BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by a loss of kidney function. This leaves the body unable to remove waste products, and balance water and electrolyte levels effectively. Some people with AKI may experience it short-term and recover their kidney function. For others, AKI may progress further and develop into chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially for those who have other co-existing conditions that require treatment. People who have recovered from AKI, however, have an increased risk of other health problems or even having AKI again in the future.A new class of oral anti-hyperglycaemic drugs, called sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, were initially used in the treatment of T2DM. They work by increasing the removal of glucose, and in turn lowering blood glucose levels.There is now a growing amount of research evidence to show SGLT2 inhibitors have additional benefits in people who are at risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown t

The Blood In Action project will work with the community and experts in infection and pregnancy to make use of thousands of blood samples provided by women during their maternity care to examine how diseases transmit from person to person. Blood samples of pregnant women receiving NHS pregnancy care are stored for two years in case of suspected exposure to infection in the mother or baby. These samples can be tested for existing antibodies (a marker of immunity) and linked to information about age, ethnicity, and deprivation, to build a picture of the impact of infections on women, children, and the general population. They are otherwise thrown away at 2 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the research team comprising colleagues from the George Institute for Global Health, UK, Imperial College London, and the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust used these samples to map the spread of the virus in North-West London, over time and in different groups of women. This 3-year project will extend this wo

Background Children with disabilities and medical conditions often are not able to travel in regular child restraint systems. Specialty harnesses and vests have been designed in response to motor vehicle transport needs for children with medical conditions, however, Australian standards do not cater for the harnesses and vests as most are manufactured overseas and there is a lack of research regarding their design, construction, and safety performance. Aims The study aims to understand access to, and the use of specialty harnesses and vests used by children with disabilities and medical conditions when travelling in motor vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. The results will assist in the development of guidance and standards for the adoption and use of harnesses and vests in Australia and New Zealand. Eligibility Criteria The research study is looking to recruit people who meet the following criteria: Are you aged 18 years or over? Are you the parent or carer of a child

Background Evidence suggests women and men experience medical care differently after they develop cardiovascular disease (CVD).  For example, women attending primary health care in Australia are less likely to have their risk factors for CVD measured. For those at high risk of CVD, young women are frequently less likely to receive appropriate treatment. Information on whether women (or men) are being undertreated in other aspects of CVD management in Australia is lacking. Aims To identify sex disparities in CVD care and outcomes. To explore how these vary across key population subgroups, including age, social class and, where possible, ethnicity. Method Together with the UNSW Centre for Big Data Research in Health, analyse ‘Big Data’ for a whole-of-population cohort of over 100,000 women and men admitted to hospital with incident CVD. Conduct analysis of sex and gender differences in treatment after stroke, using a linked administrative dataset, which includes all

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in women, but women are less likely to have a heart health check than a mammogram. Women at risk of cardiovascular disease are often unaware of their risk. Breast arterial calcification (BAC) identified on a mammogram is a strong predictor of subsequent cardiovascular disease. Aims To use routine mammograms to predict the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event in women Method This study uses data provided from Lifepool, a cohort of 54,000 women across Australia. All women within this cohort have completed a comprehensive baseline health survey and 99.9% have consented to have their Lifepool information linked to routinely collected health administrative datasets. Potential Impact Creating a CVD risk algorithm using routine mammograms will allow mammography to be used as a ‘2 for 1’ screening test in women, potentially identifying more women at risk. Fast Facts 1.4 million Australian

Background Women are disproportionately underrepresented in stroke trials relative to the burden of disease in the population. While women and men have a similar lifetime risk of stroke (one-in-four), women are more disabled, have worse quality of life, and require more supportive care. One way to address disparities in such outcomes is to ensure sufficient representation of women in stroke clinical trials, thereby increasing the likelihood that results are generalisable to women in the population. Clear guidance and effective implementation strategies are required to improve the inclusion of women in clinical trials. Aim To provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of strategies to improve recruitment and retention of women in stroke trials. Method Assess screening logs from two completed and one ongoing international trial. Conduct a survey and focus group discussion with stroke survivors to explore barriers and facilitators of participation in stroke trials. Develop

Background Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), once thought to be fully reversed after pregnancy, is now a firmly established independent risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Given the high levels of risk, low-cost and scalable pharmacological preventive approaches may prove an effective tool for prevention of GDM. While there is strong rationale for preventive strategies focused on behavioural modification in women with prior GDM, the early years after pregnancy present unique challenges to mothers. Aims This study will: Measure prevalence and identify predictors of persisting abnormal blood sugar levels (dysglycaemia) among women with recent GDM. Identify women’s views and the views of their healthcare providers on the long-term risks of T2DM. Examine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of preventive drug therapies, in addition to lifestyle interventions, among this population. Method One

Background Most people in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India cannot access quality healthcare. A paucity of healthcare workers, particularly specialist physicians, is one of the main reasons. Task-sharing approaches in LMICs were recently reviewed and found to be a viable option to improve disease outcomes while also leading to capacity building and cost savings. Epilepsy, one of the commonest neurological disorders, affects 50 million people worldwide, of whom, a fifth live in India. It accounts for 14 million disability-adjusted life years and 1,26,000 deaths worldwide each year. The treatment gap is high, almost 50-80% in India. A professional resource gap is one of the important reasons for the treatment gap. There is a lack of specialists to manage epilepsy across the country. Our previous study points towards an unmet need for a comprehensive approach towards epilepsy care in the community, which should essentially include capacity building among care providers, raising commu