Professor Elizabeth Elliott AM is an international leader in rare disease research, as Director of the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit and investigator on The Lililwan project in Fitzroy Valley's remote Aboriginal communities, WA. This will establish prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD); diagnose and manage affected children and support their carers; and provide data to inform service needs for FASD and prevention policy for alcohol use pregnancy.
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 Effect On Offspring Of Low To Moderate Or Binge Drinking During Pregnancy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,688,992.00
Summary
Drinking during pregnancy is a major public health issue. The majority of pregnant women consume some alcohol during pregnancy or the peri-conception period, which is extremely concerning given the potential consequences associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. We will study the effects of low to moderate and binge drinking during pregnancy in early school-aged children by testing for subtle alterations in craniofacial shape, brain structure and function, and neurobehavioural functioning.
Improving Health Outcomes For Disadvantaged Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,269.00
Summary
I am a paediatrician researcher dedicated to improving health and quality of life for ill and disadvantaged children. The focus of my Fellowship will be research in three areas: rare childhood diseases, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and vaccine-preventable disease, with attention to diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Alignment of my research and clinical work and my experience in evidence-based medicine will facilitate adoption of my research into clinical care and health policy.
How Do Antibiotics Affect The Gastrointestinal Microbiome In Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$215,000.00
Summary
Antibiotics, while vital, have potentially long term negative effects on antimicrobial resistance and other aspects of health. Microorganisms living in the human intestine, collectively the gastrointestinal microbiome, are believed to play a key role. Antibiotics can change the microbiome, and this is potentially important in children due to the longevity of health effects. We aim to determine the effect of different antibiotics (broad versus narrow) on the microbiome over time in children.
The Lililwan Project: Prevalence Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In The Fitzroy Valley
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,758.00
Summary
Alcohol use in pregnancy is widespread in Australia. Alchohol may cause physical and developmental problems in the developing child including the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This collaborative project, initiated and led by Aboriginal leaders in the Fitzroy Valley in the remote East Kimberley, WA, will establish the prevalence of FASD, health and developmental problems in a population of primary school-aged, predominantly Aboriginal children and develop strategies for service deliver ....Alcohol use in pregnancy is widespread in Australia. Alchohol may cause physical and developmental problems in the developing child including the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This collaborative project, initiated and led by Aboriginal leaders in the Fitzroy Valley in the remote East Kimberley, WA, will establish the prevalence of FASD, health and developmental problems in a population of primary school-aged, predominantly Aboriginal children and develop strategies for service delivery, prevention and education.Read moreRead less
Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Use Of Nitazoxanide Versus Placebo To Treat Gastroenteritis Among Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,324,808.00
Summary
Better treatment strategies are needed for Indigenous children with gastroenteritis. At present, most treatment is supportive only, with little effect on the duration of symptoms. Nitazoxanide appears to have effects on a broad range of pathogens which cause gastroenteritis, but it is not clear whether it will be of benefit in this population. We will compare the speed of symptom resolution in children who receive nitazoxanide with a group who receive a placebo instead.
I am a general paediatrician involved in national epidemiological and clinical research about a range of childhood conditions in Australia. I also have expetise in research translation into the