Search
Research
Learning to make a difference for chILD: Value creation through network collaboration and team scienceAddressing the recognized challenges and inequalities in providing high quality healthcare for rare diseases such as children's interstitial lung disease (chILD) requires collaboration across institutional, geographical, discipline, and system boundaries. The Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Respiratory Network of Australia and New Zealand (chILDRANZ) is an example of a clinical network that brings together multidisciplinary health professionals for collaboration, peer learning, and advocacy with the goal of improving the diagnosis and management of this group of rare and ultra-rare conditions.
Research
Prevalence of tracheobronchomalacia is higher than previously reported in children with cystic fibrosisTracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is estimated to be present in 1 in 2100 children. Previous reports suggest the prevalence is higher in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This has clinical implications with potential to influence airway clearance and lung health.
Research
Prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in Aboriginal children: A whole population studyThe burden of bronchiectasis is disproportionately high in Aboriginal adults, with early mortality. Bronchiectasis precursors, that is, protracted bacterial bronchitis and chronic suppurative lung disease, often commence in early childhood.
Research
Monitoring disease progression in childhood bronchiectasisBronchiectasis (not related to cystic fibrosis) is a chronic lung disease caused by a range of etiologies but characterized by abnormal airway dilatation, recurrent respiratory symptoms, impaired quality of life and reduced life expectancy.
Research
The effect of azithromycin on structural lung disease in infants with cystic fibrosis (COMBAT CF): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialStructural lung disease and neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation is present from 3 months of age in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after newborn screening. We hypothesised that azithromycin, given three times weekly to infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis until age 36 months, would reduce the extent of structural lung disease as captured on chest CT scans.
Research
Airway macrophages display decreased expression of receptors mediating and regulating scavenging in early cystic fibrosis lung diseaseCystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, featuring neutrophil influx to the lumen. Airway macrophages (AMs) can promote both inflammation and resolution, and are thus critical to maintaining and restoring homeostasis. CF AM functions, specifically scavenging activity and resolution of inflammation, have been shown to be impaired, yet underlying processes remain unknown.
Research
Genome Sequence of a Lytic Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophage Isolated from Breast MilkWe identified a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophage appearing to belong to Herelleviridae, genus Kayvirus. The bacteriophage, Biyabeda-mokiny 1, was isolated from breast milk using a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus.
Research
Standardised treatment and monitoring protocol to assess safety and tolerability of bacteriophage therapy for adult and paediatric patients (STAMP study): protocol for an open-label, single-arm trialThere has been renewed interest in the therapeutic use of bacteriophages (phages); however, standardised therapeutic protocols are lacking, and there is a paucity of rigorous clinical trial data assessing efficacy.
Research
A cluster randomized trial of interferon ss-1a for the reduction of transmission of SARS-Cov-2: protocol for the Containing Coronavirus Disease 19 trial (ConCorD-19)SARS-CoV-2 infection rapidly spreads in populations due to the high rates of community transmission. Interrupting the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 may reduce the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19).
Research
Investigating the Implications of CFTR Exon Skipping Using a Cftr Exon 9 Deleted Mouse ModelSeverity and disease progression in people with Cystic Fibrosis is typically dependent on their genotype. One potential therapeutic strategy for people with specific mutations is exon skipping with antisense oligonucleotides. CFTR exon 9 is an in-frame exon and hence the exclusion of this exon would excise only 31 amino acids but not alter the reading frame of the remaining mRNA.
Research
Perspectives on hand function in girls and women with Rett syndromeHand function is particularly affected and we discuss theoretical and practical perspectives for optimising hand function in Rett syndrome.
Research
The experiences of mothers of young adults with an intellectual disability transitioning from secondary school to adult lifeThe transition from school to adulthood for young adults with an intellectual disability involves movement from a generally secure and supported school...
Research
What does the nature of the MECP2 mutation tell us about parental origin and recurrence risk in Rett syndrome?The MECP2 mutations occurring in the severe neurological disorder Rett syndrome are predominantly de novo, with rare familial cases. The aims of this study...
Research
Guidelines for management of scoliosis in Rett syndrome patients based on expert consensus and clinical evidenceTo develop guidelines for the clinical management of scoliosis in Rett syndrome through evidence review and consensus expert panel opinion.
Research
Parental experiences of scoliosis management in Rett syndromeScoliosis is the most common orthopaedic complication of Rett syndrome. Parents of affected individuals are vital partners in the clinical management...
Research
Sleep problems in Rett syndromeSleep problems are thought to occur commonly in Rett syndrome, but there has been little research on prevalence or natural history.
Research
Delineation of large deletions of the MECP2 gene in Rett syndrome patients, including a familial case with a male probandComprehensive genetic screening programs have led to the identification of pathogenic methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) mutations...
Research
The association between behaviour and genotype in Rett Syndrome using the Australian Rett Syndrome DatabaseThis study compared the behavior profile of cases in the Australian Rett Syndrome Database (ARSD) with those in a British study using the Rett Syndrome...
One of the many reasons for setting up the International CDKL5 Disorder Database was to learn more about this condition.