Clinical Research Directory

Vegetarian Tube Feed Study

This is a single arm, prospective, single-centre study to evaluate the gastrointestinal tolerance and compliance over a 28-day period using a tube feed with food derived ingredients.

Innovative Probe With Laser on Radial Artery Puncture and Catheterisation in Paediatric

During prolonged major surgical procedures in paediatric, significant fluctuations in vital signs occur. To ensure real-time, precise monitoring of haemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate for maintaining intraoperative safety, radial artery catheterisation remains the most conventional monitoring method for such operations. Ultrasound-guided radial artery puncture has gained increasing favour among clinicians over traditional palpation and blind techniques due to its visualisation and real-time advantages, with its benefits becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, this technique still carries a relatively high failure rate. This study proposes the 'laser-assisted T-shaped three-dimensional ultrasound localisation technique' for paediatric radial artery puncture and catheterisation. This aims to enhance puncture success rates, reduce the need for repeated attempts, lower complication incidence, safeguard the patient's life during surgery, and improve the quality of medical services.

BELUGA: Better to Exchange ETT for LMA Before Extubation in Children Under General Anaesthesia

During surgery, anaesthetists can use an endotracheal tube (ETT) to facilitate ventilation. At emergence from general anaesthesia, there are two techniques for removal of the ETT: (1) the ETT is removed when the child is waking up in (awake removal); or (2) the ETT is removed while still under anaesthesia(deep removal). Currently there is no evidence to suggest either technique is safer - deep removal of the ETT may decrease the risk of overall airway complications, including cough and desaturations. However, it may be associated with increased airway obstruction compared with awake extubation in paediatric patients. In our institution, a further technique has become increasingly common practice: removing ETT deep to avoid coughing and desaturation, then inserting a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) which can be removed once the patient is awake in the postoperative care unit (PACU), avoiding the risk of airway obstruction coupled with deep airway removal. The aim of the study is to assess whether deep removal of an ETT and exchange to an LMA, is superior to awake ETT removal with regards to the occurrence of postoperative respiratory adverse events. In this study, patients will be randomised to awake removal of ETT or deep removal of an ETT and exchange to an LMA. Data will be collected regarding the rate of respiratory adverse events in either group, as well as the incidence of post-operative pain, delirium and nausea and vomiting.

Infrared Thermography for Prediction of Successful Erector Spinae Plane Block in Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Paediatric Patients

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of temperature change (ΔT) measurements using infrared thermography to predict a successful erector spinae plane block in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.

Nutrition in Paediatric Critical Care

This is a multi-centre prospective cohort study of nutrition in paediatric critical care in Australia and New Zealand. The study is planned to run in parallel with the adult ICU cohort study, NUTRIENT. Two study periods are proposed with the first in late 2024 and the second in 2026. This observational study seeks to determine the following (although not limited to) descriptive outcomes of interest: 1. Nutritional outcomes, including route of nutrition support (oral, enteral and/or parenteral), energy and protein prescription and provision, and anthropometric measures 2. Patient-centred outcomes, including duration of invasive respiratory support and hospitalisation, and mortality 3. Nutrition service delivery in the PICU and ward settings