Strategies To Improve Vascular Access Outcomes In Haemodialysis Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,345.00
Summary
This project explores strategies to improve vascular access outcomes in haemodialysis patients. It involves analysis of the FAVOURED (Fish oil and Aspirin in Vascular access OUtcomes in REnal Disease) trial, the largest randomized controlled trial investigating whether fish oil will reduce failure rates of newly created arteriovenous fistulae (a surgically created connection between artery and vein) and a systematic review and meta-analysis on fish oil to prevent vascular access failure.
Improving Patient-important Outcomes In Haemodialysis Through Validation And Implementation In Registries And Pragmatic Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,082.00
Summary
Haemodialysis is the most common treatment for kidney failure but is associated with poor survival, high symptom burden and drastically reduced quality of life. Research often does not address these patient-important outcomes, thereby limiting our ability to discover effective interventions. This program aims to improve haemodialysis outcomes that are critically important to patients and clinicians through validation and implementation in clinical practice, registries and clinical trial.
The Impact Of Using EHealth Interventions To Improve Health Behaviours Through Dietary And Lifestyle Management In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$37,657.00
Summary
People with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on haemodialysis, have complex dietary needs. The renal diet is an important part of treatment however it is often poorly adhered to. New methods to enhance patient education and their ability to manage their diet is needed. This research will evaluate the use of technology-based strategies to enhance patient care, particularly regarding their diet and lifestyle, with findings informing future practices in this area.
The Effect Of Renal Transplantation And Extended Hours Haemodialysis On Cardiac MRI And Biomarkers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,750.00
Summary
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Asymptomatic patients demonstrate changes in cardiac imaging and elevation of cardiac biomarkers which predict outcome. This study will investigate serial cardiac imaging and cardiac biomarkers in patients undergoing live donor renal transplantation and extended hours haemodialysis. Results will enhance our understanding of cardiovascular disease in CKD leading to improved patient outcomes.
Evidence For Interventions That Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
The many Australians with kidney disease experience higher rates of cardiovascular events. Some of the highest rates of cardiovascular events and mortality are seen in people with kidney failure. Currently available treatments are inadequate at reducing this risk indicating an urgent need for new therapies. The program will investigate the effect of little used but readily available, promising interventions to assess their potential to reduce cardiovascular events for people with kidney disease.
Benefits Of Intravenous L-Carnitine Supplementation In Long-Term Haemodialysis Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,648.00
Summary
Carnitine allows the body to utilise fats in our diet, permitting normal functioning of the body. The applicants have shown that patients who receive long-term haemodialysis treatment have abnormal levels of carnitine and have demonstrated a link between these abnormal levels and some dialysis-related conditions. This study will determine whether supplementation with L-carnitine is beneficial in the treatment of some clinical disorders experienced by haemodialysis patients.
Foot Complications Associated With End-stage Renal Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,002.00
Summary
People with renal failure and diabetes have been found to be at a high risk for serious foot complications including; foot ulceration and amputation. Currently, there is limited research regarding the risk of developing these foot complications in people with renal failure, without the influence of diabetes. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether people with renal failure, without diabetes, are at risk for developing foot complications.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is the principal cause of heart attack, stroke and blockage of blood flow to the lower limbs. However, to date none of the biological or synthetic grafts used to bypass the narrowed regions of arteries is ideal. We have shown that lengths of silicone tubing placed into the peritoneal cavity of rats or rabbits becomes covered within 2 weeks by a capsule of granulation tissue (smooth-muscle-like cells and collagen) and mesothelial (endothelial-like) cell ....Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is the principal cause of heart attack, stroke and blockage of blood flow to the lower limbs. However, to date none of the biological or synthetic grafts used to bypass the narrowed regions of arteries is ideal. We have shown that lengths of silicone tubing placed into the peritoneal cavity of rats or rabbits becomes covered within 2 weeks by a capsule of granulation tissue (smooth-muscle-like cells and collagen) and mesothelial (endothelial-like) cells. The silicone tubing can be removed and the tissue turned inside out such that the endothelial-like cells now line the inside of the tube of living tissue, which resembles a blood vessel. These artificial blood vessels will be grown in the peritoneal cavity of rabbits, then grafted into the right carotid artery to replace a length of removed vessel. Their long-term (3,6,9 and 12 months) patency, reactivity, tensile strength and resistance to clot development will be assessed. Their susceptibility to atherosclerotic plaque development and blockage (as compared with natural carotid artery) will be examined in rabbits fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. Changes in gene expression as the artificial artery progressively develops will be examined, as will the potential to genetically manipulate the artificial artery to improve its functioning. Finally, attempts will be made to grow the vessels entirely in vitro. This novel vascular graft may open new options in the field of arterial reconstructive surgery for replacing or bypassing diseased vessels or as an access vessel for haemodialysis patients with end stage renal failure. This study will also provide new information on the biology of cells found in the peritoneal cavity and their alternative pathways for differentiation.Read moreRead less