ANZCTR search results

The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to determine whether statins slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. The hypothesis is that atorvastatin use will reduce the rate of knee cartilage volume loss over 2 years compared with placebo in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

This study will directly compare changes in bone mass caused by intense medical treatment for obesity and by three different types of weight loss surgery (gastric banding, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass). The aim is to determine the future risk of bone loss and osteoporosis in patients who lose a large amount of weight after the weight loss surgery and through intense dieting. As surgery has been increasingly used for treatment of obesity, there is growing evidence that these procedures may result in bone abnormalities. This project will examine if hormonal changes related to surgery have an effect on the human skeleton, particularly on thickness or strength of bones. In addition, it may explain whether changes hormones (peptide YY, ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide1) are responsible for the bone mass loss, which is experienced after these procedures, independently of weight loss. This study will also investigate if the weight loss and rapid improvement in diabetes control observed after gastric bypass surgery are driven by the changes in hormones such as leptin and peptide YY. Importantly, our study will pave the way for development of diagnostic test, which will predict if the prospective patient will benefit (or not) from the different forms of weight loss surgery.

The study is a randomised controlled trial of telehealth remote monitoring for people with multiple chronic illnesses. The patient is provided with equipment and trained to measure their vital signs daily which are then reviewed remotely through a secure website by a nurse. The aim is to promote early intervention to detect deterioration in the client’s condition before they require hospitalisation. It also aims to empower older individuals to take a more active role in managing their chronic illness.

The CORD study is a pilot study aiming to determine the feasibility of reinfusing cord blood in children who are at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The hypothesis is that autologous cord blood, when reinfused into children at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes, will resotre immune tolerance and prevent or mitigate the development of type 1 diabetes. Participants aged 1-12 years with a relative with type 1 diabetes will be tested every 12 months for the development of islet antigens. Following screening, a target treatment group of 20 with two or more autoantibodies, will receive an infusion of their autologous cord blood. Participants will be followed for 5 years or until they develop diabetes.

This study will assess the efficacy of the 'Supporting Men, Supporting Women' website in providing information for men supporting women through genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer. It aims to help men understand and cope with genetic testing, and communicate and support women throughout this process. We expect that individuals accessing this website will have low levels of distress, feel satisfied with the extent of support offered and received in their relationship, have high knowledge of genetic testing and feel satisfied with genetic information.

The impact of dementia on family caregivers is substantial. Building on growing clinical interest in the capacity for Transcendental Meditation [Registered Trademark] (TM; a deep relaxation technique) to reduce stress and anxiety in healthy workers, this pilot RCT will examine whether similar improvements could be experienced by dementia caregivers. Specifically, the study will explore whether a TM program can improve psychological stress, quality of life, affect and cognitive performance of dementia caregivers when compared to wait-list control.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of group Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders in adults. It is hypothesised that, on average, group CBT-E will result in significant pre- to post-treatment improvements in eating disorder symptoms and in symptoms relating to perfectionism, low self-esteem, mood intolerance and interpersonal problems. It is also hypothesised that group CBT-E will be significantly more effective than a waitlist control condition in producing changes in symptoms.

This is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study to observe subject safety and measure efficacy of the Tonsil Dressing in the treatment of subjects post-tonsillectomy. Up to 36 subjects will be enrolled at up to 6 Australian investigational sites. Subjects will be randomized 2:1 (test:control). Tonsillectomy performed using electrodissection monopolar diathermy (10-15W). Subjects will complete self-assessments of pain (2x/day), activity and nutrition levels for 14 days. Clinic follow-up visit between days 15-25.

This research project will compare a new intensive upper limb rehabilitation approach (COMBiT- combined constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy) with standard care individual occupational therapy for children with congenital hemiplegia.

Falls are common in the population aged 65 years and over and present a major challenge to older people, health care providers and the health system. Over one third of community dwelling people in this age group fall each year and the rate of falling is even higher in residents of aged care facilities. There is now extensive evidence to demonstrate fall rates can be reduced using exercise. Programs that target balance and lower limb muscle strength appear to be most successful however the vast majority of research has focused on community dwelling adults. The results of trials into exercise on falls prevention in residential care are inconsistent. This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy of an exercise intervention that combines key components of programs from successful community based research on residents of long term aged care. The primary outcome will be falls (fall rates and number of fallers). Quality of life, mobility, and fear of falling will also be measured and a cost benefit analysis will be performed. Outcomes from this study have the potential to impact on a substantial individual and international healthcare problem.