Prediction And Prevention Of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis Comprising Of Prognostic And Therapeutic Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,118,718.00
Summary
Spontaneous preterm birth is an important issue in obstetric care. Since potential treatments (pessary, progesterone) are available, accurate prediction is of imminent importance. We have established a collaborative network of >100 investigators (IPPIC-2) involved in primary studies with data on more than 1.2 milli women. We will estimate the value of individual clinical, biochemical and ultrasound markers for predicting preterm birth, and integrate that with therapeutic interventions.
Health Consequences For Mother And Baby Of Substantial Pre-conception Weight Loss In Obese Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$93,418.00
Summary
Obesity (BMI >30kg/m2) is now very common in women of child-bearing age.There is strong evidence that maternal obesity increases the rate of pregnancy complications, and affects the growth and well-being of the fetus in-utero. This project aims to determine how substantial pre-conception weight loss, achieved using a Very Low Energy Diet (VLED), impacts maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Perinatal Stress Leads To Neurosteroid Deficits And Adverse Behavioural Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,198,042.00
Summary
This grant will examine the effect of psychosocial stress experienced after birth on the production and regulation of steroid hormones in the brain of newborn animals. The work will investigate how stress changes the levels these brain steroids and sensitivity to them and if these effects are remain into adulthood. The studies will then determine if these changes lead to adolescent behaviour disorders. The effectiveness of steroid therapies in treating these disorders will also be determined.
Creatine Supplementation In Pregnancy: Utilising Cells’ “Built-In” Energy Buffering System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Through pregnancy, the placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby. When a placenta doesn’t function properly a baby’s health is compromised. This can lead to morbidity or death. Creatine is the “back-up generator” of all cells and could help the failing placenta increase nutrient and oxygen delivery to the baby. This study will develop creatine as a potential new therapeutic, to improve the survival of babies of complicated pregnancies.
Fetal Sex: An Important Determinant Of The Placental Transcriptome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,574.00
Summary
There are fetal sex differences in pregnancy outcomes that place boys at greater risk than girls. These are likely caused by genetic differences in the placenta. We will use 21st century gene sequencing technology to obtain the complete sequence of placental genes in early pregnancy and normal term placenta to determine what the genetic differences are between male and female placentas. This may be important in developing future sex specific therapeutics for babies in the neonatal nursery.
Is Placental Aging The Key To Understanding, Predicting And Preventing Stillbirth?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,861.00
Summary
Stillbirth occurs in 35 times as many pregnancies as sudden infant death but the causes are unknown. This project will help to develop tests that can predict the risk of stillbirth so that the obstetrician can deliver the baby before it dies. The investigators hypothesise that stillbirth is due to aging of the placenta and that markers of the aging placenta can be detected in the mother’s blood. The project brings together experts in the placenta, aging and obstetric care of high risk pregnancy.
Improving Outcomes In Pregnancies Complicated By Asthma: Understanding Mechanisms And Defining Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Asthma is a common disease to complicate pregnancy and it is important to identify ways of effectively managing the disease to ensure the fetus has the best possible outcome. The current research focusses on this disease and looks at ways of improving management in pregnancy and improving outcomes for the baby.
Informing Vaccination Strategies For Pregnant Women Through Linked Population Health Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Vaccination during pregnancy has health benefits for mothers and their infants; however, it is a relatively new area of research, and the immediate and long-term consequences for children are currently not well understood. As part of this fellowship, I plan to conduct research into the long-term health impacts of vaccination during pregnancy. This fellowship will build my career as a perinatal epidemiologist and establish expertise in Australia related to vaccines given during pregnancy.
New Approaches For Predicting Obstetric Complications: Measuring Circulating RNA Of Feto-placental Origin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,286.00
Summary
Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction are serious complications of pregnancy and are the leading causes of newborn death and disability. We propose developing a blood test to accurately predict those at high risk of these complications. Early prediction would provide clinicians an opportunity to intensively manage such pregnancies, enabling early intervention and maximising good outcomes.