March 2008

Advancing Asthma Where? Conference

Treatment for mild asthma improves lung function

Identifying asthma risk in young children

The Australian Lung Foundation launches new website

The Asthma Foundation of Queensland announces new PhD Scholarship

PhD and Post Doctoral opportunities in Melbourne

Research Funding Opportunities

  General Practice research grant opportunities

  The Asthma Foundation of Queensland PhD Scholarship

  Asthma Foundation of Queensland Research Grants for 2009

Conference Diary

Advancing Asthma Where? Conference

The biennial Australian Asthma Conference will take place from 20 - 21 October 2008 at the Australian Technology Park Sydney.

Building on the theme Advancing Asthma Where? the conference program will review the changing world of asthma in Australia and how the nation can work together to develop ideas and actions which will influence and inform future asthma agendas.

The program seeks to involve a wide cross section of people connected with asthma including:

• consumers,
• health professionals,
• scientists and researchers,
• policy makers from State and Federal Governments
• Asthma Foundations of Australia staff and
• National Asthma Council Australia representatives.

Expert speakers include:

For more information go to www.asthmaconference2008.com

Treatment for mild asthma improves lung function

A study by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney is the first to demonstrate that in patients with very mild or well-controlled asthma, regular treatment with low dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) leads to significantly better day–to-day lung function.

The study published in this month’s edition of Primary Care Respiratory Journal was conducted over an 11 month period, and compared the effects of ICS and placebo on asthma control in mild asthmatics.

The results of the study raise questions about the current emphasis in asthma treatment which is based largely on controlling symptoms, and which does not advocate ICS treatment for patients with symptoms two days a week or less.

Results showed significant and clinically important treatment benefits on markers such as lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide, which are all predictors of the risk of future adverse outcomes such as exacerbations.

Results indicated that a “ceiling” effect for lung function, often assumed to prevail in mild asthma, does not exist. Even patients whose lung function is over 90% of predicted normal value may have room to further improve their personal best with treatment.

The study also demonstrated subjects receiving placebo were nearly three times more likely to experience a mild exacerbation. “In recent years the emphasis in asthma treatment has been on how well a patient’s symptoms are controlled,” says Woolcock research leader Assoc. Prof. Helen Reddel.

“The patients in this study had asthma that was so mild, with symptoms once a week or less, that they themselves didn’t see any benefit in regular preventer treatment,” she said. “However for those participants receiving ICS during the study, their lung function was better, they had less airway inflammation and less airway twitchiness. All of these things are predictors of reduction in risk of future adverse outcomes

“While we’re not advocating that every patient with mild asthma should be on preventer medication, the study shows that when we are discussing the risks and benefits of treatment with these patients, we should talk about their risk of future exacerbations as well as whether they will notice any difference in their current symptoms”.

“In the same way, for patients with high blood pressure, we talk about giving treatment to reduce their risk of stroke in the future rather than whether they will feel any different here and now.”

Dr Reddel explains that while the study sample size was small, the measurement of airway twitchiness, airway inflammation and daily spirometry provided information about future risk that is often not possible in larger groups.

The authors' conclusion was that the study showed that treatment with low dose inhaled corticosteroids led to significant improvements in lung function, exacerbations, and in pathophysiological predictors of future risk, even though symptoms were minimal at entry. For patients with mild asthma, discussion about treatment needs to consider not only short-term benefit, side effects and cost, but also long-term reduction of risk.

Reference

Reddel HK, Belousova EG, Marks GB, Jenkins CR. Does continuous use of inhaled corticosteroids improve outcomes in mild asthma? A double-blind randomised controlled trial. Prim Care Respir J. 2008 Feb;17(1):39-45. http://www.thepcrj.org/journ/view_article.php?article_id=552

Identifying asthma risk in young children

Toddlers with eczema who have a positive skin prick test for allergy have almost triple the risk of developing asthma than those with a negative test, according to recently published Australian research.

The study, led by the University of Melbourne with the John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Monash University and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, is the first to clearly demonstrate that skin prick tests can be used to assess how likely it is a baby or toddler with eczema will go on to develop asthma later in childhood.

Researcher Adrian Lowe, from the University of Melbourne’s School of Population Health, said the study shows that toddlers who have positive skin prick tests have a much higher risk of developing asthma by the time they are seven.

They are also more likely to develop hayfever, particularly if their skin prick test results suggest a possible food allergy.

“There has been much discussion about the links between eczema and other allergic diseases such as asthma but this study is the first to clearly demonstrate that among children with eczema there are certain groups who are at much higher risk,’’ Mr Lowe said.

As part of the study, 620 Melbourne children with eczema were skin prick tested for allergies to cows’ milk, egg white, peanut, house dust mite, rye grass and cat hair.

Skin prick tests were conducted on the children at six months, one and two years of age. The children’s allergy status was then followed up five years later when the children had turned seven.

