Rapid Ferric Carboxymaltose Infusion (Ferinject) For Iron Deficiency Anaemia In Aboriginal Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,236,421.00
Summary
The “Rapid Iron Infusion Project” will assess whether an intravenous infusion of ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject) given over 15 minutes in children prior to their discharge from hospital will reduce the risk of ongoing anaemia. The potential benefits of iron infusion include higher haemoglobin levels, fewer painful iron injections over the next 6-9 months, better adherence to recommended treatment, and less use of primary health care resources.
Child Health At Two Years Corrected Age After Antenatal Exposure To Dexamethasone Or Betamethasone; A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,777,593.00
Summary
Both dexamethasone or betamethasone, given to women at risk of preterm birth substantially improve neonatal and child health. There are conflicting reports as to whether dexamethasone is better than betamethasone? This randomised trial will assess this. If dexamethasone is more beneficial, there will be fewer deaths and fewer disabled children. This will be of great importance for the care of women at risk of preterm birth, their children and health services in Australia and internationally.
Does Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate Given To Women At Risk Of Preterm Birth Between 30 And 34 Weeks' Gestation Reduce The Risk Of Death Or Cerebral Palsy In Their Children? - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,978,760.00
Summary
Antenatal magnesium sulphate is recommended prior to preterm birth at less than 30 weeks’ gestation. Whether there are benefits at later gestations is uncertain. This study is assessing whether magnesium sulphate given to women at risk of very preterm birth between 30 to 34 weeks’ gestation increases the chance of their baby surviving without cerebral palsy.
Investigating Autism Spectrum Disorder: Causes And Efficacious Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,501.00
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a growing public health concern, but we know little about the causes nor treatments for the condition. During the period of this Fellowship I will seek to make significant inroads into these unknowns, by performing large-scale international research into the genetic, biochemical and neurological causes of ASD, and conducting a series of clinical treatment trials in collaboration with research groups from across the world.
Vaginal Progesterone For The Prevention Of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$935,107.00
Summary
Respiratory distress syndrome is a significant problem for babies born preterm. For these babies, a significant number will require support for their breathing. These babies are also at increased risk of dying, and in survivors, there is a risk of long-term disability. It is uncertain if giving vaginal progesterone therapy during pregnancy to women who have had a previous preterm birth can reduce these risks.
Vaginal Progesterone For The Prevention Of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,243,111.00
Summary
Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a significant problem for babies born very preterm (at less than 34 weeks of pregnancy). For these babies, over 90% will require support for their breathing. These babies are also at increased risk of dying, and in survivors, there is a risk of long-term disability. It is uncertain if giving vaginal progesterone therapy during pregnancy to women who have had a previous preterm birth can reduce these risks. This randomised controlled trial will assess the use of v ....Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a significant problem for babies born very preterm (at less than 34 weeks of pregnancy). For these babies, over 90% will require support for their breathing. These babies are also at increased risk of dying, and in survivors, there is a risk of long-term disability. It is uncertain if giving vaginal progesterone therapy during pregnancy to women who have had a previous preterm birth can reduce these risks. This randomised controlled trial will assess the use of vaginal progesterone therapy for women at risk of preterm birth as a means of reducing the risk of neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome and improving the outcomes of their babies.Read moreRead less
A COMMUNITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE WORK TASK PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,649.00
Summary
This study will compare the outcomes of a 10 week twice a week community-based weight training program for young adults with Down syndrome with an art program. It will establish if a student-led exercise program can improve their performance of work tasks and their activity levels. Should the program prove beneficial, we aim to achieve the long-term outcome of exercise being implemented as a sustainable, inclusive recreation option for this group.
Early School-Age Outcomes After Exposure To Repeat Prenatal Corticosteroids - A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,083,964.00
Summary
AIMS OF THE RESEARCH We have recently concluded a large clinical trial in Australia and New Zealand of repeat dose of antenatal corticosteroids given to women who were likely to deliver their baby too early (before 34 weeks of pregnancy). We have been able to show that repeat doses of corticosteroids before birth significantly reduces the risk of the baby developing respiratory difficulties after birth from 41.4% to 32.8%. However, we are not sure if this potentially important improvement will t ....AIMS OF THE RESEARCH We have recently concluded a large clinical trial in Australia and New Zealand of repeat dose of antenatal corticosteroids given to women who were likely to deliver their baby too early (before 34 weeks of pregnancy). We have been able to show that repeat doses of corticosteroids before birth significantly reduces the risk of the baby developing respiratory difficulties after birth from 41.4% to 32.8%. However, we are not sure if this potentially important improvement will translate into better outcomes for the children as they grow older and reach school-age. As there are many examples of treatments given around the time of birth that have been shown to have some short-term benefits, but substantial long-term harms, we must be as certain as we can be that any advance in one small area of health is not counterbalanced by disadvantages in other health areas. This is particularly important to find out for repeat antenatal corticosteroids given the earlier conflicting reports from non-randomised studies. We plan to assess the 1085 survivors from our earlier clinical trial of repeat dose of prenatal corticosteroids when they are of early school age. We will assess their movement and other important areas of their brain function, as well as their school progress, blood pressure, lung function and general health and growth. EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE RESEARCH If we find important improvements in health outcomes at school-age in children exposed to repeat corticosteroids, without any substantial couterbalancing adverse effects, repeat steroids will be recommended standard therapy in women who are likely to give birth to their baby very early. This will lead to a reduction in the burden of ill health.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Community-based Weight Management Intervention In Obese Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,534.00
Summary
This research will explore various aspects of managing overweight and obesity in adolescence, including a review of previous studies. The central focus will be participants' weight, health and behavioral outcomes in a randomised controlled trial of a community-based weight management program for 13-16 year olds. A focus group study will be conducted to increase understanding of parent-adolescent communication regarding overweight and the decision to seek treatment.
Prophylactic Antibiotics To Prevent Recurrent Lower Respiratory Tract Infections In Children With Neurological Impairment (PARROT) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,210,224.00
Summary
We plan a randomised controlled trial to determine if 12 months of a type of antibiotics (compared to placebo) reduces hospitalisations in children with neurological impairment. Currently this group of children are recurrently hospitalised and some doctors use long term antibiotics but there is no high level evidence for this practice. The study will be undertaken in the UK and Australia and involve 474 children. The study will lead to better clinical care and inform guidelines.