Role Of Placental Heme-oxygenase Pathway In Regulating Preterm Neonatal Cardiovascular Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$176,719.00
Summary
Babies born prematurely are more likely to experience problems as a result of being born early with males doing worse than females. The mechanisms causing this difference are unknown. The control of blood flow in the placenta and fetus is essential for normal growth and development. This project will investigate the influence of duration of pregnancy, gender, and exposure to antenatal steroids on pathways that control blood flow in the placenta and the newborn in babies born after prematurely.
Premature babies often need assistance to breathe but this can injure the lung and lead to abnormal lung development and long-term lung disease. We have recently identified 3 factors that we believe are fundamental to initiating this abnormal lung development. We will demonstrate that these 3 factors mediate abnormal lung development following lung injury at birth. This information can then be used to reduce the incidence and severity of chronic lung disease of the newborn.
We are an international team committed to clinical trials to improve survival without disability in newborn babies. We plan a randomised trial to confirm if bovine lactoferrin, an inexpensive dairy protein, reduces death or major morbidity and increases total breast milk intake in 1,500 very low birthweight babies in neonatal intensive care units
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.
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.
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
Improving Respiratory Transition And Outcomes Of Newborn Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$262,251.00
Summary
Effective mask ventilation is the most important intervention at birth that can reduce mortality and disability in term and preterm infants. I will develop strategies to help clinicians improve their resuscitation skills. I will also study new ways to better support babies’ transition after birth, to improve their short and long term outcomes. The results of this research will change the way newly born babies are cared for around the world.
Which Oxygen Saturation Level Should We Use For Very Premature Infants? A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,215,600.00
Summary
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious complication of premature birth, and is a major cause of preventable blindness. Babies who are born before 28 weeks gestation are at greatest risk for developing severe ROP. Oxygen is one of the most common therapies used daily to care for premature babies, but high oxygen levels are one of multiple factors that can disrupt normal eye development and contribute to ROP. The current dilemma is that doctors and nurses do not know what level of oxygenati ....Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious complication of premature birth, and is a major cause of preventable blindness. Babies who are born before 28 weeks gestation are at greatest risk for developing severe ROP. Oxygen is one of the most common therapies used daily to care for premature babies, but high oxygen levels are one of multiple factors that can disrupt normal eye development and contribute to ROP. The current dilemma is that doctors and nurses do not know what level of oxygenation is both safe and most effective for these babies. Whilst higher oxygen levels may increase ROP and other respiratory problems, it is possible that lower oxygen levels may affect other long-term outcomes. Because there is no definitive evidence regarding appropriate oxygenation, a wide spectrum of opinion and practice currently exist. Australia is conducting The Benefits of Oxygen Saturation Targeting Trial (BOOST II), a research study to solve this dilemma. BOOST II is a randomised, double blind, clinical trial, which will study the effects of using two ranges of oxygen saturation, 85-89% versus a higher range 91-95% for infants born before 28 weeks gestation. Both of these oxygen level ranges are currently used in normal practice. Patient safety will be monitored closely, and each infant will have their development, vision and health assessed by specialists at 18-24 months of age (plus the number of weeks premature), to see whether there is difference in survival free of major disability between the two groups. 1200 Australian infants will participate. This study will answer important questions about the benefits and risks of higher versus lower oxygen levels, and will improve the care of thousands of Australian children and millions more worldwide.Read moreRead less