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Research
Clinical Predictors of Longitudinal Respiratory Exacerbation Outcomes in Young Hospitalised ChildrenRespiratory infection and wheezing illness are leading causes of hospitalisation in childhood, placing a significant burden on families and healthcare systems. However, reliably distinguishing children at risk of developing persistent disease from those likely to outgrow their symptoms remains a clinical challenge. Earlier identification would allow clinicians to focus care and resources on those most likely to benefit from long-term management, while reducing anxiety and uncertainty about the future for families.
Research
Marked Variation in Paediatric Problematic Severe Asthma Services Across Australia and New ZealandAsthma affects > 10% of children in Australia and New Zealand (NZ), with up to 5% of those having severe disease, presenting a management challenge. We aimed to survey tertiary paediatric respiratory services across Australia and NZ using a custom-designed questionnaire, to conduct a cross-sectional observational study of the numbers of children with problematic severe asthma seen, the number treated with biologic therapy, outpatient clinic/multidisciplinary team services available, investigations and tools routinely used and approaches utilised for transition to adult care.
Research
Adipose tissue in the small airways: How much is enough to drive functional changes?Obesity is a contributing factor to asthma severity; while it has long been understood that obesity is related to greater asthma burden, the mechanisms though which this occurs have not been fully elucidated. One common explanation is that obesity mechanically reduces lung volume through accumulation of adipose tissue external to the thoracic cavity.
Research
Angiogenesis-associated pathways play critical roles in neonatal sepsis outcomesNeonatal sepsis is a major cause of childhood mortality. Limited diagnostic tools and mechanistic insights have hampered our abilities to develop prophylactic or therapeutic interventions. Biomarkers in human neonatal sepsis have been repeatedly identified as associated with dysregulation of angiopoietin signaling and altered arachidonic acid metabolism.

News & Events
The Kids researchers named finalists in 2024 Premier’s Science AwardsFive The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers and a popular Institute-led science festival for kids have been named as finalists in the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards.
Research
Development of a Symptom-Based Tool for Screening of Children at High Risk of Preschool AsthmaDespite advances in asthma therapeutics, the burden remains highest in preschool children; therefore, it is critical to identify primary care tools that distinguish preschool children at high risk for burdensome disease for further evaluation.
Research
Biodiesel feedstock determines exhaust toxicity in 20% biodiesel: 80% mineral diesel blendsTo address climate change concerns, and reduce the carbon footprint caused by fossil fuel use, it is likely that blend ratios of renewable biodiesel with commercial mineral diesel fuel will steadily increase, resulting in biodiesel use becoming more widespread.

Portable equipment is available to enable bedside and community-led research in rural and remote communities, including Indigenous communities where children are disproportionately affected by chronic respiratory conditions.

News & events at Walyan Respiratory Research Centre.

News & Events
Wal-yan researchers to present at largest respiratory meeting in the worldA large contingent of researchers from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre are heading to Spain in September to participate in the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress – the largest respiratory meeting in the world.