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.
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.
Women with diabetes in pregnancy and their babies are more likely to have health problems, e.g. preeclampsia, being born early, or admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. We know that lowering mum’s blood glucose to the levels found in women without diabetes is important but does not prevent problems completely. The purpose of these studies is to look at the other parts of metabolism that are different in women with diabetes e.g. blood fats, so we can understand if we should address them.
The Genetic And Environmental Risk For Pregnancy Complications And Subsequent Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,891.00
Summary
The major problems in late pregnancy are preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and babies who are small or are born prematurely. Women who develop these pregnancy complications and men who father them are at risk of later life coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study is to develop tests to identify couples at risk of CHD early in pregnancy. If we can predict this risk early, targeted interventions can be implemented to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and subsequent CHD.
Asthma Management In Pregnancy: Evaluating Costs, Benefits And Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$319,157.00
Summary
Asthma is the most common complication to affect pregnancy and it worsens with pregnancy contributing to an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality for the baby. We think we can improve the health of the pregnant, asthmatic mothers and prevent a poor outcome for the baby by empowering asthmatic mothers to self manage their disease through education in an antenatal setting. We will assess whether antenatal asthma education and management is a cost effective approach to managing this diseas ....Asthma is the most common complication to affect pregnancy and it worsens with pregnancy contributing to an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality for the baby. We think we can improve the health of the pregnant, asthmatic mothers and prevent a poor outcome for the baby by empowering asthmatic mothers to self manage their disease through education in an antenatal setting. We will assess whether antenatal asthma education and management is a cost effective approach to managing this disease during pregnancy.Read moreRead less
Improving The Fetal To Neonatal Transition In Compromised Newborns; Towards Better Outcomes For Babies Born Too Soon Or With Under-developed Lungs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The birth of a compromised infant affects 13 million pregnancies worldwide annually and is the greatest cause of neonatal death, disability and chronic disease. I will identify mechanisms to greatly improve the fetal to neonatal transition in premature babies and babies with under-developed lungs. This research is urgently required to provide the necessary evidence to target interventions in the delivery room to reduce the short- and long-term burden of disease in compromised newborns.
Premature Cardiovascular Death In Women After Hypertensive Pregnancy: Altering This Trajectory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Women with preeclampsia, the “high blood pressure disease of pregnancy” also have at least double the long-term risk of the biggest killers of Australian women, heart attacks and stroke. This research program aims to (a) identify high-risk women in the first year after preeclampsia (b) develop educational programs for patients and doctors to increase understanding of long-term risks of and promote appropriate follow-up (c) trial potential treatments to reduce long-term risk.
Novel Molecular Pathways Of The Placental Renin Angiotensin System In Preeclampsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,524.00
Summary
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disorder of pregnancy which originates in the early placenta. We will look into new interactions between molecules that determine how early cells establish a functioning placenta. Detection and early treatment of abnormal placental function can prevent PE before serious complications develop.