Novel Methods For Early Bedside Detection And Prognosis Of Preterm Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,880.00
Summary
Quick and robust assessments of preterm brain activity are critical for identifying early markers of brain injuries. We need to predict poor outcomes before they develop in order to give clinicians the best chance of helping sick infants. This project will develop and validate new non-invasive methods for assessing early brain activity in preterm infants at risk of developing poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Early Detection And Intervention For Infants At High Risk Of Motor Impairments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
My proposed research program involves several distinct yet related projects addressing i) early detection and ii) early intervention for infants at high risk of movement problems including cerebral palsy. This research will provide the highest quality evidence base that is needed to identify those children most at risk early in development and improve our understanding of which interventions are most effective, so that scare health care resources can be targeted appropriately.
The exposure of infants to adverse events both before and after birth can cause death or permanent disability (eg cerebral palsy) for the infant. Our primary research objective is to minimize the impact and improve outcomes for infants exposed to adverse events before and/or after birth. We will use a multi-disciplinary approach that aims to understand the science and to develop new treatments, thereby representing true “bench to bedside” research.
We aim to predict neurodevelopmental disability in babies born very preterm, earlier and more accurately than currently possible, by identifying structural and functional connectivity features that correlate with clinical measures of motor and neurodevelopmental functions. To do this we will use brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dense array electroencephalography (EEG) and structured clinical neurodevelopmental assessments to provide a cutting edge view of the state of brain development.
I am a developmental lung physiologist who specialises in understanding the factors regulating normal and abnormal lung development as well as the physiological transformation of the lung into an efficient gas-exchange organ at birth.
Improved Respiratory Support And Outcomes For Very Preterm Babies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,185,907.00
Summary
Premature babies are born with lungs that are not developed enough to sustain their breathing needs after birth. As a result, they need intensive care which is the most costly and challenging problem in newborn medicine as these infants can suffer life-long diseases because of their early birth. This programs study will help to understand the causes of lung disease in premature babies and develop better ways of caring for them to improve their chances of survival without ongoing illness and disa ....Premature babies are born with lungs that are not developed enough to sustain their breathing needs after birth. As a result, they need intensive care which is the most costly and challenging problem in newborn medicine as these infants can suffer life-long diseases because of their early birth. This programs study will help to understand the causes of lung disease in premature babies and develop better ways of caring for them to improve their chances of survival without ongoing illness and disabilityRead moreRead less
Perinatal Stress Leads To Neurosteroid Deficits And Adverse Behavioural Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,198,042.00
Summary
This grant will examine the effect of psychosocial stress experienced after birth on the production and regulation of steroid hormones in the brain of newborn animals. The work will investigate how stress changes the levels these brain steroids and sensitivity to them and if these effects are remain into adulthood. The studies will then determine if these changes lead to adolescent behaviour disorders. The effectiveness of steroid therapies in treating these disorders will also be determined.
Improving Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Of Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,085.00
Summary
In Australia over 20,000 babies are born preterm each year. Preterm babies are at risk of long term developmental problems including movement, learning and behavioural impairments. This research will examine both neurodevelopment and brain development of very preterm (born <30 weeksÍ gestation) and late preterm (32-36 weeksÍ gestation) babies from birth to into early childhood so that we can understand how gestational age at birth relates to development, brain growth and interventions.
Improving The Neonatal Transition In Infants With A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,644.00
Summary
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a common congenital abnormality and occurs when the diaphragm fails to separate the abdominal and thoracic compartments before birth. This prevents the lung from growing properly and so at birth, the lung is unable to take over the role of gas exchange without considerable assistance. As a result, these infants are at high risk of death or significant disability and this application is focused on improving care and reducing morbidity in these infants.
Identifying And Preventing Inflammation-induced Brain Injury In Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,652.00
Summary
Exposure to infection/inflammation around the time of birth is one of the most common factors associated with long-term disability. There is no effective treatment. My studies will use world-class techniques for measuring brain structure and function to improve our understanding of how infection/inflammation impacts on development of the preterm brain and determine whether blocking key inflammatory pathways in the brain will help restore normal brain growth and development in preterm infants.