Does Maladaptive Remodelling Of The Heart And Vasculature In Response To Preterm Birth Lead To Long-term Cardiovascular Risk?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,086.00
Summary
Being born prematurely is linked to the development of high blood pressure (a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease) later in life. In this project we will examine whether injury to the cells lining the cardiovascular system and/or structural changes in the wall of the arteries and the heart, as a result of being born early, lead to an elevation in blood pressure and heart dysfunction in adulthood.
Extending The MIS BAIR Randomised Trial Of BCG To Prevent Childhood Allergy And Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$939,504.00
Summary
BCG (used till recently to prevent tuberculosis) is a potential low cost and readily available vaccine which could reduce the rates of allergy and infection in Australian children. We propose to extend our existing NHMRC-funded trial, which studies whether BCG vaccinatinon given at birth prevents the development food allergy, eczema and infection in the 1st year of life, to see if this effect continues until 5yrs of age. At this age, we can also see if BCG vaccination at birth prevents asthma.
Being Born Small Is Not Good For The Heart:early Detection Of Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,757.00
Summary
Intra uterine growth restriction(IUGR) is linked to adult onset of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) which underlie this link or which babies are most at risk. This study aims to assess cardiovascular function in infants and children who were growth restricted. Early identification of cardiovascular dysfunction may aid in new opportunities for monitoring and therapeutic targets to ultimately reduce later onset of cardiovascular morbidity in this population.
Impact Of Sleep Disordered Breathing On Cardiovascular, Behavioural And Neurocognitive Function In Preschool Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,703.00
Summary
Studies in school age 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 limited investigations of the effects of SDB in pre-school children despite the knowledge that disruptions to breathing during sleep are maximal at this age and the central nervous system which is immature and developing at this time, is most vulnerable to injury.
Cardiovascular, Neurophysiological And Neurocognitive Assessments To Define Sleep Disordered Breathing In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,008.00
Summary
Disruptions to breathing during sleep (snoring), known as sleep disordered breathing occurs in up to 27% of children and forms a continuum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It has previously been thought that only severe disruptions to breathing, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), were of clinical significance requiring intervention, however recent studies have shown that even snoring with no currently used signs of altered blood oxygenation levels or sleep disruption can have a ....Disruptions to breathing during sleep (snoring), known as sleep disordered breathing occurs in up to 27% of children and forms a continuum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It has previously been thought that only severe disruptions to breathing, as occurs in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), were of clinical significance requiring intervention, however recent studies have shown that even snoring with no currently used signs of altered blood oxygenation levels or sleep disruption can have a significant impact on daytime functioning and school performance. It is also known that cardiovascular disease is a long-term consequence of untreated sleep disordered breathing in adults, however the long-term effects on the cardiovascular system in children are unknown. This study will examine both the neurocognitive and cardiovascular effects of a range of severities of sleep disordered breathing in children and will identify new more sensitive markers of sleep disruption in order to predict neurocognitive dysfunction. In order to address this most important issue, this project will combine the expertise of scientists and clinicians in the fields of paediatric sleep, cardiovascular control and neuropsychological assessment from Monash and Melbourne Universities, and the Monash Medical Centre and Royal Children's Hospital.Read moreRead less
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.
The Effect Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea And Its Treatment On Exercise Capacity On Obese Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,787.00
Summary
The aim of the study is to explore the effect of sleep apnoea and its treatment on obese children aged between 7 - 13 years. The project will study the effect of sleep apnoea and its recommended treatment on: 1. lung and cardiovascular function 2. blood markers (including cholesterol and insulin), and 3. quality of life in obese children. It is hoped this study will show treatment reverses any negative outcomes caused by sleep apnoea in obese children.
Reducing Vaccine Preventable Diseases In Children: Using National Active Hospital-based Surveillance To Evaluate And Improve Immunisation Program Performance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,049,916.00
Summary
This proposal aims to evaluate and improve upon immunisation policy and programs for the prevention of severe childhood influenza and pertussis. Using our successful Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) network in 6 major children's hospitals across Australia, we will identify gaps in the evidence base needed to better control influenza and pertussis and in particular to ensure programs are delivered in such a way so as to address health inequalities.
Early Environmental Determinants Of Pancreatic Islet Autoimmunity: A Pregnancy To Early Life Cohort Study In Children At Risk Of Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,124,069.00
Summary
The doubling in incidence of type 1 diabetes in children over the last 20 years may be explained by our modern environment, including excessive weight gain in pregnancy and early life, inadequate dietary omega- 3 fatty acids or vitamin D, or viral infections. We therefore aim to study children with a family member with type 1 diabetes from the pregnancy and through early childhood to determine the effects of the environment on their risk of developing type 1 diabetes .This will lead to strategie ....The doubling in incidence of type 1 diabetes in children over the last 20 years may be explained by our modern environment, including excessive weight gain in pregnancy and early life, inadequate dietary omega- 3 fatty acids or vitamin D, or viral infections. We therefore aim to study children with a family member with type 1 diabetes from the pregnancy and through early childhood to determine the effects of the environment on their risk of developing type 1 diabetes .This will lead to strategies to prevent type 1 diabetes.Read moreRead less