Outcomes From A Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Regional And General Anaesthesia For Effects On Neurodevelopmental Outcome And Apnoea In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,831.00
Summary
Animal studies suggest general anaesthetics harm the developing brain. It is unclear if these findings are relevant to humans. The aim of this international randomised controlled trial is to determine whether children exposed to general anaesthesia as an infant have a poorer neurodevelopmental outcome. A previous NHMRC grant funded the first phase of the trial along with substantial funding from overseas. The trial will tell us if general anaesthetics affect the developing brain in children.
Respiratory-control Deficits In A Model Of Sleep Apnoea During Early Development: Mechanisms And Associations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$206,717.00
Summary
A recent study showed that it is possible to induce changes in the respiratory control system of piglets after birth. This new study will examine the mechanism of that change, and develop diagnostic tools that can detect whether similar changes have occurred in babies. The results will help to diagnose the complications of respiratory problems in young babies, and will guide research regarding the potential site of the abnormalities that predispose to SIDS. Piglets have very similar development ....A recent study showed that it is possible to induce changes in the respiratory control system of piglets after birth. This new study will examine the mechanism of that change, and develop diagnostic tools that can detect whether similar changes have occurred in babies. The results will help to diagnose the complications of respiratory problems in young babies, and will guide research regarding the potential site of the abnormalities that predispose to SIDS. Piglets have very similar development of the brain and respiratory system to human infants during early development after birth. This study uses piglets to model exposure to factors that occur during infancy, and thus model some of the common respiratory diseases, including risk factors for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For example, infants may have upper-airway obstruction during sleep, or may get their face trapped in bed clothes so that they breath a mixture of lower oxygen and higher carbon-dioxide than that found in fresh air. We recently found that, during early development of piglets, repeated exposure to these types of gas mixes depressed respiratory responses tested later. Thus, respiratory responses become less vigorous over time, and this finding could explain how the exposures complicate infants' respiratory problems, or increase their risk for SIDS: Less vigorous responses mean the infant does not wake or move, the exposure becomes more severe, and may finally cause death. This study will examine piglets after such repeated exposure to: 1. find out whether heart-rate variability is reduced, in the same way as babies who later died from SIDS 2. develop a new diagnostic tool, to show the site where the abnormality is located 3. determine whether brain chemical alterations could explain the change in breathing 3. find out if exposure to cigarette smoke, known to increase respiratory problems in babies, causes even more severe disturbance of respiratory control in piglets.Read moreRead less
A Multi-site RCT Comparing Spinal And General Anaesthesia On Neurodevelopmental Outcome And Apnoea In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,072.00
Summary
5% of Australian children have surgery when they are infants. Recent studies have shown that surgery in babies is associated with poorer neurological outcomes. The reason for this is unclear but animal experiments suggest it may be due to some anaesthetic agents. This trial will determine if the anaesthetic is the cause of the problem. 660 babies who need surgery will be randomised to receive a general or local anaesthetic, and then followed for 5 years.
A Novel Strategy For The Early Diagnosis Of Cows Milk Protein Allergy In Infants.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,764.00
Summary
Infantile Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is becoming increasingly more common. Symptoms due to CMPA (feeding difficulties, feed refusal, vomiting, crying and irritability) are clinically indistinguishable from reflux disease, leading to unnecessary anti-reflux treatments and delaying appropriate therapy. By using a state-of-the art system which more easily differentiates symptoms due to reflux disease from those due to CMPA, this project will improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.
A Novel Optical Stimulation Method For Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,913.00
Summary
This project aims to develop and characterize a novel optogenetic pharyngeal stimulation system to dilate the upper airway using a light stimulus. This will provide proof-of-concept for a new minimally invasive treatment option for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Chronotherapy For Hypertension In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,921.00
Summary
This randomised, double blind placebo controlled cross-over trial aims to determine whether evening ingestion of blood pressure medication results in superior blood pressure control as compared to morning ingestion in patients with high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea.
The Role Of Arousal And Respiratory Control Factors In The Pathogenesis Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,924.00
Summary
Sleep apnoea (OSA) is a very common breathing disorder in sleep characterized by repetitive closure of the collapsible portion of the throat with serious effects on sleep quality and health. Basic causes of OSA are still largely unknown. We will investigate waking responses to breathing load and related respiratory control factors that we believe may be fundamental causes of OSA, and potentially explain many features of OSA including worsening in light sleep and with increasing age.