Inhibition Of IFN-?/? By Human Metapneumovirus And The Induction Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
The newly isolated human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants, young children and the elderly. The virus can persist long-term and may predispose individuals to chronic lung disease. This proposal aims to determine the mechanisms by which hMPV infection causes respiratory disease, with a view to improving treatments and preventing disease.
CKD-FIX: A Randomised, Controlled Trial Of Allopurinol In The Slowing Of Kidney Disease Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,917,147.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem affecting over 1.5 million Australians and is associated with increased risk of death, heart disease and progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Current treatments to slow progression to ESKD are limited. The CKD-FIX trial aims to find out whether treatment with allopurinol, a commonly used drug for gout prevention, safely and effectively slows CKD progression. This could lead to significant health and economic benefits.
Enhancing Erythropoietin Therapy In Ischaemia-reperfusion Injury Of Heart And Kidney
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,021.00
Summary
Heart attacks and kidney disease from a lack of blood flow are common causes of morbidity and have poor treatment options. Erythropoietin (epo) is a useful new treatment, but there remain some caveats to its use in humans: eg. it may cause excessive scarring during repair. Use of epo with an anti-inflammatory drug may decrease scarring and provide benefit to long-term health. We plan to carefully define the biomolecular pathways of injury and repair, to better plan this therapy for human use.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Interventional Versus Conservative Treatment Of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,315.00
Summary
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a collapsed lung that occurs in otherwise healthy people without underlying lung disease. Current standard treatment is to insert a chest drain into the chest to remove the air around the collapsed lung so that the lung re-inflates rapidly ("interventional treatment"). We will determine whether doing nothing, i.e. letting the lung re-inflate slowly on its own over several weeks ("conservative treatment"), is just as good or even better for patients.
Rapidly giving intravenous fluid to prevent or treat shock (fluid resuscitation) is one of the commonest treatments given to critically ill patients. Current guidelines recommend crystalloid solutions but it is unknown whether any particular crystalloid is better than others. This trial will determine whether the use of one of two crystalloid fluids, saline or PlasmaLyte, reduces the risk of organ injuries, such as kidney failure, and improves patients chances of surviving critically illness.
I-HEART - Implementation Of HEArt Failure Guidelines In Regional AusTralia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,266,173.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a common disease of the heart with a high rehospitalisation and mortality rate. Regional HF patients rarely receive the full benefits of evidence-based care simply due to inaccessibility to a HF specialist team. This translational project will implement key recommendations from clinical guidelines in regional health services and improve access to specialist services. It has the potential to keep patients out of hospital and save lives.
Rhinovirus impairs physiological and immunological lung development and causes exacerbation of allergic airways disease. Rhinovirus (RV) infections account for around 90 per cent of asthma exacerbations, yet the mechanisms behind this are unknown. This project will use mouse models to study the effects of early life RV infection and allergic sensitisation on respiratory and immunological development, with the expectation that early life RV infection disrupts anitgen presenting cell function.
Integration Of Risk Evaluation In Cardiovascular Disease Management Programs.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,162,176.00
Summary
This study will determine the feasibility of a coordinated health care team approach to the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. It will examine a range of issues – who would most benefit from this approach, its value for money, the relative importance of health care services to consumers, and where to invest additional health funds. Built on strong collaborations between expert researchers in advanced diagnostic techniques, coordinated health care, community health care and health economics, ....This study will determine the feasibility of a coordinated health care team approach to the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. It will examine a range of issues – who would most benefit from this approach, its value for money, the relative importance of health care services to consumers, and where to invest additional health funds. Built on strong collaborations between expert researchers in advanced diagnostic techniques, coordinated health care, community health care and health economics, this provides a unique opportunity to benefit millions of Australians.Read moreRead less
Detection And Management Of Depression In General Practice Patients With Chronic Manifestations Of Ischaemic Heart Disea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,797.00
Summary
This research will investigate the impact of ischemic heart disease on the prevalence and severity of patients with depression. This will be done via a 12 month general practice based program of 1) systematic screening for depression 2) informing general practitioners of best-practice guidelines for management of depression in these patients, and 3) providing the treating general practitioner with patient-specific, psychiatric advice.
A Supervised Exercise Programme Following Hospitalisation For Heart Failure: Does It Add To Disease Management?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,966.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common, disabling condition. Outcomes are improved by a post-hospital disease management programme (DMP) including education, support and followup from a team of nurses, doctors and other health professionals. This study looks at whether adding a supervised exercise programme to a DMP can reduce death rates and hospital stays, and improve physical function and depression in patients with a recent hospital stay for CHF.