ANZCTR search results

This study aims to investigate the reliability of a new computer-based test to measure visual acuity in the peripheral visual field (the ability to see fine detail using side vision) and contrast sensitivity (the ability to discriminate between areas of differing brightness). We hypothesise that peripheral visual function - both visual acuity and conatrst sensitivity can be reliably measured using a computer-based test.

Between the years 2000 and 2004 approximately 46,611 people were hospitalised in Australia as a result of burn or scald related injury.1 While comorbidities such as infection and psychosocial health alterations are readily described, patients recovering from burn injury frequently experience a post burn itch.2,3 Post burn itch affects up to 80% of the burn population.4 While post burn itch varies in time frame as well as severity, some patients experience severe and debilitating itch disturbing their sleep, activities of daily living as well as their quality of life for months following wound healing.3 Post burn itch treatments, while multimodal, remain consistently ineffective.3 In line with current literature The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Burns Unit utilises various combinations of antihistamine medications, regular bathing, massage and aqueous crème in their management of post burn itch. Despite these varied interventions and the reputation of the RBWH Burn Unit as a centre of clinical excellence, itch remains the problem here that it is globally. Recent anecdotal evidence from several RBWH burn outpatients, however, suggests Medilixir (a combination of bees wax and herbal oils) to successfully assist in the minimisation of post burn itch. For this small patient cohort the change from aqueous crème to Medilixir markedly reduced their post burn itch. 1. Harrison, J., & Steel, D. (2006). Burns and scalds. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Injury Surveillance Unit Briefing, 7, October 2006. 2. Smith, J.S., Smith, K.R., Rainey, S.L., & DelGiorno, J. (2006). The psychology of burn care. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 13(3), pp.105-106. 3. Matheson, J.D., Clayton, J., & Muller, M.J. (2001). The reduction of itch during burn wound healing. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, 22(1),pp.76-81. 4. Demling, R.H., & DeSanti, L. (2003). Topical Doxepin significantly reduces itching and erythema in the chronically pruritic burn scar. Wounds, 15(6), pp.195-200.

CMRF-56BDC-02 is a therapeutic blood dendritic cell (BDC) vaccine for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer (PC). This study has been designed principally to assess the safety of CMRF-56BDC-02 in PC patients with metastatic hormone refractory disease. Secondary objectives of the study are to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the vaccine in the induction of an immune response against PC and the evaluation of the disease response to the vaccine in these patients. We will investigate the safety and preliminary effect of three vaccinations with CMRF-56BDC-02, given at monthly intervals. Two doses (low and high dose), given into the skin or veins, will be studied.

In this study, we seek to compare the efficacy of a cyber-psychology program, based on CBT, versus no intervention, in reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms in a cohort of first year medical students.

The Skin Centre Suite 5 AHC House 14 Carrara Street Benowa, Queensland 4217 Southeast Dermatology 1202 Creek Road Carina Heights, Queensland 4152 Therapeutics Goods Administration CTN Number 2007/487

The Skin Centre Suite 5 AHC House 14 Carrara Street Benowa, Queensland 4217 Therapeutic Goods Administration CTN Number 2007/490

BACKGROUND: Upper limb dysfunction is one of the most important predictors of participation restriction in children with cerebral palsy. Modified constraint-induced therapy is an intervention designed to improve the function of the affected arm of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and maximise their participation in daily activities. This therapy involves constraining the unaffected hand with a mitt and providing concurrent and carefully targeted therapy during the period of constraint. It has been argued that the constraint of the unaffected side encourages the child to use the affected side, providing opportunity for the child to develop muscle control and strength and to reduce learned non-use. Modified constraint-induced therapy is already offered in Australian clinics even though it is an expensive and intensive intervention and there is little evidence of its effectiveness. This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effects of modified constraint-induced therapy on children’s upper limb function and participation in daily activities. If the intervention is to be widely adopted it must first be shown to be substantially more effective than current best practices in paediatric service provision. HYPOTHESES: Children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy participating in modified constraint-induced therapy will have better upper limb function and will be better able to complete important daily activities than a group receiving standard best practice occupational therapy. STUDY: Randomised controlled trial. Fifty children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, aged between 18 months and 8 years and meeting specified eligibility criteria will be recruited from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, The Centre for Cerebral Palsy and The Spastic Centre of NSW. Consenting families will complete a baseline assessment and then be randomised to a modified constraint-induced therapy group or standard best practice occupational therapy group. Therapy (and constraint) will start 1 week later and continue for 8 weeks. Children will be reassessed at 8 weeks and 6 months. Intervention for the experimental group will consist of modified constraint-induced therapy. Constraint will be implemented by a custom-made mitt which prevents grasp and release with the unaffected hand. The mitt will be worn for a minimum of 2 hours per day, 7 days per week for 8 weeks. In addition, adjunct therapy (to improve motor ability of the affected upper limb) will be provided daily by carers whilst the constraint is in place and once per week by an occupational therapist. The adjunct therapy is a critical component of modified constraint-induced therapy. The control group will participate in standard best practice occupational therapy for 8 weeks. The provision of standard practice controls for frequency of provision of occupational therapy. More importantly, it allows us to establish if modified constraint-induced therapy is more effective than current best practice, which should be a pre-requisite for implementation of this therapy.