ANZCTR search results

Individuals who present to the Emergency Department with severe infections are treated with fluids in the vein to maintain optimal blood volume, keep the heart working properly, and keep tissues well oxygenated. There are a number of fluids that Emergency Physicians can provide to patients including saline and 4% albumin. Further work is required to determine which of these fluids is most effective in improving the outcome of patients with severe infection. This project aims to determine whether 4% albumin solution is superior to crystalloid solutions for fluid resuscitation of patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with septic shock. A randomised controlled trial is proposed, in which 100 patients will be enrolled over 2 years, each assigned to receive either 4% albumin or crystalloid fluids for the first six hours of resuscitation in the ED. All other aspects of care will be common to both groups and according to evidence-based guidelines. A variety of outcomes will be measured, including organ dysfunction scores, inflammatory markers and measures of circulation.

Can home medicine reviews improve health outcomes when directed at patients after acute coronary syndrome.

The aim of this study is to determine whether thoracic kyphosis (stooped posture)can be reduced using two commonly used treatment modalities. The first, postural re-education, was found in a recent survey to be the most commonly used treatment modality amongst Australian Physiotherapists. The second, progressive resisted strengthening is supported by level 1 evidence in terms of strengthening but not reduction of kyphosis. The study involves the assessment of these strategies seperately, together and not at all in both a stroke and a non stroke poulation.

The LenSx laser system is a femtosecond laser that has received 510(k) clearance (USA FDA) for anterior capsulotomy during cataract surgery, laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery and for use in the creation of a single and multi-plan arc cut/incisions in the cornea. During cataract surgery, the LenSx Laser creates corneal incisions to allow the surgeon to enter the anterior chamber of the eye. It also creates a circular incision on the anterior capsule at a pre-programmed diameter to allow the surgeon to remove the cataractous lens. Lastly, the laser creates incisions within the cataractous crystalline lens to create fragmented pieces that are easy to manipulate, emulsify and aspirate with a phacoemulsification device. The objective of this study is to observe the performance of the cleared 510(k) device by assessing the laser created anterior capsulotomy, phacofragmentation, and/or corneal incisions when attempted, as well as to compare standard visual outcomes and commercial experience between laser and manual completion of standard cataract surgery procedures.

This study represents a pilot study which aims to compare the effectiveness of a new laser (Ellex 2RT) to a conventional laser (SLT) in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. It is expected that the Ellex 2RT laser should provide comparable or better results than the conventional SLT laser because of the more homogenous beam profile of the new laser. Results may form the basis for further clinical investigation.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Australia. High blood pressure is one of the major modifiable risk factors for the development of CVD. There is a strong association between sodium chloride salt intake and elevated blood pressure. Salt reduction in diets has been shown to reduce blood pressure but salt intakes remain very high in many countries. Recent studies have shown that long term use of a “salt substitute” – potassium chloride, can result in significant reductions in blood pressure. However, there are currently no published studies on the acute effects of potassium chloride on blood pressure. The aim of this research study is to compare the effects of three meals containing different amounts of sodium and potassium salts on blood pressure and blood vessel function.

This study aims to test the feasibility of providing a Coping-Together self-directed supportive care intervention to couples affected by prostate cancer. It is anticipated that using the proposed Coping-Together skills will be primarily associated with couples experiencing less anxiety. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you have recently been diagnosed with a primary, early-stage prostate cancer, are currently receiving or planning to receive treatment, gain a score of 4 or above on a Distress Thermometer (DT) measurement, have a partner who is willing to participate in the study, and you are both able to understand and complete feedback surveys on your level of care and support. Trial Details: You will be randomised to one of two treatment arms in this study, either the Coping-Together (CT) arm, or to the Minimal Ethical Care (MEC) arm. The purpose of this study is to test which arm works better in couples to enhance your illness adjustment, along with how well the two of you are able to cope with your illness. Both arms involve being supplied with cancer and coping information; all or some of which you can use at your own pace. You will also receive fortnightly follow-up phone calls from research staff over a 2 month period following baseline measurements.

Curcumin, the main bioactive ingredient of the common food spice turmeric has been reported to have many beneficial effects on decreasing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, its low absorption in the body has limited its clinical impact and not translated into clinical benefits. Methods to increase its oral bioavailability are a subject of intense current research. BCM-95(R)CG (BiocurcumaxTM), a novel bio-enhanced preparation of curcumin and has been reported to be more absorbed in the body compared to curcumin. This proposal will evaluate the potential efficacy of BCM-95(R)CG (BiocurcumaxTM) in preserving memory and cognitive functioning in older individuals with subjective memory complaints over a 12 month period. Research hypotheses 1. BCM-95(R)CG (BiocurcumaxTM) will slow cognitive decline over 12 months compared to placebo. 2. BCM-95(R)CG (BiocurcumaxTM) will alter AD related biomarkers over 12 months compared to placebo.

The aim of this research is to trial a theory based group exercise and counseling intervention that addresses questions related to the optimal characteristics of rehabilitation programs, focusing on intensity of exercise. This research will attempt to identify characteristics of both the intervention and participants that contribute to the success of such a program. This information will help Australian breast and prostate cancer survivors reach and maintain their fitness and well being goals and improve their quality of life. The literature so far has shown that exercise and counseling can help improve quality of life in breast and prostate cancer survivors, but there is a need to determine how intense exercise needs to be to make optimal improvements in quality of life. Who is it for? Patients aged 25-75 who have had confirmed stage I, II, or III breast or prostate cancer and also completed acute treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) within the past 5 years will be eligible for this study. Patients who register their interest must have their physician complete a referral form to clear them for participation. Trial Details Participants will be allocated by the project manager to one of the 3 treatment arms of the study, based upon their availability and course openings. Arm 1 and 2 are both group exercise and counselling interventions, differing in exercise intensity (low to moderate in Arm 1, moderate to high in Arm 2) and lasting 8 weeks. Arm 3 is a control group that maintained their normal routine.