ANZCTR search results

Studies have consistently shown that the use of sedative medications in many residential aged care facilities is excessively high. These agents are associated with side effects such as falls, daytime drowsiness and confusion. The most effective interventions to reduce sedative prescribing involve all key staff in this setting, namely nurses, GPs and pharmacists. The Australian government has recommended that pharmacists become more involved in ensuring appropriate use of sedative medications. The strategies of Drug Usage Evaluation (DUE) cycles and nursing staff training are currently promoted; however, there has been limited training for community pharmacists to effectively deliver these strategies. There are also no co-ordinated DUE and staff training packages that target sedative prescribing in residential aged care. This project aims to develop, trial and evaluate a sustainable program [Residential care: Decreasing Use of Sedatives (‘ReDUSe’)], to address inappropriate sedative prescribing in residential aged care. The strategies that form the ReDUSe program will be co-ordinated by the community pharmacy supplying the aged care home and involve the accredited pharmacist.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 11 women. Aromatase inhibitors, a first-line treatment for the postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer, have improved the prognosis of breast cancer by at least 20%. However, one side-effect is a rapid decrease in bone mineral density. Without an effective intervention to address the osteoporosis, health costs will increase significantly. The aim of the proposed study is to determine whether the decline in BMD induced by use of aromatase inhibitors for treatment of breast cancer can be reversed in postmenopausal women. We will undertake a randomized controlled trial to determine whether high impact exercise prevents loss of bone mineral density more effectively than usual care. Participants in both groups will receive vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Prospective Observational study looking at the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis in women with chronic pelvic pain. Women who are booked for a laparoscopy as part of their investigation for chronic pelvic pain are recruited. Questionaires on demographics, pelvic pain symptoms and urinary symptoms are given and cystoscopy added to the procedure if not already planned for. Findings at cystoscopy such as glomerulation and Huner's ulcer, and at laparoscopy such as endometriosis and its stage, are recorded. Outcomes of proportion of these women with interstitial cystitis will be looked at. Comparison will also be made of the presenting symptoms between the groups of women who have interstitial cystitis alone; endometriosis alone,;both and neither conditions.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a low glycemic index diet (GI) in reducing the prevalence of large-for-gestion-age (LGA) babies amongst gravidas with gestational diabetes (GDM). Study participants will be pregnant women diagnosed with GDM at ~26-30 week gestation. They will be randomized into two study groups, one receiving dietary education on how to follow a wholegrain high fibre diet for GDM, whereas the other group will receive education on how to follow a macronutrient and energy matched low GI diet. We hypothesize, based on our previous pilot study on healthy gravidas, gravidas with GDM following a low GI diet will have a lower risk of giving birth to LGA infant than those following a wholegrain high fibre diet. The size of the infants (as birth weight z-score) will be measured as the primary outcome.

40 patients who are to undergo total hip replacement (THR) will be randomly allocated to either Anterior or Lateral Groups. Otherwise identical THR operations will be performed. Xrays will be assessed for component positioning. Patients will fill out a self assessment form at Preop, and Postop 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months (Harris Hip Score ) Objective data collection will include blood loss, length of Hospital stay, and time on crutches.

Phase 3 This is a pivotal study to determine the effectiveness and safety of AP23573 (deforolimus) when administered as maintenance therapy to people with metastatic cancers of either soft tissue or bone. Who is it for? This trial is for you is you have metastatic cancers of either soft tissue or bone connective tissue, and have already had your cancer controlled by chemotherapy. Trial Details Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive maintenance treatment with oral AP23573 (deforolimus) and the other will receive standard treatment. The trial aims to see whether those people receiving oral AP23573 (deforolimus) have better disease control compared to those receiving standard treatment. Deforolimus has shown promising activity in early phase trials and its side effects are generally mild and reversible and include mouth sores, fatigue and nausea.’ Deforolimus inhibits the protein mTOR, which is a ‘master switch’ in cancer cells. Blocking mTOR effectively ‘starves’ cancer cells by interfering with cell growth, division, metabolism, and blood vessel growth. If you have metastatic cancers of either soft tissue or bone connective tissue, you usually receive chemotherapy until the disease is controlled or until chemotherapy causes significant side effects. Chemotherapy is then stopped and your cancer specialist observes you regularly. This trial is testing whether, once the disease has been controlled with chemotherapy, treatment with oral AP23573 (deforolimus) can control the cancer for longer compared to standard treatment.

Measuring temperature is an essential part of nursing care. It has been widely accepted as an indication of a neonates wellbeing. It can give an early indication of sepsis, which can be fatal in the neonate. A comparative descriptive design will be used in preterm and term neonates from 24 to 40 weeks gestation. Three groups will be used<28 weeks,<36 weeks and >36 weeks. The sample will include any neonate admitted to the unit. Non-probability convenience sampling will be used. the study will compare the BD digital thermometer with two trial devices, the Genius 2 infrared tympanic thermometer and the SureTemp Plus 690 electronic thermometer. Each neonate on the trial will have thier temperature taken at the allocated 'care time', firstly using the tympanic thermometer then taking the axilla temperature using the electronic and digital thermometers.

To investigate whether the short term use of plasctic occlusive wrapping on premature neonates, immediately after delivery, is an effective method in preventing hypothermia during resuscitation in the delivery room and operating theatre. These babies are at higher risk of hypothermia, which can significantly increase both morbidity and mortality.

This study looks at the effectiveness of the drug octreotide in palliative care management of bowel obstruction caused by cancer in people with advanced cancer. Who is it for? You can join this study if you have widespread and advanced cancer and you have a related bowel obstruction which requires hospital admission or a change in care if you are already in hospital, but surgical removal is not currently considered appropriate. Trial details Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive a continuous infusion of the drugs octreotide and ranitidine under the skin (subcutaneous) in addition to intravenous doses of dexamethasone and intravenous or subcutaneous fluids for 72 hours. The other group (control) will receive fluids under the skin only. Bowel obstruction is a common medical problem in people with advanced cancer. Current treatment options include combinations of surgery (where this is possible), nil by mouth, a feeding tube placed into the stomach, pain relief, and medications that reduce secretions. None of these options has been tested in a study that is large enough to determine which works best. Octreotide can inhibit the release of hormones that cause secretions into the gut that may make the pain of bowel obstruction worse. Inhibiting these secretions with Octreotide may help relieve pain and improve the quality of life.