Development Of A Rapid, Non-invasive And Biocompatible Bedside Sensing Method For Jaundice Embedded In A Newborn Nappy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,744.00
Summary
Severe jaundice is a life threatening condition for which an effective screening tool in infants is currently unavailable. There is an urgent need to identify a suitable, reliable and affordable bedside test to positively impact upon the lives of millions of children worldwide by facilitating effective early intervention. This project will validate a non-invasive, affordable bedside test for neonatal jaundice, using a urine test positioned in a newborn’s nappy.
Contribution Of Systemic Inflammatory Response To Brain Injury In Growth Restricted Newborns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,388.00
Summary
Growth restriction during pregnancy can damage the baby’s brain and result in poor outcomes such as learning and attention difficulties and cerebral palsy. Currently there is no treatment available to prevent brain injury in these babies. This study will explore the role of inflammation and brain injury in the growth restricted baby. We will also examine whether a readily available and safe anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce or prevent brain injury following growth restriction.
Neonatal Therapy For Improving Myelination And Long Term Outcome Following Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$799,883.00
Summary
Preterm birth leads to the early loss of the nurturing uterine environment which supports key developmental processes. This results in behavioural disorders later in life including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety. Preterm birth leads to loss of support for the maturation of oligodendrocyte cells and myelination which contributes to these disorders. This work will delineate therapies for preterm neonates that restore myelination and improve long-term behavioural outcomes.
Mitochondrial Damage Following Fetal Hypoxia Or Birth Asphyxia: Using Creatine To Preserve Mitochondrial Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$838,726.00
Summary
There is a need for a therapy that can be given before a mother gives birth to protect the baby should ‘oxygen starvation’ threaten the baby’s brain and other organs such as the heart, kidney, lungs, and the ability to breathe properly. We are suggesting that an increased intake of creatine is a very effective treatment against this threat, and its proven safety and ease of use recommends it for wide application, particularly in countries where the access to medical resources is poor.
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 Systems-biology Approach To Understanding The Beneficial Heterologous Effects Of Neonatal BCG Vaccination In A Melbourne-based Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$846,853.00
Summary
BCG vaccine (usually used to protect against TB) also enhances the immune system of young babies to protect them against infections other than TB. We have a large collection of blood samples from a study in which babies were randomised to be given BCG vaccine at birth or no BCG. We will use these to understand the immunological and molecular mechanisms by which BCG boosts the immune system to protect against infections other than TB.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Prevent Eczema, Food Allergy And Sensitisation Using A Skin Barrier Improvement Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,163.00
Summary
In this world first study, we will test if building the infant skin barrier by using daily regular skin care treatment can reduce the incidence of eczema. If successful, this trial will alter infant skin care practices and reduce the burden of allergic diseases in our community. Furthermore, as infants with eczema having a poor skin barrier, which possibly increases their risk of developing sensitisation, we will test if this intervention reduces the risk of food allergy.
Long Term Consequences Of Perturbing Early Embryo Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,515.00
Summary
Assisted reproductive techniques are normally considered safe, but there are increased risks for these newborns which may be caused by these procedures. We have developed mouse models that are sensitive to these effects and have used them to show that gene expression is altered in mice that develop from cultured embryos. Now we will use these models to work out how to reduce these effects and ensure the ongoing health of babies born with assisted reproduction.
Stem Cell Treatment For Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,195.00
Summary
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy occurs when the fetus receives inadequate oxygen in labour and many babies die or have brain damage. Stem cell therapy might save these babies from brain damage but there are many unknowns, such as which stem cells to use and how many. Through our skills in stem cells and measuring the rescued brain following injury, we will determine the necessary details for the most effective stem cell therapy to be ready to immediately test the treatment in a RCT in babies.