The Effect Of Probiotics On The Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Of Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,068,804.00
Summary
Premature infants are at increased risk of abnormal development, meaning problems with their ability to walk, talk, think, hear and see. Giving premature babies ‘good bacteria’ (probiotics) may help them survive, but little is known about how probiotics affect long-term development. This is the first large study to assess the development of children who were involved in a trial of probiotics following their premature birth.
Efficacy And Safety Of Methylxanthines In Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$221,136.00
Summary
With improving technologies and medications the numbers of very premature babies surviving to leave hospital has increased over the last two decades. However these babies are at increased risk of having brain damage in the form of mental retardation and cerebral palsy. These problems impose a major burden on the individuals, their families and society at large. This study attempts to identify whether or not a commonly used drug is safe in these babies or whether it contributes to brain damage in ....With improving technologies and medications the numbers of very premature babies surviving to leave hospital has increased over the last two decades. However these babies are at increased risk of having brain damage in the form of mental retardation and cerebral palsy. These problems impose a major burden on the individuals, their families and society at large. This study attempts to identify whether or not a commonly used drug is safe in these babies or whether it contributes to brain damage in some cases. Many premature babies have difficulty breathing by themselves because their brain does not send regular messages to their lungs telling them to expand. A class of drugs which includes caffeine has been shown to stimulate breathing in babies and has been thought to reduce the amount of support these babies require from a ventilator in the first weeks of life. The safety of these drugs has not been adequately demonstrated in premature babies and there is some evidence from animal studies that they may disrupt the developing brain. Results in human babies are inconclusive and concerns remain regarding the long term effects of caffeine. The question of whether caffeine usage increases the risk of mental retardation or cerebral palsy is a very important one given the almost universal usage of this or similar drugs in premature babies. We will find out whether babies given caffeine as newborns perform as well at 18 months of age as babies not given the drug.Read moreRead less
Contribution Of Systemic Inflammatory Response To Brain Injury In Growth Restricted Newborns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,388.00
Summary
Growth restriction during pregnancy can damage the baby’s brain and result in poor outcomes such as learning and attention difficulties and cerebral palsy. Currently there is no treatment available to prevent brain injury in these babies. This study will explore the role of inflammation and brain injury in the growth restricted baby. We will also examine whether a readily available and safe anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce or prevent brain injury following growth restriction.
The Stunting Risk Assessment Tool: Identifying Infants At High Risk Of Impaired Growth And Development In Resource Poor Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Stunting is a neglected global health crisis. After the age of 2, irreversible health, developmental and economic consequences occur that are perpetuated across generations. Early risk prediction is key to more effective interventions. By determining the contribution of risk factors in pregnancy and early infancy, I propose to develop a tool that can be used by health workers to identify infants at high risk of stunting in early life, so that early preventive measures can be introduced.
Trabecular Architecture During Growth - Does It Determine Metaphyseal Peak Bone Strength In Adulthood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,339.00
Summary
Skeletal fragility is common is elderly people but has its origin in childhood. Strong bone established during growth will provide more protection against occurrence of fragility fracture in old age. Identifying individuals during childhood who are at high risk of skeletal fragility, and early intervention is a strategic approach managing the burden of skeletal fragility on the ageing population.
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.