Pulmonary Hypertension In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pulmonary Hyperinflation, Gas Trapping And Disproportionate Pulmonary Hypertension.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,583.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Raised blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension, PH) predicts a worse prognosis in patients with COPD. The mechanisms contributing to PH are incompletely understood. We aim to determine the role of lung hyperinflation in contributing to the development of PH in COPD. We also aim to identify a sub-group of patients that develop severe PH which may benefit from specific therapy.
Chronic Kidney Disease And Cardiovascular Disease In Aboriginal Children And Young Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,232.00
Summary
Aboriginal Australians are burdened with a higher level of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, which is the greatest contributor to the gap in health between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. My proposed research aims identify if the increased risk of chronic disease is evident during childhood and adolescence amongst Aboriginal Australians, and to explore if this inequity is largely explained by the social determinants of health.
Long Term Sequelae Of Acute Kidney Injury: Identifying The Optimal Model Of Care And Intervention To Enhance Patient Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs. It is increasingly recognised as a key driver of progressive kidney disease, and no intervention has been shown to improve the long-term outcome of AKI survivors. This project identifies risk factors for chronic kidney disease, dialysis dependence and death after an episode of AKI, and examines the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of early nephrology review in high risk individuals.
Developing A Psychological Model Of Care For Adolescents And Young Adults With Complex Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Adolescents and young adults with complex congenital heart disease face many challenges including the need for lifelong cardiac surveillance, medication, and navigating normal transitions such as developing independence; factors which place the individual at risk of psychological morbidity. Determining risk factors contributing to loss to follow-up and psychological morbidity is needed to develop evidence-based psychological interventions, which are strongly recommended but currently lacking.
The Effect Of Renal Transplantation And Extended Hours Haemodialysis On Cardiac MRI And Biomarkers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,750.00
Summary
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Asymptomatic patients demonstrate changes in cardiac imaging and elevation of cardiac biomarkers which predict outcome. This study will investigate serial cardiac imaging and cardiac biomarkers in patients undergoing live donor renal transplantation and extended hours haemodialysis. Results will enhance our understanding of cardiovascular disease in CKD leading to improved patient outcomes.
Advanced Characteristics Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease that worsens over time. Flare-ups worsen lung function faster and patients may need hospital treatment. Virus infections cause half of these flare-ups. Large studies have not found a predictor other than a previous flare-up, having reflux and high blood white cell count. This study will examine the changes in lung function during a flare-up and recovery, and the effects of infection and reflux on lung function during a one year follow up.
Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility As A Predictor Of Survival Following Hospitalized Exacerbation Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Many patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) also have elevated lung blood pressures, or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Having both conditions increases the risk of death. It is difficult to diagnose PH in COPD. We will be using a new Computed Tomography (X-ray imaging) technique to investigate a marker of PH called ‘pulmonary artery pulsatility’. If PH can be diagnosed easily and accurately new treatments can be devised and researched potentially improving outcomes in COPD.
Physical Activity In Community Dwelling People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,204.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious lung condition causing severe breathlessness. Participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life but is unavailable to most people who only see their local doctor. These studies will look at the effect of a new home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program on how much physical activity people do and the best ways to measure exercise ability at home.
Identification Of Early Predictors Of Non-healing Venous Leg Ulcers And Development Of A Risk Assessment Tool
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$43,271.00
Summary
Venous leg ulcers make up about 70% of all chronic leg ulcers and are often debilitating. This project aims to examine the relationships between physiological and psychosocial variables in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers in relation to healing at 24 weeks thereby guiding the development of a risk assessment tool that will then be tested. Identification of risk factors for non-healing at 24 weeks would offer an opportunity for clinicians to be able to determine realistic outcomes.
Improving Health-related Quality Of Life In Patients Receiving Home Mechanical Ventilation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$121,793.00
Summary
Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a treatment that assists someone to breathe using a machine. People may need HMV when their breathing has failed due to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD) or severe obesity. This project will examine the quality of life of patients receiving HMV in Australia and Canada. It will also determine if we can improve the treatment by using a sleep study to monitor breathing when patients first start HMV.