Asthma is a common problem for women during pregnancy. There is concern about how asthma and its treatment may effect the baby, and also concern that asthma may deteriorate during pregnancy. Variable adherence to treatment compounds this situation. Current clinical measures are not very accurate in determining the correct dose of inhaled therapy to be used for asthma. However, there is now good evidence from clinical trials in nonpregnant adults and children that this situation can be improved b ....Asthma is a common problem for women during pregnancy. There is concern about how asthma and its treatment may effect the baby, and also concern that asthma may deteriorate during pregnancy. Variable adherence to treatment compounds this situation. Current clinical measures are not very accurate in determining the correct dose of inhaled therapy to be used for asthma. However, there is now good evidence from clinical trials in nonpregnant adults and children that this situation can be improved by using markers of inflammation to guide therapy. One of the promising tests of inflammation is exhaled nitric oxide. We wish to determine whether asthma can be better managed during pregnancy by using nitric oxide to guide therapy. We will examine whether this approach leads to fewer asthma exacerbations, lower doses of corticosteroid, better asthma control, and better outcomes for the baby. To do this we have put together a team with expertise across each of the important areas of asthma, pregnancy, and research methods. This will enable the study to provide a clear indication of which treatment approach is better, and this can then be offered to pregnant women and their health care team.Read moreRead less
Centre For Research Excellence In Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,498,607.00
Summary
The Centre for Research excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (CRE-PF) aims to develop a sustainable nation-wide network, consisting of world recognized experts. The group will enable an integrative approach to solving PF through a layered strategy extending from molecules germane to disease pathogenesis, to human studies. With this approach the CRE-PF will set a new paradigm for synergy between academia, health care, health policy and the public, placing Australia at the forefront of innovation.
Prevention Of Asthma In Young Children Via Immunostimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$679,683.00
Summary
Persistent asthma is a major problem for Australia yet none of the current therapies do more that control the condition. The long-term solution is to prevent asthma from progressing to the persistent form. The major risk factors are: family history, early allergy and recurrent severe lower respiratory infections (sLRI) in the early life. We will conduct a randomized clinical trial to prevent sLRI using a novel bacterial-derived immunostimulant in infants at high risk of developing asthma.
Multi-centre RDBC Trial Of Oxygen Vs Air For Relief Of Breathlessness In Terminally-ill Patients With Intractable Dyspno
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,701.00
Summary
This study will compare the effects of oxygen and air in the relief of breathlessness in patients at the end of life who do not currently qualify for home oxygen. This landmark study will provide accurate information about any benefits that oxygen offers for breathlessness in this setting. This international multi-site study will ask 226 people to participate using either oxygen or air for 7 days while keeping a diary. We will measure breathlessness, quality of life, anxiety and side effects exp ....This study will compare the effects of oxygen and air in the relief of breathlessness in patients at the end of life who do not currently qualify for home oxygen. This landmark study will provide accurate information about any benefits that oxygen offers for breathlessness in this setting. This international multi-site study will ask 226 people to participate using either oxygen or air for 7 days while keeping a diary. We will measure breathlessness, quality of life, anxiety and side effects experienced.Read moreRead less
Effect Of Anti-IgE Antibody On Immune System Responses And Short-term Outcome In Acute Asthma In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,752.00
Summary
We plan to undertake a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of anti-IgE antibody given at the time of an acute attack of asthma in children aged 6-12 years. The idea for this arose from our own novel data – IgE levels increase with the most common infection causing acute asthma. Given evidence the virus uses IgE to cause inflammation, giving anti-IgE during the attack should reduce the severity of the attack and produce a new, effective treatment for acute asthma.
Understanding How Azithromycin Prevents Exacerbations In Severe Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,273.00
Summary
In some people with severe asthma, conventional inhaler treatments are not able to control the disease so there is a need for new treatment options. We have recently completed a large clinical trial which showed that very low doses of a common antibiotic help prevent asthma attacks in this situation. However, not much is known about how the antibiotic is working. This study will help us understand how the antibiotic is working and which people respond best.