Improved Tissue Characterisation With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging And Echocardiography In Identification Of Acute Rheumatic Fever And Its Chronic Sequelae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease, a consequence of acute rheumatic fever, is a disease of poverty. Despite a dramatic reduction of RHD in Australia overall, it continues to be a major contributor to childhood and adult cardiac disease in Indigenous communities. These studies seek to enhance the detection of patients with suspected ARF and improve the prediction of the development of future RHD. We will demonstrate changes in heart muscle and valve structure and function using non-invasive testing.
A vaccine against the bacteria Group A streptococcus (‘strep’) could prevent common minor infections like sore throat and school sores as well as deadly ones like necrotising fasciitis (‘flesh eating disease’). It would also reduce long-term heart (rheumatic heart disease) and kidney problems. We are going to try and deliberately give a sore throat to adult volunteers under very close medical supervision so that we can learn more about immunity to strep and to help make and test new vaccines.
Enhancing The Prevention, Diagnosis And Management Of Acute Rheumatic Fever And Rheumatic Heart Disease In Aboriginal Australian And Torres Strait Islander Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$73,688.00
Summary
I am a health researcher focused on improving the diagnosis and care of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Indigenous Australians. I am examining the use of heart ultrasounds to detect the earliest stages of RHD in Indigenous children. Earlier detection can lead to earlier treatment and therefore less heart damage. I also intend to improve care for people with RHD by evaluating health services to determine what factors enhance outcomes for people with RHD.
Citrullination In Rheumatic And Non-rheumatic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,699.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common condition affecting about 1% of the population, leading to damage of joints and subsequently impaired function. This damage is caused by an immune system which rather than defending the host against threats such as infections, inadvertently attacks the host leading to joint damage. Ultimately a better understanding of the abnormal immune responses in patients with RA will allow us to more accurately the diagnose and manage this condition
The Two Hearts Beat Study: Determining The Benefits And Barriers Of Echocardiographic Screening In Pregnancy For Indigenous Women In The Top End Of The Northern Territory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
The Two Hearts Beat project is a novel study utilising technology and multi-disciplinary care to improve health outcomes for Indigenous pregnant women living in the Top End of the Northern Territory. In this study a heart ultrasound scan will be integrated into standard antenatal care. The scan will screen for RHD and other heart disease that may impact the pregnancy, determining the rates of RHD in this population. The acceptability, cost and impact of this initiative will be determined.
Improving The Treatment Of Infections In Children And Young Adults With Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,237.00
Summary
Children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment are at an increased risk of infection. This is managed by admission to hospital for antibiotics which can be a frightening experience for the child and expensive for the healthcare system. While many need admission, a proportion of patients can be safely managed at home with oral or intravenous antibiotics. This project aims to identify these children and young adults, so as to improve their quality of life, and decrease cost of treatment.
HMGB1: A Novel Player In The Pathogenesis Of Inflammatory Myositis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,800.00
Summary
The project aims to determine whether HMGB1, a pro-inflammatory molecule, plays a key role in the cause of inflammatory myositis, an extremely disabling muscle condition characterised by progressive weakness.
I am a paediatrician with experience in tropical medicine in northern Australia, the Solomon Islands and Fiji. The prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disease in the Pacific, including Indigenous children in Australia, is amongst the highest in the world, and my project will investigate ways to reduce the burden of this disease. I will examine population screening with echocardiography (ultrasound) to detect the disease before children become sick, and investigate ways to improve patient management.
Evidence-based Policy To End Rheumatic Heart Disease In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) occurs when untreated infections from streptococcal bacteria cause heart valve damage. RHD is almost exclusively a disease of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Researchers are working on an endgame for RHD which will provide a set of recommendations to end the disease. This PhD is to understand how to ensure those recommendations are implemented. The outcomes will also help to control other diseases which are more common in Indigenous Australians.
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) In Pregnancy: Challenges Of Health Service Provision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$38,552.00
Summary
The burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in pregnancy can be significant and in Australia is mostly confined to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. This study explores the barriers to timely diagnosis and best practice care for pregnant women with RHD, through 1) a study of reporting and health information systems related to RHD in pregnancy; and 2) an examination of health professionals’ knowledge, experiences of and attitudes to provision of care for pregnant women with RHD.