Rapid Ferric Carboxymaltose Infusion (Ferinject) For Iron Deficiency Anaemia In Aboriginal Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,236,421.00
Summary
The “Rapid Iron Infusion Project” will assess whether an intravenous infusion of ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) given over 15 minutes in children prior to their discharge from hospital will reduce the risk of ongoing anaemia. The potential benefits of iron infusion include higher haemoglobin levels, fewer painful iron injections over the next 6-9 months, better adherence to recommended treatment, and less use of primary health care resources.
A Population-based Longitudinal Assessment Of Early Life Vitamin D And Risk Of Food Allergy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,086.00
Summary
There has been a dramatic and unexplained increase in food allergy over recent decades. The increase in food allergy may relate to a concordant increase in early vitamin D insufficiency, however this hypothesis has never been directly tested. This project will use existing/funded samples from two NHMRC funded studies to conduct a detailed investigation of (i) the determinant and predictors of early life vitamin D insufficiency; and (ii) the association of vitamin D insufficiency and food allergy ....There has been a dramatic and unexplained increase in food allergy over recent decades. The increase in food allergy may relate to a concordant increase in early vitamin D insufficiency, however this hypothesis has never been directly tested. This project will use existing/funded samples from two NHMRC funded studies to conduct a detailed investigation of (i) the determinant and predictors of early life vitamin D insufficiency; and (ii) the association of vitamin D insufficiency and food allergy.Read moreRead less
Viral Triggers Of Autoimmunity And Type 1 Diabetes: A Prospective Study Of At Risk Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,106.00
Summary
We are studying the role of viruses in causing type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes. By following babies from birth, we can see whether early signs of damage to the body's insulin producing cells results from infection with particular viruses. We will study the genes and other features of these viruses to help us understand why they cause diabetes, and how they relate to other factors such as diet and vitamin D. The results may provide valuable information for the future prevention of diabetes.
The Significance Of Human Metapneumovirus In The Australian Paediatric Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,625.00
Summary
A newly discovered paramyxovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), shows clinical and virological charcteristics very similar to those of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). Human RSV is the major cause of acute lower respiratory illness in infants and accounts for more than 1 million deaths world wide annually. Most infants are infected in their first year of life, and re-infection is common. Genetic variation of the virus is thought to play a critical role in its ability to escape the immun ....A newly discovered paramyxovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), shows clinical and virological charcteristics very similar to those of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). Human RSV is the major cause of acute lower respiratory illness in infants and accounts for more than 1 million deaths world wide annually. Most infants are infected in their first year of life, and re-infection is common. Genetic variation of the virus is thought to play a critical role in its ability to escape the immune response and establish multiple sequential infections in the same host. Currently, we have no knowledge of the extent that hMPV exists in the Australian population, nor do we know if hMPV is a significant respiratory pathogen in paediatric patients. This research aims to determine the importance of hMPV as a respiratory agent, and will establish the rate, age of exposure, and incidence of hMPV infection in Australian children. In addition, we will identify the hMPV strains (genotypes) that infect local children, and the difference, if any, between these and virus strains detected in children from other community groups, and from overseas. Such data is invaluable in devising a future vaccine strategy for hMPV, and the study of the genetic variability among Australian strains will have profound implications for public health. This research project is a preliminary study into the clinical and virological significance of hMPV, in children, and will form a basis for future research projects. Once this preliminary data is obtained, further studies are possible to determine the cellular immune response to hMPV infection and its role in long-term protection. Also,it is likely that hMPV, like hRSV, may prove to be an agent associated with long-term decreased pulmonary function and airflow limitation perhaps developing to asthma.Read moreRead less