DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONTROL DURING SLEEP IN HUMAN INFANTS AFTER PRETERM BIRTH
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,537.00
Summary
Infants spend the major part of their life in sleep, and the period between birth and 6 months of age sees dramatic changes in their sleep organisation. Coincidently, there are dramatic developmental changes in the infant's heart and blood pressure control systems, and the ability to compensate for stress such as falls of blood pressure (hypotension) or in the level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxaemia). In infants born preterm, the risks of hypoxaemia, and even death are significantly greater dur ....Infants spend the major part of their life in sleep, and the period between birth and 6 months of age sees dramatic changes in their sleep organisation. Coincidently, there are dramatic developmental changes in the infant's heart and blood pressure control systems, and the ability to compensate for stress such as falls of blood pressure (hypotension) or in the level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxaemia). In infants born preterm, the risks of hypoxaemia, and even death are significantly greater during sleep than during wakefulness, but why this is so is uncertain. This study will examine the ability of infants to respond to stress during sleep. Four groups of infants will be examined: healthy infants born at normal gestation; healthy infants born prematurely (preterm); preterm infants who have experienced mild hypoxaemia soon after birth; and preterm infants who have suffered more severe hypoxaemia because of lung disease. Infants will be studied in a sleep laboratory during day-time sleep, and their ability to control blood pressure will be determined. By contrasting the effectiveness of blood pressure control between the infant groups we aim to determine whether preterm infants have lasting problems as a result of their premature birth, or their exposure to hypoxaemia. By contrasting infants in sleep and wakefulness, we aim to assess whether the risks of poorer blood pressure control are greater in sleep.Read moreRead less
The aim of this proposal is to evaluate a novel therapy option for children with a genetic disorder called mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). MPS arise from the build up of complex carbohydrates in cells within the body due to the deficiency of an enzyme required for their degradation. By decreasing the synthesis of carbohydrate we can manipulate the level of stored carbohydrate and alleviate the pathology associated with MPS. The novel therapy is based on a chemical modification of glucose that inhib ....The aim of this proposal is to evaluate a novel therapy option for children with a genetic disorder called mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). MPS arise from the build up of complex carbohydrates in cells within the body due to the deficiency of an enzyme required for their degradation. By decreasing the synthesis of carbohydrate we can manipulate the level of stored carbohydrate and alleviate the pathology associated with MPS. The novel therapy is based on a chemical modification of glucose that inhibits carbohydrate synthesis and is termed substrate deprivation therapy.Read moreRead less
Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
Therapy For CNS Degeneration In MPS Disorders That Targets Both Glycosaminoglycan And Ganglioside Storage.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,043.00
Summary
Children with seven of the eleven types of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorders exhibit a profound, irreversible neurological deterioration that manifests in infancy. This results from the continual buildup of undegraded sugar and fat in brain cells. The goal of this proposal is to prevent the accumulation of lipid alone or both lipid and sugar in the brain in order to alter the progression of neurological disease. Treatment will be assessed in mouse models of MPS.
Investigation Of The Influence Preterm Birth On Lung Structure And Function In School Age Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$204,482.00
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most significant chronic lung complication of premature birth. While some information on the long term respiratory outcomes in BPD exist there are no comprehensive studies linking lung structure, function and respiratory symptoms and relating these changes to neonatal history. Studies of this kind are essential to ensure future healthcare for these children can be planned accordingly.
Role Of Viruses In The Development Of Lung Disease In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,223,186.00
Summary
This study will investigate how lung disease starts in babies with cystic fibrosis and the role of viral infections in this process. The new knowledge gained will help us move towards treatments that prevent or delay the start of lung disease, something not currently possible. We believe this new treatment paradigm will lead to improved quality and extent of life of those with cystic fibrosis.
The Identification Of Thoracic Targets For Prevention And Intervention In Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The persistence of breathing problems from infancy to later life is a complication of premature birth with lifelong consequences. Breathing problems often occur together with lung disease, but prematurity can also affect heart and blood vessel development, and weakness of the main breathing muscle. We will find out how much the heart, lungs and diaphragm contribute to breathing problems in babies; helping us to better predict, diagnose and treat severe breathing problems in babies born preterm.
Lung, Heart And Respiratory Muscle Disease After Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,328,858.00
Summary
Breathing problems persisting into infancy and later life is an important complication of premature birth with lifelong consequences. Breathing problems often occur together with lung disease, but prematurity can also affect heart and blood vessel development, and weakness of the main breathing muscle (the diaphragm). We will find out how much the heart and diaphragm contribute to breathing problems in babies, and will help us to better predict, diagnose and treat severe breathing problems.
The Clinical Utility Of Small Airway Function Tests In Paediatric Respiratory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Respiratory disease is an important child health issue with long term implications into adulthood. The evaluation of small airways involvement in disease processes, using an accurate sensitive measures of function, such as forced oscillation technique and multiple breath washout, potentially facilitates not only early detection of disease, but instigation of earlier treatment, better assessment of response to treatment, and ultimately better outcome.