ANZCTR search results

Evidence has accumulated that changes to the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye (retinal arteries) are linked to heart disease. It is possible to use a simple eye examination to view these tiny retinal blood vessels and get an idea about their condition. This kind of examination is simple to perform and is not invasive. Because there are similarities to blood vessels throughout the body, an eye examination could be used to provide important information about blood vessel condition in general and whether certain treatments can result in improved blood vessel function. This study will examine the retinal arteries of a group of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and risk factors for or actual heart disease. It will also look for evidence that the function of the retinal arteries improves with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment

This study compares the effectiveness of treatment with the drug anastrozole before and during adjuvant radiotherapy compared with anastrozole therapy delayed until after radiotherapy. Who is it for? You can join this study if you are a woman who has had a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer, and all planned surgery is now complete and radiotherapy is recommended. Trial details Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive anastrozole orally before and during radiotherapy. The other group will receive standard treatment, where anastrozole and subsequent anti-oestrogen therapy is delayed until after radiotherapy. Participants will be monitored for 10 years after radiotherapy. The study aims to determine if commencement of anastrozole before radiotherapy results in improved local control of the disease.

The project aims to: 1. Determine the communication, computer and environmental control technology product needs for individuals with advanced FA. 2. Develop an online resource regarding equipment specific to the needs identified. 3. Prepare a funding proposal for equipment and resources not yet available.

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and impact of implementing a work-site based walking intervention on daily ambulatory activity (work day step counts), health status and work-ability of older workers performing predominately sedentary work.

This study is examining if the use of a PET probe during surgery for DCIS or breast cancer can accurately determine if all of the cancer cells have been removed. Currently 20% of patients require a second operation due to potential remaining cancer cells in the breast. Identification of these cells at the time of the first operation may reduce the number of women requiring second operations. This will have an impact on the patient (time & distress) and the health care system.

The purpose of this study is to assess a new orthodontic appliance which moves the lower jaw forward in a stepwise fashion. It is intended that the orthodontic appliance will be more comfortable than other appliances as it is less bulky and will result in a better physiological response because of the stepwise advancement of the lower jaw.

The overall design of ACCEPT for the purposes of the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) contract has been finalised and approved by ethics committees. The trial uses a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. Cluster randomisation is required because chlamydia is an infectious disease; randomising a group of people in the same geographic area (postcode) will allow the intervention to be delivered to people within the same social/sexual networks. The intervention aims to maximise the rate of regular chlamydia testing in people in the target age group who attend primary care services. The intervention will be randomised at the postcode level and all GP clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in each postcode (estimated at 2-3 clinics on average) will be invited to participate. Overall, about 80% of postcodes will be selected from rural/regional areas based on the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas classification (RRMA 3-7) so that the intervention can be applied to whole communities of people more likely to be in the same social/sexual network. Further, because young people often attend multiple clinics, randomising postcodes in rural areas and recruiting all clinics in the postcode, will allow the intervention to be applied to whole communities and facilitate data collection. The fundamental premise of this trial is that increased levels of testing can be achieved by providing a supportive intervention and that once levels of testing are increased high enough (more than 30%), the prevalence of chlamydia will fall.

The project aims to examine changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (which signifies stability of diabetes), physical, psychological and cognitive functioning following commencement of CSII therapy specifically measuring these parameters at three and six-month follow-up. The effect of CSII will be measured via routine blood tests, questionnaires examining physical health-related Quality of life (HRQoL), diabetes specific questions, psychological well-being and cognitive functioning. Patients will attend a review clinic at the Alfred specifically for CSII patients. Patients’ knowledge about their diabetes will be assessed pre and post CSII commencement (at several time points) using specific questionnaires and we will also measure glycaemic control via the recognized blood test of diabetes stability (HbA1c). The questionnaires used will include assessment of patients’ sense of empowerment, a self-care inventory on diabetes, a diabetes-specific treatment satisfaction questionnaire, and an emotional distress questionnaire that is diabetes specific. The aim is to assess whether CSII improves these aspects of an individual’s life with CSII. Within the project, we aim to set up a group pump review clinic for all patients commencing pump therapy at this hospital.

The purpose is to investigate whether the type of hand exercises affect short-term outcomes, in particular range of motion of the finger, following surgery to stabilise fractures of the proximal phalanx in the finger. Following surgery, participants will be randomised to one of two groups, where the treatment variable will be type of exercise. All other treatment will be constant between the two groups.

Prospective Randomized Observer Blinded Evaluation trial to determine the effect of adding colchicine 0.5mg/d to usual medical therapy in patients with proven coronary disease on the risk of future coronary events and stroke [unrelated to atrial fibrillation or intra-cranial hemorrhage]