News

New genetic anomaly and therapeutic target discovered in rare lymphoma

13 August 2021

UZ Leuven and KU Leuven researchers have discovered a new genetic anomaly which lies at the root of a rare lymphoma. The discovery opens up new perspectives for a better treatment.

Patient monitoring: current situation

11 August 2021

Five years ago 5 European hospitals started developing a sensor to monitor patients in a streamlined way both during their hospital admission and at home. The sensor will be presented on 16 September 2021 at an international symposium on patient monitoring and wearable sensors.

Supplement with probiotics can alleviate unexplained stomach complaints

4 August 2021

Food supplements with beneficial bacteria or probiotics can reduce unexplained stomach complaints, presumably by improving the gut flora and by positively influencing the immune system, as shown for the first time by a trial led by UZ Leuven in 68 patients.

UZ Leuven gets to work with the FlaQuM quality model

9 July 2021

In 2019 UZ Leuven was awarded the JCI quality label for the fourth time running. This accreditation is valid until 2023. There will not be a fifth JCI audit. UZ Leuven has decided to get to work with the new Flemish quality model for healthcare organisations, FlaQuM.

Government study researches civilian help for first aid in Belgium

1 July 2021

Civilian help for first aid in case of heart attacks or stroke in neighbouring countries as the Netherlands & Germany for much higher survival rates dan in ons land. Commissioned by the government, emergency doctors at UZ Leuven are now researching how the system of medical first responders can be applied in Belgium.

Vesalius project gives new meaning to pathology institute and anatomical theatre

21 June 2021

In 2025, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven will be opening a new public experience centre on the Hertogen site in Leuven. The Vesalius project will be dedicated to scientific research, care and society. The university will be restoring two historic buildings to house the project.

Inflammation of the duodenum seems to be cause of unexplained stomach problems

16 June 2021

Leuven researchers have discovered that stomach problems are often linked to an inflamation of the first part of the small intestine. The degree of inflammation is considered to be a new biomarker that can help reach the right diagnosis. At the same time it is an important starting point for better treatments.

Coordination working group for bacteriophage therapy at UZ Leuven

15 June 2021

The coordination group for bacteriophage therapy is committed to finding an alternative for antibiotics. As one of the first in Europe, the recently established CBL will select patients in a structured manner, set up a treatment plan and collect data for scientific research.

Shorter antibiotic treatment just as safe for patients with a reduced immune system

10 June 2021

For patients with reduced immunity as a result of intensive chemotherapy the antibiotic treatment can shortened safely as demonstrated in a trial on neutropenic fever by researchers at UZ Leuven and Erasmus Medisch Centrum in Rotterdam.

Fetal surgery for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia saves lives

8 June 2021

An international research team led by the University Hospitals Leuven and the KU Leuven has completed a randomized clinical trial on surgery before birth in fetuses with a severe form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The researchers provide evidence that surgery before birth improves the chances of survival.

Leuven cardiac specialists first to replace mitral valve without surgery

7 June 2021

For the first time in Belgium, a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have replaced a mitral heart valve by a prosthetic valve in a minimally invasive way. Until recently this was only possible with cardiac surgery and the use of a heart-lung machine for which not all patients qualify.

Whole genome sequencing conquers place in routine hospital examinations

1 June 2021

Eight Belgian genetic centres have started a trial that will examine the added value of whole genome sequencing for the diagnosis of unaccounted developmental disorders and rare intellectual disabilities