Hypertonic Saline (HTS) In Head Injured Patients - A Multicentre, Prehospital, Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$247,269.00
Summary
Head injury is common in patients with major trauma, many of whom are young adults. The extent of head injury has a major influence on patient outcome. Low blood pressure after trauma worsens the extent of brain injury by decreasing its blood supply at a critical stage. Much of this secondary brain injury occurs before the patient reaches hospital. Hypertonic saline (HTS) is an intravenous salt solution which has been used in intensive care patients for many years to decrease brain swelling in h ....Head injury is common in patients with major trauma, many of whom are young adults. The extent of head injury has a major influence on patient outcome. Low blood pressure after trauma worsens the extent of brain injury by decreasing its blood supply at a critical stage. Much of this secondary brain injury occurs before the patient reaches hospital. Hypertonic saline (HTS) is an intravenous salt solution which has been used in intensive care patients for many years to decrease brain swelling in head injured patients. We know that HTS can be given to patients before they reach hospital, is safe, and acts by rapidly increasing blood pressure and decreasing brain swelling. Accordingly HTS may minimise secondary brain injury and lead to increased survival. Importantly, HTS is likely to dramatically improve neurological function of survivors without any significant risk of side effects. This study is designed to determine the effectiveness of prehospital HTS in head injured trauma patients with traumatic coma and low blood pressure.Read moreRead less
Improving Mental Health For Young People In Out-of-home Care: Providng Participatory Evidence-based Mental Health Care Across Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,114.00
Summary
Young people in out-of-home care have experienced traumas and adversities. They are highly vulnerable to mental ill-health and associated problems with relationships, education and meaningful activity. The project aims to deliver evidence-based mental health support and care across the health and community service system relevant to these young people in Victoria. The aim is to work in partnership to reduce the risks of mental ill-health and support more effective treatment and recovery.
Translation Of Effective Interventions In Injury Prevention And Trauma Care To A Chinese Setting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,407.00
Summary
Evidence informed injury policy is not currently well developed in China. This research project will provide measures of the effectiveness of both a trauma care protocol in a hospital setting, and an intervention program for novice driver education-training in China, and will therefore contribute to the building of an evidence based injury prevention capacity in China.
Effects Of Pin Biomechanics, Coating Material And Surface Roughness On The Pin-bone Interface In External Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,000.00
Summary
Some fractures require external fixation, anchored with metal pins in the bone fragments. The reatment is generally successful, although the pin tracts often loosen and become infected. This complication may jeopardise fracture healing and must be treated. The purpose of this project is to determine what aspects of pin design predispose to these problems at the pin-bone interface. Is it the way the pins are initially inserted, perhaps not tightly enough so that the pin is unstable, or perhaps to ....Some fractures require external fixation, anchored with metal pins in the bone fragments. The reatment is generally successful, although the pin tracts often loosen and become infected. This complication may jeopardise fracture healing and must be treated. The purpose of this project is to determine what aspects of pin design predispose to these problems at the pin-bone interface. Is it the way the pins are initially inserted, perhaps not tightly enough so that the pin is unstable, or perhaps too tight, causing microcracks in the bone? Is it the material of the pin, which might be improved with a bioactive coating? Is it the surface roughness which causes different responses of bone cells? Would it help to have an antibiotic pin? This proposal is designed to answer these questions. The biomechanics of the pin will first be studied with computer models and then tested in the laboratory. The loosening and infection associated with different types of pin will then be studied biologically. The results of the study will clarify the roles of pin biomechanics, coating and surface roughness, leading to improvements in design and better outcomes in fracture patients.Read moreRead less