Research Projects
Gynaecology
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Finding a less invasive way to treat uterine fibroids
Clinical problem
Uterine fibroids affect 20 to 40 per cent of women over the age of 35, with side effects such as severe pain, bleeding and constipation. The only treatment available has been removing the fibroids or removing the entire uterus (called a hysterectomy). Both options are invasive operations requiring a general anaesthetic, a hospital stay and time off work during a painful recovery.The study
Our research is trialling an alternative treatment - uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) - performed by a specially trained interventional radiologist. The procedure involves injecting a material that will ‘block’ the blood vessels that supply the fibroid. Once starved of blood and oxygen, the fibroids die and shrink, alleviating the symptoms.Ultimate aim
The aim of this project is to test the safety and efficacy of this technique. It may then be offered as an alternative treatment for patients with uterine fibroids in a non-invasive day procedure not requiring ‘surgery’ or a general anaesthetic, with a faster, less painful recovery.
Researchers
Dr Graham Tronc, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr John Clouston, Interventional Radiologist
Dr Julie Lindstrom, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist -
Infectious causes of infertility
Clinical problem
In small preliminary studies researchers detected bacteria and viruses in the fluid surrounding eggs collected from the ovaries of some women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). These women had a lower successful pregnancy rate and higher miscarriage rate than women with uninfected fluid. However, a much larger study needs to be done to determine if these outcomes are significant.The study
The aim of the study is to examine the presence of bacteria and viruses in the fluid surrounding eggs collected from the ovaries of about 1000 women undergoing ART, and to compare the rate of successful pregnancy between positive and negative infections. This will indicate whether infection is a significant cause of infertility. Infected women will then be treated with antimicrobials to determine whether this treatment improves the ART outcomes for these patients.Ultimate aim
The information gained from this project may lead to diagnostic tests for the rapid detection of upper genital tract infections in infertile women and thus to earlier treatment.
Researchers
Dr John Allan, Gynaecologist and Director of Reproductive Health
Dr Christine Knox, Lecturer, Microbiology
Associate Professor John Aaskov, Associate Professor, Virology
Project Partners
Queensland University of Technology
Wesley Monash IVF -
Is an immune response to Chlamydia proteins associated with infertility in women?
Clinical problem
Chronic Chlamydial infection of the female urogenital tract is a common cause of infertility from scarring of the fallopian tube by the immune response to infection. Thus identifying the mechanisms leading to pathological outcomes is important.The study
The researchers have identified three ‘stress response proteins’ that may be of significance in persistent Chlamydial infections, and the current project will determine whether the immune response to these three Chlamydial antigens is significantly associated with infertility. The type of immune response stimulated will also be determined.Ultimate aim
If any, or all, of the three Chlamydial antigens is involved in the pathological immune response this information could be used to develop diagnostic or therapeutic tools to diagnose and treat Chlamydial infections and prevent tissue damage.
Researchers
Dr John Allan
Dr Wilhelmina Huston
Prof Peter Timms
Dr Joe Debattista
Project Partners
Wesley Monash IVF
IHBI – Queensland University of Technology
Queensland Health -
Bacteria in upper urogeniotal tract of women decrease success of assisted reproduction
Clinical problem
Assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment is complicated and expensive. In a previous study supported by The Wesley Research Institute the researchers detected bacteria and viruses in follicular fluid and fallopian tubes in women undergoing ART who subsequently experienced lower pregnancy and miscarriage rates than uninfected women.The study
During an ART treatment cycle, eggs and follicular fluid are collected aseptically prior to insemination in vitro. The follicular fluid is normally discarded, however in the current study the researchers will test the fluid for the presence of bacteria and viruses and for the presence of cytokines, which are chemical mediators produced in response to an infection. They will then determine if elevated cytokine levels are associated with infection and adverse ART outcomes.Ultimate aim
If a cytokine is associated with infection and adverse ART outcomes, then routine cytokine testing of follicular fluid could identify women at risk of adverse ART outcomes and appropriate anti-microbials administered.
Researchers
Dr John Allan
Dr Christine Knox
Prof Ken Beagley
Dr Rohini Edirisinghe
Dr Christina Theodoropoulos
Dr Paul Burrell
Project Partners
Wesley Monash IVF
IHBI – Queensland University of Technology
Queensland Government -
Preventing bleeding with inter-uterine devices
Clinical problem
An inter-uterine device (IUD) called Mirena® is beneficial to women in providing contraception and relief from heavy menstrual bleeding. However, approximately 10% of women still have light bleeding with this device. This study will investigate intervention consisting of short courses of oral oestrogens and oral doxycycline to prevent this bleeding.The study
The study consists of a randomised placebo-controlled trial of a five day course of the Interventions in women who have requested removal of the Mirena® device for prolonged bleeding after six months of use.Ultimate aim
The benefit of the study is that it may be able to demonstrate a simple intervention which can allow women to continue the use of the Mirena® device and thus avoid surgery.
Researchers
Dr Melissa Buttini, Wesley
Dr Fiona Haines, Healthy Women, Indooroopilly
