Open-label Randomised Trial Of Tolvaptan Versus Fluid Restriction In Hospitalised Patients With Moderate-severe Hyponatraemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Low blood sodium level, known as hyponatraemia, is the most common electrolyte problem. It occurs in 15% of hospital patients, and can cause confusion, seizure and fatal brain swelling. Standard treatment for hyponatraemia is limiting oral fluid, but this is slow and not always effective. The drug tolvaptan works in mild hyponatraemia, but hasn't been formally tested in severe cases. We will compare benefits and risks of tolvaptan versus fluid restriction in patients with severe hyponatremia.
Hypothalamic Regulation Of Appetite And Energy Homeostasis In Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$39,987.00
Summary
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disease affecting 1/~15 000 people. It causes insatiable appetite and often morbid obesity, as well as other developmental problems. It is thought that there is a defect in the way that the brain regulates eating behaviour in PWS, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. This study proposes to explore metabolic and genetic factors contributing to the appetite disorder in PWS. It will also explore new ways of treating excessive appetite.
ARMC5 And Other Genetic Contributions In Endocrine Neoplasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
The adrenal glands secrete essential hormones and can enlarge or develop tumours leading to conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, brittle bones and infections. We recently found that adrenal enlargement and tumours may be due to changes in the ARMC5 gene. We will perform genetic testing in affected patients across Australia to evaluate the roles of ARMC5 & other genes. Our goal is to better understand how these conditions develop so as to improve diagnosis and treatment.
The assessment of thrombosis requires the holistic evaluation of in-vivo coagulation including total clot formation. Unfortunately, current tests only evaluate the time to the start of clot formation. Experimental biomarkers such us thrombin generation, endothelial markers, microparticles and microRNA may provide a better framework for evaluating thrombotic risk. Translation of these markers to clinical use requires understanding of their expression in the normal population and assessment of the ....The assessment of thrombosis requires the holistic evaluation of in-vivo coagulation including total clot formation. Unfortunately, current tests only evaluate the time to the start of clot formation. Experimental biomarkers such us thrombin generation, endothelial markers, microparticles and microRNA may provide a better framework for evaluating thrombotic risk. Translation of these markers to clinical use requires understanding of their expression in the normal population and assessment of their ability to detect thrombotic disorders.Read moreRead less
Understanding Women’s Experiences Of Endometriosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,595.00
Summary
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting one in 10 women in Australia. It is associated with many debilitating symptoms including pelvic pain and infertility; which contribute substantial economic burden. It cannot be cured. Very little is known about how women experience this disease. The current study will invite women with endometriosis to participate in interviews about their experience. The findings of this research will contribute to improved health care for the management of endomet ....Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting one in 10 women in Australia. It is associated with many debilitating symptoms including pelvic pain and infertility; which contribute substantial economic burden. It cannot be cured. Very little is known about how women experience this disease. The current study will invite women with endometriosis to participate in interviews about their experience. The findings of this research will contribute to improved health care for the management of endometriosis.Read moreRead less
Weight And Risk Factor Management And Assessment Of Socioeconomic Status To Assess Impact On AF Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This disease can begin with short episodes but over time become more long-standing. Risk factors such as obesity have been linked to the burden and progression of the disease. Dedicated clinics focusing on education and management of these risk factors have been shown to reduce patients symptoms and burden of AF. We aim to evaluate these clinics results in halting the progression of AF.
The Interaction Between Kidney Disease And Cardiovascular Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,013.00
Summary
People with chronic kidney disease have increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Establishing predictors of these events can identify individuals most at risk and stratify therapy. Modifying risks reduces the progression of disease in people with chronic kidney disease. Risk prediction modelling has been done, but is not validated and requires clinical usability and application. This research aims to develop and validate risk prediction models and from them create clinician-friendl ....People with chronic kidney disease have increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Establishing predictors of these events can identify individuals most at risk and stratify therapy. Modifying risks reduces the progression of disease in people with chronic kidney disease. Risk prediction modelling has been done, but is not validated and requires clinical usability and application. This research aims to develop and validate risk prediction models and from them create clinician-friendly interfaces.Read moreRead less
An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Asthma In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$36,174.00
Summary
It is important to understand whether physical activity can prevent asthma, or whether asthma prevents children from being physically active, as this will influence the decisions we make with regard to the management of both childhood asthma and childhood activity. This work uses data from two studies of Australian children to tease out which path is the most important path to target when trying to increase physical activity levels and improve the respiratory health of children and adolescents.
Environmental Risk Factors And Genetic Modifiers For Lung Health And Lung Function In A High Risk Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,348.00
Summary
Asthma is an important determinant of respiratory health and longevity. While early life exposures are thought to be important, the evidence linking them with asthma and lung function is inconclusive. There is a scarcity of longitudinal studies and few investigate genes and environment. This study will determine whether environmental exposures along with their relevant genetic modifiers are related to increased risk of asthma and impaired lung function in a high allergy risk birth cohort.
Determining The Natural History Of Localized High-risk Melanoma And Risk Factors For Melanoma Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,980.00
Summary
This PhD thesis aims to describe 2-year survival rates of patients with localised melanoma. We will investigate risk factors and patterns of melanoma spread in patients with high-risk localised lesions. Risk factors for developing ulcerated versus non-ulcerated melanomas will be explored. We aim to describe support service use in melanoma patients in rural, regional and urban areas in Queensland.