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Summer studentships’ health research results

Thursday 28 January 2010

Students from the University of Otago, Christchurch, and other tertiary institutions, will present the results of their medical research over the summer (10 weeks) on Friday January 29 in the Rolleston Lecture Theatre (9am-3pm).

The 46 summer studentships are supported by sponsors with a grant of $5000 for each student. This is the first chance for many medical and science students to experience health research under the supervision of a clinician or scientist, and to encourage the most promising students to consider a research career.

Three prizes of $500 each from the Lions Club of Selwyn, Christchurch Radiology Group and Canterbury Scientific Ltd, are awarded for the best presentations in the categories of community, clinical and laboratory research. A further prize of $500 for the best overall presentation from the above categories has been donated by the Canterbury Branch of NZ Federation of Graduate Women.

The Canterbury Medical Research Foundation has donated a prize of $500 for the best written abstract, and also sponsored 6 studentships.

Prizes will be awarded at the University of Otago, Christchurch academic inauguration on Friday February 12 at 5.30pm in the Rolleston Lecture Theatre.

Some studies are highlighted below. Summaries of results and student/supervisor contacts are available, as is the programme for Friday’s presentations.

The effect of inflammatory bowel disease on quality of life.
Student: Bryce Jackson
Supervisors: Associate Professor Richard Gearry, Professor Murray Barclay
Sponsor: Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust

This study showed that in general people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience a worse quality of life (QOL) than healthy individuals, with more days away from work/normal activities. On the positive side though, for many people with IBD their QOL is equivalent to healthy individuals.
Analysis also revealed several sub groups of IBD patients who are more likely to experience a reduced QOL relative to healthy people and other IBD patients. This refers to reduced activities, and difficulties in communicating and socialising. This finding may indicate the need for change of treatment strategy. By identifying these at-risk patients at diagnosis, treatment and resources can be directed towards preventing IBD disease characteristics that result in a reduced QOL.

Is the routine treatment of young women with CIN2 necessary? A retrospective study of outcome in women under the age of 25 with CIN2 managed conservatively
Student: Bree McAllum
Supervisors: Dr Peter Sykes, Dr Helene Macnab
Sponsor: The Cancer Society, Canterbury/West Coast Division

This study involved the review of colposcopy databases at Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland Hospitals examining the outcome of young women who had moderate pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix (CIN2) and were treated conservatively. The results of the study show that 62% of the women regressed to a lower grade lesion or normal if they received no treatment within four months of CIN2 diagnosis. This is likely to be an underestimation of the true regression rate. The study concludes that conservative management for selected patients appears to be a reasonable alternative in conjunction with follow-up visits, although further studies are recommended.

Exploring the experiences of Maori patients and whanau living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) within the CDHB region.
Student: John Armstrong
Supervisors: Mrs Tania Huria, Dr Suzanne Pitama, Professor Kelvin Lynn
Sponsor: Rapaki Branch of the Maori Women’s Welfare League

Five Maori participants between 23 and 66 years with CKD were interviewed in depth for this study, three of whom were on kidney dialysis. Three of the five were being also being treated for diabetes.
Participants commented that access to transport, distance from the hospital and cost of travel were barriers to care. Lack of space for carers and medical jargon were also problems, as was late stage diagnoses. All participants praised clinical staff for their treatment and cultural respect.
All participants commented on the extra burden that their illness placed on their whanau, but that their condition encouraged whanau to engage in a healthier lifestyle. All participants expressed concern at the level of information and education about CKD they received in the early stages of the disease.

Outcomes after fast-track colorectal surgery in Christchurch Hospital
Student: Stephanie Savage
Supervisors: Mr Greg Robertson and Mr Tim Eglinton
Sponsor: Health Sciences Divisional Summer Scholarships

This study compared outcomes in 80 patients treated for colorectal cancer by a fast track pathway, or enhanced recovery post surgery (ERPS), and conventional management of 160 surgical colorectal patients. Results show patients managed by the fast-track pathway implemented in Christchurch since 2008 had a shorter hospital stay and faster return of gut function. The study also showed improved outcomes in the patients who had laparoscopic or ‘key-hole’surgery, and this may have contributed to improved outcomes in patients who went through the fast-track pathway.

What are the benefits or costs of tight glycaemic control? A clinical analysis of the practical outcomes
Student: Leesa Pfeifer
Supervisors: Dr Geoffrey Shaw, Professor Geoffrey Chase
Sponsor: Canterbury Medical Research Foundation/The George Rolleston Award

This study looked at the costs and benefits of more closely controlling blood sugar levels in ICU patients. It is well established that high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) are characteristic of many ICU patients and that this causes them to deteriorate and slows recovery. Doctors at Christchurch Hospital and Engineers at the University of Canterbury have designed a new method to more accurately control blood sugar levels in ICU patients (SPRINT). The results of this study show clear cost savings of $959 per patient where SPRINT was used to control blood sugar levels, or $345,363 per year. With diabetic ICU patients the savings were $144,519 per year. On SPRINT patients have less organ failure, get better faster and can be transferred to a high dependency unit sooner, saving significant direct and indirect costs to the health system.

For further information contact:
Virginia Irvine
Research Manager
University of Otago, Christchurch
Tel: 03 364 0038
Virginia.irvine@otago.ac.nz
www.uoc.otago.ac.nz

For a list of Otago experts available for media comment, please go to:
www.otago.ac.nz/mediaexpertise

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