Docosahexaenoic Acid For The Reduction Of Bronchopulomonary Dysplasia In Preterm Infants Born At Less Than 29 Weeks Gestational Age: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,929,854.00
Summary
A major challenge in the care of very preterm babies, is dealing with the fact that the baby has very immature lungs. They are prone to an inflammatory condition known as BPD (broncho-pulmonary dysplasia) that prevents an infant from breathing, much like asthma in older children. This can result in poor health outcomes for life. Our study will test the effect of the omega 3 fat known as DHA in reducing this inflammation in the lung and result in better outcomes for the baby.
Optimising The Motor Outcomes Of Infants With Cerebral Palsy Using Environmental And Goal Oriented Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,563.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Early diagnosis enables intervention when the brain is developing. Current early intervention has little impact on movement. This research tests the effectiveness of “goal-directed training” and enriched environments by: systematically reviewing literature, piloting the intervention, conducting a clinical trial and interviewing parents. Findings have the potential to improve the outcomes of the 700 new cases diagnosed each year.
DHA For The Improvement Of Neurodevelopmental Outcome In Preterm Infants: The DINO Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,875.00
Summary
The incidence of neurological problems that occur in children born prematurely is higher than for those born at term. The earlier that a baby is born, the greater chance it has of having some developmental delay and general inability to cope at school. This has implications for the child, the families and the health system. One of the many dietary factors implicated in the development of neural abilities in premature infants is an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. This compound is present in breast ....The incidence of neurological problems that occur in children born prematurely is higher than for those born at term. The earlier that a baby is born, the greater chance it has of having some developmental delay and general inability to cope at school. This has implications for the child, the families and the health system. One of the many dietary factors implicated in the development of neural abilities in premature infants is an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. This compound is present in breast milk and most preterm formulas and is found in high concentrations in the brain and retina. In the last third of pregnancy the developing baby would normally accumulate DHA at a rapid rate. So it seems reasonable to assume that a baby outside the mother, that is born premature, would also need to accumulate DHA at this same rate. The problem is that none of the milks currently given to premature infants have DHA in high enough concentration to supply this amount of DHA to the baby. For example, breast milk and preterm formulas contain only a third of the DHA required. In order to provide this amount for the premature infant, breast milk containing DHA at about 1% of the total fat is required. Fortunately the level of DHA in breast milk can be increased to this level by supplementing the mothers diet with fish or olis like tuna oil. This study hopes to show that premature babies who receive DHA in amounts similar to that supplied in the womb will develop better than babies who receive low amounts of DHA.Read moreRead less
Implementing, Evaluating And Translating Pragmatic Strategies To Prevent Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), And Treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
Drinking alcohol when pregnant places the unborn child at risk of lifelong brain damage, that we call Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We can prevent FASD by raising awareness of the harms of drinking in pregnancy, and supporting women not to drink. For those with FASD, treatment programs can help reduce learning and behavioural problems. Our research team work with communities and service providers to implement FASD Prevention and Treatment strategies, and raise awareness of FASD.
Long Term Outcomes Of Infant Lung Function In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,456.00
Summary
We have shown that babies with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are apparently well can still have lung problems. As lung disease is the major cause of death in CF we need ways to monitor the condition in babies, identify those at greatest risk of lung changes and predict which children should receive newer treatments. We have developed a unique program for the measurement of lung function in babies. We now aim to find out the long term consequences of lung function changes detected in infants with CF.
Improving The Long-term Quality Of Life For Preterm Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
My vision is to improve the long-term quality of life of preterm children (<37 weeks’ gestation), with a specific focus on those born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks’ gestation). To achieve this goal my research has two broad and related aims: 1) Determine the neurological and socio-environmental mechanisms leading to impairments in preterm children; and 2) Develop and assess the efficacy of perinatal and early intervention programs for preterm children.
Tailoring A Brief Sleep Intervention For Autism: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,475.00
Summary
Up to 86% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience behavioural sleep problems which have been shown to be associated with increased core ASD symptoms, increased rates of internalizing and externalizing disorders, and increased parental stress. The “Sleeping Sound” study is a novel behavioural sleep intervention that has shown much promise as a treatment to reduce sleep problems and improve mental health outcomes in children with ASD.
Family And Environment In The Development Of Obesity And Precursors Of Diabetes And Heart Disease In Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$284,770.00
Summary
Obesity is a serious public health problem in Australia. The rate of obesity appears to be rising. Currently 19-23% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of obesity in both males and females. It is a time when new dietary habits, likely to promote fatness, are adopted and physical activity declines. Understanding the factors that drive these behaviours is essential for effective prevention of obesity and related diseases. In 199 ....Obesity is a serious public health problem in Australia. The rate of obesity appears to be rising. Currently 19-23% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of obesity in both males and females. It is a time when new dietary habits, likely to promote fatness, are adopted and physical activity declines. Understanding the factors that drive these behaviours is essential for effective prevention of obesity and related diseases. In 1996-7, our research group studied a group of over 400 children who were aged 7-8 years, were living in western Sydney and were born at Nepean Hospital. In our new study, we plan to re-study this group of children, now in early adolescence. This will allow us to assess the family and environmental factors influencing physical activity and eating behaviour at the beginning of adolescence. The aims of our study are to: Measure changes during early adolescence in eating and physical activity behaviours that are likely to increase obesity risk Measure anthropometric and biochemical markers for future risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in both adolescents and their parents Identify factors in the family environment that influence changes in food intake and physical activity in early adolescence The study will be done in two phases, 18 months apart. The measurements will be done in the study centre at Nepean Hospital in western Sydney. We will measure the height, weight and skinfold thickness of the adolescents and, if possible, their parents. We will also ask the young people and their parents to complete questionnaires about the family food and activity environment and their level of physical activity and food intake. In addition, the adolescents will wear a light-weight activity monitor for 3 days ( to measure the level of activity), blood pressure will be measured and cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked.Read moreRead less