Carbon Dioxide As A Treatment For Seizures In The Newborn
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,389.00
Summary
This study aims to introduce a simple and effective treatment to prevent brain damage from seizures in babies using CO2. Neonatal seizures remain a major clinical problem worldwide and are associated with poor brain outcomes and significant risk of death. Recent trials in human adult epileptics show rapid and effective seizure suppression following the use of CO2. This therapy will significantly impact long-term outcomes for affected babies and reduce the burden of care for families and society.
Enhancing The Neuroprotective Benefit Of Hypothermia With Melatonin In The Asphyxiated Neonate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$785,331.00
Summary
During labour, asphyxic episodes which cause a severe reduction in oxygen supply can become prolonged and result in perinatal brain injury, termed Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which may underlie cerebral palsy. Presently, newborn infants with suspected encephalopathy are cooled, which modestly protects the brain against cellular injury. We propose that the administration of melatonin to the newborn, in addition to cooling, will decrease the post-asphyxic formation of oxygen free radicals, th ....During labour, asphyxic episodes which cause a severe reduction in oxygen supply can become prolonged and result in perinatal brain injury, termed Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which may underlie cerebral palsy. Presently, newborn infants with suspected encephalopathy are cooled, which modestly protects the brain against cellular injury. We propose that the administration of melatonin to the newborn, in addition to cooling, will decrease the post-asphyxic formation of oxygen free radicals, thereby reducing the progression of brain damage.Read moreRead less
Pathways Of Neurosteroid-mediated Protection Following Compromised Pregnancy And Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,785.00
Summary
The hormonal environment of pregnancy is essential for normal development of the fetal brain. Levels of key hormones fall following premature birth and are further suppressed if the fetus is small or subjected to stress. This leads developmental problems in infants from the pregnancies. This project will examine effectiveness of replacement and supplementation treatments with critical neurosteroid hormones in reversing the adverse neurological effects of these complications of pregnancy.