A Multi Centre, Randomised, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Trial Comparing Intravenous Hydrocortisone With Placebo In Critically Ill Patients With Septic Shock.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,997.00
Summary
This study performed across Australia and New Zealand will evaluate whether hydrocortisone, a cheap drug when administered to critically ill patients with severe infection, will save lives.
A Solution Based Approach Developing Child Health Research With A Focus On Preventive Interventions For Common Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,599,538.00
Summary
There is an increasing recognition that research into child health should focus not only on disease but also on common childhood disorders such as obesity, depression and poor literacy. In addition, such research should include solution-based activity. That is, child health research should have an active program of testing new interventions to prevent the onset of disorders, or to allow optimal early management. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest Australian child health resear ....There is an increasing recognition that research into child health should focus not only on disease but also on common childhood disorders such as obesity, depression and poor literacy. In addition, such research should include solution-based activity. That is, child health research should have an active program of testing new interventions to prevent the onset of disorders, or to allow optimal early management. The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest Australian child health research institute, is in a very good position to develop Australia's capacity further with regard to a coordinated research program into preventative interventions in child health. This is because of: - the Institute's location at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, the largest paediatric health service provider in Australia - the many individual relevant research projects that are already occurring in MCRI - the strong existing teams of researchers with skills in many different fields of child health such as psychology, speech pathology, clinical-medical care, epidemiology and biostatistics, and laboratory science including genetics. This capacity building program will coordinate population health work to develop the knowledge and skills of eight population health researchers. This development will occur within the context of an internationally competitive research program with structured continuing education and training to promote public health leadership. The capacity building program will develop skills not only in study design, conduct and analysis, but also in collaboration and the translation of research findings into better health services, government policy and parental knowledge to prevent problems and improve the health and well being of children and their families. To care for children in the best way, parents, families, schools, health care providers, and government need the best evidence base possible on the prevention of common child disorders.Read moreRead less
Targeted LOWering Of Central Blood Pressure In Patients With Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Trial (LOW CBP Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,442,405.00
Summary
For over 100 years doctors have measured blood pressure (BP) using a cuff at the upper arm. However, this method has many drawbacks that can result in inappropriate treatment decisions. New technology has emerged to measure central BP, which allows a more accurate BP assessment and may improve patient care. This study will test the clinical value of this new measure of central BP. Findings are expected to lead to a change in the way that people with high BP are diagnosed and managed by doctors.
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
Fluid resuscitation is widely used in the management of critically ill patients. There are a variety of different fluids available to doctors but there is little evidence regarding how effective they are. One of the most commonly used fluids, a hydroxyethyl starch was recently approved by the TGA for use in Australia. This project aims to compare how effective and safe this fluid is compared to another widely used fluid, saline, for resuscitation of critically ill patients in intensive care.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) As A New Standard Of Care For Spinal Metastases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,148.00
Summary
Secondary spread of cancer to the spine affects about 40% of all cancer patients. The current standard of care, radiotherapy, does not provide durable control of cancer pain. Breakthrough technology in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is showing considerable promise for improved patient outcomes. This study is a multi-national collaboration between Australia and Canada directly comparing conventional radiotherapy to spinal SBRT in order to establish spinal SBRT as the new standard of care.
Physical Activity For Young People With Depression: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial To Test The Effectiveness Of Incorporating A Brief Intervention Into Routine Clinical Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,678,739.00
Summary
Depression and physical activity in young people are linked: lack of physical activity is a risk-factor for depression and physical activity can improve symptoms of depression. Physical activity is not routinely provided as an intervention, despite its potential to improve immediate treatment outcomes and prevent poor physical health. This study will evaluate an intervention that aims to include a brief physical activity intervention in routine clinical care for young people with depression.
Evaluation Of The Obesity Paradox In Diabetes: A Longitudinal Case-Control Study Of Half A Million Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,721.00
Summary
Obesity is a risk factor for developing diabetes. However, recent studies reported increased mortality risk associated with normal body weight in people with incident diabetes compared to overweight or obese patients. This “obesity paradox”, where being overweight appears to be protective, is new in diabetes. The mechanism behind this is not known. Using 20 years of follow-up data on 500,000 diabetes and control patients, this study proposes to find possible explanations behind obesity paradox.
The SHARP-ER Study: Extended Follow-up Of The SHARP Study Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,106,265.00
Summary
The SHARP study, conducted from 2003 to 2010, recruited over 9,000 participants with kidney disease and showed, for the first time, that cholesterol-lowering was effective in preventing heart and vascular disease in people with advanced kidney disease. This study will extend follow-up to answers critical questions regarding long-term cardiovascular, renal and other health outcomes.