Understanding The Mechanisms Of Bleeding And Clotting Complications For Children On Extracorporeal Circuits.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,113,385.00
Summary
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is advanced life support, which can save critically ill children. Significant bleeding occurs in 39%; clotting in 31% of children on ECMO; stroke in 12%. The biggest barrier to reducing these complications is the lack of understanding of how the bleeding/clotting system works in ECMO. This unique proposal uses the largest paediatric ECMO population in Australia and a multidisplinary expert team to develop a mechanistic understanding of these issues.
Nitric Oxide On Cardio Pulmonary Bypass In Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,878,889.00
Summary
Children undergoing open heart surgery on a heart lung machine can experience serious side effects from the exposure to the artificial circulation during surgery and may have either prolonged need for life support in intensive care or even may suffer from long term complications. In this study we investigate the use of a new approach using nitric oxide, a anti-inflammatory gas, during surgery to reduce these side effects.
Neuroprotective Role Of Sulphate Among Preterm Babies (SuPreme Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$749,338.00
Summary
Magnesium sulphate administered to mothers shortly before preterm birth, reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. The mechanism of its neuroprotective effect is unknown, and our studies suggest sulphate is the protective element. Preterm babies rapidly become sulphate deficient, and magnesium sulphate mitigates this deficiency in most infants. In this study we will investigate whether low blood sulphate levels at 1 week of age correlate with cerebral palsy.
The Epidemiology Of Post Thrombotic Syndrome Following The Use Of Central Venous Lines In Paediatrics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,203.00
Summary
The association between central venous lines (CVL) and blood clots in children is well known. Possible consequences of CVL-related blood clots are line blockage, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS symptoms can be physically limiting, painful and disfiguring. Yet as the incidence of PTS is unknown, the importance of treating CVL-related blood clots is unclear. This study will assess the incidence of PTS and the associated risk factors in children ....The association between central venous lines (CVL) and blood clots in children is well known. Possible consequences of CVL-related blood clots are line blockage, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS symptoms can be physically limiting, painful and disfiguring. Yet as the incidence of PTS is unknown, the importance of treating CVL-related blood clots is unclear. This study will assess the incidence of PTS and the associated risk factors in children.Read moreRead less
Evaluating Neonatal Intensive Care For Tiny Babies In The 2000s - Is It Still Effective, Efficient And Available?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$246,333.00
Summary
Most extremely tiny babies, those of birthweight less than 1000 g, need intensive care to survive. However some survivors have substantial problems with their long-term health. Since intensive care is costly we must be sure that it is money well spent. From the late 1970s until the late 1990s in the state of Victoria neonatal intensive care has been increasingly effective, with large increases in the long-term survival rate, from 25% in 1979-80, to 73% in 1997. Its efficiency has been relatively ....Most extremely tiny babies, those of birthweight less than 1000 g, need intensive care to survive. However some survivors have substantial problems with their long-term health. Since intensive care is costly we must be sure that it is money well spent. From the late 1970s until the late 1990s in the state of Victoria neonatal intensive care has been increasingly effective, with large increases in the long-term survival rate, from 25% in 1979-80, to 73% in 1997. Its efficiency has been relatively high and stable over time, comparing favorably with many other health care programmes, both intensive and non-intensive. It has been increasingly available, with fewer than 10% of ELBW infants born outside major hospitals with intensive care nurseries, and more tiny babies offered intensive care. We now need to know if these benefits have been maintained for tiny babies born in the 2000s. Hence we need to assess the long-term health of tiny babies born in Victoria in 2005.Read moreRead less
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating bowel condition afflicting almost 1 in 10 of very preterm babies. About a third of babies with NEC do not survive. Currently, there is no cure. We propose the use of stem-like cells from the human placenta as a targeted therapy for NEC, working by minimising gut damage and accelerating gut repair.
Nasal Highflow For Paediatric Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,627,819.00
Summary
The burden of respiratory disease in children requiring intensive care admission is increasing despite better quality care in hospitals. This study investigates a new method, called nasal high flow, to support the breathing of children, that can be provided in regular children's wards in regional and metropolitan hospitals. The study anticipates to demonstrate that early intervention with nasal high flow reduces the need for intensive care admission.
Evaluation Of The Incorporation Of WHO Guidelines Into Post-graduate Medical Curriculum; The Impact On Quality Of Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,704.00
Summary
There is abundant evidence that many patients do not receive medical treatments of proven effectiveness. This is even more apparent in developing countries. Strategies to improve use of proven treatments is needed. Our research aims to evaluate an educational program for doctors in Lao PDR, based on World Health Organisation guidelines for the care of sick children in hospitals, including the impact on the knowledge of doctors and on the quality of care in the hospitals in which they work.
A Study Of The Impact Of Treating Electrographic Seizures In Term Or Near-term Infants With Neonatal Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,365,184.00
Summary
Seizures in the newborn infant are common and may be harmful to the developing brain. They are not always recognised. This study investigates whether or not treating all seizures detected using a bedside brain activity monitor improves developmental outcome, compared to just treating seizures that doctors recognise.
Generating And Applying Clinical Research To Improve The Outcomes Of Neonatal Intensive Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
Birth is a complex process and sometimes babies require help to make the transition to independent life. Professor Peter Davis is conducting research into how best to support this transition. This involves helping the lungs to work efficiently and supporting the changes in circulation of the blood to the brain and to the rest of the body. His work aims to quickly identify babies who need help and then provide better treatments to make sure they have the best chance of a healthy life.