ANZCTR search results

The study is investigating whether patients with Down syndrome and Transient Myeloid Disorder (TMD) who are at a higher risk of developing Myeloid Leukaemia of Down syndrome (ML-DS), including Acute MegaKaryoblastic Leukaemia (AMKL) can be identified through prospective GATA-1 gene mutation testing. Who is it for? This study is open to children born with Down syndrome or mosaic Down syndrome who are up to 2 years of age. The trial is currently open in NSW and may be extended to other states in the future. Children with typical physical characteristics of Down syndrome are eligible for consent before cytogenetic confirmation of diagnosis is made. Trial details Participants in this trial will be observed from birth/consent up to until 4 years of age in order to assess the levels of GATA-1 gene mutations and their association with subsequent progression to TMD and/or AMKL. Blood collection requirements Observation for signs of potential progression to TMD and/or AMKL will be performed by analysis of periodic full blood counts (FBC). The FBC will be assessed at local laboratories. Blood collected for study purposes will be stored at a tumour bank. The sample will be studied for GATA-1 gene mutations. It is hoped that results from the study of GATA-1 gene mutations will be used to develop a test that will in the future help predict which children with Down syndrome are more at risk of developing AMKL (acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia). Participants who do not develop TMD will have blood collected at 3,6,12,18,24,36 and 48 months. Participants who develop TMD will have additional blood collections to those stated above at 9, 30 and 42 months. These extra blood collections are required for monitoring the TMD. Participants who develop AMKL will have a final blood collection for study purposes at time of AMKL diagnosis. Blood collection for study purposes will cease at this point.

This randomised controlled trial aims to determine whether a primary total hip replacement prosthesis with a larger 36 mm diameter metal on highly cross-linked polyethylene articulation is associated with significantly greater polyethylene wear and acetabular component migration. This study utilises radiostereometric analysis, the most sensitive radiographic technique available to measure wear and migration in vivo.

The aim of this research is to investigate the optimal conservative approach to the treatment of patients with shoulder pain. There is evidence to demonstrate that exercise alone is better than a wait and see approach and also that one treatment session of a specific manual therapy and tape improves movement in people with shoulder pain. It is hoped that information gathered from this project will help to contribute to knowledge of an optimal conservative treatment approach to shoulder pain that limits a person’s ability to carry out many activities of daily living and to participate in work and sport.

This study aims to investigate the effects of morphine on obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Specifically, we will measure the effects of a common clinical dose of morphine on sleep, respiratory control, and upper airway physiology.

The primary goal of the Preview intervention study is to identify the most efficient lifestyle pattern for the prevention of type-2 diabetes in a population of pre-diabetic overweight or obese individuals (i.e those at high risk of diabetes). This will be done by conducting a clinical randomized intervention trial of 3 years duration in a total 310 pre-diabetic adults in Australia.

Metformin is a medication originally derived from French Lilac which has been used to treat diabetes for over 50 years. The aim of this study is to see whether metformin can improve mood and memory in people who have depression and obesity. We will recruit 30 adults who feel depressed despite currently taking an antidepressant medication and who also have a large waist measurement (more than 88cm for women and 102cm for men). The study will last for 12 weeks. Participants will be randomized to either metformin 1000mg twice per day with food or placebo. At the beginning and the end of the study mood will be rated by self-report and by the doctor’s impression. Memory will be measured using a series of computer based tests, similar to playing simple computer games. The hope is that metformin will help obese adults with depression by reducing levels of the hormone insulin as well as markers of inflammation, within the brain, thereby improving mood.

This study is aiming to show that by having normal haemoglobin and iron studies at the time of delivery, the patients will not only feel better, but will perform better during and after pregnancy. It is hoped that their pregnancy will be less eventful without any complications. By improving antenatal haemoglobin, we expect to reduce the incidence or necessity for blood transfusions in this cohort of patients thereby relieving the strain on the supply of blood from an already stretched Blood Blank and also to avoid the risks/complications of transfusion. Because of its national and global significance, this project merits significant health improvement for pregnant women. To identify the best treatment approach to iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Effective management of iron deficiency anaemia has a major impact on the health, educational and economic potential of populations in Tasmania and Australia. This and future work may lead to replacement of iron as first line therapy of the world’s most common nutritional disorder, affecting more than 2 billion people.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects many older people and is a major public health problem. Afflicted individuals suffer from knee pain and physical dysfunction that impacts dramatically on quality of life. Osteoarthritis has no cure and often gets worse over time. Non-toxic treatments that reduce symptoms and assist patient self-management over the long-term are needed. Increased joint loading (force across the knee) is central to pain development and increased risk of disease progression in people with knee OA. The type of shoes a person wears can increase or decrease their knee load depending on the shoe design features. This randomised controlled trial will test the efficacy of modified shoes (designed to unload the knee joint) for reducing symptoms and improving physical function in people with knee OA.

A lifetime diagnosis of substance use disorder is seen in 40% of Australians with psychosis, and has substantial symptomatic and functional impacts. Both problems have detrimental effects on motivation, hindering treatment gains. A newly developed intervention, Functional Imagery Training (FIT), uses individually tailored imagery (multisensory mental 'pictures') to consolidate motivation, rehearse coping strategies and enhance confidence. Personal smartphones are used to assist in use of imagery and to set reminders, while the OnTrack Get Real Internet program supports self-management of psychotic symptoms. The current study aims to: 1. Examine the effectiveness of FIT with 20 young adults aged 16-25 years who are experiencing early episode psychosis and using cannabis; 2. Qualitatively explore participants' experiences of the treatment and solicit suggestions for enhancement of the intervention. Participants are recruited from the Early Psychosis Team, Princess Alexandra Hospital. Case managers obtain verbal consent from the consumer to pass on their details to the research team. If the consumer is less than 18 years of age and has a parent/guardian involved in their care, staff also obtain consent from the parent/guardian. The research team contact the consumer to provide more information about the study, and to make an appointment for the baseline assessment. The baseline assessment lasts up to 60 minutes and includes questions about cannabise use, psychiatric history and symptoms, and quality of life. The FIT intervention commences one week later and comprises two face-to-face treatment sessions of 1 hour duration, held one week apart. Sessions combine motivational interviewing with the use of imagery to identify reasons for cannabis reduction, possible goals and strategies, and to build confidence. Imagery involves creation of multisensory mental pictures relating to the goal, reasons for change and success with similar goals in the past. Session 2 concludes with instruction in how their smartphone can be used to assist them to use the intervention techniques in their everyday life. Treatment support phone calls of 10-15 minutes occur in weeks 3, 4, 8 and 12 after baseline. Support calls reinforce goal committment and problem-solve difficulties. Cannabis use and goal motivation are also assessed in the 4 week call. A follow-up interview of 60 minutes duration occurs 13 weeks post-baseline and assesses cannabis use, psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and experiences of the treatment. Throughout FIT, participants remain engaged with routine care and are encouraged to use the OnTrack Get Real Internet program for assistance with their psychiatric symptoms.

The primary aim of the study is to determine if implementation of an early identification and intervention protocol for injured workers (who have been assessed as being at high risk for delayed return to work) results in better outcomes compared to usual care (current practice) for similar high risk injured workers. The better outcomes we anticipate are: reduced costs of workers compensation claims and earlier sustained RTW in the 12 month follow-up period.