WOMBAT Newsletter
    July 2009


Welcome to the July 2009 issue.

In this issue:

WOMBAT news

Welcome to new WOMBAT Regional Coordinators (QLD and NSW/ACT)

Glenda Hawley is the new Regional Coordinator (Queensland) for WOMBAT. Glenda is based at Mater Health, Brisbane, and has a background in Midwifery and Research. Any WOMBAT inquiries, or if you would like to introduce yourself to Glenda, email: glenda.hawley@wombatcollaboration.net 

Jann Foster is the new Regional Coordinator (NSW/ACT) for WOMBAT. Jann is based at the Centre for Perinatal Health Services Research, University of Sydney, and has a background in Midwifery, Neonatal Nursing, Education and Research. As well as undertaking her new role with WOMBAT, Jann works part-time as the coordinator for the Australian Neonatal Cochrane Review Group. Jann can be contacted at: jfoster@perinatal.usyd.edu.au or phone: 0414502724.

Professor Lex Doyle leads new Centre for Clinical Research (CCRE)

Last month the National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC) announced that WOMBAT Advisory Group member Professor Lex Doyle, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (Melbourne), was awarded a grant of $2.5 million to establish a Centre for Clinical Research (CCRE) to carry out high quality research in Newborn Medicine. The CCRE in Newborn Medicine will study adverse outcomes for the brains and lungs of newborn babies. For more information on this and other new CCREs: www.nhmrc.gov.au/media/media/rel09/090630.htm
 

WOMBAT booklets available

Available in PDF format are the most recent versions of two WOMBAT produced booklets:

  • Australasian randomised trials in maternal and perinatal health: Studies currently recruiting or yet to recruit as at March 2009

[ Download Booklet ]

  • Research Gaps from Cochrane Reviews April 2009

[ Download Booklet ]

For up-to-date information on individual trials we suggest searching the database under the trial name.

WOMBAT WORKSHOPS

**Brisbane (August) and Sydney (November)**

WOMBAT Protocol Workshop **REGISTRATION STILL OPEN**
Brisbane
August 6-7 2009
9.30am – 5.00pm

Corbett Conference Room, Mater Public Hospital (Thursday 6 August)
Mater Private Conference Room (Friday 7 August)

Aim
To develop a protocol for a clinical trial in maternal and perinatal health.

 Objectives
1. participants will write a protocol document which covers all the fundamental aspects of trial design and methodology
2. at the end of the course participants will have the knowledge and resources to complete the protocol on their own
3. participants will have the opportunity to work with other researchers and clinicians who are involved in or intending to carry out a clinical trial in maternal or perinatal healthcare

Workshop Leaders
Professor Caroline Crowther – The University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Vicki Flenady – Mater Health Services

 Confirmed faculty
 Associate Professor Mark Davies – Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Associate Professor Kassam Mohammed – Ipswich Hospital
Dr David Knight – Mater Health Services
Dr Georgie Stamp – The University of Adelaide
Dr Rebecca Tooher – The University of Adelaide

Earn CPD points
 Approved for 16 CPD points from the RANZCOG
Approved by the Australian College of Midwives for 11 MidPlus CPD points
Eligible for CPD points for RACP

Cost: $180.00

For more information or to register, contact:
Dr Rebecca Tooher Ph:  08 8161 7660   Email: rebecca.tooher@adelaide.edu.au  
Kate Reynolds  Ph: 07 3163 1591  Email: kate.reynolds@mater.org.au 
Visit our website: www.wombatcollaboration.net

[Download Workshop Flyer and Registration Form]

Data Monitoring Committees: An Interactive Workshop

Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney
13 November 2009  9.30-4.00

Aim
 To build capacity in the maternal and perinatal research community and knowledge of data monitoring and relevant committees.

