Hunter researchers are inviting pregnant women with asthma to participate in an important study which aims to improve the health of women and their unborn babies.
The Managing Asthma in Pregnancy (MAP) study is investigating how best to manage and treat asthma during pregnancy. The study is already underway at John Hunter Hospital and will be launched at Maitland Hospital today.
Researchers from the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health, in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute's (HMRI) Viruses, Infections/Immunity, Vaccines and Asthma Research Program, will compare the current asthma treatment with a new management strategy for asthma in pregnancy.
"One third of pregnant women experience a severe asthma attack during pregnancy, which can impact on the mother's health as well as the health of her unborn child," said National Health and Medical Research Council Respiratory Research Fellow, Dr Vanessa Murphy from the University of Newcastle.
"It is important to find ways to lower the high rate of asthma attacks in pregnancy. The MAP study has the potential to greatly improve the health and quality of life for pregnant women with asthma, and lead to a better outcome for their babies."
Women with asthma who are less than 20 weeks pregnant and are over 18 years of age are invited to join the study. Participation will involve attending monthly visits at Maitland Hospital or John Hunter Hospital to assess and review their asthma and treatment.
For more information about the MAP study, women can contact one of the MAP study team on 4921 4963.
HMRI is a partnership between Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle and the community.
Vision opportunity at Maitland Hospital - 10.00am to 11:30am
Vision of Dr Murphy with a pregnant woman involved in the MAP study can be arranged at Maitland Hospital today between 10:00am and 11:30am. Please meet Tanya Carlyle (0428 112 028) from Hunter New England Health in the main foyer of Maitland Hospital.
Interview opportunity - Dr Murphy is available for interview via phone all day. Contact Robbie Macaulay to arrange a time.
