R, Grujic E, Smink R +1 more

PubMed

Germline mutations in PRKCSH are associated with autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease.

2003

Nature genetics

Drenth JP, te Morsche RH, Smink R, Bonifacino JS, Jansen JB

Plain English
Researchers studied a genetic condition called polycystic liver disease (PCLD), which causes multiple cysts in the liver. They found that specific mutations in the PRKCSH gene were linked to this disease in several families, identifying two key mutations that appeared only in affected family members. This is significant because it identifies the genetic cause of PCLD, which can help in diagnosing and understanding the disease better. Who this helps: This helps patients with polycystic liver disease and their families.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Lisette van den Bemt Tjard Schermer Hans Bor Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten Peter Lucassen Chris van Weel M Lisa Attebery Beth A Sieling Robin Ciocca Edina Grujic

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.