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Development Of A Health-related Quality Of Life Instrument For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$114,000.00
Summary
This project aims to develop and test a measure of quality of life for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This is a new project of international significance that has been recommended as the highest research priority of the United Cerebral Palsy Association with the strong support of CP researchers and clinicians internationally. CP remains the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, with an incidence of 2-2.0-2.5 per 1,000 live births. Described as a 'non-progressive motor impair ....This project aims to develop and test a measure of quality of life for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This is a new project of international significance that has been recommended as the highest research priority of the United Cerebral Palsy Association with the strong support of CP researchers and clinicians internationally. CP remains the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, with an incidence of 2-2.0-2.5 per 1,000 live births. Described as a 'non-progressive motor impairment of central origin recognised in infancy or childhood', CP presents as a static lesion on the brain characterised by progressive muscoskeletal deformity. Its impact on children and families is profound, resulting in extensive and life-long burden of care for families, and significant limitations to children's development and wellbeing. The management of the neuromuscular sequelae and health problems is a considerable cost to the health system because children require frequent visits for medical management, surgical procedures and rehabilitation. Trials of CP management effectiveness are hampered by the absence of patient outcome measures. Whilst new treatment options aim to provide substantial improvements in impairment and functioning they have disadvantages. For example, spasticity management includes Botulinum toxin A and intrathecal baclofen, both may improve function but are costly and invasive; treatments for ambulation (multi-level orthopaedic surgery) offer improved gait and mobility but require extensive rehabilitation; treatments for severe eating difficulties and poor growth (gastrostomy) may improve survival but result in aggravation of gastro-oesophageal reflux; and surgery for intractable epilepsy may improve seizure disorder but result in functional deficits. Quality of life is now a mandatory component of clinical trial research; valid and reliable tools sensitive to detecting change are urgently required.Read moreRead less
GABA Excitotoxicity, Neuroprotection And The Perinatal Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,970.00
Summary
Approximately 3.5% of babies die each year from brain damage due to perinatal asphyxia, a shortage of oxygen to the developing brain. Babies that survive face lifelong neurological disabilities, placing enormous burden on health, social and economic resources. Current treatments are inadequate. We will examine what occurs when there is a shortage of oxygen to the developing brain and investigate pathways to hypoxic brain injury that offer opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
A Randomised, Controlled Trial Of 10% Dextran 40 In The Prevention Of Stroke Complicating Carotid Endarterectomy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,667.00
Summary
The operation to remove blockages in the carotid arteries (carotid endarterectomy) is of proven benefit in the prevention of stroke. The procedure itself, however, unfortunately carries approximately a 1 in 20 risk of immediate and early postoperative stroke. Most strokes are caused by blood clots forming at the operation site, breaking off and travelling to the brain (embolism). The up front operative risk is usually accepted by most patients in order to achieve the significantly greater long t ....The operation to remove blockages in the carotid arteries (carotid endarterectomy) is of proven benefit in the prevention of stroke. The procedure itself, however, unfortunately carries approximately a 1 in 20 risk of immediate and early postoperative stroke. Most strokes are caused by blood clots forming at the operation site, breaking off and travelling to the brain (embolism). The up front operative risk is usually accepted by most patients in order to achieve the significantly greater long term benefits of future stroke risk reduction. This study is designed to test a medication (dextran) thought to possibly prevent stroke associated with the operation. Dextran acts in part, by preventing blood clots forming at the operation site . In a pilot study undertaken by the researchers, dextran significantly reduced the downstream shedding of small blood clots (microemboli) detected by monitoring brain arteries using specialised ultrasound techniques. It remains to be proven, however, whether this effect on microemboli actually translates into the prevention of stroke complicating surgery. The DICE (Dextran In Carotid Endarterectomy) Trial aims to assess whether dextran can reduce the risk of stroke associated with carotid surgery by 50% or more. It has important implications for the increasing numbers of Australians being offered this operation (5,000-6,000 each year). If the therapy is proven effective there will be the potential to prevent 350-450 strokes and stroke related deaths each year.Read moreRead less
Low-Dose Tenecteplase Vs Standard-Dose Alteplase For Acute Ischaemic Stroke: An Imaging Based Safety And Efficacy Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,281.00
Summary
This study compares standard dose alteplase (a proven stroke thrombolytic) with a low dose of the new medication tenecteplase for stroke treatment. We propose that the clot-dissolving activity of low-dose tenecteplase will be superior to alteplase, with a lower risk of brain bleeding. MRI scanning is the most effective way of assessing outcomes and will be used to measure how well the medication restores blood flow, the amount of permanent brain damage, and whether any brain bleeding occurs.