Novel Approaches To Assessing Cerebral Circulation And Oxygenation In Preterm Human Infants.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$489,145.00
Summary
In the first few days after birth, some premature babies develop low blood pressure. It is thought that this meant that the amount of blood and oxygen going to the brain would also fall. If blood pressure became very low, this could injure the brain. Drugs are used to prevent low blood pressure, but their effect on blood flow and oxygen in the brain is uncertain. This study aims to develop simple cotside monitoring procedures that allow neonatologists to monitor oxygen supply and blood flow in t ....In the first few days after birth, some premature babies develop low blood pressure. It is thought that this meant that the amount of blood and oxygen going to the brain would also fall. If blood pressure became very low, this could injure the brain. Drugs are used to prevent low blood pressure, but their effect on blood flow and oxygen in the brain is uncertain. This study aims to develop simple cotside monitoring procedures that allow neonatologists to monitor oxygen supply and blood flow in the brain in tiny babies who weigh less than 1000gm, and what happens within the brain when drugs are given to raise blood pressure. We will employ a new instrument that generates low intensity near infrared light which passes safely into the brain and is absorbed according to the amount of oxygen present in very small blood vessels. As the methodology is new, we intend to first validate the measurement in immature lambs. The instrument will then be applied in studies of babies undergoing intensive care and at risk for low pressure and brain injury, as many as 5000 babies each year in Australia.Read moreRead less
Improving Neonatal Transition For Compromised Infants And Minimising Lung Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,226.00
Summary
The projects in this proposal are designed to improve the health of newly born infants before they are born (fetal lactate blood test to assist in decision making), at birth (randomized clinical trials to provide evidence for future resuscitation guidelines) and in the first few hours following preterm birth by studying alternative methods of providing existing therapies for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. These studies may prevent harm and allow a “Healthy start to life”.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPANDED NEWBORN SCREENING BY TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,250.00
Summary
Newborn babies in Australia are routinely tested for certain treatable disorders. Testing began in the 1960's with systematic testing for phenylketonuria, a rare amino acid enzyme defect. It causes severe mental retardation which can only be prevented if treatment is begun in the first few weeks of life. By 1997, only three other disorders, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and galactosaemia, had been added to the testing protocol as tests became available. Using the new technology of ....Newborn babies in Australia are routinely tested for certain treatable disorders. Testing began in the 1960's with systematic testing for phenylketonuria, a rare amino acid enzyme defect. It causes severe mental retardation which can only be prevented if treatment is begun in the first few weeks of life. By 1997, only three other disorders, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and galactosaemia, had been added to the testing protocol as tests became available. Using the new technology of tandem mass spectrometry (MSMS) it is now possible to screen for up to 30 extremely rare, treatable metabolic disorders simultaneously and cheaply, but it is not clear how effective this is. A formal trial of MSMS screening, randomly assigning babies to be tested or not tested, does not seem feasible because of the rarity of the individual disorders (most with a birth prevalence much less than 1: 50,000). Huge numbers would be needed in the trial for statistical significance. We began MSMS screening in NSW April 1998 and in South Australia in February 1999. Victoria is proposing to start screening now, but there are as yet no plans for this screening in the other states. We would like to assess the effectiveness of MSMS newborn screening using the best possible evidence drawn from all data available in the whole of Australia. We plan to undertake an economic evaluation, comparing costs and benefits such as development, hospitalisations, medical complications and other outcome measures, in screened and unscreened babies and also assess harms from screening. Because only 6 specialised laboratories in Australia, in Brisbane (2), Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth can diagnose these disorders, we are confident that we know of all diagnosed cases of the disorders in question. We hope to be able to show whether or not there is a benefit to affected babies by implementing newborn screening tests for these rare diseases.Read moreRead less
Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound: Safety, Knowledge And Practice Of Prolonged Or Repeated Exposure To Acoustic Waves
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,055.00
Summary
Ultrasound is routinely used for diagnosis of brain lesions amongst newborns. Animal studies have shown that ultrasound can sometimes be harmful to the brain. We currently have very little information on the characteristics of neonatal cranial scans. This project will investigate current knowledge of safety and training via a nationwide survey, analyse the elements of 'typical' scans and measure brain surface heating after ultrasound amongst neonates.
Centre Of Research Excellence (CRE) In Newborn Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,622,320.00
Summary
Problems around birth are common and can have long-term implications, including into adulthood. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all newborn babies and their families by determining factors that enhance outcome and assessing the benefits and consequences of new treatments for mothers and babies. We are world leaders in this field and are dedicated to training the next generation of health professionals in the care of newborn babies, in Australia and the rest of the world.
Right From The Start: Improving Respiratory Support For Preterm Infants From Their First Breath To Independent Breathing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,623.00
Summary
My research program with the world leading research team at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne aims to improve the journey of preterm babies from birth, through the neonatal nursery, to a healthy start at home. Too many preterm babies die or have long term health problems. I will study gentler methods to support breathing from birth, investigate better ways of supporting them until they can breathe independently, and assess how to support more babies to stay in their birth hospitals.