09/18/2026
At the 2026 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, Riley Children's physicians and investigators delivered more than 20 scientific presentations and abstracts, highlighting advances in pediatric pulmonary research by our faculty and trainees. Spanning disease characterization, personalized treatment strategies, early-life interventions, and emerging therapies, the work reflected Riley's leadership in advancing more precise approaches to respiratory care for children.
Understanding Why Respiratory Disease Differs Among Children
Riley investigators explored the biological, physiologic and clinical factors that shape disease severity and treatment response in children with asthma and obesity-related lung disease, advancing a more precise understanding of pediatric respiratory phenotypes.
- Samantha H. Averill, MD highlighted the complex interplay between lifestyle factors, disease biology and patient characteristics in pediatric asthma, demonstrating how activity levels, airway inflammation and variability across severe asthma populations may influence outcomes.
- Erick Forno, MD, MPH further advanced understanding of obesity-associated respiratory disease, exploring how obesity, inflammation and genomic biomarkers may help define distinct asthma phenotypes and inform more personalized approaches to care.
- Benjamin M. Gaston, MD presented research examining airway AKR1A1 expression and factors influencing bronchodilator response in asthma
Earlier Recognition of Sleep-Related Respiratory Risks
Research in pediatric sleep medicine examined factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) across infancy and childhood, with the goal of identifying high-risk patients earlier and reducing long-term respiratory and cardiopulmonary complications.
- Anuja Bandyopadhyay, MD presented research that advanced understanding of obstructive sleep apnea across the pediatric age spectrum, from linking OSA to increased respiratory burden in children with obesity and asthma to informing follow-up strategies for infants, demonstrating the potential role of repeat polysomnography around 12 months to assess improvement without surgical intervention.
- Hasnaa E. Jalou, MD advanced understanding of factors associated with severe pediatric OSA, identifying elevated blood pressure as a readily identifiable clinical marker of increased cardiopulmonary vulnerability in children with obesity.
Advancing Care for Complex and Early-Life Lung Disease
Research focused on bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal lung disease and other complex pulmonary conditions advanced understanding of disease mechanisms, emerging therapeutic approaches and factors that influence long-term respiratory outcomes.
- Stephanie Adaikalam, MD presented translational research exploring the potential of a GSNO reductase inhibitor to prevent airway disease in infants born prematurely, advancing a promising therapeutic approach for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
- Jenny Cheng, MD highlighted the complexities and clinical impact of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), bringing attention to the challenges associated with diagnosis, management and long-term care of this rare pulmonary condition.
Exploring What's Next in Cystic Fibrosis Care
Advances in cystic fibrosis treatment remain one of the most rapidly evolving areas in pediatric pulmonology. As highly effective modulators continue to transform outcomes, Riley investigators are helping evaluate the broader and longer-term effects of these therapies on pediatric health.
- D.B. Sanders, MD, MS reviewed emerging opportunities and ongoing challenges in cystic fibrosis care, including highly effective CFTR modulators, prenatal therapies, future treatment directions and persistent healthcare disparities.
“The presentations by Riley Children’s physician-scientists at this year’s American Thoracic Society International Conference highlight some of the cutting-edge research being done here in asthma, sleep medicine, cystic fibrosis and early lung disease, representing just a small sampling of our larger research programs,” said James F. Chmiel, MD, MPH, Division Chief of pediatric pulmonology, allergy, and sleep medicine at Riley Children's Health. “I am incredibly proud of our team members for their commitment to excellence in research, clinical care, and education and for positioning Riley as a leader in lung health for years to come.”
By connecting discovery science, translational investigation and clinical outcomes research, Riley's pulmonology team continues to contribute insights that may help shape a more precise and proactive future for pediatric respiratory care. Learn more about Riley Children’s Health Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine program, research, and clinical breakthroughs in the annual report.
