Understanding The Biology Of Pregnancy To Prevent Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,746.00
Summary
Progress in the care of the unborn baby, and thus optimisation of life-long health, will only come with a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie pregnancy. My research is aimed at saving babies lives and reducing the long-term burdens (health, emotional and economic) of major perinatal conditions. I am uniquely placed to carry out this research, using the research tools I have developed to deliver real outcomes that will change clinical practice
Novel Methods For Early Bedside Detection And Prognosis Of Preterm Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,880.00
Summary
Quick and robust assessments of preterm brain activity are critical for identifying early markers of brain injuries. We need to predict poor outcomes before they develop in order to give clinicians the best chance of helping sick infants. This project will develop and validate new non-invasive methods for assessing early brain activity in preterm infants at risk of developing poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.
We aim to predict neurodevelopmental disability in babies born very preterm, earlier and more accurately than currently possible, by identifying structural and functional connectivity features that correlate with clinical measures of motor and neurodevelopmental functions. To do this we will use brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dense array electroencephalography (EEG) and structured clinical neurodevelopmental assessments to provide a cutting edge view of the state of brain development.
An Integrated Approach To Inotropic Support In Preterm Neonates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,449.00
Summary
Poor cardiovascular function in preterm babies can lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain and brain injury. Current treatments to improve heart function are often ineffective. This study will examine the effects of treatment on different parts of the cardiovascular system, and how these effects interact. It will identify reasons for the lack of effectiveness and provide insight which will help to design better treatments for preterm babies.
Improving The Fetal To Neonatal Transition In Compromised Newborns; Towards Better Outcomes For Babies Born Too Soon Or With Under-developed Lungs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The birth of a compromised infant affects 13 million pregnancies worldwide annually and is the greatest cause of neonatal death, disability and chronic disease. I will identify mechanisms to greatly improve the fetal to neonatal transition in premature babies and babies with under-developed lungs. This research is urgently required to provide the necessary evidence to target interventions in the delivery room to reduce the short- and long-term burden of disease in compromised newborns.
I am a developmental lung physiologist who specialises in understanding the factors regulating normal and abnormal lung development as well as the physiological transformation of the lung into an efficient gas-exchange organ at birth.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
The exposure of infants to adverse events both before and after birth can cause death or permanent disability (eg cerebral palsy) for the infant. Our primary research objective is to minimize the impact and improve outcomes for infants exposed to adverse events before and/or after birth. We will use a multi-disciplinary approach that aims to understand the science and to develop new treatments, thereby representing true “bench to bedside” research.
Effective Treatment Of Ureaplasma To Prevent Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$701,652.00
Summary
Premature births are often due to infection in the uterus by microorganisms named Ureaplasmas. Antibiotics given to the mother fails to eradicate them, probably because of poor passage of the drug across the placenta. This project asks if antibiotics should instead be given as a single injection into the amniotic fluid. Clinical studies will evaluate the frequency and types of Ureaplasmas in amniotic fluid. Studies with sheep will work out which antibiotic would be most effective and at which ro ....Premature births are often due to infection in the uterus by microorganisms named Ureaplasmas. Antibiotics given to the mother fails to eradicate them, probably because of poor passage of the drug across the placenta. This project asks if antibiotics should instead be given as a single injection into the amniotic fluid. Clinical studies will evaluate the frequency and types of Ureaplasmas in amniotic fluid. Studies with sheep will work out which antibiotic would be most effective and at which route and dose.Read moreRead less
The kidneys of infants born preterm continue to develop after birth. However, preterm infants are exposed to high oxygen levels which may impact on ongoing development. In a rodent model of oxygen exposure, the blood vessels of the kidney and the numbers of stem cells will be assessed; additionally, further stem cells will be administered in order to try and prevent any impairment. It is expected that the findings of this study will help to explain the effects of preterm birth on the kidney.