South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
graphic: Royal Hospital for Women Logo
Royal Hospital for Women
graphic: print pagePrint page

 Research Activity 2004/05

 
Research project Institution on whose behalf the research is being undertaken Researcher Description
A prospective, randomised, controlled trial comparing the effects of Metformin with the 20 microgram ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptive pill, on the hormonal and metabolic profiles in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Sydney Menopause Centre, RHW.  Costello M. Comparing clinical and biochemical outcomes between metformin and the oral contraceptive pill in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Do women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have diminished ovarian reserve? Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW. Costello M. Determining a normal serum progesterone reference range at time of egg collection.
Serum progesterone levels at the time of egg collection during in vitro fertilisation in cycles not complicated by premature luteinisation. Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW. Costello M. Determining a normal serum progesterone reference range at the time of egg collection.
Oocyte, zygote and Day 2 scores as pregnancy predictors. Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW. Sjloblem P. Determining if a novel combined embryonic scoring system is predictive of pregnancy.
A prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial on the effect of metformin on in vitro fertilisation outcome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW; Fertility Society of Australia; School of Women’s & Children’s Health, UNSW. Costello M. Comparing whether the addition of metformin treatment to IVF improves pregnancy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials on the effect of metformin co-administration with gonadotropins for ovulation induction or
in vitro fertilisation in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW. Costello M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of whether the addition of metformin treatment to ovulation induction or IVF improves pregnancy rate.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the reproductive system effects of metformin alone, or in combination
with clomiphene citrate, in patients
with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW. Costello M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of whether metformin treatment improves ovulation and pregnancy rates.
Cochrane review: insulin-sensitising drugs versus the combined oral contraceptive pill for hirsutism, acne, risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer in polycystic ovary syndrome. Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Menopause Unit,  RHW. Costello M. Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing metformin and the oral contraceptive pill in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
End of treatment transition. Gynaecological Oncology Unit, RHW. Mackenzie P,
Ryan M,
Watts S, Robertson R, Stainton C.
This study will follow women post treatment in order to obtain information from them regarding their needs and look at possible interventions that would address their unmet needs.
Power Doppler ultrasound assessment of perifollicular blood flow in women with polycystic ovaries and normal ovaries during in vitro fertilisation treatment. Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW; School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW. Costello M, Shrestha SM, Sjoblom P, Steigrad S, Hughes G, McNally G, Bennett M. Comparing blood flow between normal ovaries and polycystic ovaries.
Comparison of ovarian response between two individual follicle stimulating hormone start dose protocols, in women undergoing ovarian stimulation during
in vitro fertilisation.
Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW; School of Women’s & Children’s Health, UNSW. Costello M,
Grant R,
Craven D,
O’Neil M,
Sjoblom P,
Hughes G,
Steigrad S.
Determining if reducing the start dose of IVF treatment affects clinical outcome.
A prospective longitudinal observational study of the serial assessment of ovarian and uterine vascularity by Power Doppler ultrasound during spontaneous and stimulated ovarian cycles during assisted reproduction. Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW; School of Women’s & Children’s Health, UNSW. Shrestha SM, Costello M, Sjoblom P,
McNally G,
Bennett M, Garrett D, et al.
Observational study of pelvic blood flow during natural and assisted conception cycles.
Breast cancer in the premenopausal woman: recurrence and survival rates and relationship to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Department of Reproductive Medicine, RHW. Durna EM,
Heloler G,
Leader LR, Sjoblom P,
Eden JR,
Wren BG.
This study aimed to determine whether subsequent HRT use influenced recurrence and survival rates in women who were pre-menopausal at the time that their breast cancer was diagnosed.
A randomised, double blind trial evaluating pre-operative medical treatment of endometriosis prior to laparoscopic excision of disease. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Abbott J,
Lenart M,
Vancaillie T.
To assess the effects of pre-treatment of women with endometriosis prior to radical surgical removal, compared to no treatment. Areas to be assessed include pain and quality of life. Also observing a difference in the clinical and quality of life outcomes if women are treated by the oral contraceptive pill, a GnRH analogue or placebo.
A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effect of Botox® injected into the pelvic floor of women with chronic pelvic pain and levator spasm. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW; Allergan.
Jarvis S,
Abbott J,
Lenart M,
Vancaillie T, Thomson A.
This study is investigating the use of Botox® injected into the pelvic floor muscles of women suffering from chronic pelvic pain caused by pelvic floor myalgia. We hope to learn whether treating spasm of pelvic floor muscle, ie pelvic floor dysfunction, will improve pelvic pain.
