Transfusion Triggers In Cardiac Surgery Australia Trial (TRICS-III)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,433,956.00
Summary
This study seeks to compare outcomes for cardiac surgery patients who are given a blood transfusion where the haemoglobin concentration is <7.5 or alternatively <9.5 g/dL. Blood transfusion is common in cardiac surgery and it is not known whether a more "restrictive" approach to blood transfusion has a different outcome. This will be the largest prospective randomised study of its kind, Australia contributing to a Canadian lead multi-centre international trial.
Evaluating Appropriate Use Of Blood Products In Mothers And Babies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,137.00
Summary
There has been an increase in blood transfusions following childbirth. Blood transfusions are potentially life-saving treatments for mothers and babies facing life-threatening illnesses or complications involving haemorrhage, however there is potential to be over-transfusing mothers and babies who are exposed to unnecessary risk of adverse outcomes such as infection. We aim to evaluate and improve the safety and appropriate use of blood and blood products during pregnancy, childbirth and the new ....There has been an increase in blood transfusions following childbirth. Blood transfusions are potentially life-saving treatments for mothers and babies facing life-threatening illnesses or complications involving haemorrhage, however there is potential to be over-transfusing mothers and babies who are exposed to unnecessary risk of adverse outcomes such as infection. We aim to evaluate and improve the safety and appropriate use of blood and blood products during pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn period.Read moreRead less
Alternatives To Homologous Blood Transfusion - Development Of Evidence- Based Decision Aids.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$213,697.00
Summary
Transfusion of donor blood is the traditional means of treating blood loss resulting from injury or during surgery. Donor blood is in short supply and in the past there have been episodes of contamination by viruses that have led to hepatitis and AIDS. Consequently there is much interest in a range of techniques designed to reduce the need for transfusion of donor blood. One of the most popular is transfusion of patients' own blood (autologous transfusion). Despite the popularity of some of thes ....Transfusion of donor blood is the traditional means of treating blood loss resulting from injury or during surgery. Donor blood is in short supply and in the past there have been episodes of contamination by viruses that have led to hepatitis and AIDS. Consequently there is much interest in a range of techniques designed to reduce the need for transfusion of donor blood. One of the most popular is transfusion of patients' own blood (autologous transfusion). Despite the popularity of some of these techniques their true value is not really proven. They may be capable of diminishing the need for a transfusion of donor blood, but the long-term effects of this are not clear. In addition the preparation of autologous blood is a burden for overworked blood banks, and autologous blood may itself be associated with its own problems. The main aims of this study are to carry out reviews of the best quality trials of the various alternatives to transfusion of donor blood and to carry out surveys to find out what patients and doctors think. In a third phase of the project we will use the information gathered in the first two phases to design decision aids. These are comprehensive structured summaries of the available evidence to enable patients and their physicians to collaborate in making informed decisions that are likely to lead to the best outcomes for patients. The products of the research will be a number of reviews of 'best evidence' that appear in the International Cochrane Library, available to health professionals around the world. In addition, the decision aids, if successful, will be made available in a form that can be used by all Australian patients who are facing surgery that is likely to require a blood transfusion.Read moreRead less
Blood And Blood Product Transfusion In Trauma Resuscitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$98,431.00
Summary
Blood is an exceedingly scarce and expensive resource. Massive transfusions place enormous strains on blood banks. There is little consensus and a paucity of evidence on transfusion practice in major trauma. Trauma patients account for a significant proportion of all patients who receive transfusions. This project will assist with the development of more uniform guidelines for transfusion of blood products in major trauma patients based on the best evidence available and current practice.
Building A Bridge Between Animal Models Of Blood Transfusion And Clinical Practice: Development Of Sheep Laboratory Models To Investigate The Effects Of Transfusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
This research project aims to develop clinically-relevant sheep laboratory models of transfusion that will provide a ‘bridge’ between human laboratory and sheep in vivo models and clinical setting by contributing to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of transfusion with stored blood products. Ultimately, addressing key knowledge gaps regarding transfusion of aged and cryopreserved blood products will result in improved outcomes for patients.
Optimising Transfusion Support In Critical Illness And Haematological Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$262,251.00
Summary
Blood transfusion is commonly used for patient care. Improving our understanding about how to best use blood and blood products and finding ways to reduce the need for transfusion have been identified as important areas of national research. This fellowship aims to investigate interventions to reduce bleeding and the need for transfusion and improve the use of blood transfusion in two patients groups who are major users of blood: critically ill patients and patients with blood cancers.
IV Iron For Treatment Of Anaemia Before Cardiac Surgery (ITACS Trial)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,285,290.00
Summary
Our aim is to evaluate intravenous iron to treat anaemia in 1000 patients waiting for their cardiac surgery. This could reduce the risks of the operation and enable patients to recover faster and can go home earlier.
Anaemia In The Elderly: Epidemiology, Causes, Consequences And Optimal Transfusion Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Anaemia in the elderly (AE) is a common and increasing issue, which is often treated with blood transfusions. This project aims to investigate the causes and risk factors of patients who develop AE, and the impact of AE on health outcomes. The results will help define appropriate haemoglobin thresholds for AE, and provide information to develop appropriate guidelines for AE and transfusion management in the elderly.
Iron Overload Mechanisms In Dyserythropoietic Anaemias And Therapeutic Targets At The ERFE Gene Locus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Iron overload causes organ dysfunction and morbidity for people who have red blood cell disorders such as thalassemia, or chronic transfusion requirements due to cancer or bone marrow failure. The manner in which a principal controlling compound, erythroferrone, influences iron metabolism is undefined. Our project will use molecular approaches to determine how the erythroferrone gene is involved in causing iron overload in red cell disorders and potentially open better management pathways.
Improving Patient Outcomes Through Better Use Of Blood Products
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,412,250.00
Summary
Blood transfusions, used wisely, save lives. Blood must be used judiciously: it is donated by volunteers, and carries risks and great cost to the community. Although a common intervention, evidence in many areas is inadequate to formulate recommendations on how blood should be used. This research program will address national priorities where evidence is weak by undertaking clinical trials to compare transfusion strategies, evaluate alternatives to transfusion and test novel blood components.