Optimising Transfusion Support In Critical Illness And Haematological Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$262,251.00
Summary
Blood transfusion is commonly used for patient care. Improving our understanding about how to best use blood and blood products and finding ways to reduce the need for transfusion have been identified as important areas of national research. This fellowship aims to investigate interventions to reduce bleeding and the need for transfusion and improve the use of blood transfusion in two patients groups who are major users of blood: critically ill patients and patients with blood cancers.
Improving The Long-term Outcomes Of The Australian And New Zealand Fontan Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,836.00
Summary
The Fontan procedure is the last of a series of operations offered to children born with hearts with a single pumping chamber. Without this procedure these children would die, however, with this procedure their long-term expectations are still uncertain. This study will investigate the long-term outcomes of the Australian and New Zealand Fontan population and how these outcomes can be improved.
Understanding The Mechanisms Of Bleeding And Clotting Complications For Children On Extracorporeal Circuits.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,113,385.00
Summary
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is advanced life support, which can save critically ill children. Significant bleeding occurs in 39%; clotting in 31% of children on ECMO; stroke in 12%. The biggest barrier to reducing these complications is the lack of understanding of how the bleeding/clotting system works in ECMO. This unique proposal uses the largest paediatric ECMO population in Australia and a multidisplinary expert team to develop a mechanistic understanding of these issues.
Bisphosphonate Use, Oral Flora, Saliva, Gingival Crevicular Fluid And Bone Markers In Patients With Jaw Osteonecrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$121,751.00
Summary
Bisphosphonates are used in patients with bones that break easily due to conditions such as osteoporosis. Recent research suggests a possible association between these drugs and jaw bone breakdown called jaw osteonecrosis - a devastating condition with no current effective treatment. It is unclear why this condition affects only jaw bones. This study seeks to investigate if bacteria in the mouth, gum disease and saliva are involved in jaw osteonecrosis, which can then help to improve management.
The Impact Of Developmental Haemostasis On The Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics Of Heparin In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$283,676.00
Summary
Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) is the most commonly used anticoagulant (blood thinning drug) in children. Despite this, the clinical evidence, in terms of reported treatment failures and bleeding complications, suggests the drug is used suboptimally in children compared to adults.This likely relfects the lack of specific studies of UFH in children. This study will, for the first time, define the pharmacokinetics-dynamics of UFH in children, allowing age-specific protocols to be developed. Pharmaco ....Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) is the most commonly used anticoagulant (blood thinning drug) in children. Despite this, the clinical evidence, in terms of reported treatment failures and bleeding complications, suggests the drug is used suboptimally in children compared to adults.This likely relfects the lack of specific studies of UFH in children. This study will, for the first time, define the pharmacokinetics-dynamics of UFH in children, allowing age-specific protocols to be developed. Pharmacological modelling of this data will likely have implications for the use of other anticoagulants in children.Read moreRead less
A Study To Determine The Effects Of Heparin/ Low Molecular Weight Heparin In Neonates And Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$193,000.00
Summary
Blood clots in newborns and children are becoming a more common problem. This is because many children with major illnesses are now surviving due to the remarkable advances in medical and surgical care. Blood clots in children can have devastating long term effects. Little is known about the best way to treat blood clots in children and most treatments are just extrapolated from adult treatment guidelines. This is unlikely to be the best treatment as the type and place of blood clots in children ....Blood clots in newborns and children are becoming a more common problem. This is because many children with major illnesses are now surviving due to the remarkable advances in medical and surgical care. Blood clots in children can have devastating long term effects. Little is known about the best way to treat blood clots in children and most treatments are just extrapolated from adult treatment guidelines. This is unlikely to be the best treatment as the type and place of blood clots in children are very different to adults. In addition, the blood clotting system in children is very different to that in adults. This is especially true for newborns. Over the last four years we have established the largest clinical treatment program for children with blood clots in Australia, and have completed the preliminary work that will enable us to now study a number of aspects of the treatment for blood clots in children. This project will specifically examine heparin and low molecular weight heparin which are the most commonly used antithrombotic (anti blood clot) drugs in children. We will determine the effect of age on the mechanism of action, the optimal drug level for treatment, the frequency of the most common side effect of heparin and do some preliminary work to determine alternative treatment options. Our study will provide the basis for more appropriate use of these drugs in children, which will improve the success of therapy and reduce the risk of complications, ultimately improving the survival and quality of life for sick children affected by blood clots.Read moreRead less
The CCRE for Oral Health will focus on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases and disorders and their clinical consequences. Research will emphasise three areas of clinical care that are critical to the management of oral health, systemic health and general well-being: 1.Primary prevention to prevent disease onset 2. Diagnosis and risk prediction for oral conditions 3. Clinical intervention
Caries Initiation Across Childhood To Adulthood By Exposure To Water Fluoridation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,297.00
Summary
This research program is expected to contribute to filling significant gaps in the understanding of factors determining the oral health of Australian children and young adults. The purpose of the project is to develop a better understanding of the outcome of long-term exposure to fluoridated water among young adults.