A new permanent female sterilisation method using the Adiana transcervical device: evaluation of the Adiana System using Electrothermal energy in women aged 18-45 years (EASE). Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW; Adiana Inc.
Vancaillie T,
Abbott J,
Lenart M.
Evaluating a new female sterilisation method which results in healthy, vascularised tissue leading to occlusion of the tube over a brief follow up period.
Feasibility of cryo-ablation for ambulatory treatment of menorrhagia. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW; American Medical Systems.
Vancaillie T,
Abbott J,
Lenart M,
Thomson A.
This new device uses a cold instrument to freeze the inside layer of the uterus for treatment of heavy menstrual blood loss. We hope to learn that it is feasible to use this technique in the clinic setting here in Australia.
A prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of multimodal intraoperative analgesia for laparoscopic excision of endometriosis. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Costello M,
Abbott J,
Lenart M,
Fawcett S,
Katz S,
Wilson S.
This study uses a combination of local anaesthetic into a surgical incision site for laparoscopic port placement and surgical excision sites for disease, in conjunction with non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and local anaesthetic elsewhere. These are compared against placebo to determine optimal analgesic. Outcome measures include total analgesic requirement, nausea and vomiting and time to discharge.
Evaluation of outcomes of surgery as a result of laparoscopic colorectal procedure for resection of endometriosis. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Abbott J,
Chew S.
The use of laparoscopic surgery has become standard for the treatment of endometriosis in women. Severe endometriosis can invade the bowel and complete removal of disease can involve bowel resection. This study will investigate the outcomes for pain and quality of life for women having laparoscopic bowel resection in conjunction with excision of endometriosis.
Pneumoperitoneum evaluation study. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Thomson A,
Abbott J.
This study investigates three parameters that are commonly used during the initial phases of laparoscopy to allow for port placement. We will record the volume, pressure and time parameters for women having classic closed laparoscopy and compare the best method for achieving pneumoperitoneum.
A prospective study for complications arising from laparoscopic surgery in a tertiary referral centre. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Abbott J,  Willison F,
Chang T,
Vancaillie T.
This study analyses complications in the peri operative setting and for the first three months following surgery for women having gynaecological surgery. This prospective evaluation is designed to assess minor morbidity that is often associated with surgery and detail groups that are most at risk.
A study of residual intra-peritoneal gas following gynaecological laparoscopy. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Thomson A,
Abbott J,
Vancaillie T.
Laparoscopy allows significant surgical procedures to be undertaken using a minimal access route. However, complications such as bowel perforation can result in sufficient morbidity and even mortality. Gas is often present under the diaphragms of patients with this complication, and is common following laparoscopy. This study will try to eradicate all gas from the abdomen following surgery which may allow a simple method for diagnosing bowel perforation if suspected.
Evaluational outcomes of surgery for Asherman’s syndrome 1999-2003. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Thomson A,
Abbott J,
Vancaillie T.
This study will follow up the menstrual and reproductive outcomes for women having hysteroscopic surgery for Asherman’s syndrome in the last five years.
NovaSure endometrial ablation. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW; Cytyc.
Vancaillie T,
Abbott J,
Lenart M.
This study is uses controlled vaporisation of the endometrium for menorrhagia without requiring endometrial pre-treatment and with minimal requirements for analgesia/anaesthetic.
Does proximal occlusion of the tubes with the Adiana device improve fertility outcomes in patients with hydrosalpinges undergoing IVF: a pilot study. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Vancaillie T, Bernstein J,
Lenart M,
Fawcett S.
There is some evidence that the presence of hydrosalpinges decreases fertility outcomes. In this study we are closing the affected fallopian tube at the level of its insertion into the uterus, with the Adiana device in order to improve IVF outcomes in these women.
Pilot study of the effect of topical anaesthetic on cervical compliance. Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW.
Thomson A, Vancaillie T, Abbott J,
Lenart M, Fawcett S.
Measuring the cervical compliance of women under general anaesthetic for gynaecological procedures after the introduction of a topical local anaesthetic to the cervix
and uterus, compared with placebo.
Botulinum toxin in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain caused by spasm of the levator ani muscle (Sub-study). Department of
Endo-Gynaecology, RHW; Allergan.
Jarvis S,
Vancaillie T,
Abbott J.
This is a study of the existing lower urinary tract symptoms of a small cohort of women already participating in the pilot study, using urodynamics studies pre and post Botox® injection.
