BREATHE-CC Cohort Study - Melaram Lab

BREATHE-CC Cohort Study

Bridging Respiratory Exposures, Asthma, and Environmental Health in Corpus Christi

Study Overview and Significance

The BREATHE-CC study represents a landmark prospective birth cohort investigation examining the relationships between early life environmental exposures and respiratory outcomes in pediatric patients at Driscoll Children's Hospital. Located along the Gulf Coast in Nueces County, Texas, Corpus Christi faces notably high pediatric asthma rates, estimated at approximately 7.8%, driven by unique regional environmental and meteorological factors including industrial emissions, allergens, and coastal humidity.

This comprehensive study aims to address environmental health disparities by investigating how household conditions, socioeconomic factors, ambient air quality, and proximity to industrial zones contribute to the development of asthma exacerbations. The research targets Hispanic children aged 0-10 years, a population that bears a disproportionate burden of asthma-related morbidity in South Texas.

Funded Research Project

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Minority Health Grant Program (RFA# 01724)
FY2025 - 2027
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rajesh Melaram

Target Population: Hispanic children aged 10 years and younger receiving asthma care at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, with focus on addressing disparities in asthma exacerbations within Nueces County.
Study Significance: This research addresses critical gaps in understanding childhood asthma etiology and environmental determinants in the South Texas coastal region, aiming to reduce asthma-related morbidity and enhance respiratory health outcomes among children in the Nueces County community.
Institutional Partnership and Collaboration

The BREATHE-CC study represents a robust partnership between leading healthcare and academic institutions, ensuring comprehensive clinical expertise and research infrastructure.

Collaborative Research Team

Principal Investigator Institution Role Expertise
Dr. Rajesh Melaram Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Principal Investigator Environmental epidemiology, asthma disparities
Dr. Donald E. Warden Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Co-Investigator Biostatistics, respiratory health
Dr. Lei Jin Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Co-Investigator Statistics, machine learning
Partnership Benefits: This collaboration leverages the clinical expertise of Driscoll Children's Hospital with the research capabilities of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to advance understanding of pediatric asthma in South Texas communities.
Research Aims

The BREATHE-CC study is designed around two primary research aims that address critical gaps in understanding childhood asthma etiology and environmental determinants in the South Texas coastal region.

Aim 1: Household Characteristics and Asthma

Objective: Identify novel associations between household characteristics and incidence of asthma exacerbations in Hispanic children.

Focus: Understanding how differences in household environments contribute to asthma development and exacerbation patterns over time.

Aim 2: Environmental and Geographic Factors

Objective: Assess the impact of geospatial and environmental factors on asthma exacerbation rates.

Focus: Examining how geographic location, air quality, and environmental exposures contribute to disparities in asthma symptoms and severity.

Innovation: This study represents the first comprehensive longitudinal investigation of childhood asthma environmental determinants in the South Texas coastal region, employing advanced analytical approaches to identify previously unrecognized patterns of disease development and environmental exposure relationships.
Expected Impact: Research findings will inform targeted interventions and clinical strategies to reduce the burden of childhood asthma in Hispanic communities throughout South Texas.