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A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Enhanced Parenting Capacity To Improve Developmental Outcomes In Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,045,141.00
Summary
In Australia there are 2, 600 very preterm survivors each year. 50% will have education/behavioural difficulties and 10% major disability. We aim to optimise the development of infants born very preterm through a tailored Positive Parenting Program. We predict reductions in child behavioural and emotional problems at 2 years corrected age.
Motor problems, ranging from clumsiness to cerebral palsy, are one of the most common adverse outcomes in children born early. This study will investigate the motor development of children born <30 weeks’ gestation compared with peers born at term from birth to 5 years. We will determine whether early clinical evaluations or neuroimaging in the newborn period can predict later motor impairment at 5 years to be able to identify those who will benefit most from early intervention.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
Neuroprotective Role Of Sulphate Among Preterm Babies (SuPreme Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$749,338.00
Summary
Magnesium sulphate administered to mothers shortly before preterm birth, reduces the risk of cerebral palsy. The mechanism of its neuroprotective effect is unknown, and our studies suggest sulphate is the protective element. Preterm babies rapidly become sulphate deficient, and magnesium sulphate mitigates this deficiency in most infants. In this study we will investigate whether low blood sulphate levels at 1 week of age correlate with cerebral palsy.
We aim to predict neurodevelopmental disability in babies born very preterm, earlier and more accurately than currently possible, by identifying structural and functional connectivity features that correlate with clinical measures of motor and neurodevelopmental functions. To do this we will use brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dense array electroencephalography (EEG) and structured clinical neurodevelopmental assessments to provide a cutting edge view of the state of brain development.
The Role Of Sirtuin (SIRT) Proteins In The Mechanisms That Regulate Infection Induced Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,430.00
Summary
Being born too early is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and accounts for the majority of neonatal deaths. The aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in premature birth with a view to future development of clinically useful interventions to reduce the high rates of mortality and long-term disability.
Understanding The Regulation Of HERG Potassium Channel In The Myometrium At The Time Of Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,661.00
Summary
We have shown that a potassium channel known as hERG falls precipitously at the time of term labour and that blocking this channel causes powerful uterine contractions. This grant will determine how the expression of this channel is regulated in the myometrium and whether changes in hERG channels also occur in premature labour.
Understanding The Myometrial Transition At Term And Preterm Labour To Guide Tocolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$808,447.00
Summary
This grant seeks to understand how the muscle cells of the uterus transform at the time of labour. We propose that this transformation is organised by enzymes that modify the histones around key genes. We will test if a similar pathway operates in cases of preterm labour. The results will guide the development of new ways of treating premature labour that will use targeted nanoparticles to deliver siRNA directly to the muscle cells of the uterus.
Epigenetic Regulation Of Inflammatory Genes In The Fetal Membranes: Role In Term And Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,534.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the leading cause of death among newborns and the biggest contributor to disability among infants. Here we propose research to define the mechanism that controls the length of pregnancy and is disrupted in preterm birth. Specifically, we will determine what causes the repression of the labour-promoting inflammatory genes in the uterus during pregnancy and what activates them at labour. We will identify new targets for interventions to block or prevent preterm birth.
A Study Of Artemisinin Combination Therapy Given At Delivery To Prevent Postpartum Malaria And To Young Infants To Treat Uncomplicated Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$788,850.00
Summary
The proposed studies will investigate the preventive value of a course of combination antimalarial treatment at delivery in pregnant women in malarial areas. The transfer of this treatment into breast milk and to the suckling infant will be investigated since this may protect the infant against malaria but also cause drug-related side-effects. These data will be used, with a study of combination treatment in infants with malaria, to optimise dose regimens in this vulnerable group.