Scientists at the University of Cincinnati are conducting a new study to examine the intricacies of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare but often fatal lung disease that can cause severe respiratory symptoms in patients.

The research will examine how symptoms differ among LAM patients, which could lead to novel, more successful therapies.

“We are hopeful this information will increase our understanding of how LAM can manifest in the patients it affects. In the future, this information may be useful in developing better management strategies for this disease,” says Jean Elwing MD, lead researcher.

Female LAM patients are being enrolled in the study to see if pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular disease may be contributing to their respiratory problems.

“We plan to evaluate a group of women with LAM who are experiencing shortness of breath for the presence of pulmonary hypertension,” says Elwing. “We will look at participant’s medical history, pulmonary function tests, exercise tolerance, echocardiogram results, and previous biopsy samples.”

To learn more about LAM visit the LAM Foundation’s website.