ANZCTR search results

The pharmacokinetics of a new formulation of fentanyl citrate are being evaluated in postoperative patients

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of an eight week cardiovascular and strengthening exercise program on maximum exercise capacity (VO2 peak), quality of life scores and six minute walk distance in patients with a LVAD. The experimental hypothesis is that patients with a LVAD who participate in the eight week gym-based exercise program, in addition to a progressive walking program, will have significantly greater improvements in maximal and submaximal exercise capacity and quality of life compared to those that participate in a progressive walking program alone.

This project is a pilot randomised control trial employing a prospective longitudinal design. It aims to evaluate two brief intervention approaches for improving early emotional adjustment to stroke during the discharge and transition to home period by comparing them to a control group. The two interventions are a self-management approach and a cognitive-behavioural coping skills approach.

The purpose of the current study is to determine the safety and efficacy of a neuromodulation therapy in the treatment of chronic pain. We hypothesize that this study will demonstrate safe delivery of therapy which will result in significant pain relief.

Coeliac disease is a condition which affects 1% of the Australian population and is an abnormal immune response to ingested gluten resulting in damage to the small bowel. The aim of treatment is to heal the small bowel and thus avoid long term complications. Despite adherance to a strict gluten free diet, up to 1 in 3 people fail to achieve this healing. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of budesonide, a corticosteroid medication, in inducing faster and more complete healing of the small bowel than the gluten free diet alone in patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease.

The project will investigate the effect of a twice weekly inpatient exercise group and standard physiotherapy care of respiratory patients on uptake of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, physical activity levels, and Quality of Life. Participants who are admitted with an acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and located on 44 South or 44North, deemed able to exercise by the treating medical unit and able to participate in the group by the treating physiotherapist will be randomised into either the control or exercise group. The Grade One Physiotherapist who is not attached to either the Respiratory or General Medical Units will collect participant characteristics (age, COPD severity, Lung Function Test if available and admission dates), and questionnaire data once recruited to the project. Participants will then be randomized into control group (where they will receive standard physiotherapy treatment) or exercise group (where they will attend the “Fit to Breathe Group” as well as receiving standard physiotherapy treatment). At discharge, discharge destination, questionnaire data (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire), physical activity levels (6MWT) and length of stay data will be collected. On discharge, all participants will receive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Referrals and the Respiratory Home Exercise Booklet and completed Home Exercise Program. All participants will return for follow up assessment 12 weeks following discharge. At this assessment, 6MWT and the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire will be repeated. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation coordinators will also be contacted to determine attendance at Pulmonary Rehabilitation. All patient information will be kept in the locked filing cabinet in the physiotherapy department. All data will be collected by the Grade One physiotherapist and entered into a password-protected Microsoft excel table. Participant review dates will be recorded in the 2009 A4 diary which will also be kept in this filing cabinet. Differences in the proportion of participants who undertake outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation will be examined using chi squared test. Repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to examine differences in physical activity, 6-minute walk and quality of life data.

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumour in adults and children. For patients with the commonest form, glioblastoma multiforme, the median survival is approximately 1 year. Based on data from our previous trial, we hypothesize that concomitant dendritic cell vaccine therapy and celecoxib, when combined with standard postoperative radiotherapy and temozolomide, is safe and effective in patients with malignant glioma. 10 patients will receive a minimum of six vaccines, and up to 12 where possible (If recurrence or progression does not occur, vaccination will continue for up to 12 vaccinations). Dendritic cell vaccines will be manufactured from the patient’s own blood cells and tumour resected at surgery. Local radiotherapy commences approximately two weeks after surgery. This continues for five days a week, for five weeks. Throughout this period, low dose oral temozolomide is given every day. After this, a higher dose is given for five days every four weeks for six cycles. The first vaccination will be given a week before the completion of the five weeks of radiochemotherapy. Vaccinations will continue every two weeks for six treatments, and then four-six weekly thereafter. Patients will be given the oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (400mg twice daily) over eight weeks continuously, commencing with radio-chemotherapy. Patients will be clinically evaluated at each visit, including an assessment of quality of life. Symptoms and signs of toxicity will be monitored. An MRI scan will also be done at intervals according to standard clinical protocols.

This study aims to improve the physical activity and nutrition behaviours of older insufficiently active people aged 60 to 70 years.

Despite a lack of clear evidence, partially hydrolysed whey formula has been recommended at the cessation of exclusive breast-feeding in infants at high risk of developing allergic disease. It is thought that partially hydrolysed whey formula may promote oral tolerance and prevent allergic diseases. Similarly, soy formula has previously been recommended for allergy prevention. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the use of a partially hydrolysed formula, or a soy formula, at the cessation, or partial cessation of breastfeeding, reduced the incidence of allergic manifestations (eczema, urticaria and food reactions), in high-risk infants when compared with a conventional cows’ milk formula.

Tropisetron has been shown to be more efficacious than metioclopramide in the post-operative and chemotherapy settings. Both drugs are widely used in the emergency department setting. However, no study has been undertaken to compare the drugs in the emergency department setting.