ASBAH past and current sponsored Research projects

ASBAH's past research projects include:

Professor Jim Stevenson, University of Southampton, Department of Psychology.

  1. The Developmental, Behavioural and Psychological Characteristics associated with Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida in Middle Childhood.
    A growing area of concern to ASBAH is the development of children with hydrocephalus, and how to overcome the educational and psychological problems apparent to parents and teachers.
    This three-year study will integrate information on the psychological and behavioural characteristics of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and identify the impng components of executive function and testing cognitive abilities.
    The research will identify the actions and approaches that are successful in helping children with hydrocephalus, their carers and teachers cope with their developmental challenges. ASBAH has sponsored the research at a cost of £164,761.
  2. A Study of the Cognitive Basis for Educational Problems in young Adolescents with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
    This related one-year study of young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus aged 12 to 16 years will establish the nature of educational and psychological difficulties they experience. A range of neuropsychological and educational tests will be used.
    The research will also focus on the relationship between educational attainment and psychological adjustment, self-esteem and social skills. The views and concerns of the young people, parents and teachers will be ascertained. The research will help to establish effec­tive methods of intervention. ASBAH has received funding from the SWAP Ball Committee to support this study at a cost of £47,701.

 

Dr Roger Bayston City Hospital, Nottingham, and University of Nottingham.

Research into Cerebro-Spinal Fluid Shunts.

Children and adults with hydro­cephalus have a valve or 'shunt' inserted to the head to remove excess fluid which causes pressure.

Infection and blockage can occur rapidly and can be fatal if not diagnosed early. Dr Bayston's research will be concentrating on two main areas:

  1. Research into Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infection in Cerebro-Spinal Fluid Shunts
    It is often difficult for even a special­ist to distinguish between a shunt infection and another problem with similar symptoms, and conventional laboratory tests are not conclusive.
    Dr Bayston has been studying the antibodies produced in infections and developing a blood test for reliable diagnosis.
  2. Treatment of CSF Shunt Infections
    Treatment for shunt infection involves surgical removal of the shunt.
    Dr Bayston is pioneering techniques and drugs which allow treatment of infection in such a way that shunt removal may not be necessary.
    This will reduce the need for surgery, reducing risks and costs. ASBAH is supporting the latest stages of this re­search at a cost of £23,000

 

Dr G M Hunt, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

The Survival and Health of 30-year-old Adults born with Open Spina Bifida.

ASBAH is giving extended support for this long-term study of the progress and health of 117 consecutive newborn babies with spina bifida in the Cambridge area.

This study has attracted international interest in its findings on the condition, its effects on individuals, and its social and economic implications.

The study records the health of survivors, all main treatments and procedures, achievements in terms of independence, mobility and employment, and major events such as marriage and childbearing. Causes of death are recorded in the cases of non-survivors.

ASBAH has supported the costs of this research, at its 30-year stage, of £1,000.

Dr M D Lucock, Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Leeds.

The Character of Intraerythrocyte Folate Species: Implications for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects.

Folic acid is known to be an impor­tant vitamin in pregnancy, for the prevention of spina bifida but the reasons for this are not fully known. Lack of folate in the bloodstream is known to be connected with spina bifida conceptions. This research analyses the complex types of folate in the blood cells of women who have experienced neural tube defect pregnancies, compared with those of unaffected women.

The study is examining evidence that a metabolic defect may lead to abnormal folate status. Techniques have been developed to assess differences in the types of folates present. A blood-screening test will be developed to identify women at risk of a neural tube defect pregnancy.

ASBAH has supported this research at a cost of £32,495

Professor S C Robson, Department of Obstetrics and Neonatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, and University of Newcastle.

Outcome of Prenatally Detected Mild / Moderate Cerebral Ven triculomegaly.

In hydrocephalus, the cerebral ventricles of the unborn infant become enlarged by the pressure of cerebro- spinal fluid, a condition which can be detected by ultrasound scans. Parents then need specialised advice, particu­larly when the abnormality is mild or moderate, as to the possible outcome of the pregnancy.

This study is following the progress of a group of 100 children to the age of two years to see whether antenatal scan results can be a predictor of future developmental progress.

ASBAH, with support from Glaxo Wellcome pic, is supporting Professor Robson's research at a cost of £18,500.

Dr John P McCann, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast.

The Chiari / Hydro -syringomyelia Complex in Adults with Spina Bifida.

The Chiari / Hydrosyringomyelia complex is a combination of features including the Chiari malformations, syringomyelia and hydromyelia, which affect some people with spina bifida. Fluid accumulates in cavities around the spinal cord causing distension and a range of symptoms including pain and neurological deterioration.

This study is designed to discover more about this progressive condition in adults, at a stage before symptoms arise, through MRI scans and neurological assessments of 100 randomly selected patients.

This prospective study will inform decisions on the timing and nature of early surgical treatment to prevent neurological deterioration.

ASBAH is supporting this two-year project at a total cost of £9,600