Plasma Exchange And Glucocorticoids In Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody Associated Systemic Vasculitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial (PEXIVAS Australia)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,110.00
Summary
ANCA-associated vasculitis is a life-threatening disease. The PEXIVAS trial will investigate whether plasma exchange, in addition to immunosuppressive therapy and glucocorticoids, will reduce death and the development of severe kidney failure due to this disease. Additionally, the project will also look at whether using a reduced dose of glucocorticoids is just as effective as larger doses in lessening the infectious complications of treatment.
Community-wide Active Case Finding For Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,422,325.00
Summary
During 2010, 8.8 million people developed TB and 1.45 million people died due to the disease. In this project, which will be conducted in Vietnam, one of the countries in our region with a particularly high prevalence of TB, we will test a new form of an old intervention: community-wide screening for TB, not with x-rays but by testing sputum. If the project is successful it has the potential to lead to a giant leap forward towards the elimination of TB as a global health problem.
A Randomised Placebo-controlled Crossover Trial Of Micronised Resveratrol As A Treatment For Friedreich Ataxia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,287.00
Summary
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is the most common inherited cause of ataxia (incoordination). There are currently no treatments proven to slow or reverse its inexorable progression. We have shown that resveratrol holds promise as a treatment in an open-label study and now propose a placebo controlled study that will provide evidence of whether resveratrol can slow or reverse symptoms in this devastating disorder.
Gene Expression Profiling In Critically Ill Patients With Septic Shock: The ADRENAL-GEPS Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,304.00
Summary
Sepsis refers to a whole body inflammation caused by severe infection. Approximately one in three adults admitted with septic shock die within 28 days and it is unclear whether treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs is beneficial in terms of patient survival. The aim of this study is to develop a clinical test based on gene activity that can be used to predict patient survival and also determine what the best treatment might be for individual patients.
Improving Skin Cancer Prevention: Motivating Preventive Behaviours Using Knowledge Of Personalised Genomic Risk Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,720.00
Summary
The aim of our study is to evaluate whether we can improve the Australian public’s skin cancer prevention behaviours, particularly reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, by giving personalised information about melanoma genetic risk. We will also explore the psycho-social, ethical, and economic implications of receiving this information. The results of our study are likely to influence the future of skin cancer prevention in Australia.
A Randomised Evaluation Of The Appropriateness Of Anatomic Coronary Investigation In Cardiac Injury/MI Type 2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,516,561.00
Summary
Myocardial infarction occurring in the context of another concurrent illness is associated with a higher morbidity, and mortality than patients presenting with spontaneous myocardial infarction. Significant variation in the use of coronary angiography for the investigation of these patients exists, and currently no trial evidence or guidelines define best practice. This trial will establish the optimal investigation and treatment approaches for the care of this very common clinical condition.
The Impact Of Cleaner Cookstoves To Reduce Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes In Low Resource Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,043,188.00
Summary
Around the world each year household air pollution causes 4.3 million deaths. Mothers, babies and children, who spend the most time at home are extremely vulnerable. The impact on pregnant women has not been accurately measured despite it being known to be as dangerous as smoking. The best method to reduce household air pollution is to use stoves that reduce emissions. We will conduct a large trial of cleaner cooking stoves and measure the impact on pregnant women.
Individualised Vocational Support For Youth With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,359,118.00
Summary
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that can significantly disrupt normal vocational (i.e., education and employment) development. This trial investigates whether early intervention with a specialised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model for vocational recovery is more effective than usual vocational supports for 15-25 year olds with BPD. It is expected that IPS will result in more days in mainstream employment and education.
Randomised Sham-controlled Trial Of Acupuncture For Post-menopausal Hot Flushes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,828.00
Summary
This clinical trial will test whether needle acupuncture is more effective than a sham needle control acupuncture in relieving post-menopausal women's hot flush symptoms.
The aim of this project is to determine whether or not turning a baby from the posterior position to the more common anterior position increases the chances of a normal birth. This involves performing an internal examination during labour and gently turning the baby as the mother pushes. At present, if the baby is in the posterior position (facing towards the front of the mother’s body) there is a higher risk of a caesarean, forceps or vacuum delivery.