An Early Intervention To Prevent Muscle Weakness In Intensive Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,607.00
Summary
Patients commonly suffer from a debilitating and globally pronounced weakness post intensive care admission. The causes and ways to prevent this weakness are not fully understood. This study will investigate the benefits of early exercise involving electrical stimulation of the leg muscles during in-bed cycling and will compare changes in muscle size and strength compared to usual care. We will also examine why muscles become weak so quickly, to help target future treatments to prevent weakness.
Early Parenteral Nutrition Vs. Standard Care In The Critically Ill Patient: A Level I Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,852,333.00
Summary
Nutritional support is accepted as a standard of care for the hospitalised patient however there is little agreement as to how it should be provided to the critically ill patient. Despite the fact that studies consistently link malnutrition to worse outcomes, the provision of nutritional support to the critically ill patient is highly variable. Although there is general agreement that it is best to feed critically ill patients via the gastrointestinal tract (stomach tube feeding), there is no ge ....Nutritional support is accepted as a standard of care for the hospitalised patient however there is little agreement as to how it should be provided to the critically ill patient. Despite the fact that studies consistently link malnutrition to worse outcomes, the provision of nutritional support to the critically ill patient is highly variable. Although there is general agreement that it is best to feed critically ill patients via the gastrointestinal tract (stomach tube feeding), there is no general agreement as to when intravenous artificial nutrition should be begun if a patient cannot tolerate a feeding tube. A recent systematic review of all available clinical trials suggests that if a critically ill patient cannot be fed by a stomach tube for at least 24 hours, they may benefit from intravenous artificial nutrition. This is not what currently happens under standard care. The purpose of this multi-centre randomised controlled trial is to determine if early intravenous nutrition saves lives. Because of the cost, and possible risk of increased infections, a study of this type is required before early intravenous nutrition could become a routine therapy in Australia. Informed consent to participate in the study will be obtained from next of kin, or directly from the patient themselves. The study will be managed at the Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney and will include 26 collaborating ANZ hospitals over 18 months.Read moreRead less
Centre Of Research Excellence - REduce The Burden Of Antimicrobial ReSistance Through OPtimal, PersONalised Dosing (RESPOND)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
Each year more than 17 million people die from infectious diseases. Many of these deaths are due to the poor use of antimicrobial drugs and an increase in infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant 'superbugs'. CRE RESPOND will enable an optimal treatment of infection by empowering clinicians with an evidence-based, patient-centred approach to guide antimicrobial dosing. We will generate new knowledge, educate healthcare workers, and build research capacity through our network of collaborators
Optimising Nutrient Delivery And Absorption In Critically Ill Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,715.00
Summary
Patients surviving ICU are frequently discharged malnourished. Adequate nutrition is essential for optimal outcomes. It is considered best practice to administer nutrition as a liquid formula via a tube passed through the nose into the stomach, however this is frequently limited by impaired gastrointestinal function. We aim to develop more effective strategies for the provision of nutrition to improve nutritional and thereby clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.
The Generation Of High Quality Evidence In Critical Care Medicine Through Multicentre Randomized Controleld Trials And Its Translation Into Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,121.00
Summary
This research program will establish new approaches to sepsis, traumatic brain injury, kidney protection, transfusion, post-operative care, sedation, antibiotics and mobilization of acutely ill patients. Experimental research will help understand why the kidney malfunctions during severe infection. Database investigations will identify of successful patterns of treatment and potential new fields of investigations. Informatics based studies will use electronic data to develop decision support sys ....This research program will establish new approaches to sepsis, traumatic brain injury, kidney protection, transfusion, post-operative care, sedation, antibiotics and mobilization of acutely ill patients. Experimental research will help understand why the kidney malfunctions during severe infection. Database investigations will identify of successful patterns of treatment and potential new fields of investigations. Informatics based studies will use electronic data to develop decision support systems to improve patient care.Read moreRead less
Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis Of Randomised Control Trials In Fluid Resuscitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,027.00
Summary
I am a registered nurse focused in critical care research. I have an interest in the area of fluid resuscitation. My aim is to carry out an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA) on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in fluid resuscitation. The IPDMA will consist of two of the largest critical care trials; Saline Vs Albumin fluid Evaluation (SAFE) study and the Crystalloid Vs Starch (CHEST) study, to add further evidence to the currently limited fluid resuscitation literature.
Rapidly giving intravenous fluid to prevent or treat shock (fluid resuscitation) is one of the commonest treatments given to critically ill patients. Current guidelines recommend crystalloid solutions but it is unknown whether any particular crystalloid is better than others. This trial will determine whether the use of one of two crystalloid fluids, saline or PlasmaLyte, reduces the risk of organ injuries, such as kidney failure, and improves patients chances of surviving critically illness.
Improving The Outcome Of Critically Ill Patients Through The Generation Of Evidence And Its Translation Into Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$329,822.00
Summary
This research program will test new approaches to sepsis, traumatic brain injury, kidney protection, nutrition, post-operative care, sedation, cardiac arrest, and mobilisation of acutely ill patients to deliver better outcomes. Experimental research will help understand kidney injury during severe infection and develop new ways of protecting the brain during cardiac arrest. Database investigations will identify successful patterns of treatment and potential new fields of investigations.
Early Identification Of Disability To Inform Better Care And Outcomes In High Risk Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,000.00
Summary
Australia has achieved marked improvement in hospital survivorship. We face the challenge of an ageing population, and healthcare resources need to prioritise good value care, clearly identifying high-risk patients who will not benefit from invasive and expensive interventions. This proposal takes the required next step to enable health providers to predict patients at risk of ongoing disability, optimise discharge planning, and to measure long-term health outcomes.
Demystifying The Burden Of Intensive Care Survivorship - Understanding Muscle Wasting And Falls
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
For individuals who survive an intensive care admission, there is no prevention or cure for the development of intensive care acquired weakness. This project aims to examine the impact of muscle loss and weakness on balance, falls and the ability to walk. These outcomes are important to patients as it directly impacts on the ability to undertake day-to-day activities, their confidence and return to work. Results will be used to inform clinical practice and improvement in patient care.