research

Current Research

The Foundation is currently funding four research projects.

1. Cerebal Palsy

The Multicentre European Cerebral Palsy Study. This study which has been on-going for the last six years involves eight centres across Europe (Dublin, Edinburgh, Helsinki, Lisbon, London (2 centres), Stockholm and Tubingen. The aim of the study is to identify potential causes of cerebral palsy which might lead to preventive work.

2. Autism and Epilepsy

The Autism and Epilepsy Study. About 50% of children with autism develop epilepsy. Some have this from the start of the condition but in many children it develops later and may not occur until early adolescence. The researchers are reviewing the autism diagnosis and the diagnosis of epilepsy and examining children with both conditions and another group who have autism only. The notion is that those children who don’t have epilepsy may have a different form of autism to those who do.

3. Human Placenta

Placental Cell turnover: time to translate knowledge to therapy.Professor Ian Baker and Professor Alan Crocker. The main aim of this study is to carry forward the researcher's past findings on exaggerated cell turnover of placentas of complicated and growth restricted pregnancy using modern techniques to counteract these pathological events. Success in these endeavours will provide proof of concept for placental gene therapy and bring researchers closer to influencing and optimising placenta efficiency in utero which will have a huge impact on current obstetric practice.

4. Infantile Spasms

ICISS Research Project (Randomised Controlled Trail in Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome)).Prof John Osborne. Background Infantile Spasms which comprise a severe seizure disorder have a high morbidity and are difficult to treat. This study aims to compare the effects of vigabractrin with those prednisolone and tetracosactide in treatment of spasms. This is the second largest randomised trail ever undertaken.