Attacking the Disease Spiral in COPD

Professor Michael Polkey, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, presents his Inaugural Lecture on; "Attacking the Disease Spiral in COPD." 

A tea/coffee reception will precede the lecture at 17.00 and a drinks reception will follow the lecture at 18.30, both in the refectory.

In the Chair: Professor Sir Malcolm Green
Vote of Thanks: Professor John Moxham

Abstract: In patients with advanced COPD a ‘spiral exists so that exertional breathlessness leads to immobility which in turn leads to a loss of muscle from the locomotor muscles which also exhibit a shift in the muscle phenotype towards anaerobic metabolism and a preponderance of fatigable Type II fibres.  The anaerobic metabolism lm leads to excessive CO2 production during exercise; since pulmonary mechanics prevent the CO2 being removed by hyperventilation this leads to further exercise limitation.  In his talk Professor Polkey will elaborate on the mechanisms underlying this spiral and on non-pharmacologic strategies which could reverse it.

Biography: Professor Michael Polkey qualified from the University of Bristol in 1988.  After house jobs at the Bristol Royal Infirmary he undertook training in general internal and respiratory medicine in London.  Between 1994 and 1997 he was a lecturer in Professor John Moxham’s department at King’s College Hospital, where he read for a PhD.  It was at this time that he first collaborated with the team at the Royal Brompton Hospital, then headed by Professor Malcolm Green.  After completing his clinical training he joined the staff of the Brompton in 2000 with the sleep and ventilation service.  His work is focussed on the care of patients with advanced COPD.  He was awarded the Linacre lectureship of the Royal College of Physicians and was the inaugural recipient of the Moran Campbell Lectureship of the British Thoracic Society (both 2005).

Ticket: Registration in advance