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$2 million grant to develop diagnostic tool for rheumatic feverThe Kids Research Institute Australia & Menzies School of Health Research will lead an international project to develop a diagnostic tool for acute rheumatic fever.
Research
The impact of obesity on influenza Vaccine immunogenicity - A systematic reviewInfluenza vaccines are important for reducing the burden of influenza, particularly for populations at risk of more severe infections. Obesity is associated with increased influenza severity and therefore individuals with obesity are often specifically recommended for annual influenza vaccination. Obesity is also associated with an altered inflammatory profile, which may influence vaccine responses. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence for any association between obesity and influenza vaccine immunogenicity.
Research
Drug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections in children in the Oceania region: review of the epidemiology, antimicrobial availability, treatment, clinical trial and pharmacokineticGram-negative bacterial infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and neonates globally, compounded by the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Barriers to paediatric antibiotic licencing lead to reduced availability of potentially effective agents for treatment. For children and neonates in the Oceania region, specific challenges remain including a paucity of surveillance data on local rates of antimicrobial resistance, and lack of availability of newer, more costly agents.
News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers awarded $11 million to support vital child health researchResearchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia have been awarded more than $11 million to support vital child health projects, under the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.
News & Events
Telethon donations fund early flu protection for bubsBabies worldwide could have access to life-saving influenza vaccinations from just eight weeks of age thanks to researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia and the generous support of the Telethon community.
Research
The STAMP RSV ProgramSTAMP RSV is a multifaceted program of work with the single focus to prepare the community for the uptake of new and emerging RSV immunisation strategies by providing the evidence to inform public health policy.
Research
The Impact of Obesity on Influenza Vaccine Immunogenicity and Antibody Transfer to the Infant During PregnancyInfluenza vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, offering the dual benefit of protecting pregnant women and their newborn infants against influenza. This study aimed to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on influenza vaccine responses in pregnant women and their newborns.
Research
Predicting regional and temporal incidence of RSV and influenza hospitalizations in a birth cohort of young Australian childrenWestern Australia experiences multiple climatic zones, influencing the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. We aimed to estimate the true incidence of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza hospitalizations across these different climatic regions using predictive modelling.
Research
Effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing RSV-hospitalisation among young children in Western Australia 2024Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes a significant burden of illness for children under 2 years of age. Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, was registered for RSV prevention in Australia in 2023. In April 2024, Western Australia (WA) launched the country's first state-wide nirsevimab program for all infants and high-risk children entering their second RSV season.
Research
The effect of comprehensive geriatric assessment on treatment decisions, supportive care received, and postoperative outcomes in older adults with cancer undergoing surgerySurgery is an essential part of cancer treatment, particularly for localised solid tumours. Geriatric assessments (GA) with tailored interventions or comprehensive GA (CGA) can identify frailty factors and needs of older adults with cancer, assisting treatment decisions and care strategies to reduce postoperative complications. This systematic review summarises the effects of GA/CGA compared to usual care for older adults with cancer intended for surgery: their impact on treatment decisions, supportive care interventions, postoperative complications, survival, and health-related quality of life.