Mr Lowe explained that the study shows that skin prick testing may have benefits for the management of childhood allergies.

“By identifying high risk children we can explore ways of avoiding potential allergens that could exacerbate their condition,” he said.

Mr Lowe noted that although eczema is extremely common – affecting up to 20 per cent of children – only a very small percentage are tested for allergy.

“Given that specialist allergy testing requires a referral and long waiting lists it is not surprising that children are rarely tested,” he said.

The study also shows how skin prick testing has the potential to boost future research into the links between eczema and other allergic diseases.

“Previously researchers have studied children with eczema as if they were one homogenous group," he said. “By showing that there are two distinct categories of children with eczema, future studies can separate these groups and we may be able to more accurately pinpoint the causes of allergic diseases in the longer term.”

The University of Melbourne will extend the study to follow children into their teenage years.

Reference

A. J. Lowe, C. S. Hosking, C. M. Bennett, J. B. Carlin, M. J. Abramson, D. J. Hill, S. C. Dharmage (2007) Skin prick test can identify eczematous infants at risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis Clinical & Experimental Allergy 37 (11) , 1624–1631 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02822.x

The Australian Lung Foundation launches new website

The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) has launched a new website, located at its existing web address (www.lungnet.com). The new website was developed to improve access and availability of content for visitors.

Using some of the latest web technologies, the ALF website has intuitive navigation where pages load swiftly, even on slow connections, as background graphics are used sparingly and bandwidth consumption is minimised.

Main areas of the website include:

• About the ALF

• COPD

• Lung Cancer

• Orphan Lung Diseases

• Respiratory Infectious Disease

• Patient Support

• Healthcare Professionals

• Educational Material

• Events

• News

For more go to www.lungnet.com.au

The Asthma Foundation of Queensland announces new PhD Scholarship

In late February Paul McGregor, Managing Director of The Asthma Foundation of Queensland, announced a new PhD scholarship. The Asthma Foundation of Queensland PhD Scholarship, amounts to more than $100,000 over three years, representing a significant boost to the Foundation’s current research investment.

(In January 2008, the Foundation announced a record $300,000 in funds available for research grants this year.)

Graduates and health practitioners who hold an honours degree and will begin PhD studies relating to asthma in 2009, will be eligible for the Foundation’s three-year scholarship. The Foundation will fund students studying in Queensland, aiming to build local expertise and to support the state’s excellent academic community.

By funding a generous scholarship for asthma-related research, the Foundation aims to nurture new Queensland-based careers in asthma research and to spark new scientific advances, setting the stage for continued improvements across all of our programs and activities.

For details on how to apply go to The Asthma Foundation of Queensland PhD Scholarship.

PhD and Post Doctoral opportunities in Melbourne

Centre for Molecular Environment, Genetic and Analytic (MEGA) Epidemiology,
School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne

Range of fields:

• basic science

• genetics

• clinical research

• public health

• epidemiology

The research program on allergy, asthma and other respiratory diseases at the Centre for MEGA Epidemiology offers PhD projects in both childhood and adult allergies and respiratory diseases. This program includes two world class cohort studies funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council. The research team includes clinicians, epidemiologists and geneticists.

Project #1

The Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS) is investigating the natural history, environmental and genetic risk factors for adult asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using a population-based prospective study of the 1961 birth cohort members (n=8,500), their parents (n=16,000) and siblings (n=21,000), enrolled in the 1968 Tasmanian Asthma Survey. The 40-year follow-up of the 1961 birth cohort is just completed and the 40-year follow-up of the siblings is just about to commence.

Project #2

The Melbourne Atopic Cohort Study (MACS) is investigating the natural history, environmental and genetic risk factors for childhood asthma and allergies using a population-based prospective study of a high risk cohort of children (n=620) born from 1991-94. The 15-year follow-up of the MACS cohort and their families (total of n=3000) is just about to commence.

The Centre for MEGA Epidemiology is collaborating with a number of research institutions and health care providers including Alfred Hospital, Royal Hobart Hospital, Murdoch Children's Institute and Royal Children's Hospital. To date, the two studies have collected extensive information on these participants using questionnaires and clinical investigations. Bio-specimens of these participants are stored in the genetic epidemiology laboratory in the University of Melbourne. 

How to apply:

If you are interested in finding out more about PhD and Post Doctoral opportunities in these projects please contact:

Associate Professor Shyamali Dharmage

Email: s.dharmage@unimelb.edu.au  
Ph: (03) 8344 0737

Research Funding Opportunities

The National Asthma Council Australia would be pleased to list funding opportunities that may be available for asthma research. Submit brief details for consideration by email to editor@nationalasthma.com.au.

General Practice research grant opportunities

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is committed to supporting new and emerging general practitioner researchers to conduct research into primary health care and general practice.

