Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.
Does Maladaptive Remodelling Of The Heart And Vasculature In Response To Preterm Birth Lead To Long-term Cardiovascular Risk?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,086.00
Summary
Being born prematurely is linked to the development of high blood pressure (a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease) later in life. In this project we will examine whether injury to the cells lining the cardiovascular system and/or structural changes in the wall of the arteries and the heart, as a result of being born early, lead to an elevation in blood pressure and heart dysfunction in adulthood.
Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Congenital Anomalies Of The Kidney And Urinary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,748.00
Summary
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified ....Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified genes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Emerging Gastrointestinal Viruses In The First Two Years Of Life: A Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,534.00
Summary
Gastro illnesses are common and potentially serious early in life. We are aiming to find out more about these illnesses by following ~140 children from birth to their second birthday, with parents collecting a dirty nappy swab every week. Our laboratory will test these samples for a wide range of known and new gastro viruses, and we will also be looking for, as yet, undiscovered viruses. This information will allow us to document the burden of these illnesses in young children and their families ....Gastro illnesses are common and potentially serious early in life. We are aiming to find out more about these illnesses by following ~140 children from birth to their second birthday, with parents collecting a dirty nappy swab every week. Our laboratory will test these samples for a wide range of known and new gastro viruses, and we will also be looking for, as yet, undiscovered viruses. This information will allow us to document the burden of these illnesses in young children and their families.Read moreRead less
Being Born Small Is Not Good For The Heart:early Detection Of Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,757.00
Summary
Intra uterine growth restriction(IUGR) is linked to adult onset of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) which underlie this link or which babies are most at risk. This study aims to assess cardiovascular function in infants and children who were growth restricted. Early identification of cardiovascular dysfunction may aid in new opportunities for monitoring and therapeutic targets to ultimately reduce later onset of cardiovascular morbidity in this population.
Optimising The Motor Outcomes Of Infants With Cerebral Palsy Using Environmental And Goal Oriented Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,563.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Early diagnosis enables intervention when the brain is developing. Current early intervention has little impact on movement. This research tests the effectiveness of “goal-directed training” and enriched environments by: systematically reviewing literature, piloting the intervention, conducting a clinical trial and interviewing parents. Findings have the potential to improve the outcomes of the 700 new cases diagnosed each year.
Motor problems, ranging from clumsiness to cerebral palsy, are one of the most common adverse outcomes in children born early. This study will investigate the motor development of children born <30 weeks’ gestation compared with peers born at term from birth to 5 years. We will determine whether early clinical evaluations or neuroimaging in the newborn period can predict later motor impairment at 5 years to be able to identify those who will benefit most from early intervention.
Impact Of Sleep Disordered Breathing On Cardiovascular, Behavioural And Neurocognitive Function In Preschool Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,703.00
Summary
Studies in school age children have shown that disruption to normal sleep patterns resulting from sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has severe consequences for both the cardiovascular system and neurocognition. To date there have been limited investigations of the effects of SDB in pre-school children despite the knowledge that disruptions to breathing during sleep are maximal at this age and the central nervous system which is immature and developing at this time, is most vulnerable to injury.
Cardiovascular, Neurophysiological And Neurocognitive Assessments To Define Sleep Disordered Breathing In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,008.00
Summary
Disruptions to breathing during sleep (snoring), known as sleep disordered breathing occurs in up to 27% of children and forms a continuum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It has previously been thought that only severe disruptions to breathing, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), were of clinical significance requiring intervention, however recent studies have shown that even snoring with no currently used signs of altered blood oxygenation levels or sleep disruption can have a ....Disruptions to breathing during sleep (snoring), known as sleep disordered breathing occurs in up to 27% of children and forms a continuum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It has previously been thought that only severe disruptions to breathing, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), were of clinical significance requiring intervention, however recent studies have shown that even snoring with no currently used signs of altered blood oxygenation levels or sleep disruption can have a significant impact on daytime functioning and school performance. It is also known that cardiovascular disease is a long-term consequence of untreated sleep disordered breathing in adults, however the long-term effects on the cardiovascular system in children are unknown. This study will examine both the neurocognitive and cardiovascular effects of a range of severities of sleep disordered breathing in children and will identify new more sensitive markers of sleep disruption in order to predict neurocognitive dysfunction. In order to address this most important issue, this project will combine the expertise of scientists and clinicians in the fields of paediatric sleep, cardiovascular control and neuropsychological assessment from Monash and Melbourne Universities, and the Monash Medical Centre and Royal Children's Hospital.Read moreRead less