COVID-19 Research

COVID-19 research done by the hospital CRC focuses on effects of the pandemic on patterns of hospital admissions and under-5 mortality, post-COVID-19 syndrome, mental health status of hospital staff, and side effects of COVID-19 vaccination in teenagers. 

Tuberculosis

The WHO’s End TB Strategy is a part of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. In order to achieve the aims, there is a need for strengthening of diagnosis and effective management of tuberculosis in children. Clinical research and audit is necessary to guide clinicians to accomplish these goals.

Effects of antenatal tobacco smoke exposure

Antenatal tobacco smoke exposure has significant adverse effects on newborns, and the infants are at higher risk for respiratory illnesses. The study is crucial for improving fetal health outcomes and developing targeted public health interventions.

Health systems research

Health systems research covers a wide range of topics such as hospital admissions and discharge, preparation for acute medical emergencies, and preventable under-5 year-old mortality.

Paediatric surgery

Being an important referral centre in paediatric surgery, the hospital encounters numerous cases that are rarely seen in other centres. The studies done in collaboration with the Paediatric Surgery department not only highlights the range of cases but also the skills of the surgeons in this hospital.

Innovation and technology research

Innovation and technology in healthcare has the potential to improve diagnosis and patient management, as well as assist the hospital support system to become more efficient. As the government aims to encourage healthcare innovation, CRC Hospital Tunku Azizah supports this aspiration by providing a space for testing and research.

Rare lung diseases

As referral centres for respiratory diseases and genetic pathology, CRC Hospital Tunku Azizah worked hand in hand with the genetic laboratory and Institut Perubatan Respiratory to study rare lung diseases like bronchiectasis, childhood interstitial lung diseases, bronchiolitis obliterans, adult interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.

Diagnostic procedures

Flexible bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in paediatric respiratory medicine, while impulse oscillometry is a non-invasive technique for measuring lung function during tidal breathing. Both established and new methods of diagnosis require research into their effectiveness and safety. 

Perinatal and prematurity studies

Premature birth is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions, and one of the risk factors for prematurity is maternal diabetes mellitus. These are two common conditions that need deeper studies in Malaysian population. 

Common respiratory diseases

Asthma negatively affects children’s life through school days lost, lifestyle restrictions, frequent clinic follow-ups and emergency care. Asthma control studies are important to ensure morbidity reduction with efficient use of resources. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is studied in young adults as another problem that could occur in this population.

Respiratory infections in children

Respiratory infection is one of the leading cause of mortality and the most common reason for hospital admission in paediatric population. Understanding the aetiology and burden of the disease will guide clinicians on prevention and management of this important aspect in paediatric medicine.