Extracellular acidosis and pH-modulating drugs as novel therapies for neuroprotection in hypoxia/ischemia in the newborn [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Paul Colditz (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Christopher Burke ,  Prof Michael Roberts ,  Prof Peter Gluckman

Brief description Approximately 4 out of every 1000 babies suffer severe perinatal asphyxia (a period of a shortage of oxygen) during the birth process which carries with it a high risk of brain damage or death. Those babies surviving with a severe disability cost Australia $500,000,000 per annum in lifelong costs. With currently available methods, the presence of asphyxia is difficult to detect and hence prevention is often not possible. At present, there are no effective medications to treat asphyxia-related brain damage in babies. This study brings together a multi-disciplinary team driven by the clinical need to develop suitable strategies for neuroprotection in the developing brain. We will investigate the neuroprotective properties of the clinically relevant factor of acidosis and determine how acidosis influences neuroprotectant drugs. In the future, it is envisaged that this study will lead to rationally-based clinical trials aimed at improving neurodevelopmental outcomes for babies who suffer asphyxia and for infants who are victims of near-drowning or head trauma.

Funding Amount $AUD 452,310.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant