A Randomised Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Zoledronate Therapy In Osteonecrosis Of The Hip.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,441.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis of the hip is an important cause of musculoskeletal disability and finding therapeuticsolutions has proven to be challenging. A wide range of surgical treatments with variable success rates ahve been proposed for the treatment. Non-surgical treatment options are limited and usually result in a poor prognosis. This novel clinical trial research will study the protective value of a bisphosphonate in patients with osteonecrosis of the hip and evaluate the cost-effectiveness.
VITATOPS - A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Vitamins To Prevent Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,364.00
Summary
A high level of a normal protein component in the blood (homocysteine) is fast becoming recognised as a new risk factor for premature stroke and heart disease, although it remains uncertain whether treatment with vitamins can prevent these diseases from occurring. VITATOPS is a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of multi-vitamin therapy (folate, B6 and B12) in the prevention of stroke and other types of vascular disease. The VITATOPS ....A high level of a normal protein component in the blood (homocysteine) is fast becoming recognised as a new risk factor for premature stroke and heart disease, although it remains uncertain whether treatment with vitamins can prevent these diseases from occurring. VITATOPS is a multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of multi-vitamin therapy (folate, B6 and B12) in the prevention of stroke and other types of vascular disease. The VITATOPS study arises from a large body of consistent, biologically plausible evidence linking homocysteine in a dose-dependent fashion to stroke and other types of vascular disease. A simple, non-toxic, and inexpensive intervention in the form of multivitamins (folate, B6 and B12) has been shown to be highly effective at reducing homocysteine levels, irrespective of the underlying cause. All patients who are referred to a neurologist or general physician in one of the collaborating centres within six months of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack are eligible for the trial. In total, treatment will continue for a period of between 1 and 5 years. During this time, patients will be closely monitored in order to record the occurrence of any vascular events (particularly strokes and heart attacks). Neither the study investigator nor the patient will know which treatment they are receiving (i.e. it is 'double blind'). The number of vascular events in the treatment groups will be compared at the end of the study in order to determine whether vitamin treatment is beneficial. This application is for five years of support to allow the investigators to move from the pilot phase of VITATOPS in Perth to begin recruitment to the definitive trial in other centres across Australia and New Zealand. This study may have a major impact on patient management. If vitamins prove to be effective, we may recommend vitamin supplementation to all of our stroke patients in the future.Read moreRead less
New Methods And Guidelines For The Design, Analysis And Reporting Of Cluster-crossover And Stepped Wedge Randomised Trials In Clinical And Public Health Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,258.00
Summary
Cluster crossover and stepped wedge designs have emerged recently as study designs used in clinical and public health research settings. However, despite their use there has been very little methodological assessment of the statistical analysis methods used in current practice. The proposed research will assess the correctness of current methods and will produce a toolkit of state-of-the art, defensible trial design, analysis and reporting methods for the clinical/health researcher.
A COMMUNITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE WORK TASK PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,649.00
Summary
This study will compare the outcomes of a 10 week twice a week community-based weight training program for young adults with Down syndrome with an art program. It will establish if a student-led exercise program can improve their performance of work tasks and their activity levels. Should the program prove beneficial, we aim to achieve the long-term outcome of exercise being implemented as a sustainable, inclusive recreation option for this group.
Plasma Exchange And Glucocorticoids In ANCA Associated Vasculitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial (PEXIVAS Australia)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,243.00
Summary
Vasculitis is a life-threatening disease, and the current treatment for this condition is not satisfactory. This clinical trial aims to determine 1) if plasma exchange can lower mortality and the development of severe kidney failure due to this disease, and 2) if the use of lower doses of corticosteroids can lessen the infectious complications of treatment. This trial is part of a major international effort which will involve a total of 500 patients from Australia, UK, Europe, USA and NZ.
Large-scale Randomised Evidence: The Reliable Detection Or Refutation Of Treatment Effects Through Large, Simple Randomised Trials And Collaborative Meta-analyses Of Trials Using Individual Participant Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,897.00
Summary
Randomised controlled trials are the most reliable scientific method of studying medical treatments. Well-designed trials are thus needed to confidently guide doctors, other health professionals and policy-makers, particularly for common conditions such as cardiovascular disease. This Fellowship will study how we can better prevent and treat cardiovascular disease through the design, conduct and analysis of such trials at the University of Oxford, a world-leader in randomised controlled trials.