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.
New Treatments For Acute Kidney Injury-Targeting The IL-17A Pathway
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,200.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common cause of ill-health and death. Despite the frequency and seriousness of AKI no new treatments have developed over the past 40 years. While AKI can occur spontaneously it can also develop after treatment with medications, in particular cancer therapies. In this proposal we will explore the effect of new treatments to prevent AKI. We plan to identify new treatments for patients with AKI, with particular relevance to patients receiving cancer treatments.
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.
Identifying The Microbiological Risk Factors For Acute Lower Respiratory Infection In Indigenous Children To Inform Future Intervention Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,745.00
Summary
Lung infections such as pneumonia are common in Indigenous children, and can lead to repeated hospitalisation and permanent lung damage. They are also an important cause of preventable death in children. This study will look at the role of bacteria and viruses in lung infections, and will inform interventions to reduce the burden and consequences of lung infections in Indigenous children.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Interventional Versus Conservative Treatment Of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,315.00
Summary
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a collapsed lung that occurs in otherwise healthy people without underlying lung disease. Current standard treatment is to insert a chest drain into the chest to remove the air around the collapsed lung so that the lung re-inflates rapidly ("interventional treatment"). We will determine whether doing nothing, i.e. letting the lung re-inflate slowly on its own over several weeks ("conservative treatment"), is just as good or even better for patients.
Improving Quality Of Life In Late Stage Bipolar Disorder: RCT Of A Novel Psychological Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,083,620.00
Summary
Hundreds of thousands of Australians have bipolar disorder and receive minimal benefit from existing drug and psychological treatments. ORBIT 2.0 is a new low-intensity online treatment using mindfulness strategies to improve quality of life in this poorly served ‘late stage’ group. Pilot testing suggests ORBIT is effective. This project will refine the intervention and is expected to confirm its clinical and cost effectiveness prior to international roll-out.
Toward Effective Targeted Therapies For Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,345.00
Summary
Standard chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is highly toxic, and has not changed in over 40 years. We will conduct a world-first clinical trial incorporating ABT-199 (Venetoclax) to target BCL2 into the standard-of-care treatment for AML. A second initiative will explore the potential for small molecule inhibitors to simultaneously target both BCL2 and its related partner MCL1, to create a “chemotherapy-free” regimen for AML. These studies promise to herald a new era in AML therapy.
The Mutagenic Influence Of 5-methylcytosine And Its Relevance For Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$844,462.00
Summary
Over time our cells accumulate damage to their DNA, which introduces mistakes in the genetic code. These mistakes can alter genes that regulate cell growth and survival and, in this way, they begin the process of turning a normal cell into a cancer. This research is investigating the cellular repair mechanisms that safeguard against DNA damage. Manipulating these repair mechanisms may offer a new way to treat cancer, by selectively inducing DNA damage within cancer cells.
Do Exposures Before Conception Influence The Risk Of Asthma In Offspring?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$688,586.00
Summary
Asthma and poor lung function are major causes of public health issues. Emerging evidence suggests adverse exposures even before the conception of a child may cause these conditions. The proposed project is part of an international study across generations to identify these factors. This study will provide novel evidence to guide interventions and identify studies to advance this area further. These original findings will be of great importance both nationally and internationally.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Admission to a stroke unit; administration of clot busting therapy to eligible patients; and treatment of fever, raised blood sugar and swallowing difficulties are therapies with demonstrated evidence to reduce death and disability. Our study will rigorously evaluate an organisational intervention to deliver these initiatives in Emergency Departments. We hypothesise this will deliver further significant improvements in 90-day health outcomes and patient recovery.