Müllerian dysgenesis: a review of recent outcomes at RHW. Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology, RHW. Bennett MJ,
Dudley J,
Mizia K.
A review of outcomes for patients who require creation of a vagina after a diagnosis of mullerian agenesis and partial vaginal agenesis.
Ovarian cysts in post-pubertal adolescent girls. Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology, RHW. Bennett MJ,
Dudley J,
Mizia K.
A review of presentation, treatment and diagnosis in post-pubertal girls between 12 and 18 years of age.
Outcomes for adolescent pregnancy at RHW. Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology, RHW. Bennett M,
Mizia K.
Case review following the antenatal course for adolescent pregnancies.
Role of a primary surgical approach for stage 1B2 cervical carcinoma. Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Hacker N. Retrospective study looking at the integration of tailored radiation after primary surgery, on survival, morbidity and quality of life.
Risk factors in patients presenting to a gynaecological cancer centre. Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Marsden D. Retrospective view of all patients seen over a two-year period looking at co-existing morbidity in different age groups.
Lymph node metastases in endometrial cancer. Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Robertson G. Retrospective study correlating tumour size, clinical and ultrasonic evaluation of myometrial invasion with lymph node status in endometrial cancer.
Prophylactic oophorectomy for high risk ovarian cancer patients. Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Robertson G. Cohort study of the potential benefits of removing ovaries in women with ovarian cancer, as a preventative measure.
High dose chemotherapy as salvage therapy for advanced ovarian cancer. Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Robertson G. Long term follow up of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Test of cure following treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Campion M. Prospective study comparing human papilloma virus DNA testing with pap smear and colposcopy for prediction of outcome following treatment for CIN.
Adenocarcinoma insitu series (ACIS). Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Campion M. Clinico-pathological study looking at relevant variables relating to the management of ACIS.
Lymphoedema and the role of sentinel node biopsy in the treatment of vulvar cancer. Gynaecological Cancer Centre, RHW. Farrell R. A questionnaire looking at treatment preferences and quality of life in women already treated for early vulvar cancer.
Women’s experiences of vaginal changes following treatment for cervical cancer. Gynaecological Cancer Centre & the Centre for Women’s Health Nursing, RHW. Barlow E,
Stainton C,
Drake S,
Watts S,
Butler E.
This study examines the anatomical and functional changes to the vagina resulting from the treatment for cervical cancer.
Improving bladder outcomes for child-bearing women. Centre for Women’s Health Nursing & clinical units, RHW. Stainton C,
Strahle A,
Fethney J,
Forder WS, Reynolds M, Coleman J,
Jarvis S,
Katz S.
A prospective longitudinal study identified a pattern of bladder function change in women from early pregnancy through to one year following the birth. This pattern provides evidence for when efficacy in preventing or minimising urine leaking as an outcome of child-bearing prevention will be most relevant.
Effect of developmental care of the low birth weight infant on women's health and family function. Centres for Women’s Health Nursing & the Newborn Care, RHW. Prentice M, Stainton C. An exploratory, comparative study was conducted with families to determine the effects of developmental care of preterm infants, on women's health and family life. It illustrated the need for collaboration among nursing and midwifery specialists to reduce the oversights regarding maternal health that can occur with specialised fragmentation of maternal and neonatal intensive infant care.
Women's experiences of two models of antepartum high risk care. Centre for Women’s Health Nursing and the Antenatal and Pregnancy Day Stay Units, RHW. Woodhart L,
Dyer K,
Stainton C,
Lohan M.
A longitudinal study comparing women's experiences in the Pregnancy Day Stay Unit and Antenatal Ward was conducted to gain an understanding of the experience of women in two current models of antepartum high risk care, in order to provide care that is relevant to contemporary women's needs.
Co-bedding of low birth weight twins. Centres for Women’s Health Nursing and Newborn Care, RHW. Jozsa E,
Stainton C, Fethney J.
An exploratory, descriptive study was undertaken to determine infant, parent and nurse response to the co-bedding of low birth weight twins during intensive neonatal care.
Having a baby in Australia: antenatal educational needs of childbearing women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Centre for Women’s Health Nursing, RHW. Stainton C,  Strahle A,
Islam S, Solaiman S.
An analysis of culturally and linguistically diverse women who delivered at the RHW over the last three years, indicated a high incidence of antepartum complication often requiring hospitalisation. The western style of antenatal education currently offered is usually not well understood and accessible to these women due to language and cultural inappropriateness. A culturally specific video was produced to overcome this issue.
