Karen Lyons

Overview: My research encompasses advanced imaging techniques as they apply to children. Prior projects encompassed imaging of heart, lung and airway problems in children.
Research: Current Projects
1. Utility of dual energy CT in children; in particular as it pertains to lung perfusion in congenital heart disease. This is a retrospective study looking at patients that were imaged using dual energy CT that have pulmonary arterial disease.

2. Utility of hyperpolarized 129Xe functional pulmonary MRI in children with interstitial lung disease. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Jonathan Rayment.

Stories See all

A safer treatment path for high-risk children to overcome food allergies

New research from BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and UBC reveals a safe path to overcoming food allergies for older children or building resistance for those who can’t risk consuming allergens. It’s called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and it involves placing small amounts of food allergens under the tongue.

Continue reading A safer treatment path for high-risk children to overcome food allergies

Government of Canada invests $20 million to improve health outcomes of children living with rare diseases

The Government of Canada is providing $20 million over five years for the creation of RareKids-CAN: Pediatric Rare Disease Clinical Trials and Treatment Network. This national network, of which BCCHR will be a part, will support national and international clinical trials to advance discoveries, enable better prevention, diagnosis, and treatments, to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents affected by rare diseases.

Continue reading Government of Canada invests $20 million to improve health outcomes of children living with rare diseases

Could chicken eggs help revolutionize cancer treatment for children?

Dr. James Lim and his team are helping to bring new hope to children battling hard-to-treat cancers.

Continue reading Could chicken eggs help revolutionize cancer treatment for children?

New study shows the potential of new treatment strategies for most common childhood cancer

Researchers made a key discovery about how childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) evolves and responds to targeted therapies suggesting that clinicians can start looking for precision treatments for a child’s cancer immediately after diagnosis, rather than waiting until the cancer has come back.

Continue reading New study shows the potential of new treatment strategies for most common childhood cancer

Study reveals surprising link between malnutrition and rising antibiotic resistance

A new study by Dr. Paula Littlejohn discovers the connection between a lack of crucial micronutrients and the composition of gut microbiomes that could increase antibiotic resistance.

Continue reading Study reveals surprising link between malnutrition and rising antibiotic resistance

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