ANZCTR search results

Macular oedema, or swelling around the macula, results in decreased vision. It is termed "refractory" when it does not adequately respond to the usual treatment methods. It can occur with conditions like diabetic retinopathy or uveitis. Without effective treatment, vision loss can progress and become permanent. Early studies have suggested that a new treatment called Avastin (Bevacizumab) may be effective in treating this type of macular oedema, however further research is required to confirm this. Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) is a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and causes blurred or distorted vision. Without treatment, vision loss may be quick and severe. There are many causes of CNV, the most common being Age Related Macular Degeneration. Uveitis can also cause this condition. As Avastin (Bevacizumab) has been found to be useful in the treatment of CNV due to AMD, it is expected that it will be useful in cases of CNV from uveitis. The purpose of this project is to assess whether Avastin (Bevacizumab) is both safe and effective in the treatment of the above conditions, namely: 1. Macular oedema due to diabetic retinopathy 2. Macular oedema due to uveitis 3. Choroidal neovascularisation due to uveitis

This RCT is designed to test weather the CLIMATE Schools Alcohol and Cannabis program is more successful in preventing Alcohol and cannabis use and related harms, compared to the current programs

Intubation is the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea of an anaesthetized patient for airway management during surgery. Intubation is traditionally achieved by inserting a laryngoscope into the anaesthetized patient’s mouth, moving the tongue out of the way and inserting the endotracheal tube through the vocal cords if they can be seen. In the last decade there has been growing interest in a new type of intubating device called optical stylet. Optical stylets incorporate fiberoptic imaging elements in an intubation stylet design. Their appearance is of a thin semi-rigid telescope which an endotracheal tube is threaded over. While any patient may be intubated using a stylet, they have been particularly reccomended for difficult intubations, which occur with an incidence of between 1:300 and 1:3000 (rising with conditions such as obesity and sleep apnoea). The proposed study compares the ease of use and intubation success of the 2 optical stylets, the Bonfils (Storz, Germany) and the Levitan (Clarus, USA) (pictures) amongst specialist anaesthetists whose only experience with them was basic training with the device on airway mannikins. Both devices will be used according to their approved application for device entry at the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a sudden and traumatic event causing permanent paralysis and ongoing disability. Respiratory dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SCI, causing reduced lung volumes and air flow rates. Some people living with quadriplegia (the loss of function in both arms and legs) are able to sing far more effectively than would be predicted on the basis of their injury level and severity alone. This study aims to determine the mechanisms by which these individuals achieve such impressive functional outcomes. Ten chronic cervical SCI subjects and 10 matched controls will be assessed during singing and speech using standardised phrases. Physiological tests including spirometry and EMG analysis will be utilised in addition to acoustic analysis of vocal amplitude. It is expected that in order to achieve the increased respiratory support required when singing, patients with quadriplegia will use innovative muscle recruitment and control strategies. The results of this investigation have important implications for therapeutic singing interventions during rehabilitation. Given that respiratory dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after SCI, the effect of singing on respiratory function warrants further, rigorous investigation.

Random assignment to either Nissen or anterior 90 degree partial fundoplication. Outcome is reflux control and side effects (especially dysphagia)

Random assignment to either Nissen or anterior partial fundoplication. Outcome is relfux control and side effects (especially dysphagia)

Most children with leukaemia are cured, but those with the worst forms do less well. This trial is testing new ways of combining the most effective drugs, and adding a tranplant for children with the worst forms of leukaemia and a suitable donor. This tiral will determine if these new approaches could improve cure rates, and if they could be used more widely.

We believe that the use of N-acetylcysteine (a known mucolytic) will be useful in improving the diagnostic yield of sputum culture. If this hypothesis is proven, this agent can be recommend for this purpose.

Random assignment to either Nissen or anterior 90 degree partial fundoplication. Outcome is reflux control and side effects (especially dysphagia). Trial conducted in 6 cities in Australia and New Zealand

Review efficacy of giving rituximab on day 1 and 15 to see if platelet levels recover and how long a response last. Patients will attend regular visits for the collection of blood samples