Randomised, placebo-controlled, trial of acupressure and nerve stimulation therapy for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Centre for Women’s Health Nursing, RHW. Leader L,
Stainton C,  Henshall N.
This study is comparing the effectiveness of Reliefband™, Sea-Band™ and a placebo band in providing relief to women from the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Women’s experiences of labour induced for post maturity. Centre for Women’s Health Nursing, RHW; University of Sydney. Stainton C, Gatward H,
Strahle A,
Islam S,
Mathew J.
Induction of labour is commonly used when gestation exceeds 42 weeks. A review of the literature indicates very little research has been done on women’s experiences of the process and procedures, therefore little evidence is available to guide clinical care of the women. What is needed is understanding of what being induced means to women, what self-help measures they may use when pregnancy continues to post maturity and what their expectations are of the process and outcomes so that appropriate preparation and planning of care can be done.
Multicultural menopause. Sydney Menopause Centre, and the  Barbara Gross Research Unit, RHW; Multicultural Health Unit, SESIAHS. Eden J. Explores the experiences, attitudes and expectations amongst several ethnic groups in Sydney.
Aphrodite. Sydney Menopause Centre, and the Barbara Gross Research Unit, RHW. Eden J. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of skin patches delivering testosterone in menopausal women with low libido.
Blue Moonstone. Sydney Menopause Centre, and the Barbara Gross Research Unit, RHW. Eden J. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of four different doses of Org 50081 for the treatment of menopause symptoms.
Phytosoya Capsule. Sydney Menopause Centre, and the Barbara Gross Research Unit, RHW. Eden J. Investigation of a soya extract, isoflavones, for the treatment of hot flushes in menopausal women.
Phytosoya Gel. Sydney Menopause Centre, Barbara Gross Research Unit, RHW. Eden J. Investigation of a soya extract, isoflavones, for the treatment of vaginal dryness in menopausal women.
A comparison of four days post-operative analgesia requirements in two groups of caesarean section patients. Acute Pain Relief Service, RHW. Wilson S. The analgesic requirements will be compared for 96 hours post caesarean in patients' whose initial analgesic mode was intrathecal Morphine or epidural Pethidine, to acertain if the initial analgesic mode conveys the need for more or less, as necessary, opiate in each group.
Fetal urethral dilatation using coronary artery balloon catheters: an ovine model for the treatment of incomplete lower urinary tract obstruction. Maternal Fetal Medicine, RHW. Obeidat N,
Ruba J,
Brieger D,
Challis D.
An animal study to investigate surgical techniques for fetal bladder obstruction.
A retrospective review of complicated twin pregnancies treated by a new fetal surgical technique, developed at the Royal Hospital for Women. Maternal Fetal Medicine, RHW. Challis D,
Smolenic J, Obeidat N,
Mc Nally G.
Case series of women treated by laser to placental vessels for severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome. NSW Twin-Twin Transfusion Treatment Group; Maternal Fetal Medicine, RHW. Obeidat N,
Challis D, Smoleniec J,
Welsh A,
Athayde N.
Investigated a new treatment protocol for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
Surveys of the care and treatment of drug dependent women and their babies in maternity hospitals in NSW. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NSW Pregnancy and Newborn Services Network. Craig F,
Oei J,
Lui K.
Statewide surveys were undertaken in 2000 and 2004 regarding illicit drug use during pregnancy and the care of their newborns. Surveys were conducted before and after the release of the NSW management guidelines.
The epidemiology of infants affected by maternal drugs of dependence in NSW. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Leslie Stevens Fund for Newborn Care; Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. Craig F,
Oei J,
Lui K.
This multi-centre audit project involves hospitals in NSW involved in care of families affected by perinatal drugs of dependence.
The neurodevelopment of infants treated as outpatients for the neonatal abstinence syndrome. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Leslie Stevens Fund for Newborn Care; Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. Oei J. Study of the long term neurological development of infants treated as outpatient for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Meconium screening to identify antenatal substance exposure in Australia. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. Oei J,
Naioo D,
Cooke F,
Lui K.
A mass anonymous screening of meconium in newborn babies was undertaken to identify the prevalence of antenatal drugs.
A randomised, controlled, trial of the effect of systemic hypothermia on the outcome of term infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (ICE). Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NHMRC. Oei J, Michalowski J, Lui K.
Chief investigator: Jacobs S, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Multi-centre trial investigating total body cooling for neuroprotection in infants exposed to perinatal asphyxia (restricted oxygen).
