The starting point for this project is the recent finding that women who experience miscarriages or terminations of pregnancy before theuir first birth have an increased risk of having a preterm (premature) infant. These findings have prompted a re-evaluation of the relationship between the number of pregnancies a women has had and the likely outcome in later pregnancies. It will take into account the stage at which prior pregnancies ended, what the outcomes of the pregnancies were (birth, healt ....The starting point for this project is the recent finding that women who experience miscarriages or terminations of pregnancy before theuir first birth have an increased risk of having a preterm (premature) infant. These findings have prompted a re-evaluation of the relationship between the number of pregnancies a women has had and the likely outcome in later pregnancies. It will take into account the stage at which prior pregnancies ended, what the outcomes of the pregnancies were (birth, health baby, death, baby with a birth defect, termination, miscarriage etc), as well as factors such as maternal age, in relation to the risks in subsequent pregnancies. The expected outcomes and significance of the study are: * new evidence about factors causing adverse outcomes of pregnancy; * better information on the risk of recuurence of common birth defects; * more precise information on risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes for users and planners of maternity services.Read moreRead less
Antiplatelets For Prevention Of Pre-eclampsia: An Individual Patient Data Review
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,000.00
Summary
High blood pressure is a common complication of pregnancy affecting ~20,000 Australian women each year. Although most women and their babies do well, pre-eclampsia, defined as high blood pressure together with protein in the urine is a more serious problem. Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with 10-15% of maternal deaths. Fetal and newborn baby deaths are also increased. Mother and baby morbidity is high principally due to the associated complications in pregnancy, increased obstetric intervent ....High blood pressure is a common complication of pregnancy affecting ~20,000 Australian women each year. Although most women and their babies do well, pre-eclampsia, defined as high blood pressure together with protein in the urine is a more serious problem. Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with 10-15% of maternal deaths. Fetal and newborn baby deaths are also increased. Mother and baby morbidity is high principally due to the associated complications in pregnancy, increased obstetric interventions, fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. As yet we have no safe and effective way of preventing this life threatening condition. Aggregation of platelets (involved in blood clotting) is known to be part of the disease and could lead to the disturbances in the circulation of the mother and the placenta. Antiplatelet agents, low dose aspirin in particular, might prevent or delay the development of pre-eclampsia. Some trials and a Cochrane systematic review of all trials (involving over 30,000 women) suggest that pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and perinatal death could be reduced. However, it is still not clear which women will benefit, when in pregnancy the treatment should start and what dose of aspirin is both effective and safe. This proposed individual patient data review in which data on all women who have been entered in trials is gathered from the original investigators, including missing information on potential harms. This proposal represents a good investment of resources to obtain the information needed by women and health professional to make decisions about the use of aspirin. International investigators from all the primary trials have already formed a collaboration to oversee the project: the Perinatal Antiplatelet Review of International Studies (PARIS) Collaboration Furthermore, working through an international collaboration will ensure the highest quality in data availability, as well endorsement and implementation of the results in practice.Read moreRead less
The Relationship Between Immune Dysregulation, Infection And Cancer Incidence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
The research aims to better understand the relationship between immune dysfunction, infection and the development of cancer. Established scientific methods will be used to examine the incidence and risk factors for cancer in people with impaired immunity, such as organ transplant recipients, and people with autoimmune disease. This knowledge is important in advancing our understanding of the causes of cancer, and in developing appropriate preventive strategies and health care for these people.
Predicting The Risk Of Invasive Candidiasis In Critically Ill Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,258,287.00
Summary
Invasive fungal infections (such as bloodstream infections) are a serious and increasing problem for critically ill patients managed in the Intensive Care Unit. Outcomes can be improved by giving early treatment only to those at highest risk of fungal infection. Our aim is to easily identify those at high-risk. Patients treated in seven major ICUs will be observed and a simple and accurate method of scoring their illness characteristics and amount-types of fungi present will be developed.
A Case-cohort Study Of New Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Diseases In Busselton
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$197,349.00
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases account for about half of all deaths and for considerable use of health care resources. While several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight and diabetes, are well-established, these do not fully explain all cardiovascular disease. In recent years, some new potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been identified. This study aims to examine these new risk factors in an Australian population ....Cardiovascular diseases account for about half of all deaths and for considerable use of health care resources. While several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight and diabetes, are well-established, these do not fully explain all cardiovascular disease. In recent years, some new potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been identified. This study aims to examine these new risk factors in an Australian population. Using information collected by the Busselton Health Surveys over the last 20 years, we aim to determine whether people who had these risk factors in 1978 were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease over the following years. Since all the information needed has already been collected in the course of earlier health surveys, this study will be particularly cost-effective. We expect that results from this study will increase our understanding of the causes of cardiovascular disease, and may suggest some simple tests to help identify those people who may be at higher risk of heart disease and most likely to benefit from intervention.Read moreRead less
I am an epidemiologist with expertise in infectious diseases. My research focuses on the risk behaviours associated with the transmission and prevention of blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, in particular drug and alcohol-related ris
The Role Of Past Sun Exposure, Infection History And Other Exogenous Factors In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,011.00
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. ....Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that leads to various degrees of disability. The causes of MS are not yet known, and there is presently no cure. However, there is strong evidence that both an inherited susceptibility and environmental factors are important. This environmental case control study will be conducted in Tasmania and will run concurrent to a genetic project on MS which allows assessment of gene-environment interactions. It focuses on infections, timing of childhood infections and long term sun exposure. It has been suggested that MS may be due to an immune disturbance following viral infection and that the timing of childhood infections may be initially important. Also, in Australia, there is a sevenfold increase in MS prevalence as one moves from Queensland to Tasmania. This latitudinal gradient might be due to ultra violet radiation, through an influence on immune function. Beside those main focuses, the study will include other environmental factors like chemicals, diet and vaccinations. Hopefully this project will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of MS, which are relevant for preventative strategies and devising optimal treatment.Read moreRead less
Aetiology, Burden And Causal Pathways Of Acute Lower Respiratory Infections Using Population Linked Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,476.00
Summary
Lower respiratory, or chest infections, are a problem for many children. This project will investigate the impact of chest infections on hospitals and emergency departments, the viruses and bacteria that cause them, identify those children who are at an increased risk of having chest infections and investigate the impact of routine immunisations on specific types of infections. This project will greatly add to our understanding of chest infections so appropriate interventions can be developed.
Infectious And Lifestyle Determinants Of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$983,711.00
Summary
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the leading cancers in Australia, with about 2% of the population developing them each year. As well as sun exposure, a number of other factors have been thought to effect these cancers. This study will examine if factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and infection with certain skin related human papillomaviruses also increase their risk. Even a small effect may make a big difference when it comes to preventing these common cancers.