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Imaging And Chemical Biomarkers For Assessing The Effectiveness Of Therapy In The First European Investigator-driven Clinical Trial Investigating The Benefits Of Hypothermia In Ischaemic Stroke Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,048,570.00
Summary
Hypothermia, entering phase III trial in Europe, has the potential to slow brain injury after stroke. It will allow existing thrombolytic therapies which restore critical brain blood flow to be used in many more patients than currently possible. However, hypothermia will soak up valuable resources if non-selectively applied to the ~15 million patients who have a stroke each year. We aim to identify biomarkers to test which patients will benefit most and permit the best resource allocation.
Characterising A Newly Identified Mechanism Causing Elevation Of Intracranial Pressure After Acute Neurological Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,905.00
Summary
Our group discovered that increased pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure – ICP) may be more common and important than has been recognised following stroke, and potentially other brain disorders. We also identified a simple potential therapy, short-duration body cooling, which completely prevents the pressure rise. In this project we will characterise the ICP rise, identify its molecular trigger and determine the best method of body cooling tor use in clinical trials in stroke patients.
Preventing Adverse Outcomes Of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy With Erythropoietin: A Randomised Controlled Multicentre Australian Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,103,844.00
Summary
One in five babies die worldwide from Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy caused by low oxygen or blood supply to the brain around birth. Survivors often have low IQ, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism. Cooling the baby after birth (hypothermia) reduces the severity of brain damage, but half still die or are disabled. This randomised, controlled trial will test whether Erythropoietin (a natural hormone) can further protect and repair these babies' brains, saving lives and preventing disability.
A New Understanding Of Stroke Pathophysiology: Late Infarct Expansion May Be Under-recognised And Easily Preventable.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,496.00
Summary
Stroke caused by a blood clot blocking a brain artery is one of the leading causes of death and disability. We recently discovered that pressure in the skull rises 24 h after stroke. Increasing evidence suggests that this causes growth of the stroke through its effects on brain blood flow. We will measure the blood flow reduction caused by the pressure rise and how frequent it is, then determine how much brain is saved and disability prevented by blocking it.
Preventing Perioperative Inadvertent Hypothermia In Adult Surgical Patients: The Development, Implementation And Evaluating Of An Evidence-based Care Bundle.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,107.00
Summary
It is well established that keeping patients warm and preventing hypothermia before, during and after surgery leads to better outcomes. Although recommended practices for keeping a patient warm during surgery are relatively simple and inexpensive, they are often not adhered to in clinical practice. The aim of this implementation study is to improve compliance with evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of unplanned hypothermia in adult surgical patients.
Creatine, A Multi-organ Protectant Against Hypoxic Injury In The Neonate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,802.00
Summary
The WHO estimates that up to 9 million babies suffer birth hypoxia each year, leading to 29% of global neonatal deaths, and significant rates of severe disability. We hypothesise that creatine, given as a supplement to the mothers diet during pregnancy, will protect her babies organs should low oxygen around the time of birth occur. The low cost of creatine is particularly relevant for rural and remote communities and the developing world where, currently, there are no effective therapies.
The Prophylactic Hypothermia To Lessen Traumatic Brain Injury-randomised Controlled Trial : Continuation Of Funding Request
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,321.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and long term disability. About half with severe TBI will die or have a poor outcome. The social and economic costs to the community are high. Treatment focuses on optimising oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Cooling may protect the brain. POLAR is a randomised trial of early cooling in patients with TBI. Cooling is started within 3 hours of injury. Data about the injury management and safety is collected. Recovery is measured at 6 months.
Our lives depend upon maintaining the correct body temperature. Failure to regulate it properly may be lethal. This is particularly true in the elderly, who are more susceptible on the one hand to heat stroke and on the other to hypothermia. Many die each year from both these causes. Body temperature is regulated by the brain, yet our understanding of how and where in the brain this happens is poor. This proposal aims to work out the 'wiring diagram' of brain temperature control pathways in rats ....Our lives depend upon maintaining the correct body temperature. Failure to regulate it properly may be lethal. This is particularly true in the elderly, who are more susceptible on the one hand to heat stroke and on the other to hypothermia. Many die each year from both these causes. Body temperature is regulated by the brain, yet our understanding of how and where in the brain this happens is poor. This proposal aims to work out the 'wiring diagram' of brain temperature control pathways in rats and to begin to extend this knowledge to humans. This work will generate new knowledge about a vital function. The insights obtained will inform and guide future strategies in aged care, intensive care and perioperative care.Read moreRead less
Short Duration Hypothermia To Prevent Subsequent Intracranial Pressure Rise.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,453.00
Summary
Elevated brain pressure after stroke or other forms of brain injury can cause further injury and death. Body cooling to 32-33 C (hypothermia) for 12-24 hours saves lives after some forms of brain injury, but may have major side effects. We found that 2 hours hypothermia has a long-lasting effect preventing pressure elevation. We will determine the best temperature and duration of hypothermia in a stroke model and use imaging to confirm findings in patients, with a view to later human trials.