Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing For The Evaluation Of Unexplained And Complex Multifactorial BREATHlessnEss (i-BREATHE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Breathlessness is a common symptom that can be caused by diseases of the heart, lungs or muscles. It is not uncommon that the cause is undiagnosed either because conventional tests do not yield a diagnosis, or because an individual suffers from multiple diseases. This research aims to use invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing, a highly specialised test which simultaneously measures breathing, heart and muscle function, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breathlessness.
Improved Gene Therapy Strategies For Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,517.00
Summary
Many people develop problems with the blood vessels in the lungs, which then leads to a narrowing of these vessels and consequently a back-pressure strain on the heart. These disorders can arise from inherited diseases of the blood vessels themselves, or from accquired lung disease (for example due to smoking or chronic infections). At present there are few treatments which have any benefits for these patients and many must undergo lung or heart-lung transplantation. This project is desigened bo ....Many people develop problems with the blood vessels in the lungs, which then leads to a narrowing of these vessels and consequently a back-pressure strain on the heart. These disorders can arise from inherited diseases of the blood vessels themselves, or from accquired lung disease (for example due to smoking or chronic infections). At present there are few treatments which have any benefits for these patients and many must undergo lung or heart-lung transplantation. This project is desigened both to find out new information about the disease process that affects the lung blood vessels and to offer a strategy for new treatments. The project will use a crippled form of the cold virus to deliver genes to the lining of the lung blood vessels, then see what impact that has on the pressure within the vessels and the ways in which they respond to certain stresses. These studies will be carried out using laboratory animals. If successful, it may be possible to eventually design such viruses to deliver genes which have a helpful therapeutic impact on the disease in patients.Read moreRead less
Development Of Guanylate Cyclase Activators For The Treatment Of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,684.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life threatening condition with few treatment options. It is marked by shortness of breath and reduced energy as a result of an unexplained constriction of the blood vessels in the lung. This results in reduced life expectancy. We are developing a new treatment that will relax the blood vessels in the lung to improve quality and length of life.
Optimising Accuracy And Cost-Effectiveness Of Screening For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension In Scleroderma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,403.00
Summary
Scleroderma is one of the most devastating diseases of the immune system. With features that affect every organ in the body, scleroderma shortens the average patient’s life by over three decades. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition of increased resistance in the blood vessels of the lungs, is the major cause of death in this disease. The purpose of this project is to develop a new 'screening' model for the early detection of PAH in scleroderma, thereby enabling earlier initiation ....Scleroderma is one of the most devastating diseases of the immune system. With features that affect every organ in the body, scleroderma shortens the average patient’s life by over three decades. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition of increased resistance in the blood vessels of the lungs, is the major cause of death in this disease. The purpose of this project is to develop a new 'screening' model for the early detection of PAH in scleroderma, thereby enabling earlier initiation of life-saving treatment.Read moreRead less
Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility As A Predictor Of Survival Following Hospitalized Exacerbation Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Many patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) also have elevated lung blood pressures, or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Having both conditions increases the risk of death. It is difficult to diagnose PH in COPD. We will be using a new Computed Tomography (X-ray imaging) technique to investigate a marker of PH called ‘pulmonary artery pulsatility’. If PH can be diagnosed easily and accurately new treatments can be devised and researched potentially improving outcomes in COPD.
NOVEL NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF PULMONARY VASCULAR DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,463.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disorder. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are insensitive for detecting early disease, thus preventing early intervention with therapy. We aim to develop novel and reproducible ways to assess the pulmonary circulation, which will ultimately allow for the early diagnosis of PAH and in turn facilitate early initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Pulmonary Hypertension In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pulmonary Hyperinflation, Gas Trapping And Disproportionate Pulmonary Hypertension.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,583.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Raised blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension, PH) predicts a worse prognosis in patients with COPD. The mechanisms contributing to PH are incompletely understood. We aim to determine the role of lung hyperinflation in contributing to the development of PH in COPD. We also aim to identify a sub-group of patients that develop severe PH which may benefit from specific therapy.
This program of work focuses on smoking related lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and lung cancer, as well as diseases affecting the blood vessels in the lungs. The work includes basic cell biology and human clinical trials.There is a high likelihood that new approaches to treating lung disease will emerge.