ANZCTR search results

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term, inflammatory skin condition of unknown cause affecting the sweat/scent glands in the skin, predominantly located in the groin, axillae and under the breasts. Patients can experience painful boil-like nodules in addition to discharging wound tracts which are difficult to heal. Consequently, this HS can cause severe long-term pain in addition to serious psychological effects such as depression, anxiety and social withdrawal. HS severity is graded according to the Hurley system which calculates a grade based on the numbers of inflammatory nodules, in addition to the presence of sinus tracts and abscesses. To manage their symptoms, many patients require immunosuppressant medications and extensive surgery to remove the affected tissue. In such cases, application of topical medications as well as effective dressings can be a challenge. To date, specialised nurse-led education programs have not been trialled in cases of HS, despite their proven benefit in other dermatological conditions. This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a personalised dermatology-led education program for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. Participants will be allocated randomly using a randomisation sequence generated by Microsoft Excel using random block sizes of two (2). Randomisation and allocation of participants will be performed by the dermatology nurse who will be administering the education sessions. Allocations will be concealed from the researchers who will be analysing the collected data. Participants allocated to the intervention group will be provided with the education session whilst participants allocated to the control session will not receive any additional education. At the 8-week mark of the project, the groups will switch so that the participants initially allocated to the control group will then be provided with the education session. Nil further education sessions will be provided to the (original) intervention group. Intervention: The intervention employed in this project is a nurse-led education session provided by a highly experienced dermatology clinical nurse, to take place in the dermatology outpatient department at Princess Alexandra Hospital. The sessions will be individualised to each participant but, in general, will provide education about: • The nature of the condition • Effective application of topical medications and dressings (with demonstration) • Modification of lifestyle factors known to contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa severity (eg weight loss and smoking cessation) • Pain management Each session will take an estimated 45-60 minutes and participants will be offered the opportunity to contact the dermatology nurse 4-6 weeks later to address any questions or concerns that have arisen. The sessions will not be recorded.

HL161BKN is an experimental treatment. This means that it is not an approved treatment for auto-immune diseases in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Auto-immune diseases occur when a person’s own immune system mistakenly attacks their own body, and are particularly hard to treat because there is no cure currently available, only medications that can manage the symptoms. There are over 80 different types of auto-immune diseases that range in severity (from mild to disabling), depending on which system (nervous, vascular, respiratory, muscular etc.) is under attack and to what degree. T lymphocytes (T cells) are immune cells that use special receptors on their surfaces to identify micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses that may enter our bodies. Usually, the T cells are destroyed by the thymus, an organ of the immune system. Occasionally, they are not destroyed, and these rogue T cells may instruct another type of cell, B lymphocytes (B cells), to make antibodies against the body’s own tissues, organs or systems. Such antibodies are called 'autoantibodies'. HL161BKN acts as a “block” of special receptors in the tissues, organs or systems, so that autoantibodies cannot bind to them and cause an auto-immune reaction that causes damage.

This pilot study seeks to explore the feasibility of a novel treatment format for panic disorder: online cognitive behavioural therapy delivered in an intensive format across just one week. Outcomes will be compared from pre- to post-treatment. Uncontrolled data will also be examined at two months follow-up.

This randomised controlled trial seeks to compare the efficacy of two versions of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy program for the treatment of panic disorder in adults. A multi-component program will be compared to an exposure-based program. Outcomes will be compared at mid-treatment, immediately following treatment and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.

The primary aim of this study is to assess the effect that three combinations of drugs (known as AD098, AD153, AD639) have on sleep apnoea severity (i.e. apnoea/hypopnoea index) compared to placebo. Additional measures of sleep apnoea severity, cardiovascular and sleepiness outcomes will also be assessed as secondary outcomes.

The SHINE randomised controlled trial aims to compare the incidence of successful endotracheal intubation on the first attempt without physiological instability, between neonates receiving nasal high flow during intubation, and those receiving standard care. The primary outcome is the incidence of successful endotracheal intubation on the first attempt, without physiological instability, defined as absolute decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation >20% from baseline or heart rate <100 beats per minute during the first intubation attempt. We think that the use of high flow during intubation may increase the likelihood of the breathing tube being placed correctly on the first attempt, without the baby developing low blood oxygen levels or a low heart rate.

The Australian Mepolizumab Registry (AMR) collects data on individuals with severe refractory asthma who receive mepolizumab for the management of their asthma. This includes those with treatment-resistant severe eosinophilic asthma who receive Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS)-subsidised mepolizumab, and those with treatment-resistant severe asthma who receive mepolizumab outside of the PBS scheme. The AMR provide a mechanism for researchers and clinicians to better understand the use, effectiveness, and safety associated with the treatment of severe asthma with mepolizumab.

The purpose of this randomised intervention study will be to see if the amount of sunscreen applied to young children will improve with novel interventions, involving either daily personalised text messages or the daily use of stickers that change colour when sunscreen needs to be reapplied. This study will also look at the beliefs and attitudes relating to the use of sunscreen and other sun protective behaviours in young children. In addition, the study will also look at barriers to the use of sunscreen and other sun protective behaviours in young children and will measure the amount of photoaging at the commencement of the study. The study will involve online baseline questionnaire with the 1st visit to IHBI (Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation) at QUT Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Followed up one week later by an online follow up questionnaire with a 2nd visit to IHBI. Followed up by a final online follow up questionnaire 3 months after the baseline.. Randomised into Control Group (participant takes tube of sunscreen home to use as usual), Intervention Group 1: Personalised Text Group (participant takes tube of sunscreen home to use AND receives personalised text message intervention each morning) or Intervention Group 2: Suncayr Stickers Group (participant takes tube of sunscreen home to use AND take Suncayr stickers to use).

Video-assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS) is a common painful surgical procedure for which there is no broadly acceptable choice of regional analgesia which is effective, safe and technically less demanding than neuraxial procedures. The erector spinae block is a novel interfascial plane block that has shown promise in case studies and anecdotally within our department. The purpose of this initial cohort trial is to assess the efficacy and safety of the erector spinae block as a means of peri-operative analgesia in patients undergoing VATS procedures.

This study aim is to assess the feasibility of implementing an e-health-supported intervention comprised of a tailored physical activity plan and a progressive resistance exercise program for people living in rural Australia with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA) in comparison to usual care. Participants allocated to the e-health intervention group (n=78), will receive a tailored physical activity and progressive resistance exercise program delivered by remote health coach consultations. Usual care participants (n=78) will receive usual care. We hypothesise that the implementation of this e-health intervention will be feasible and demonstrate preliminary efficacy.