A Phase IIb Randomised Controlled Trial Of Continuous Beta-lactam Infusion Compared With Intermittent Beta-lactam Dosing In Critically Ill Patients With Severe Sepsis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$947,371.00
Summary
This randomised controlled trial aims to compare, in critically-ill patients with severe sepsis managed in the intensive care unit, whether the administration of beta-lactam antibiotics via continuous infusion improves outcomes for patients compared with standard intermittent dosing. The potential significance of this step-wise research program is that it may lead to a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve ICU-free days, clinical cure and survival for patients with severe infections.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Prophylactic Hypothermia In Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,061,506.00
Summary
Patients who suffer from a severe head injury (traumatic brain injury) have a 50% chance of having severe long term neurological disability or death. Some of this damage occurs after the initial injury and may be reduced by artificially lowering the body termperature for up to 7 days to protect the brain from further damage. This project will determine if early, sustained cooling is safe and if it can improve the long term neurological outcomes of patients with traumatic brain injury.
Re-EValuating The Inhibition Of Stress Erosions (REVISE): Gastrointestinal Bleeding Prophylaxis In ICU
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,955,164.00
Summary
Around 50,000 patients in Australian Intensive Care Units receive a drug called pantoprazole each year with the aim of preventing bleeding from the gut. Recent research suggests this practice is ineffective and may harm patients by increasing their risk of serious infections. We will perform a definitive study to determine whether the widespread use of pantoprazole is beneficial or harmful.
A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of Selective Decontamination Of The Digestive Tract In Critically Ill Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,113,393.00
Summary
Sepsis is the most common cause of death in intensive care patients. Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract (SDD) is a treatment to reduce the risk of infection and improve survival for these patients. Many trials suggest SDD works but there has not been widespread uptake due to concerns that SDD will increase antibiotic resistance.rates. This trial will provide a definitive answer. If SDD reduces mortality without increasing antibiotic resistance, the study will have a global impact.
Rapidly giving intravenous fluid to prevent or treat shock (fluid resuscitation) is one of the commonest treatments given to critically ill patients. Current guidelines recommend crystalloid solutions but it is unknown whether any particular crystalloid is better than others. This trial will determine whether the use of one of two crystalloid fluids, saline or PlasmaLyte, reduces the risk of organ injuries, such as kidney failure, and improves patients chances of surviving critically illness.
Treatment Of Invasively Ventilated Adults With Early Activity And Mobilisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,467,137.00
Summary
The sickest patients in intensive care units (ICUs) receive prolonged, invasive support for their breathing. This is currently managed with complete bed rest, and results in severe muscle weakness, increased duration of hospital stay and poor recovery. We have found that early activity and mobilisation during invasive breathing support is safe and may improve survival and recovery. We will test early activity and mobilisation in a large randomised controlled trial of 750 ICU patients.
STARRT-AKI: STandard Versus Accelerated Initiation Of Renal Replacement Therapy In Acute Kidney Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,112,447.00
Summary
Acute kidney failure is increasing globally and there are no treatments proven to improve patient outcomes. The STARRT-AKI Study will, as part of an international collaboration, examine the effect upon patient survival of the timing of dialysis initiation in patients with acute kidney failure who are critically ill in intensive care units.
BLING III: A Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial Of Continuous Beta-lactam Infusion Compared With Intermittent Beta-lactam Dosing In Critically Ill Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,269,943.00
Summary
This Australian-led trial of global significance will provide definitive clinical evidence of the optimal method for treating patients with severe sepsis using beta-lactam antibiotics. The trial will compare whether continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics improves outcomes for patients compared with standard intermittent dosing. The potential significance of this trial is that it may lead to a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve survival for patients with severe infections.
The Prophylactic Hypothermia To Lessen Traumatic Brain Injury-randomised Controlled Trial : Continuation Of Funding Request
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,321.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and long term disability. About half with severe TBI will die or have a poor outcome. The social and economic costs to the community are high. Treatment focuses on optimising oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Cooling may protect the brain. POLAR is a randomised trial of early cooling in patients with TBI. Cooling is started within 3 hours of injury. Data about the injury management and safety is collected. Recovery is measured at 6 months.
Sedation Practice In Intensive Care Evaluation (SPICE) Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,752,725.00
Summary
Almost every patient in intensive care needs sedating drugs for comfort and provision of life-saving treatment. However, sedation causes side effects including coma, delirium and agitation. There is no high-level evidence to help doctors decide which sedatives to choose and the best way to administer them. The SPICE trial will test a new approach called Early Goal-Directed Sedation based on an alternative sedative agent to see whether it delivers safer, targeted light sedation with less delirium ....Almost every patient in intensive care needs sedating drugs for comfort and provision of life-saving treatment. However, sedation causes side effects including coma, delirium and agitation. There is no high-level evidence to help doctors decide which sedatives to choose and the best way to administer them. The SPICE trial will test a new approach called Early Goal-Directed Sedation based on an alternative sedative agent to see whether it delivers safer, targeted light sedation with less delirium.Read moreRead less