The MASTER Anaesthesia Trial (or Mulcentre Australian Study of Epidural Anaesthesia) is a large clinical experiment designed to determine whether using epidural techniques to control pain during and after surgery results in fewer complications after major surgery. The Trial involves a comparison of epidural methods, in which some of the anaesthetic and pain-killing drugs are injected into the space in the spinal column surrounding the sac that encloses the spinal cord, with conventional methods, ....The MASTER Anaesthesia Trial (or Mulcentre Australian Study of Epidural Anaesthesia) is a large clinical experiment designed to determine whether using epidural techniques to control pain during and after surgery results in fewer complications after major surgery. The Trial involves a comparison of epidural methods, in which some of the anaesthetic and pain-killing drugs are injected into the space in the spinal column surrounding the sac that encloses the spinal cord, with conventional methods, where the drugs are injected into a vein or muscle. Both approaches are well accepted in clinical practice, but it remains uncertain whether one is superior to the other. At present, nineteen hospitals in Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia are contributing patients to the project, with others in New Zealand and Asia expected to join soon. If one method of anaesthesia and pain control is found to be significantly better than the other, in terms of avoiding complications, this would have obvious benefits to patients, but would also reduce lengths of stay in hospital and improve efficiency within the health system.Read moreRead less
VITATOPS - A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Vitamins To Prevent Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,364.00
Summary
A high level of a normal protein component in the blood (homocysteine) is fast becoming recognised as a new risk factor for premature stroke and heart disease, although it remains uncertain whether treatment with vitamins can prevent these diseases from occurring. VITATOPS is a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of multi-vitamin therapy (folate, B6 and B12) in the prevention of stroke and other types of vascular disease. The VITATOPS ....A high level of a normal protein component in the blood (homocysteine) is fast becoming recognised as a new risk factor for premature stroke and heart disease, although it remains uncertain whether treatment with vitamins can prevent these diseases from occurring. VITATOPS is a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of multi-vitamin therapy (folate, B6 and B12) in the prevention of stroke and other types of vascular disease. The VITATOPS study arises from a large body of consistent, biologically plausible evidence linking homocysteine in a dose-dependent fashion to stroke and other types of vascular disease. A simple, non-toxic, and inexpensive intervention in the form of multivitamins (folate, B6 and B12) has been shown to be highly effective at reducing homocysteine levels, irrespective of the underlying cause. All patients who are referred to a neurologist or general physician in one of the collaborating centres within six months of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack are eligible for the trial. In total, treatment will continue for a period of between 1 and 5 years. During this time, patients will be closely monitored in order to record the occurrence of any vascular events (particularly strokes and heart attacks). Neither the study investigator nor the patient will know which treatment they are receiving (i.e. it is 'double blind'). The number of vascular events in the treatment groups will be compared at the end of the study in order to determine whether vitamin treatment is beneficial. This application is for five years of support to allow the investigators to move from the pilot phase of VITATOPS in Perth to begin recruitment to the definitive trial in other centres across Australia and New Zealand. This study may have a major impact on patient management. If vitamins prove to be effective, we may recommend vitamin supplementation to all of our stroke patients in the future.Read moreRead less
Multicentre Evaluation Of A Clinical Pathway For Chronic Cough In Children- Can Its Use Improve Clinical Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$971,362.00
Summary
Chronic cough is a common presenting symptom to doctors. It is associated with significant morbidity and may be a symptom of a serious underlying problem. This is especially pertinent to Aboriginal children. In this study we will examine the utility and efficacy of an evidence based clinical pathway for the management of chronic cough in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. This study will contribute to clinical policy and improve clinical outcomes and early diagnosis of respiratory illnesses
A COMMUNITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE WORK TASK PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,649.00
Summary
This study will compare the outcomes of a 10 week twice a week community-based weight training program for young adults with Down syndrome with an art program. It will establish if a student-led exercise program can improve their performance of work tasks and their activity levels. Should the program prove beneficial, we aim to achieve the long-term outcome of exercise being implemented as a sustainable, inclusive recreation option for this group.
Do Additional Allied Health Services For Rehabilitation Reduce Length Of Stay Without Compromising Patient Outcomes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$238,424.00
Summary
This project will examine whether the provision of additional therapy services on a Saturday reduces health care costs, and improves the health of hospital inpatients receiving rehabilitation when compared to the usual Monday to Friday service. Preliminary information suggests additional Saturday rehabilitation services could reduce the time a patient stays in hospital by 3 days. This large clinical trial will investigate the cost effectiveness and patients outcomes of such a service.
Plasma Exchange And Glucocorticoids In ANCA Associated Vasculitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial (PEXIVAS Australia)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,243.00
Summary
Vasculitis is a life-threatening disease, and the current treatment for this condition is not satisfactory. This clinical trial aims to determine 1) if plasma exchange can lower mortality and the development of severe kidney failure due to this disease, and 2) if the use of lower doses of corticosteroids can lessen the infectious complications of treatment. This trial is part of a major international effort which will involve a total of 500 patients from Australia, UK, Europe, USA and NZ.
Large-scale Randomised Evidence: The Reliable Detection Or Refutation Of Treatment Effects Through Large, Simple Randomised Trials And Collaborative Meta-analyses Of Trials Using Individual Participant Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,897.00
Summary
Randomised controlled trials are the most reliable scientific method of studying medical treatments. Well-designed trials are thus needed to confidently guide doctors, other health professionals and policy-makers, particularly for common conditions such as cardiovascular disease. This Fellowship will study how we can better prevent and treat cardiovascular disease through the design, conduct and analysis of such trials at the University of Oxford, a world-leader in randomised controlled trials.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Effect Of Hydrocortisone On Mortality In Critically Ill Patients With Septic Shock
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,432,452.00
Summary
This study performed across Australia and New Zealand will evaluate whether hydrocortisone, a cheap drug when administered to critically ill patients with severe infection, will save lives.
Plasma Exchange And Glucocorticoids In Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody Associated Systemic Vasculitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial (PEXIVAS Australia)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,110.00
Summary
ANCA-associated vasculitis is a life-threatening disease. The PEXIVAS trial will investigate whether plasma exchange, in addition to immunosuppressive therapy and glucocorticoids, will reduce death and the development of severe kidney failure due to this disease. Additionally, the project will also look at whether using a reduced dose of glucocorticoids is just as effective as larger doses in lessening the infectious complications of treatment.