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.
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.
Understanding The Biology Of Pregnancy To Prevent Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,746.00
Summary
Progress in the care of the unborn baby, and thus optimisation of life-long health, will only come with a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie pregnancy. My research is aimed at saving babies lives and reducing the long-term burdens (health, emotional and economic) of major perinatal conditions. I am uniquely placed to carry out this research, using the research tools I have developed to deliver real outcomes that will change clinical practice
An Integrated Approach To Inotropic Support In Preterm Neonates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,449.00
Summary
Poor cardiovascular function in preterm babies can lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain and brain injury. Current treatments to improve heart function are often ineffective. This study will examine the effects of treatment on different parts of the cardiovascular system, and how these effects interact. It will identify reasons for the lack of effectiveness and provide insight which will help to design better treatments for preterm babies.
Alveolar Epithelial Cell Differentiation And Apoptosis: Effects Of Preterm Birth, Corticosteroids And Stretch.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,500.00
Summary
In the lung, gas exchange takes place in small terminal airsacs called alveoli. The internal surface of the alveoli are lined with 2 types of specialist cells, the type-I and type-II cells. Both cells are essential for the normal functioning of the lung; type-I cells provide a thin barrier for the gas exchange, whereas type-II cells produce the surface-active material, surfactant. In order to survive after birth, the lungs of the newborn must have appropriate numbers of each of these cell types. ....In the lung, gas exchange takes place in small terminal airsacs called alveoli. The internal surface of the alveoli are lined with 2 types of specialist cells, the type-I and type-II cells. Both cells are essential for the normal functioning of the lung; type-I cells provide a thin barrier for the gas exchange, whereas type-II cells produce the surface-active material, surfactant. In order to survive after birth, the lungs of the newborn must have appropriate numbers of each of these cell types. However, babies that are born very prematurely have few, if any, mature cells as most are non-specialised cells that possess none of the characteristics of mature type-I and type-II cells. Therefore, the lungs of very preterm babies have low levels of surfactant, are prone to injury and infection and are not efficient in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. As such, these infants are at high risk of developing chronic lung disease which is a serious debilitating disease that has long term health implications. We believe that the non-specialised cells are more prone to injury and cell death than mature cells which makes the very premature infant more susceptible to the development of chronic lung disease. As the survival and respiratory health of these infants depends upon most type-I and type-II cells maturing after birth, it is critical to understand the factors that regulate their maturation. This information will allow the development of treatments that can enhance the maturation of these cell types. This application is focused towards understanding the factors that control maturation of type-I and type-II cells, as well as the role of the non-specialised cells in the development of chronic lung disease in babies that are born very prematurely.Read moreRead less
Improving The Fetal To Neonatal Transition In Compromised Newborns; Towards Better Outcomes For Babies Born Too Soon Or With Under-developed Lungs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The birth of a compromised infant affects 13 million pregnancies worldwide annually and is the greatest cause of neonatal death, disability and chronic disease. I will identify mechanisms to greatly improve the fetal to neonatal transition in premature babies and babies with under-developed lungs. This research is urgently required to provide the necessary evidence to target interventions in the delivery room to reduce the short- and long-term burden of disease in compromised newborns.
Innate Immunity And Neonatal Infections In Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
In Australia, over 20,000 babies are born prematurely every year. Over 430 of these babies will die in the neonatal period, while another 15,000 will suffer neonatal and/or lifelong morbidity. Forty seven percent of these neonatal deaths will be due to neonatal infections. This research aims to prevent such devastating loss through characterising aberrant innate immune responses associated with the development of neonatal infection and identifying factors that lead to this outcome.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
Cell Therapy For Prevention Of Perinatal Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,337.00
Summary
Exposure of babies to infection or inflammation before birth is common and is associated with preterm delivery and illness in newborns. The biggest problem for these babies is lung disease due to inflammation of the lungs before birth and/or in response to lung injury after birth. There is no treatment for the underlying inflammation and no way to prevent or treat the lung disease that it causes. This project will investigate a new stem-cell based treatment for lung inflammation that may prevent ....Exposure of babies to infection or inflammation before birth is common and is associated with preterm delivery and illness in newborns. The biggest problem for these babies is lung disease due to inflammation of the lungs before birth and/or in response to lung injury after birth. There is no treatment for the underlying inflammation and no way to prevent or treat the lung disease that it causes. This project will investigate a new stem-cell based treatment for lung inflammation that may prevent life-threatening lung disease in preterm babies.Read moreRead less
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.