In 2008, up to 12 research grants are available to RACGP member general practitioners or general practice registrars through the RACGP Research Foundation. New and emerging general practitioner researchers are encouraged to apply. Support is in the form of networking with experienced researchers, allocation of CPD points for research participation and the opportunity to apply for one of the grants and scholarships awarded each year.

Grants, Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards

The Research Foundation administers the grants, scholarships, fellowships and awards listed below to members of the RACGP.

To find out more about the funding opportunities (how to apply, eligibility, selection criteria, etc) please visit www.racgp.org.au/researchfoundation/guidelines for reporting guidelines.

Applications for 2008 grants open on 4 February 2008.

Applications will close on 14 April 2008.

The Asthma Foundation of Queensland PhD Scholarship

for Eligible Medical, Scientific, Nursing & Pharmacy Graduates and equivalently qualified Allied Health Practitioners Commencing 2009

Applications are invited for the Asthma Foundation of Queensland PhD Scholarship open to eligible medical, scientific, nursing and pharmacy graduates and equivalently qualified allied health practitioners (eg psychologists, physiotherapists, asthma educators, etc) who plan to commence a PhD in 2009. The scholarship will provide financial support for a graduate looking to build a career in research relevant to asthma.

The research must be undertaken in Queensland. The scholarship is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents intending to nurture a career in Queensland, and will be for a period of up to three years, with the stipend and allowances based upon NHMRC rates. Further information and application forms are available for downloading at the foundation’s website at www.asthmaqld.org.au or from:

The Managing Director
The Asthma Foundation of Queensland
PO Box 394
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
Email: info@asthmaqld.org.au
Ph: (07) 3252 7677 or 1800 645 130  Fx: 07 3257 1080

Applications close on 30 June 2008

Asthma Foundation of Queensland Research Grants for 2009

Funds available up to $250,000

Applications are invited for grants in research relating to asthma. The research, which must be undertaken in Queensland, may be in either basic medical sciences or clinical fields.

Grants will be awarded only to individuals and to institutions with access to appropriate research facilities under the supervision of a responsible investigator. Grants may cover salaries for research, technical, or other assistance as well as the cost of minor equipment, materials and other necessary items.

Further information and application forms are available for downloading at the Foundation’s website at www.asthmaqld.org.au or from: 

The Managing Director
The Asthma Foundation of Queensland
PO Box 394
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
Email: info@asthmaqld.org.au
Ph: (07) 3252 7677 or 1800 645 130

Applications close on 1 May 2008.

Conference Diary

Submit brief conference/meeting details to the National Asthma Council Australia for possible posting in our Conference Diary by email to editor@nationalasthma.com.au.

	2008 Annual Scientific Meeting 30 March - 2 April 2008 Melbourne Convention Centre Melbourne, Victoria 2008 ASM TSANZ (http://www.thoracic.org.au/asm2008.html)
	2008 Annual Scientific Meeting 30 March - 2 April 2008 Melbourne Convention Centre Melbourne, Victoria 2008 ASM ANZSRS http://www.anzsrs.org.au/asm2008.html
	World Asthma & COPD Forum 26-29 April 2008 Dubai, UAE http://www.wipocis.org/
	10th International Paediatric & Child Health Nursing Conference Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin & Darwin Entertainment Centre Northern Territory, Australia 30 April 2008 - 2 May 2008 http://www.ipchnconference.com.au/
	ATS, Annual meeting of the American Lung Association & American Thoracic Society 16-21 May 2008 Toronto, Canada http://www.thoracic.org/
	The 4th IPCRG World Conference: Building bridges among diversity 28 - 31 May, 2008 Seville, Spain http://ipcrg-seville2008.unicongress.com/
	XXVII Congress of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology 7-11 June 2008 Barcelona, Spain http://www.eaaci2008.com
	48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Respiratory Society 15-17 June 2008 Kobe, Japan http://www.jrs.or.jp/english/information/meeting48.html
	2nd Australian Lung Cancer Conference 21–24 August 2008 Holiday Inn – Surfers Paradise Queensland http://www.alcc.net.au/
	WONCA 2008 Asia Pacific Regional Conference 1–5 October 2008. Melbourne, Australia http://www.wonca2008.com
	ERS Annual Congress 4-8 October 2008 Berlin, Germany http://www.ersnet.org/
	Advancing Asthma Where? Australian Asthma Conference 20 - 21 October 2008 Australian Technology Park Sydney, Australia http://www.asthmaconference2008.com/
	CHEST, Annual International Scientific Assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians 25-30 October 2008 Philadelphias United States http://www.chestnet.org/CHEST/
	American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 7-12 November 2008 Seattle, United States http://www.acaai.org/
	13th APSR Congress 19-22 November 2008 Bangkok, Thailand http://www.apsr2008.org
	Annual Meeting of Taiwan Society of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine 6-7 December 2008 Taipei, Taiwan spccm@mars.seed.net.tw http://www.tspccm.org.tw/