Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.; Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
Dr. Bruestle studies the complications that can arise in pediatric patients after liver transplants, particularly issues related to the bile ducts. After a liver transplant, many children experience narrowings (strictures) in their bile ducts, which can lead to further health problems and require multiple medical procedures. To tackle this, Dr. Bruestle evaluates specific treatment protocols, like a structured three-session dilation method, which helps alleviate these strictures more effectively and reduces the need for additional interventions.
Key findings
In Dr. Bruestle's study, the three-session biliary dilation protocol reduced total drainage time for patients after liver transplant, indicating a more efficient treatment approach.
The standardized protocol led to improved outcomes for children, allowing for fewer medical interventions compared to traditional methods.
Patients undergoing the structured dilation experienced enhanced recovery and reduced complications related to biliary stricture.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Bruestle study liver transplant complications?
Yes, Dr. Bruestle focuses on complications related to liver transplants in children, especially issues with bile ducts.
What treatments has Dr. Bruestle researched for bile duct issues?
She has researched a systematic three-session dilation protocol that effectively treats bile duct strictures in pediatric patients.
Is Dr. Bruestle's work relevant for parents of children who have had liver transplants?
Absolutely. Her research aims to improve treatments for complications that these children may face after surgery, thereby enhancing their recovery.
Publications in plain English
Immuno-PET Monitoring of Lymphocytes Using the CD8-Specific Antibody REGN5054.
2022
Cancer immunology research
Tavaré R, Danton M, Giurleo JT, Makonnen S, Hickey C +25 more
Plain English This study looked at a new imaging technique called Immuno-PET to monitor a type of immune cell, specifically CD8+ T cells, in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. The researchers developed a tracer, REGN5054, that effectively targets and detects these immune cells in the body without negatively affecting their activity. They found that this method could accurately assess changes in T cell populations during treatment and showed no harmful effects in animal tests.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and their doctors by providing a safer and more effective way to monitor responses to immunotherapy.
CD40L-stimulated B cells for ex-vivo expansion of polyspecific non-human primate regulatory T cells for translational studies.
2021
Clinical and experimental immunology
Alonso-Guallart P, Llore N, Lopes E, Kofman SB, Ho SH +6 more
Plain English This research focused on improving the way regulatory T cells (T cells) are grown in the lab from cynomolgus macaque monkeys to potentially treat various conditions like autoimmune diseases and to help with organ transplants. The study found that using a special type of B cell, stimulated by CD40L, enabled researchers to produce T cells that could effectively suppress immune responses and remain functional even after being frozen. These T cells were able to respond to a wide variety of antigens, demonstrating their potential use in transplantation from deceased donors.
Who this helps: This benefits patients needing organ transplants and those with autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmunity in Acute Myocarditis: How Immunopathogenesis Steers New Directions for Diagnosis and Treatment.
2020
Current cardiology reports
Bruestle K, Hackner K, Kreye G, Heidecker B
Plain English This study looks at myocarditis, a serious heart condition linked to autoimmune responses, especially in young adults. Researchers found that immune checkpoint inhibitors used in cancer treatment can lead to myocarditis, underlining a growing recognition of this condition as a cause of sudden cardiac death. Understanding how the immune system causes myocarditis is essential for improving diagnosis and treatment options.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment.
The Impact on Outcome by Adding Bevacizumab to Standard Induction Chemotherapy Prior to Mesothelioma Surgery: A Retrospective Single Center Analysis.
2020
Frontiers in oncology
Lauk O, Bruestle K, Neuer T, Battilana B, Nguyen TDL +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied the effects of adding a drug called bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy for patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma before surgery. They looked at data from 227 patients and found that those who received bevacizumab alongside chemotherapy had a better response to treatment (45.5% compared to 12.1%) and needed fewer blood transfusions after surgery. This matters because it shows that adding bevacizumab can improve treatment effectiveness without increasing the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.
Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced mesothelioma by potentially improving their treatment outcomes.
Evaluation of a three-session biliary dilation protocol following transplant-related biliary stricture in pediatric patients.
2019
Pediatric transplantation
Reis SP, Bruestle K, Brejt S, Tulin-Silver S, Frenkel J +8 more
Plain English Bile duct strictures are a common complication after pediatric liver transplant, often requiring repeated procedures. This study tested a structured three-session dilation protocol and found it reduced total drainage time and improved outcomes compared to less systematic approaches. A standardized biliary dilation protocol can spare children multiple interventions.
Xenotransplantation tolerance: applications for recent advances in modified swine.
2018
Current opinion in organ transplantation
Llore NP, Bruestle KA, Griesemer A
Plain English This study looks at how scientists are improving xenotransplantation, which involves transplanting organs from genetically modified pigs into humans. Recent advancements have allowed these pig organs, like kidneys, to function in humans for over a year, although some rejection issues still exist. Finding a way to make the human body accept these organs more easily is crucial because there is a severe shortage of human organs for transplantation.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients in need of organ transplants.
Sleep in obsessive compulsive disorder: polysomnographic studies under baseline conditions and after experimentally induced serotonin deficiency.
2007
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience
Voderholzer U, Riemann D, Huwig-Poppe C, Kuelz AK, Kordon A +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how sleep patterns differ in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers analyzed the sleep of 62 unmedicated OCD patients and found that they had significant trouble maintaining consistent sleep, though their deeper sleep and REM sleep appeared normal. When they reduced serotonin levels in a subgroup of patients, their sleep issues worsened, suggesting that the brain's serotonin system behaves differently in OCD than in depression.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with OCD and their doctors better understand the sleep-related aspects of the disorder.