Managing Asthma in Pregnancy: the MAP study [ 2007 - 2010 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Peter Gibson (Principal investigator) ,  E/Pr Michael Hensley ,  Prof Douglas Taylor ,  Prof Vicki Clifton ,  Prof Warwick Giles

Brief description Asthma is a common problem for women during pregnancy. There is concern about how asthma and its treatment may effect the baby, and also concern that asthma may deteriorate during pregnancy. Variable adherence to treatment compounds this situation. Current clinical measures are not very accurate in determining the correct dose of inhaled therapy to be used for asthma. However, there is now good evidence from clinical trials in nonpregnant adults and children that this situation can be improved by using markers of inflammation to guide therapy. One of the promising tests of inflammation is exhaled nitric oxide. We wish to determine whether asthma can be better managed during pregnancy by using nitric oxide to guide therapy. We will examine whether this approach leads to fewer asthma exacerbations, lower doses of corticosteroid, better asthma control, and better outcomes for the baby. To do this we have put together a team with expertise across each of the important areas of asthma, pregnancy, and research methods. This will enable the study to provide a clear indication of which treatment approach is better, and this can then be offered to pregnant women and their health care team.

Funding Amount $AUD 842,149.88

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant