A Multi-site RCT Comparing Spinal And General Anaesthesia On Neurodevelopmental Outcome And Apnoea In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,072.00
Summary
5% of Australian children have surgery when they are infants. Recent studies have shown that surgery in babies is associated with poorer neurological outcomes. The reason for this is unclear but animal experiments suggest it may be due to some anaesthetic agents. This trial will determine if the anaesthetic is the cause of the problem. 660 babies who need surgery will be randomised to receive a general or local anaesthetic, and then followed for 5 years.
The Role Of Arousal And Respiratory Control Factors In The Pathogenesis Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,924.00
Summary
Sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common breathing disorder in sleep characterized by repetitive closure of the collapsible portion of the throat with serious effects on sleep quality and health. Basic causes of OSA are still largely unknown. We will investigate waking responses to breathing load and related respiratory control factors that we believe may be fundamental causes of OSA, and potentially explain many features of OSA including worsening in light sleep and with increasing age.
Clinical Studies Of Diabetes And Tropical Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phases I and II continue to make important contributions to our understanding of the natural history of diabetes and will be a major focus of the research supported by present application. Studies of malaria and severe bacterial infections in Papua New Guinean children that have regularly contributed to changes in national and regional treatment protocols will also continue under the supervision of the applicant.
The Effect Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea And Its Treatment On Exercise Capacity On Obese Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,787.00
Summary
The aim of the study is to explore the effect of sleep apnoea and its treatment on obese children aged between 7 - 13 years. The project will study the effect of sleep apnoea and its recommended treatment on: 1. lung and cardiovascular function 2. blood markers (including cholesterol and insulin), and 3. quality of life in obese children. It is hoped this study will show treatment reverses any negative outcomes caused by sleep apnoea in obese children.
Combined Therapy To Ameliorate Ventilatory Instability In Patients With Heart Failure And Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,648.00
Summary
Sleep apnea is highly prevalent, particularly in patients with heart failure, and treatment remains limited to applying pressure via a face mask which can be intolerable. Although instability in breathing control is a major cause of apnea in many patients, treatments targeting instability with sufficient efficacy are unavailable. This project will combine two treatments, acetazolamide and oxygen, to powerfully reduce instability and provide relief from sleep apnea in a subgroup of patients.
Regulatory Control Of The Upper Airway Muscle Genioglossus During Sleep
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,855.00
Summary
Difficulty breathing during sleep is a major health problem. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most frequently occurring of these disorders, being found in approximately 4% of males and 2% of females. In OSA the upper airway (UA) collapses during sleep preventing airflow and causing a fall in oxygen levels in the blood. The airway collapses because during sleep muscles in the UA are unable to offset the negative pressure generated within the airway by the effort of inspiring. If the negative ....Difficulty breathing during sleep is a major health problem. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most frequently occurring of these disorders, being found in approximately 4% of males and 2% of females. In OSA the upper airway (UA) collapses during sleep preventing airflow and causing a fall in oxygen levels in the blood. The airway collapses because during sleep muscles in the UA are unable to offset the negative pressure generated within the airway by the effort of inspiring. If the negative pressure is too great and the airway collapses the person has to wake up to reopen the airway. As the UA collapses again on the return of sleep, the cycle becomes repetitive, causing sleep disruption. OSA is a significant health risk causing heart disorders, increased mortality, daytime sleepiness, reduced daytime performance and increased risk of accidents. OSA is due to two interacting factors. First, people with a narrow airway have to generate a greater negative pressure during inspiration. Second, and critically, sleep reduces activity in the UA muscles. The importance of this sleep effect is indicated by the observation that OSA patients do not obstruct while awake. Thus, a respiratory abnormality during sleep is a necessary component of the disorder. However, progress in understanding motor control of UA muscles has been slow. We argue that this is in part because research has concentrated on analysing the activity of the UA muscles, rather than measuring the individual motor units that make up the muscles. In this project we propose to investigate the sleep related activity of individual motor units in the UA muscle, genioglossus (GG). GG plays a critical role in the UA as it keeps the tongue from collapsing backwards into the airway. We anticipate that this approach will provide insights into motor control of the tongue and the role of GG in the development of OSA.Read moreRead less
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common complications of obesity and is independently associated with a reduced quality of life and cardiovascular disease. This project aims to identify the underlying factors linking obesity with OSA by examining how weight loss surgery can improve these factors. These important findings will contribute greatly to our understanding of OSA pathophysiology and are necessary to find better treatments for obesity-associated OSA.