Randomised Comparison Of Fluid Resuscitation With Human Albumin Solution Or Normal Saline Among Critically Ill Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,728.00
Summary
Human albumin solution is widely used for the emergency treatment of severely ill patients requiring fluid replacement, both in Australia and worldwide. However, a recent report suggests that compared to the other standard treatment (salt solution), the use of human albumin solution may be associated with a higher death rate (about six additional deaths among every one hundred patients treated). But, this report was based on data from a relatively small number of patients among whom there was a ....Human albumin solution is widely used for the emergency treatment of severely ill patients requiring fluid replacement, both in Australia and worldwide. However, a recent report suggests that compared to the other standard treatment (salt solution), the use of human albumin solution may be associated with a higher death rate (about six additional deaths among every one hundred patients treated). But, this report was based on data from a relatively small number of patients among whom there was a relatively small number of deaths, and there is widespread uncertainty among doctors about the reliability of the evidence and the implications for patient care. This is reflected in the large difference between intensive care units in the use of human albumin solution (in Australia, its use ranges from 10-90% of all patients needing fluid). Human albumin solution costs, about thirty times more than salt solution, and during 1998 more than 200,000 bottles of human albumin solution were administered to patients in Australia, at a cost of about A$35 million. In an effort to provide definitive evidence about the effects (and cost-effectiveness) of fluid replacement with human albumin solution, the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, in collaboration with the Australian Red Cross Blood Services and the Institute for International Health, has proposed the conduct of new large-scale study (SAFE - Saline vs Albumin Fluid Evaluation). This study will involve 7,000 patients from 15 intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand. These patients (all of whom require fluid replacement) will be randomly assigned to receive either human albumin solution or salt solution and outcome in terms of deaths and other serious events will be monitored over 28 days. Results will be available within 2 years of starting the study, and these are likely to influence the care of the majority of seriously ill patients admitted to intensive care units worldwide.Read moreRead less
Amyloid Precursor Proteins Novel Role In Alzheimers Disease Through Regulating Neuronal Iron Homeostasis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$949,667.00
Summary
Our group has discovered a novel role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cellular iron balance. The smallest form of APP, prevalently found in the brain, is able to convert a damaging iron variety (Fe2+) into the safer Fe3+. Alternative, larger, forms of APP are found to inhibit this effect. This project will establish how APP controls iron homeostasis within brain neuronal cells and how this activity is impaired in disease, thus development a mechanism for diagnostic tests and therapeutics.
The Modulation Of Metals To Improve The Cognitive And Pathological Features Of Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,238.00
Summary
This proposal will characterise the effects of a novel therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our preliminary data show that this approach can affect both the onset and progression of the disease, as well as the symptoms that characterise it. Thus, a thorough assessment of these effects and this drug target provides a tangible movement towards a truly effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Understanding Skeletal Development: A Non-proteolytic Mechanism Of Aggrecan Resorption In The Growth Plate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,044.00
Summary
Bone formation requires resorption of a cartilage template. We challenge the dogma that cartilage resorption is only by PROTEASES, and propose instead that GLYCOSIDASES might also be involved. Aims: Demonstrate that chondrocytes release glycosidases that are important for bone formation. Significance: New information for the design of reconstructive therapies for people with congenital and acquired limb deficiencies or inherited disorders such as arthritis and chondrodysplasias may be gained.
Amelioration Of The Cognitive Deficits In A Model Of Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,890.00
Summary
The project investigates a brain molecule called p75, and the part it plays inmemory impairment in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We predict that p75 is a vital link in the disease processes affecting memory.This research has the potential to lead to an effective treatment for AD, by stimulating work on compounds with the ability to blockthe damaging functions of p75.