Factor V Leiden Mutation: A Contributory Factor For Cerebral Palsy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,595.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the commonest physical disability in childhood. It has a major impact on individuals and families. In a significant proportion of cases, the cause is unknown so further research is essential to define the reasons for this condition, and thereby develop preventative strategies. Two mutations have been identified that predispose carriers to develop blood clots (called thrombosis). These mutations are the Factor V Leiden mutation and the coagulation gene for prothrombin (also know ....Cerebral palsy is the commonest physical disability in childhood. It has a major impact on individuals and families. In a significant proportion of cases, the cause is unknown so further research is essential to define the reasons for this condition, and thereby develop preventative strategies. Two mutations have been identified that predispose carriers to develop blood clots (called thrombosis). These mutations are the Factor V Leiden mutation and the coagulation gene for prothrombin (also known as the G20210A mutation). If blood clots form in, or travel to the brain (embolism), they can obstruct the blood supply causing damage that may result in cerebral palsy in young children. Our research will investigate both mothers of children with cerebral palsy, and the children themselves. The study of the mothers will determine whether those that are carriers of these mutations are at an increased risk of having children with cerebral palsy. Factors that may precipitate the development of blood clots, such as smoking during pregnancy, will be investigated. The children with cerebral palsy will be studied to determine whether they carry the mutations, and if so, whether they have brain scan evidence of previous blood clots. Children will be tested for the mutation using the blood spot taken routinely early in life. These blood spots are stored on cards (Guthrie cards) and are available for research following parental consent. The mothers will be tested for the mutation by using a saliva sample and will also be interviewed to obtain details of their pregnancies. As a result of this project, useful information will be provided for families and health care providers. It will be established whether these mutations play a role in the genesis of cerebral palsy. In addition, data about possible factors which may increase the risk in carrier mothers, such as smoking, will be provided.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Rapid, Non-invasive And Biocompatible Bedside Sensing Method For Jaundice Embedded In A Newborn Nappy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,744.00
Summary
Severe jaundice is a life threatening condition for which an effective screening tool in infants is currently unavailable. There is an urgent need to identify a suitable, reliable and affordable bedside test to positively impact upon the lives of millions of children worldwide by facilitating effective early intervention. This project will validate a non-invasive, affordable bedside test for neonatal jaundice, using a urine test positioned in a newborn’s nappy.
Does Placental Transfusion Prevent Death And Disability In Very Preterm Infants? Childhood Follow Up In The NHMRC Australian Placental Transfusion Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$889,406.00
Summary
A million babies are born before 30 weeks gestation worldwide each year. Many die or face a lifetime of disability. Enhancing placental transfusion in these infants by deferred clamping of the umbilical cord (DCC) is a simple procedure that may reduce mortality and major disability in childhood. The Australian Placental Transfusion Study (APTS), the largest ever RCT of deferred clamping, will follow up 1200 children born preterm to evaluate if DCC has childhood benefits at 2 years age.
Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.
In What Position Should We Be Sleeping Preterm Infants In The NICU?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,742.00
Summary
Preterm babies are at risk of brain injury caused by low cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. The prone sleeping position (lying on abdomen) has been found to decrease both cerebral oxygenation and blood pressure in healthy term babies, and is a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, it is common practice for preterm babies to be slept in the prone position.This study will examine the effects of prone vs supine positions on brain oxygenation in the preterm babies.
Childhood Diabetes: Prediction, Prevention And Preservation Of Beta Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,189.00
Summary
Childhood onset type 1 diabetes is a severe life-long disease that has a major impact on the child and their family. While studies have attempted to modify the immune system before or after diagnosis, few clinical trials have recruited young children. The overarching goal of this fellowship is to improve the lives of young people with diabetes, through a multifaceted program of ground-breaking research aimed at prediction, prevention and preservation of insulin producing ?-cells in the pancreas.
Neuro-protection In The Preterm Brain - A New Role For Dopamine Therapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,975.00
Summary
Brain injury in premature babies leads to long term adverse outcome. Preliminary data show that dopamine improves brain oxygen. Our study will define effects of dopamine in preventing injury in the immature brain, using animal studies. In immature lambs receiving dopamine, we will test the protective effect of dopamine on brain oxygenation during hypoxia. Outcome will be measured by examining cell injury on lamb brain slices.
DOES TREATMENT REVERSE THE NEUROCOGNITIVE AND CARDIOVASCULAR SEQUELAE OF SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING IN CHILDREN?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,826.00
Summary
Studies in children have shown that disruption to normal sleep patterns resulting from sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has severe consequences for both the cardiovascular system and neurocognition. To date there have been no studies in children to investigate whether treatment of SDB with adenotonsillectomy, which has been shown to reduce sleep fragmentation and neurocognition, also reduces blood pressure.
A Pre-clinical Trial Of Early Blood Transfusion For Improving Cerebral Oxygen Delivery In Very Preterm Neonates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$970,603.00
Summary
Long-term disability is common in babies born prematurely. This may be due to insufficient delivery of oxygen to the brain, but currently there is no treatment that increases oxygen delivery to the brain. We will determine if blood transfusion is more effective than current treatments given to prevent brain injury in preterm babies. Transfusion has two benefits. It will increase the amount of blood going to the brain. It will also increase the amount of oxygen carried by the blood.