Understanding The Regulation Of HERG Potassium Channel In The Myometrium At The Time Of Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,661.00
Summary
We have shown that a potassium channel known as hERG falls precipitously at the time of term labour and that blocking this channel causes powerful uterine contractions. This grant will determine how the expression of this channel is regulated in the myometrium and whether changes in hERG channels also occur in premature labour.
Understanding The Myometrial Transition At Term And Preterm Labour To Guide Tocolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,447.00
Summary
This grant seeks to understand how the muscle cells of the uterus transform at the time of labour. We propose that this transformation is organised by enzymes that modify the histones around key genes. We will test if a similar pathway operates in cases of preterm labour. The results will guide the development of new ways of treating premature labour that will use targeted nanoparticles to deliver siRNA directly to the muscle cells of the uterus.
A Double Blind Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial Of Melatonin As An Adjuvant Agent In Induction Of Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,566.00
Summary
Induction of labour, a common obstetric intervention fails in almost 40% of first time mothers. There is evidence to suggest that the endogenous hormone melatonin has important roles in the progress of labour. We will undertake a double-blind randomised placebo controlled trial of melatonin supplementation to improve the success of induction of labour in first time mothers. We will also assess the economic impact of melatonin supplementation at induction of labour.
Failure-to-progress In Human Labour Results From A Profound Electrical Negativity Of The Uterine Cells: Targeting The Ion Channels Involved
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,541.00
Summary
The incidence of failure to progress in labour has increased in recent years, being linked to the rise in obesity. The result is a significant escalation in the rate of delivery by Caesarean Section (CS) which increases the risk of serious complications during subsequent pregnancies. We have identified dysfunctional systems associated with poor uterine contraction. We now aim to determine the mechanisms underlying these dysfunctional systems to lay the foundations for better therapeutics.
Second Trimester Intra-amniotic Treatment For Early Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,420.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death and disability in Australia today, with those born before 32 weeks' completed gestation at the highest risk. Preventing these early preterm births requires treatment of the causative uterine infection. This proposal is to conduct the first study of direct intraamniotic antibiotic treatment of uterine Ureaplasma infection in a clinically relevant, large animal model of second trimester pregnancy.
The aim of this project is to determine whether or not turning a baby from the posterior position to the more common anterior position increases the chances of a normal birth. This involves performing an internal examination during labour and gently turning the baby as the mother pushes. At present, if the baby is in the posterior position (facing towards the front of the mother’s body) there is a higher risk of a caesarean, forceps or vacuum delivery.
Impact On Caesarean Rates Following Injections Of Sterile Water (ICARIS) – A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,692.00
Summary
The rising number of caesarean section births is causing concern across the country. Injections of small amounts of sterile water into the lower back provide relief to women who have back pain in labour. A review of the research found that administration of these injections may be associated with a reduction in caesarean section rates. Four Queensland hospitals, will conduct the largest study to date to determine if sterile water injections can decrease caesarean section rates without increasing ....The rising number of caesarean section births is causing concern across the country. Injections of small amounts of sterile water into the lower back provide relief to women who have back pain in labour. A review of the research found that administration of these injections may be associated with a reduction in caesarean section rates. Four Queensland hospitals, will conduct the largest study to date to determine if sterile water injections can decrease caesarean section rates without increasing morbidity for the woman or her baby.Read moreRead less
Maternal Recognition Of Fetal Sex In The Regulation Of Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,821.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the largest cause of death in infants and males are more likely to be born preterm than females. We propose that the intrauterine renin-angiotensin system, the activity of which is regulated in a sex-specific manner, plays a critical role in protecting against preterm labour. Our study will further our understanding of the mechanisms of preterm labour and provide new insight into the sex-specific differences in the prevalence of preterm birth.
STan Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring (cardiotocographic Plus Electrocardiographic) Compared With Cardiotocographic (CTG) Monitoring Alone: An Australian Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,369.00
Summary
Women in high risk labour have their babies monitored by electronic fetal monitoring. This detects unborn babies not coping during labour, but may lead to unnecessary caesarean sections by incorrectly indicating that the baby is at risk. We will compare CTG to STan monitoring, which may give fewer false readings. We will show if STan reduces emergency caesarean section, and will investigate the impact on the baby, assess psychological aspects such as mental health and wellbeing, and costs.
Understanding Uterine Contractility: What Can We Learn From Obesity?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,792.00
Summary
The incidence of failure to progress in labour has increased in recent years, being linked to the rise in obesity. The result is a significant escalation in the rate of delivery by Caesarean Section (CS) which increases the risk of serious complications during subsequent pregnancies. We have identified five dysfunctional systems associated with poor uterine contraction. We now aim to determine the mechanisms underlying these dysfunctional systems, particularly those mechanisms in common.