Characterization Of Cellular Inflammatory Responses Underlying Acute Viral Bronchiolitis In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,224.00
Summary
This project seeks to characterize the inflammatory mechanisms triggered during severe respiratory virus infections that result in hospitalization of infants. These are associated with later development of asthma. We aim to identify new molecular targets for anti-inflammatory drug development, with the long term goals of improving treatment for acute disease, and prevention of subsequent asthma.
Improved Early Respiratory Support Of Infants And Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Worldwide respiratory disease in children has the highest health care burden on society. Children aged <5 years in particular, are increasing in hospital admissions and to intensive care where the cost is elevated. New ways of oxygen therapy have been studied and shown that we can reduce ICU admission if a therapy known as Nasal High Flow (NHF) therapy is applied earlier in the progression of the disease. Further research is needed in NHF therapy and to improve upon our patient outcomes.
High Flow Cannula Therapy In Bronchiolitis, A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,283,342.00
Summary
Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of paediatric hospitalisation in Australia. Despite multiple research studies the outcome has not changed. Our recent studies supported by other international studies have shown that the use of high flow nasal cannula oxygen may reduce the severity and prevent progression of the disease. We aim to investigate if HFNC in regional hospitals can reduce the number of infants transferred to specialist children’s hospitals and reduce the socio-economic burden.
Perinatal Microbe-host Interactions Regulate Neonatal Dendritic Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,293,576.00
Summary
Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) are the leading cause of childhood mortality globally, and increase the risk of chronic lung diseases in later-life. Diverse communities of microorganisms - the microbiome - assemble in infancy and support immune development. In this study, we will explore the relationship between the microbiome and its metabolites, and the expression of an important hormone that regulates the development of the immune system to confer protection against ALRI.
Elucidating Sub-clinical Pathways To Chronic Rejection In Lung Transplantation And Therapeutic Implications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,587.00
Summary
Organ transplantation has become a feasible option for many end-stage clinical conditions, including advanced lung disease. However, despite often dramatic short term successful outcomes, late graft dysfunction due to chronic rejection remains a major obstacle to long-term success. This is particularly the case in lung transplantation despite the use of potent broad spectrum immunosuppressive agents. The three major risk factors that have been identified for chronic rejection following lung tran ....Organ transplantation has become a feasible option for many end-stage clinical conditions, including advanced lung disease. However, despite often dramatic short term successful outcomes, late graft dysfunction due to chronic rejection remains a major obstacle to long-term success. This is particularly the case in lung transplantation despite the use of potent broad spectrum immunosuppressive agents. The three major risk factors that have been identified for chronic rejection following lung transplantation are acute rejection episodes diagnosed on lung biopsy, reactivation of the ubiquitous human DNA virus CMV and persistent lymphocytosis in the transplanted lung suggesting that potent broad spectrum immunosuppression may have both beneficial and harmful effects in lung transplant recipients. This proposal will apply sensitive new immunological techniques to detect and quantitate each of these risk factors at a sub-clinical level with a view to delineating their relationship with each other and with the development of chronic rejection following lung transplantation. This information will help unravel the pathogenesis of chronic rejection in lung transplant recipients and improve clinical management decisions in these patients and therefore long term health outcomes.Read moreRead less
Conquering The Final Frontier In Lung Transplantation - Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy For Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,887,790.00
Summary
Lung transplantation remains the only treatment option for an increasing number of Australians with end-stage lung disease, however long-term outcomes are severely compromised by the almost universal development of chronic rejection. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise in treating rejection, and in a world-first we have recently demonstrated that this approach is safe. In another world-first, this randomized, controlled study will determine whether MSC therapy is effective.
Improving The Understanding And Management Of Children Hospitalised With Bronchiolitis In Northern Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,506.00
Summary
Acute bronchiolitis remains one of the most common serious lower respiratory tract infections. Children can be treated effectively at home; however many require hospitalisation and current treatment is essentially supportive with oxygen and fluid therapy. In Indigenous settings where high colonisation of bacteria and burden of respiratory disease exist, antibiotics such as azithromcyin may provide clinical improvement in the short term outcomes for those children hospitalised with bronchiolitis.
Vitamin D And Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (ALRI) In Indigenous Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,669.00
Summary
Australian Indigenous children experience extreme rates of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) that medical interventions have failed to reduce. Vitamin D is an important immunoregulatory molecule of the respiratory system that remains uncharacterised in this population. We propose that deficiency contributes to the persistent rates of ALRI. This study will characterise vitamin D levels in a cohort of Indigenous children with and without ALRI. The results will guide future intervention.