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Research
Impact of ventilation tube insertion on long-term language outcomes at 6 and 10 years of age: A prospective pregnancy cohort studyInvestigating the impact of early childhood ventilation tube insertion (VTI) on long-term language outcomes.
Research
Meningococcal Disease in the Post–COVID-19 Era: A Time to PrepareThe global invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) landscape changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by decreased incidence rates due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as limited social contact, physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Vaccination rates were also lower during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Research
Safety and Tolerability of V114 Pneumococcal Vaccine in Infants: A Phase 3 StudyDisease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in children. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are well tolerated and effective at reducing pneumococcal disease caused by vaccine serotypes. VAXNEUVANCE (V114) is a 15-valent PCV containing 13 serotypes in Prevnar 13, plus serotypes 22F and 33F. This large phase 3 study evaluated safety and tolerability of V114 in infants.
Research
Safety, tolerability, and effect of a single aural dose of Dornase alfa at the time of ventilation tube surgery for otitis media: A Phase 1b double randomized control trialOne third of children require repeat ventilation tube insertion (VTI) for otitis media. Disease recurrence is associated with persistent middle ear bacterial biofilms. With demonstration that Dornase alfa (a DNase) disrupts middle ear effusion biofilms ex vivo, we identified potential for this as an anti-biofilm therapy to prevent repeat VTI. First, safety and tolerability needed to be measured.
Research
Pragmatic Adaptive Trial for Respiratory Infection in Children (PATRIC) Clinical Registry protocolAcute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common cause of paediatric hospitalisation. There is an urgent need to address ongoing critical knowledge gaps in ARI management. The Pragmatic Adaptive Trial for Respiratory Infections in Children (PATRIC) Clinical Registry will evaluate current treatments and outcomes for ARI in a variety of paediatric patient groups.
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An infant mouse model of influenza-driven nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae colonization and acute otitis media suitable for preclinical testing of novel therapiesNontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a major otitis media (OM) pathogen, with colonization a prerequisite for disease development. Most acute OM is in children <5 years old, with recurrent and chronic OM impacting hearing and learning. Therapies to prevent NTHi colonization and/or disease are needed, especially for young children. Respiratory viruses are implicated in driving the development of bacterial OM in children.
Research
Head-to-Head Comparison Between Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Bronchiolitis in the Setting of Increased Viral TestingWe compared the epidemiology, severity and management of hospitalized respiratory syncytial virus (n = 305) and human metapneumovirus (n = 39) bronchiolitis in a setting with high respiratory virus testing (95% of admissions tested). Respiratory syncytial virus-positive infants were younger and tended to require more hydration support and longer hospital stays compared to human metapneumovirus-positive infants. Respiratory support requirements were similar between groups despite significant age differences.

News & Events
The Kids researchers named as finalists in 2020 Premier’s Science AwardsTwo The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers have been named as finalists in the 2020 Western Australian Premier’s Science Awards.

News & Events
New Co-directors for the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious DiseasesDr Lea-Ann Kirkham and Dr Chris Blyth have been appointed as Co-Directors

News & Events
Watershed approach to improve cystic fibrosis treatmentThe Kids researchers are pioneering an exciting new approach to clinical trials, which aims to fast-track the best treatments for people with rare and complex diseases.