Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing For The Evaluation Of Unexplained And Complex Multifactorial BREATHlessnEss (i-BREATHE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Breathlessness is a common symptom that can be caused by diseases of the heart, lungs or muscles. It is not uncommon that the cause is undiagnosed either because conventional tests do not yield a diagnosis, or because an individual suffers from multiple diseases. This research aims to use invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing, a highly specialised test which simultaneously measures breathing, heart and muscle function, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breathlessness.
Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility As A Predictor Of Survival Following Hospitalized Exacerbation Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Many patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) also have elevated lung blood pressures, or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Having both conditions increases the risk of death. It is difficult to diagnose PH in COPD. We will be using a new Computed Tomography (X-ray imaging) technique to investigate a marker of PH called ‘pulmonary artery pulsatility’. If PH can be diagnosed easily and accurately new treatments can be devised and researched potentially improving outcomes in COPD.
NOVEL NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,463.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disorder. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are insensitive for detecting early disease, thus preventing early intervention with therapy. We aim to develop novel and reproducible ways to assess the pulmonary circulation, which will ultimately allow for the early diagnosis of PAH and in turn facilitate early initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Pulmonary Hypertension In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pulmonary Hyperinflation, Gas Trapping And Disproportionate Pulmonary Hypertension.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,583.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Raised blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension, PH) predicts a worse prognosis in patients with COPD. The mechanisms contributing to PH are incompletely understood. We aim to determine the role of lung hyperinflation in contributing to the development of PH in COPD. We also aim to identify a sub-group of patients that develop severe PH which may benefit from specific therapy.
Targeting IL-33 In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Asthma And Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Lung diseases (emphysema, severe asthma & pulmonary fibrosis) are major burdens on Australian community and economy. Airway wounding is a key feature of all these diseases. Patients experience severe breathlessness seriously impacting quality of life and frequently leading to death. We will assess the potential of a new target (IL-33), & therapy (anti-IL-33) in suppressing wounding in experimental models and human tissues. This may lead to a new treatment to reverse and/or prevent lung diseases.