Stroke outcomes directly relate to brain tissue rescue. We have contributed to changes in clinical practice through many clinical trials of new protocols and therapeutic strategies. Our program will focus on brain salvage in the pre-hospital setting and the acute hospital environment. We will use novel approaches to enhance brain recovery and design new implementation strategies to maximise the benefits of these therapeutic advances.
I am a practising hospital neurologist and world leader in the prevention and treatment of stroke. Our research aims to realise exciting new break-throughs for stroke sufferers by testing the effectiveness and safety of new treatments that promise to improve recovery of function of damaged brain and reduce disability after stroke, and to prevent recurrent strokes.
Post-stroke Hyperglycaemia – Treatment With Exenatide In Acute Ischaemic Stroke (TEXAIS) Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,266,149.00
Summary
Raised blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) after a stroke is common. It reduces the efficacy of stroke treatments and results in worse outcomes. Insulin is not useful as a treatment for this as it causes frequent hypoglycaemia and does not improve clinical outcomes. Exenatide is a common diabetes drug that is simple to use and lowers blood glucose without hypoglycaemia. It will be tested in the Treatment with Exenatide in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (TEXAIS) trial.
An Australasian, Multi-centre, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial Of The Efficacy Of Fluoxetine In Improving Functional Recovery After Acute Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,306,367.00
Summary
Stroke is one of the top three causes of disability. Treatments that improve recovery after stroke are lacking. We reviewed the world literature and found a number of very small studies which, together, suggest that the antidepressant drug, fluoxetine, may improve the recovery in stroke patients. AFFINITY is a large trial in 1600 Australians and New Zealanders with stroke which aims to find out whether taking fluoxetine for 6 months after a stroke improves recovery compared to a placebo.
Acute Stroke Care: Rapid Unblocking Of Vessels, Mending Ruptures, And Recovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$204,399.00
Summary
During this fellowship, A/Prof Meretoja will 1) use blood biomarkers, telemedicine, and ambulance-based imaging to streamline the time-critical therapy of stroke thrombolysis, 2) run a pharmaceutical trial of the drug tranexamic acid in intracerebral haemorrhage, and 3) use stroke registries in Australia and Finland to disseminate best practices in stroke care pathways.
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in adult across the world. Understanding how exactly brain cells are affected in stroke and how they are injured, and how they response to treatment is important in order to develop new treatment to maximize recovery and minimize brain injury after stroke. This project uses advanced MRI being performed at several time points after a stroke to study how the brain tissues recovers or dies after a stroke.
Centre For Research Excellence In Stroke Rehabilitation And Brain Recovery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,595,746.00
Summary
The Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery will transform the stroke research and practice landscape in Australia, and accelerate the development of new interventions strongly supported by neuroscience. This unique collaboration will improve patient selection and rehabilitation research methods, create a training culture for the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and effectively implement proven cost effective interventions for Australians.
Characterising Motor Network Connectivity To Improve Application Of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Stroke is a major health issue and leading cause of disability. Improvements to rehabilitation would be beneficial for both patients and hospital services. Brain stimulation has shown capacity to improve function after stroke. At the moment the effects are highly variable an unable to assist rehabilitation. Strength and pattern of remaining brain connections may explain variable responses to brain stimulation. Tailoring stimulation based on brain function will improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Targeted Delivery Of CD39 To Ischaemic Brain Improves Outcomes In Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,780.00
Summary
Stroke is most likely caused by a clot in one of the large blood vessels supplying the brain. The approach is to save the 'at-risk' area of brain with drugs that break-down clots and by manual removal of clots. These treatments are limited by timely access within 4.5 hours to larger hospitals. We are trialing a new drug that protects the brain better on its own and may add to the benefit of current treatments. Moreover, it can be given in any rural setting.