Workshop Leaders (Confirmed)

Professor Caroline Crowther – The University of Adelaide
Professor Val Gebski, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney

Faculty

Dr Lisa Askie, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney
Ms Philippa Middleton, The University of Adelaide
Professor Jonathan Morris, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney
Associate Professor David Osborn, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney
Dr Rebecca Tooher, The University of Adelaide

(Additional faculty to be confirmed)
For more information or to register, contact: Dr Rebecca Tooher, WOMBAT Education Officer. Ph: 08 8161 7660

Email: rebecca.tooher@adelaide.edu.au 
Visit our website: www.wombatcollaboration.net

NEW TRIAL

Currently recruiting

The Epi-No trial: Effect of antenatal intravaginal balloon device on levator
trauma in mothers following childbirth. ACTRN12609000592246

ALL TRIALS REQUIRING COLLABORATING CENTRES

**NEW RCT**

The WOMAN (World Maternal Antifibrinolytic Trial) Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Postpartum Haemorrhage: An International Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial. ISRCTRN76912190
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial email: thewomantrial@Lshtm.ac.uk  or http://www.trialscoordinatingcentre.lshtm.ac.uk/

A*STEROID: Australasian Antenatal Study to Evaluate the Role Of Intramuscular Dexamethasone versus betamethasone prior to preterm birth to increase survival free of neurosensory disability: a randomised controlled trial
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email pat.ashwood@adelaide.edu.au  

APTS: Australian Placental Transfusion Study
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email lsebastian@ctc.usyd.edu.au  

A study of Aminophylline for infants less than 12 months of age with bronchiolitis, requiring admission to intensive care
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email carmel.delzoppo@rch.org.au

BOOST II: Benefits of Oxygen Saturation Targeting Study
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the maternal and perinatal trials page or email boost2@ctc.usyd.edu.au

Cervical occlusion in women with cervical insufficiency
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email deemccormack@hotmail.com or visit the trial homepage: www.cervicalocclusion.com  

CHIPS Trial: Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or http://www.utoronto.ca/cmicr/chips/ or contact Jennifer Menzies at chips@cw.bc.ca   

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) weaning trial
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email david.todd@act.gov.au or Margaret.broom@act.gov.au

DETECT: Ductal Echocardiographic Targeting and Early Closure Trial
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email mkluckow@med.usyd.edu.au  

Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) Doppler to time second and subsequent transfusions for women with red cell alloimmunisation: a randomised trial
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email Jodie.dodd@adelaide.edu.au  

GAS Study: A multi-site randomised controlled trial comparing bupivacaine (regional) anaesthesia versus sevoflurane (general) anaesthesia for effects on neurodevelopmental outcome and apnoea in infants scheduled for unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia repair
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email suzette.sheppard@mcri.edu.au  

IDEAL: Investigation of dietary advice and lifestyle for women with borderline gestational diabetes
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email ideal@adelaide.edu.au  

MANGO: Midwives @ New Group practice Options A randomised controlled trial of case load midwifery
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email sally.tracy@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au  

PLUTO: Percutaneous Shunting for lower-urinary tract obstruction
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page  http//www.pluto.bham.ac.uk or email Prof Mark Kilby at m.d.kilby@bham.ac.uk

POINT: A randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial on the safety and efficacy of pentoxifylline, as a secondary prophylaxis, in the treatment of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm neonates
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email sanjay.patole@health.wa.gov.au  

PPROMT Trial: Preterm Pre-Labour Rupture of Membranes Close to Term Trial
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the maternal and perinatal trials page or email ppromt@med.usyd.edu.au  

Premie Start: Improving neurobehavioural development in preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial of a neonatal intervention
 If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email christopher.holt@austin.org.au 

PROGRESS Trial: Progesterone after previous preterm birth for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email progress@adelaide.edu.au

ProPrem: The use of probiotics to reduce the incidence of sepsis in premature infants
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or email proprem.study@thewomens.org.au

TBS: Twin Birth Study
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or www.utoronto.ca/miru/tbs or email tbs@sw.ca

TIPPS: Thrombophilia In Pregnancy Prophylaxis Study: a muticentre, multinational randomised controlled trial of prophylactic low molecular weight heparin in high-risk pregnant thrombophilic women
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or http://www.healthypregnancy.ca or email amclement@ohri.ca

TWINS: Timing of Birth at Term – a randomised controlled trial
If you would like more information on becoming involved in this trial visit the WOMBAT maternal and perinatal trials page or http://www.health.adelaide.edu.au/og/research/mpctu.html or email twins@adelaide.edu.au

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Mildenhall L, Battin M, Bevan C, Kuschel C, Harding JE. Repeat prenatal corticosteroid doses do not alter neonatal blood pressure or myocardial thickness: randomised, controlled trial. Pediatrics 2009;123;e646-e652.

