ANZCTR search results

Slow transit constipation (STC) is marked by small soft stools and soiling and is refractory to medical management. Following a pilot study applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current (IFC) to STC children, we undertook a randomized controlled trial to determine whether IFC improved colonic function in pediatric STC. Forty-six children (8 -18 years) with confirmed STC were randomly assigned to receive twelve sessions (20 min/session) of active or sham stimulation with IFC over 4 weeks. Two electrodes were placed paraspinally and 2 over the abdomen. Active stimulation was applied by physiotherapists at a comfortable intensity (<40mA, carrier frequency 4kHz, varying beat frequency 80-150Hz). Daily diaries recorded defecation (primary endpoint), soiling, pain and laxative use for 1-month before, during and 2-months after treatment. Quality of life (QOL), colonic transit and 24-hr colonic manometry were compared before and after treatment. Transcutaneous IFC 3-times/week for 1 month increased colonic activity, sped up colonic transit, and improved fecal soiling, abdominal pain, and QOL, in STC children. More frequent stimulation may be required to improve defecation frequency.

Treatments that target the risk factors for relapse in bipolar disorder are vital if a better prognosis for this disorder is to be achieved. This study will investigate a novel approach to preventing relapse (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy). A randomised controlled trial will be conducted comparing two groups; Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy and Treatment as Usual (which will include the addition of bipolar education material).

The purpose of this study is to determine if tocopheryl phosphate mix, in combination with oxycodone (TPM/O) in the form of a patch, will cause irritation when applied daily for a long period of time (9 consecutive days).

Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy is a known cause of cretinism and mental retardation. There is now growing recognition that milder iodine deficiency may also be related to cognitive deficits. Mild iodine deficiency has been consistently found in all studies of pregnant women living in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian and New Zealand governments have recently mandated the use of iodised salt in breads as a strategy to combat iodine deficiency in the general population. However, this strategy may not sufficiently increase iodine intakes to meet the requirements of pregnant women, and Food Standard Australia and New Zealand has recommended that these women take a daily dietary supplement containing 150 ug/day of iodine. However, no studies have examined the effect of iodine supplementation in pregnancy on clinical outcomes of mothers or babies in regions with mild iodine deficiency. The aims of this study are to assess the effect of maternal iodine supplementation during pregnancy at levels designed to meet the recommended dietary intake on neurodevelopment of children at 2 years of age (primary outcome), and pregnancy outcomes and general health and wellbeing of mothers. Eligible pregnant women will be randomly assigned to take either a iodine supplement (150ug/d) or placebo dairly from enrolement to the end of pregnancy. Neurodevelopment of children will be assessed using Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development and maternal general health and mental function will be assessed using validated questionnaires.

The study aims to assess: * How low dose steroids affect insulin secretion and sensitivity * Whether low dose steroids increase the risk of heart disease We hope that this information will increase understanding of the risk of diabetes conferred by low dose steroids and how best to treat it. We will be studying participants with inflammatory joint disease. One group of participants will usually take prednisolone (a steroid tablet) for their joint disease. They will be studied once. The other group of participants will not usually be treated with prednisolone for their joint disease. This group of participants will be studied, and then they will be asked to take low dose prednisolone for 7-10 days before being studied again. On the first study day we will assess how sensitive the body is to insulin with an insulin clamp study. On the second day we will assess the risk of heart disease, how much insulin the body is making and body composition.

The aim of the current project is to test the effectiveness of the e-couch Anxiety and Worry program (www.ecouch.anu.edu.au) in preventing and reducing adolescents’ levels of generalised anxiety. The e-couch GAD module is an Internet-based program that provides evidence-based information and strategies for anxiety. The trial will delimit the likely range of the benefit of using this intervention as a universal, active school-based prevention program. Secondary aims of the pilot trial are to evaluate the program’s effect on participants’ depressive symptoms, mental health literacy, anxiety stigma, and help-seeking behaviour, attitudes and intentions.

This study is a randomised study that will investigate the safety and effacy of intravenous Zoledronic Acid and standard care compared to Standard Care in children and young adolescents, diagnosed with Perthes Disease. The hypothesis is that 12 months of intravenous zoledronic acid will retard femoral head collapse resulting in: improved femoral head sphericity at 24 months and improved hip function and reduced hip pain at 24 months

Patients with relapsed ALL will receive 18 days of oral Everolimus (RAD001) in combination with HyperCVAD therapy. The first 6 patients will receive 2.5mg dose of RAD001. The data of these 6 will be reviewed to assess whether or not subsequent patients can progress to 5mg dose of RAD001, or the trial should be closed.

The primary aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of EPA-rich fish oil in the amelioration of chronic work stress. A secondary aim is to contribute to the understanding of the causal relationship between dietary fatty acids and psychological stress. The primary hypothesis is that that EPA-rich fish oil will significantly reduce chronic work stress in comparison to a placebo over a 16 week period.

There is much controversy in the literature around the identification and treatment of malnutrition. There has been little previous work done in this field. Recent local research has quantified potential misidentification of categories of malnutrition which is relevant as all malnourished individuals are currently treated as if they are starving. This is inappropriate as some wasting conditions are not reversed by refeeding. This project will survey members of the Dietitians Association of Australia to provide information on professional opinions and current dietetic practice with reference to malnutrition as a whole, and to different categories of wasting syndrome. The perspective of the dietetic profession in Australia is vital to the production of well rounded, and locally relevant, research.