RCT Of Headbox Oxygen Vs CPAP For Neonatal Respiratory Distress In Non-tertiary Hospitals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$225,500.00
Summary
Each year in NSW hundreds of babies are transferred from local general hospital nurseries to a hospital with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of breathing difficulties. Frequently, mothers are unable to accompany their babies at the time of transfer, leading to stress. When a mother is eventually transferred she is often separated from her partner and local supports causing further anxiety. In addition, if a baby has to be transferred, invasive procedures may be needed to ensure safet ....Each year in NSW hundreds of babies are transferred from local general hospital nurseries to a hospital with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of breathing difficulties. Frequently, mothers are unable to accompany their babies at the time of transfer, leading to stress. When a mother is eventually transferred she is often separated from her partner and local supports causing further anxiety. In addition, if a baby has to be transferred, invasive procedures may be needed to ensure safety. Currently, babies who need oxygen in a local hospital are placed in a crib with a clear plastic box around their head and oxygen is run into the box (headbox oxygen). There is an alternative method of providing oxygen called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This involves giving the oxygen directly into the baby's nose via soft rubber prongs. CPAP has been used since the 1970's. It is the main form of respiratory support for infants in many NICUs in Australia and the world. There is some evidence that death and lung disease may be reduced. However, the babies in these studies are sicker and smaller than babies in local hospital nurseries. CPAP is used in some local nurseries in New Zealand, however no studies have been done to see if CPAP reduces the need for inter-hospital transfer. The study will involve hospitals that have been selected because of their level of on site medical and nursing staff. These hospitals will have support and advice from two NICUs that use CPAP as their main form of respiratory support. Babies who need oxygen will be randomly allocated to either have headbox oxygen or CPAP. If the baby becomes so unwell such that certain preset criteria are met, the baby will be transferred to a NICU in the usual way. If CPAP safely reduces the need for inter-hospital transfer, many parents will be saved the anxiety associated with transfer, and the separation it often causes.Read moreRead less
Improving Communication Processes And End Of Life Care In The Neonatal Period: Drawing On The Experiences Of Parents And Health Care Professionals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
The parents of infants who have died in newborn intensive care, as well the professionals who care for these infants, will be invited to share their experiences of the conversations that took place around the time of the infant's death and how these contributed to the care provided. It is intended that the care of future infants who die under the care of the neonatal team will be improved through dissemination of this knowledge and associated improvements in training of professionals involved in ....The parents of infants who have died in newborn intensive care, as well the professionals who care for these infants, will be invited to share their experiences of the conversations that took place around the time of the infant's death and how these contributed to the care provided. It is intended that the care of future infants who die under the care of the neonatal team will be improved through dissemination of this knowledge and associated improvements in training of professionals involved in this field.Read moreRead less
Immunisation Practice And Policy Development In Australia: Responding To Urgent Priorities In Prevention Of Endemic And Epidemic Infectious Diseases In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,361.00
Summary
Despite high immunisation coverage rates in Australia deaths still occur in young infants from vaccine preventable diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis and influenza. My research in vaccines and immunisation involves trialing new vaccines such as meningococcal B and H1N1 vaccine to ensure their safety and effectiveness in children and investigation of new ways to deliver vaccines to improve uptake of new vaccines in the community to ensure earlier and better protection for infants and chi ....Despite high immunisation coverage rates in Australia deaths still occur in young infants from vaccine preventable diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis and influenza. My research in vaccines and immunisation involves trialing new vaccines such as meningococcal B and H1N1 vaccine to ensure their safety and effectiveness in children and investigation of new ways to deliver vaccines to improve uptake of new vaccines in the community to ensure earlier and better protection for infants and children against severe infectious diseases.Read moreRead less
Can Pentoxifylline Improve Long-term Outcomes In Preterm Infants With Late-onset Sepsis Or Necrotizing Enterocolitis – A Pragmatic, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,901,130.00
Summary
Very preterm infants are at high risk of death and disability. Brain injury is often the result of inflammation caused by infection or bowel disease. To date, there is no treatment to reduce the harmful effects of inflammation. Pentoxifylline reduces inflammation and is a promising, safe and inexpensive treatment option for preterm infants. This study will determine whether Pentoxifylline in addition to antibiotics improves survival without disability in preterm infants.