ANZCTR search results

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare condition that predominantly affects women aged 16 to 45 years where high pressure inside the skull, known as intracranial pressure (ICP), which causes headaches, and in some cases, can lead to permanent vision loss. Medications to lower ICP are recommended as part of treatment, but currently there are no medication approved for this condition. This pilot study will test whether sodium glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors could lower ICP in women with IIH.

We hypothesize that Blastx accelerates wound closure rates faster than Aquacel Ag Extra Plus on chronic burn wounds with better scarring outcomes. To test this theory, we will recruit patients with >4-week-old burn injuries and place them on an arm of the study, Comparing results and outcomes with the aid of AI technology and POSAS scores

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has become increasingly popular for improving muscle strength, size, and endurance using lighter loads. A key factor in the safe and effective use of BFR is accurately measuring limb occlusion pressure (LoP)—the pressure needed to restrict blood flow to the limb without causing harm. While many devices are available to assess LoP, few studies have compared their accuracy and consistency. This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of five commonly used BFR devices in measuring LoP in recreationally active individuals. We hypothesize that some devices will be more accurate and reliable than others, helping users make safer, evidence-based choices in both clinical and fitness settings.

The ACJ is prone to injuries from falls, hits, and overuse, leading to ACJ injuries involving the three ligaments inside the shoulder. Currently patients receive CT scans and X-rays as standard of care to detect and diagnose ACJ instability. However, some findings suggest that horizontal instability is underdiagnosed using these modes of imaging, which can impact the types of treatment offered to the patient and thus negatively affect the patient’s overall outcomes. The Multitom RAX (Siemens Healthcare) is a twin robotic x-ray system which has movable arms allowing for imaging in the standing and lying position and further has the ability to compose 3D X-ray images similar to CT, whilst using lower ionising radiation doses compared to conventional CT. We postulate that 3D X-ray stress views of the ACJ could improve radiographic detection of ACJ instability and our protocol design captures this. Improvements in radiographic assessment of the condition, will benefit the patient through appropriate clinical treatment options and overall patient outcomes.

This study will investigate whether a home-based step training program using interactive video games (exergames) can improve balance and mobility in people 6 months post stroke. This study will also test whether this exercise program can improve executive function, quality of life, fear of falling and physical activity levels. The program combines physical exercises with cognitive challenges, delivered through a step mat and computer system installed in participants’ homes. Intervention participants will be encouraged to train regularly, 120min per week in several sessions, for four months. Control participants will be offered the four-month exercise program at the end of the study.

This study aims to capture information regarding the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for melanoma on reproductive organ function and sex hormone levels. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you are aged 18 years or older, you have been diagnosed with melanoma (Stage II, III or IV) and you are planning to receive ICI treatment. Additional criteria will apply dependent upon your biological sex characteristics. Study details All participants who choose to enrol in this study will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and provide blood at 4 of their scheduled treatment visits. These visits are anticipated to add 30 minutes to the scheduled visit time. Male participants will also be asked to provide semen samples at 2 of their scheduled treatment visits. These visits are anticipated to add an additional 30 minutes to the scheduled visit time. No additional or novel treatments will be offered to participants who choose to enrol in this study, this is an observational study only. It is hoped this research will contribute important information regarding the potential toxic effects of ICI treatment on sexual and reproductive function in patients with melanoma who are receiving ICI treatment.

This study aims to look at a new ultrasound machine that has been purpose-designed to evaluate perfusion (blood flow through tissues). We have previously established normal ranges for a technique to measure three-dimensional ultrasound volumes called 3D Fractional Moving Blood Volume, using commercially available ultrasound machinery (GE Voluson E10). We now want to look at paired evaluations of fetal brain, kidney, liver and placental perfusion using our new machine along with the GE Voluson E10. We hypothesise that our new machine will take stable measurements of organ perfusion that will be comparable to the existing commercial machinery.

This pilot study aims to reveal the profiles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in periodontal patients, with uncontrolled T2DM and without T2DM/well-controlled T2DM (refers to diseased groups) before and after treatment follow-up (3, 6 months). EVs from non-diabetic/ well controlled T2DM patients (without follow-ups as no need to follow up) will be used as controls. Whole oral samples (saliva, GCF and plaque) will be used as controls. There are two general aims for this project: Aim 1: Diagnosis values of host and microbial EVs in periodontitis patients with and without T2DM Compare the differences in host and microbial derived EVs and their EV content expressions between periodontitis+ T2DM and periodontitis patients undergoing treatment over a 6-month observation period. Aim 2: To correlate host and microbial EVs contents with clinical outcomes in periodontitis patients with and without T2DM Correlate EVs expression levels with all clinical outcomes to distinguish between responders and non-responders to determine the prognosis power of EVs. It is hypothesised that host and microbial EVs and EV content are differentially expressed in patients with uncontrolled T2Dm compared with non-diabetic/well-controlled T2DM patients, and correlates with the severity of periodontitis. Furthermore, it is hypothesised that EVs will be positively correlated with improvements in clinical parameters after periodontal or T2DM treatment.

Cardiac catheter ablation is a common treatment for heart rhythm disorders. Catheters are long flexible tubes with electrodes at the tip placed in the heart and deliver heating or cooling thermal injury to disrupt abnormal electrical circuits in the heart (ablation). Many of these circuits are located near the atrioventricular node (AVN), an integral structure of the cardiac electrical system. It is the only normal electrical connection between the top and bottom chambers of the heart maintaining synchronised contraction. Inadvertent damage to the AVN through heating or cooling of nearby structures can result in heart block, requiring pacemaker insertion. This study aims to measure the temperature at the AVN during ablations with a temperature sensor catheter to further understand the AVN properties and reduce the risk of heart block by alerting of its impending damage. This study will assess 2 patient groups; Group 1 will undergo intentional clinically indicated ablation of the AVN with pacemakers in-situ, Group 2 will undergo supraventricular tachycardia (a fast heart rhythm condition) ablations where electrical circuits are located near the AVN. During ablation, electrical measurements will be taken and correlated with AVN temperature. We predict during ablation, the temperature sensing catheter placed at the AVN will detect temperature changes and alter AVN electrical properties which may forewarn operators of imminent heart block, indicative of AVN damage. These findings have potential to enhance patient safety during cardiac ablations, change clinical practice and improve our understanding of the AVN and its properties.

Ear disease, and its associated hearing loss, are more prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. While ear and hearing health services are available, it can be hard for families to attend these services. This project seeks a clear understanding of the out of pocket health care expenditure and referral process from the perspectives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander parents and families of young children between the ages of 0 - 8 years with a history of ear disease.