Asthma is a common problem for women during pregnancy. There is concern about how asthma and its treatment may effect the baby, and also concern that asthma may deteriorate during pregnancy. Variable adherence to treatment compounds this situation. Current clinical measures are not very accurate in determining the correct dose of inhaled therapy to be used for asthma. However, there is now good evidence from clinical trials in nonpregnant adults and children that this situation can be improved b ....Asthma is a common problem for women during pregnancy. There is concern about how asthma and its treatment may effect the baby, and also concern that asthma may deteriorate during pregnancy. Variable adherence to treatment compounds this situation. Current clinical measures are not very accurate in determining the correct dose of inhaled therapy to be used for asthma. However, there is now good evidence from clinical trials in nonpregnant adults and children that this situation can be improved by using markers of inflammation to guide therapy. One of the promising tests of inflammation is exhaled nitric oxide. We wish to determine whether asthma can be better managed during pregnancy by using nitric oxide to guide therapy. We will examine whether this approach leads to fewer asthma exacerbations, lower doses of corticosteroid, better asthma control, and better outcomes for the baby. To do this we have put together a team with expertise across each of the important areas of asthma, pregnancy, and research methods. This will enable the study to provide a clear indication of which treatment approach is better, and this can then be offered to pregnant women and their health care team.Read moreRead less
Centre For Research Excellence In Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,498,607.00
Summary
The Centre for Research excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (CRE-PF) aims to develop a sustainable nation-wide network, consisting of world recognized experts. The group will enable an integrative approach to solving PF through a layered strategy extending from molecules germane to disease pathogenesis, to human studies. With this approach the CRE-PF will set a new paradigm for synergy between academia, health care, health policy and the public, placing Australia at the forefront of innovation.
Prevention Of Asthma In Young Children Via Immunostimulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$679,683.00
Summary
Persistent asthma is a major problem for Australia yet none of the current therapies do more that control the condition. The long-term solution is to prevent asthma from progressing to the persistent form. The major risk factors are: family history, early allergy and recurrent severe lower respiratory infections (sLRI) in the early life. We will conduct a randomized clinical trial to prevent sLRI using a novel bacterial-derived immunostimulant in infants at high risk of developing asthma.
Multi-centre RDBC Trial Of Oxygen Vs Air For Relief Of Breathlessness In Terminally-ill Patients With Intractable Dyspno
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,701.00
Summary
This study will compare the effects of oxygen and air in the relief of breathlessness in patients at the end of life who do not currently qualify for home oxygen. This landmark study will provide accurate information about any benefits that oxygen offers for breathlessness in this setting. This international multi-site study will ask 226 people to participate using either oxygen or air for 7 days while keeping a diary. We will measure breathlessness, quality of life, anxiety and side effects exp ....This study will compare the effects of oxygen and air in the relief of breathlessness in patients at the end of life who do not currently qualify for home oxygen. This landmark study will provide accurate information about any benefits that oxygen offers for breathlessness in this setting. This international multi-site study will ask 226 people to participate using either oxygen or air for 7 days while keeping a diary. We will measure breathlessness, quality of life, anxiety and side effects experienced.Read moreRead less
Effect Of Anti-IgE Antibody On Immune System Responses And Short-term Outcome In Acute Asthma In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,752.00
Summary
We plan to undertake a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of anti-IgE antibody given at the time of an acute attack of asthma in children aged 6-12 years. The idea for this arose from our own novel data – IgE levels increase with the most common infection causing acute asthma. Given evidence the virus uses IgE to cause inflammation, giving anti-IgE during the attack should reduce the severity of the attack and produce a new, effective treatment for acute asthma.
Conquering The Final Frontier In Lung Transplantation - Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy For Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,887,790.00
Summary
Lung transplantation remains the only treatment option for an increasing number of Australians with end-stage lung disease, however long-term outcomes are severely compromised by the almost universal development of chronic rejection. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise in treating rejection, and in a world-first we have recently demonstrated that this approach is safe. In another world-first, this randomized, controlled study will determine whether MSC therapy is effective.
The Role Of Oxygen Therapy As Second-line Treatment For Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Who Are Intolerant Of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy, And Characterising Ventilatory Loop Gain As A Predictor Of The Success Of Therapy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,198.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an increasingly common condition in Australia. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the _gold-standard� in OSA treatment, but a majority of sufferers are unable to tolerate this for the period required to treat their condition. We will be conducting a large Australian multi-centre, randomised, placebo controlled trial to investigate the utility of nocturnal oxygen therapy alone, in those people with OSA who are unable to tolerate CPAP.
Winter-only Treatment With Omalizumab To Prevent Asthma Exacerbations In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$738,855.00
Summary
Acute exacerbations of asthma add considerably to the economic and social burden imposed by asthma. Current asthma treatment frequently controls underlying asthma but does not prevent acute exacerbations in exacerbation-prone asthmatics. This trial, based on our asthma research, provides new hope that acute asthma can be prevented.
Testing The Lung Microbiome To Predict Risk Of Frequent Exacerbations In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,052.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of global importance. Exacerbations, mostly due to respiratory infection, are complications that lead to significant illness. This study will characterise the communities of microbes in the lung, and use this information to predict frequency of exacerbations of COPD measured over 12 months.
Diet Exercise And ARmodafinil For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Patients Who Cannot Use Standard Treatments. (DEAR)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects over 3.5 million Australians and is associated with marked daytime sleepiness and decreased concentration. It is also a common health complication of obesity. Many people are unable to use standard treatments for OSA in the form of a mouth splint or mask worn at night. This study will look at treating the daytime sleepiness with a stimulant medication, Armodafinil, whilst reducing OSA severity gradually with diet and lifestyle modification.