Clinical Feasibility Study Of Omega-3 PUFA Therapy For The Reduction Of Post-cardiac Surgery Atrial Arrhythmias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,092.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to determine the molecular and clinical impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) pre-treatment 2 weeks before cardiac surgery in 150 patients. The outcome of this proposal will indicate proof of molecular concepts, clinical feasibility and specific design elements of a future, large scale, placebo controlled, prospective randomised trial of oral therapy with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Recently, omega-3 PUFA via fish diet was reported to be li ....The aim of this study is to determine the molecular and clinical impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) pre-treatment 2 weeks before cardiac surgery in 150 patients. The outcome of this proposal will indicate proof of molecular concepts, clinical feasibility and specific design elements of a future, large scale, placebo controlled, prospective randomised trial of oral therapy with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Recently, omega-3 PUFA via fish diet was reported to be linked to low incidence of AF. The main aim is to provide a cheap and safe preventative therapy against post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF), a key heart rhythm disorder that occurs in at least 1 in 4 patients after heart surgery and increases post-operative complications, limits recovery and increases hospital stay and cost. Biochemical study elements are important to gain valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms (directly in human heart) that underlie post-operative heart rhythm disorder and may delineate new more precise molecular targets for therapy. No previous clinical study has ever examined whether omega-3 PUFA therapy prevents post-operative heart rhythm disorder. Use of 3g-day omega-3 PUFA pre-treatment in the surgical setting has been shown to be safe in a number of small studies, including our own. Our preliminary data indicates that therapy increases heart and blood content of omega-3 PUFA ~2-fold, and reduces the incidence of AF. Post-operative AF is an expensive resource burden in all cardiothoracic surgery units of Australian hospitals and targets key health priorities. Due to the non-patentable nature of omega-3 PUFA, significant industry based support for clinical research is limited. A positive outcome would rapidly pave the way for widespread use in elective surgery. Reduced length of hospital stay, cost-savings, and the increase in productivity as healthy individuals return to their communities would nationally repay the investment many fold.Read moreRead less
Improved Ex-vivo Culture Of Keratinocytes For Clinical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,203.00
Summary
Skin cells grown for clinical applications currently require animal-derived cells and-or non-defined products for their expansion in the laboratory; these reagents can potentially infect patients who receive these therapies. This project will identify the essential components provided by these reagents and develop a fully synthetic and defined culture system. This improvement will provide safer, cost-effective grafts and cell-based therapies that will benefit patients suffering burns and wounds.
Clinical Outcomes Following Lumbar Spine Surgery Using The DIAM Non-fusion Interspinous Implant
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,343.00
Summary
This investigation will focus on a single minimally-invasive surgical intervention used in the treatment of disorders of the lumbar spine. The Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion (DIAM) is a novel system for stabilizing the disc and joints of the low back which is promoted over fusion for improving stability while restoring normal vertebral alignment. This new device has limited research evaluation of efficacy and will be examined with the aim of providing clinical guidelines for its use.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100402
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
The effectiveness of intervention in communication and safety climate in the operating room. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on teamwork behaviours in surgery. It will deliver beneficial effects for communication in service delivery, safety and patient care in support of health care in high risk environments.
Pre-hospital Antifibrinolytics For Traumatic Coagulopathy And Haemorrhage (The PATCH Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,668,152.00
Summary
About 2500 Australians die annually from severe injuries. Bleeding is exacerbated by early-onset clotting defects, which are associated with high mortality. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce mortality due to bleeding when given in hospital in less developed trauma systems, but its usefulness as a pre-emptive strike at the scene of injury in developed systems is unknown. Building on our prehospital clinical trials expertise, we will conduct a trial to assess its ....About 2500 Australians die annually from severe injuries. Bleeding is exacerbated by early-onset clotting defects, which are associated with high mortality. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce mortality due to bleeding when given in hospital in less developed trauma systems, but its usefulness as a pre-emptive strike at the scene of injury in developed systems is unknown. Building on our prehospital clinical trials expertise, we will conduct a trial to assess its effect on 6-month death and disability.Read moreRead less
A La CaRT: Australasian Phase III Randomised Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Versus Open Resection For Rectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$974,440.00
Summary
The current major treatment for rectal cancer is surgical removal of the cancer. This type of surgery requires a large cut through the abdomen for removal of the cancer. There is a newer, less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic resection enabling the same surgery by using a scope inserted in the abdomen along with a smaller incision to allow removal of the tumour. This study is being conducted to determine whether the newer procedure is as safe and effective as the current procedure.