ANZCTR search results

We aim to assss the accuracy of the 320 slice multidetector computed tomography in detecting stress myocardial ischemia against the known gold standard of fractional flow reserve, which is performed during invasive coronary angiography. We hypothesise that if found comparable, this may be important in evaluating the functional signficance of coronary artery disease in the general public.

To see if using a nutritional supplement while starting atypical antipsychotic medications can reduce the risk of weight gain for a target group of young people aged 18-25years with Early Psychosis

Aims of study are 1) To compare: a) Clinical effectiveness b) Patient acceptability c) Safety of the use of Foley catheter in the outpatient setting with intravaginal PGE2 (Prostin) gel in the inpatient setting for induction of labour. 2) To assess the cost-effectiveness of intracervical Foley catheter in the outpatient setting to intravaginal PGE2 (Prostin) gel in the inpatient setting for use in induction of labour. The hypothesis is that for induction of labour in women with an unfavourable cervix, use of the catheter on an outpatient basis (women have catheter inserted, then go home until the following morning) will be at least as clinically effective and safe as use of gel as an inpatient (staying in hospital), and that outpatient catheter use will be both acceptable to women and cost-effective. Currently, most pregnant women who need cervical ripening as part of an induction of labour stay in hospital from the time the gel or catheter is inserted until the cervix is ready for the rest of the induction. This means many women stay 12-24 hours in hospital while they are not in labour, but are waiting for the gel or catheter to work. Most women and their babies needing cervical ripening are otherwise very well, and could stay at home during this time if a safe and effective way to do this was available.

Sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep) is associated with high blood pressure, high blood glucose and overweight in the general population, and a consequent increase in cardiovascular disease and death as a result. There are, however, few data relating to these associations in the special case of diabetes. It is also likely the treating sleep apnoea with continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) will be especially beneficial to diabetic patients. In a sample of diabetic patients with confirmed sleep apnoea, we will see whether CPAP therapy improves blood glucose levels, blood pressure and other risk factors for vascular disease, as well as looking at its effects on quality of life and sexual function. The results should provide evidence of the value of screening for, and treatment of, sleep apnoea in people with diabetes.

The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether a change in calcium intake at one meal modifies the way in which we handle the subsequent meal. We believe that increasing calcium intake at breakfast improves the body's ability to handle glucose following lunch, while promoting utilization of fat and suppressing subjective ratings of hunger.

It is widely accepted that stimulation of the immune system is responsible for the perceived benefits of Echinacea. This study will examine the prophylactic use of echinacea on white cell counts, natural killer cell functionality, heat shock protein expression and echinacea pharmacokinetics.

Managing and healing lower leg ulcers presents considerable challenges to the individuals who live with them and the health care providers involved in their care. Regrettably, lower leg ulcers frequently recur at rates of up to 69% among the most common type, venous leg ulcers (Kapp & Sayers, 2008). This is a frustrating and costly continuance which represents personal, social, financial and psychological costs to the individual and ongoing use of health care resources. Leg ulcers are estimated to affect 1.1 to 3.0 per thousand of the adult population in Australia and are estimated to cost our health care system A$3 billion per annum (Angel, Sieunarine, Abbas, & Mwipatayi, 2005). Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) provided over 5,500 episodes of care to persons with leg ulcers in 2004 demonstrating the major contribution the agency makes to the management of a large percentage of Victorians living with these chronic recurrent wounds. An ageing population and an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2004) suggests that chronic leg ulcers will continue to trouble Australians and continue to place demands on community health care services in the future. Following a literature review recently completed at RDNS (Kapp & Sayers, 2008), it was identified that there is potential to improve and standardise practice in this area of health promotion and injury prevention. In response to the dilemma of leg ulcer recurrence RDNS sought and received funding from the Sidney Myer Foundation to conduct the ‘Forever Healed’ project which aims to prevent the recurrence of leg ulcers among a vulnerable, at risk group whilst at the same time optimising the potential for individuals to independently manage the underlying chronic disease which is the cause of the injury. This project fits perfectly within a Chronic Disease Management as well as an Active Service Model framework and thus has the potential to inform and improve the long term outcomes of all persons suffering from lower leg ulceration. Forever Healed considers both new and existing RDNS clients who are receiving care for a venous leg ulcer. At the point of healing, clients will be invited to participate in a Randomised Controlled Trial comparing two types of commonly prescribed maintenance compression stockings. Clients will be reviewed at pre-detemined intervals for up to six months after their wound has healed. Evaluation of the Forever Healed project will include time to venous leg ulcer healing, recurrence and the number of ulcer free days subsequently experienced by the client. The cost of care associated with monitoring healed clients during the maintenance phase will be calculated. In nearly all instances, management of the underlying condition which predisposes to venous ulceration is a life long commitment. Accordingly, the need for improvement in outcomes in this area of wound management is evident. In research by Chase, Melloni and Savage (1997) venous leg ulceration was described as ‘a forever healing process’ (p.74). The RDNS project ‘Forever Healed‘ aims to challenge the perception that ‘Forever Wounded’ is an expected outcome for many persons living with lower leg ulcers.

Food allergies are common and result in a significant burden to families and the health care system. One approach to prevent food allergies may be to introduce specific foods earlier than currently recommended. The study will compare early regular introduction of egg from 4 months compared to the more common practice of egg avoidance until 8 months of age. If successful at reducing egg allergy, this approach will have a significant impact on reducing the burden of allergic disease.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a physical activity program for low-active adolescent boys in economically disadvantaged secondary schools. The study will assess changes in physical activity and health-related fitness over a 6-month period.

The primary aim of this trial is to compare the outcomes and adverse events of two different physiotherapy treatment approaches for people with lumbar non-reducible discogenic pain. A secondary aim is to determine the perspectives of participants on the functional restoration program utilised in the trial.