Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents are used to correct the anaemia associated with kidney disease, and cost Australia around $100m in 2004. The optimal target haemoglobin remains the subject of intense debate despite several large trials in the area. This project will use pooled data from these trials to provide a definitive analysis of the overall harms and benefits associated with different targets for the first time and will guide the use of these expensive drugs to maximise patient benefit.
So Like Your Mum! Is The Health Of Mothers In Far North Queensland Reflected In The Nutrition And Growth Of Their Children In Early Life?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,631.00
Summary
The health, nutrition and growth of a baby reflect the health and nutrition status of its mother. We will link routine health service information for Indigenous mothers with information on the growth, haemoglobin and health of their young children to identify key factors in a mother’s pregnancy and before, influencing the future health and development of their babies. This study will shape interventions to improve the health of mothers, and thus improve the health of their children through life.
We will investigate how the master control gene, Kruppel-like factor 1, orchestrates production of red blood cells. We will use genetic and cell biology approaches to determine exactly how this factor interprets the genome blueprint in a cell specific manner. We will also determine how mutations in KLF1 cause human diseases such as congenital dyserythropoietic anemia and hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin. This has implications for reactivation of HbF in adults with sickle cell disease.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome And The Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,654.00
Summary
We are interested in how myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) affects the function of the bone marrow. We believe that changes associated with anaemia of MDS cause the bone marrow to be altered. This proposal addresses this question and explores new treatment approaches
The Role Of Soluble Transferrin Receptor In The Regulation Of Iron Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,607.00
Summary
Iron is both essential for health and toxic in excess so the body very tightly regulates how much iron is absorbed from the diet. One of the most important regulators of dietary iron absorption is the iron demands of developing red blood cells. In this project we will investigate how developing red blood cells signal changes in iron absorption. An understanding of this process will be of great benefit in the analysis and treatment of important blood diseases and disorders of iron metabolism.
KLFs are master control genes that regulate the expression of many target genes to determine cell fate and to convert one cell fate to another. Mutations in KLFs cause human diseases. This grant will focus on the founding member of the KLF family, KLF1. We will use genomics techniques and animal models to determine how KLF1 works in normal blood cell production and in disease
IV Iron For Treatment Of Anaemia Before Cardiac Surgery (ITACS Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,285,290.00
Summary
Our aim is to evaluate intravenous iron to treat anaemia in 1000 patients waiting for their cardiac surgery. This could reduce the risks of the operation and enable patients to recover faster and can go home earlier.
Anaemia In The Elderly: Epidemiology, Causes, Consequences And Optimal Transfusion Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Anaemia in the elderly (AE) is a common and increasing issue, which is often treated with blood transfusions. This project aims to investigate the causes and risk factors of patients who develop AE, and the impact of AE on health outcomes. The results will help define appropriate haemoglobin thresholds for AE, and provide information to develop appropriate guidelines for AE and transfusion management in the elderly.
A Randomised, Placebo-controlled Trial Of Oxpentifylline Versus Placebo In The Treatment Of Erythropoietin-resistant Anaemia In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,189.00
Summary
Anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to poor health outcomes, increased death rates and high health care costs. Drugs that stimulate red blood cell production are routinely used to treat CKD patients with anaemia, however some patients do not respond to these drugs. The HERO trial is a clinical trial designed to test the safety, effectiveness and cost benefits of a drug Oxypentifylline, in treating CKD patients with anaemia that is unresponsive to red blood cell stimulating treatmen ....Anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to poor health outcomes, increased death rates and high health care costs. Drugs that stimulate red blood cell production are routinely used to treat CKD patients with anaemia, however some patients do not respond to these drugs. The HERO trial is a clinical trial designed to test the safety, effectiveness and cost benefits of a drug Oxypentifylline, in treating CKD patients with anaemia that is unresponsive to red blood cell stimulating treatments.Read moreRead less
Improving Patient Outcomes Through Better Use Of Blood Products
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,412,250.00
Summary
Blood transfusions, used wisely, save lives. Blood must be used judiciously: it is donated by volunteers, and carries risks and great cost to the community. Although a common intervention, evidence in many areas is inadequate to formulate recommendations on how blood should be used. This research program will address national priorities where evidence is weak by undertaking clinical trials to compare transfusion strategies, evaluate alternatives to transfusion and test novel blood components.