International neonatal immunotherapy study: randomised trial of intravenous immunoglobulin for neonatal sepsis. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NHMRC. Michalowski J,
Lui K. Chief investigator: Tarnow-Mordi W, Westmead Hospital.
Multi-centre trial examining whether immunoglobulin given in neonatal sepsis decreases morbidity and mortality.
Comparison of Suxamethonium and Propofol for neonatal endotracheal intubation. Department of Newborn Care, RHW. Ghanta S,
Oei J,
Lui K
This trial will evaluate premedications in endotracheal intubation.
Association between the development of neonatal chronic lung disease and polymorphism in CC16 gene. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. Loughran A,
Oei J,
Lui K.
DNA study of polymorphism in the Clara cell protein gene and its relationship with respiratory presentation in newborn infants.
The influence of gestation and mechanical ventilation on serum pneumoproteins in preterm infants. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Leslie Stevens Fund for Newborn Care; Sydney Childrens Hospital Foundation. Loughran A,
Oei J,
Lui K.
Study of lung proteins in relationship to prematurity and respiratory illnesses and outcome.
Investigation of the effects of the Clara cell function in inflammation induced by TNF (primary cell culture model changed to BEAS-2B lung cell line). Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Sydney Childrens Hospital Foundation. Xu L,
Wang H,
Lui K.
Investigating the role of lung Clara cell in inflammation.
Clara cell secretary protein in modulation of inflammation and cell death. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; Leslie Stevens Fund for Newborn Care; Sydney Childrens Hospital. Adel-Latif ME,
Lin JW,
Lui K.
Investigation of the effects of the recombinant Clara cell protein in inflammation.
Octreotide in the treatment of congenital chylothorax. Department of Newborn Care, RHW. Rasiah SV,
Oei J,
Lui K.
New therapy using somatostatin as treatment of a congenital lung disease.
Pulmonary haemorrhage and cardiac dysfunction in a neonate with medium- chain Acyl CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency. Department of Newborn Care, RHW. Maclean K,
Rasiah V,
Kirk EPE, Carpenter K, Cooper S,
Lui K,
Oei J.
Case report publication of the survival of a critically ill newborn with an inborn error of metabolism.
Epidemiology of necrotising enterocolitis – Part 1: changing regional trends in extremely preterm infants over a span of 14 years. Department of Newborn Care, RHW. Luig M, Lui K. Published report of reducing incidence of a severe intestinal illness in premature babies in NSW over 14 years.
Epidemiology of necrotising enterocolitis – Part II: risks and susceptibility in premature infants during the surfactant
era – a regional study.
Department of Newborn Care, RHW. Luig M, Lui K. Examining the risks of this particular severe intestinal illness in 8,000 premature babies in NSW and ACT over eight years.
Mortality and morbidities amongst very premature infants admitted after-hours in an Australian neonatal intensive care unit network. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NSW & ACT Neonatal Intensive Care Units Study Group. Abdel-Latif ME, Bajuk B,
Oei J,
Lui K.
A study to examine if the mortality and morbidity of sick babies would increase if admitted after hours.
Effects of breast milk on the severity and outcome of neonatal abstinence syndrome among infants of drug dependant mothers. Department of Newborn Care, RHW. Abdel-Latif ME, Pinner J,
Clews S,
Cooke F,
Lui K,
Oei J.
Examines the relationship of breast milk versus formula milk on neonatal illicit drug withdrawal symptoms.
Preterm outcome table: a simple table for counselling parents of very preterm infants. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NSW & ACT Neonatal Intensive Care Units Study Group. Bolisetty S,
Bajuk B,
Abdel-Latif ME, Sutton L,
Lui K.
To summarise outcome information for counselling by obstetrician and others.
Improved outcome of extremely premature outborn infants: the effect of changes in retrieval service and destination. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NSW & ACT Neonatal Intensive Care Units Study Group. Allgood C,
Abdel-Latif ME, Bajuk B,
Oei J,
Lui K.
To examine the difference in outcome of very premature  infants born in non-tertiary hospital neonatal intensive care units.
Does rural or urban residence make a difference to neonatal outcome in premature birth? A regional study in Australia. Department of Newborn Care, RHW; NSW & ACT Neonatal Intensive Care Units Study Group. Abdel-Latif ME, Bajuk B,
Oei J,
Vincent T,
Sutton L,
Lui K.
To examine the accessibility and outcome of neonatal intensive care units' babies from rural residence.