Whyte RK, Kirpalani H, Asztalos EV, Andersen C, Blajchman M, Heddle N,LaCorte M, Robertson CMT, Clarke MC, Vincer MK, Doyle LW, Roberts RS for the PINTOS Study Group. Neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight infants randomly assigned to restrictive or liberal hemoglobin thresholds for blood transfusion. Pediatrics 2009;123;207-213

Dodd JM, Crowther CA, McPhee AJ, Flenady V, Robinson JS. Progesterone after previous preterm birth for prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (PROGRESS): a randomised controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2009, 9:6

CONFERENCES RELEVANT TO MATERNAL AND PERINATAL HEALTH

2009 NATIONAL CONFERENCES

The Australian Lactation Consultant Association (ALCA) National Conference "Breastfeeding: A Key Public Health Issue"
Canberra ACT.
September 4-6 2009.

For more information visit http://alca.asn.au/  

Substance Use - Advances in Perinatal Research, Education & Care Conference
Pavillion Function & Conference Centre, Breakfast CreeK. QLD 
September 21, 2009, 8.30am-4.30pm

Download Program Registration form available soon.

For more information: http://www.psanz.com.au/default.aspx  or email kate.reynolds@mater.org.au

Australian College of Midwives 16th Biennial Conference: "Women & Midwives - A Brilliant Blend"
Adelaide, SA
September 22-25 2009.

For more information: http://www.midwives.org.au  and click on Events 

Australia and New Zealand 6th Health Services & Policy Research Conference "Health Services Research – Reforming, Responding, Rewarding"
Brisbane, QLD
November 25-27 2009

For more information: http://www.healthservicesconference.com.au/registration.html

Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ)
2009 Annual Scientific Meeting
 Auckland, New Zealand.
October 30 – November 1 2009.

For more information: http://www.somanz.org/annual.htm   or email sneylon@racp.edu.au

2009 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

XIX FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Cape Town, South Africa
 October 4-9 2009.

For more information: www.figo2009.org.za/announcements/First%20Announcement%20Final%201.pdf

 

1st Cochrane Nursing Care Network Symposium
Singapore
October 9-10 2009
Download registration form here

 

17th Cochrane Colloquium
Singapore
October 11-14 2009-06-23
For more information: http://www.colloquium09.com/index.shtml

 

The 9th World Congress of Perinatal Medicine
 Berlin, Germany
October 24-28, 2009.

For more information: www.wcpm9.org
 

6th World Congress on Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Santiago, Chile
November 19-22, 2009.

For more information: http://www.mrc.soton.ac.uk/dohad/index.asp?page=71

2010 Conferences

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting
Adelaide, SA
21-24 March 2010

For more information: http://www.ranzcog2010asm.com.au/

14th Perinatal Society of Australia & New Zealand (PSANZ) Congress
28-30 March 2010
Wellington, NZ

For more information: http://www.psanz.com.au/default.aspx

3rd Biennial Breathing New Life into Maternity Care: multidisciplinary conference
 (Australian College of Midwives in conjunction with Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine)
1-4 July 2010
Alice Springs, NT
*Submission of abstracts close 3 August 2009*

For more information: www.breathingnewlife.remark.com.au 

2010 International Conferences

International Chair [Conference] Francine Gooris, "Quality in Midwifery: Good practice in care and education"
Gent, Belgium
February 25-26, 2010.

 For more information: http://project.arteveldehs.be/leerstoelfg/index.asp 

 

International Forum on Quality and Safety in Health Care
Nice, France
April 20-23 2010
Abstracts close 21 Sept 2009

For more information: http://internationalforum.bmj.com/ 

 

7th International Conference of Neonatal Nursing 2010.
Durban, South Africa
October 24–27 2010.

For more information: http://www.coinnurses.org/coinn_conf/2010_int_neonatal.htm

 

16th International Congress of the International Society of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Venice, Italy
October 28-31 2010.

For more information: http://www.ispog2010.com

Further Information

For more information on WOMBAT initiatives, please contact the WOMBAT Collaboration national coordinator, Dr Georgie Stamp: georgie.stamp@adelaide.edu.au 

The WOMBAT Collaboration is funded through a NHMRC enabling grant.

If you would prefer to stop receiving WOMBAT newsletter, please send your email with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line to unsubscribe@wombatcollaboration.net.