This study aims to understand why some children experience cardiovascular disease after a burn so that we can create treatments that prevent the disease from developing.
When we look at population health outcomes over many years we have discovered that children (and adults) who have a burn injury are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (also known as heart disease) in the years following their injury. We think that burns may have a prolonged impact on blood vessels and platelets (a type of blood cell) that could lead to long-term inflammation of the blood vessels and cause heart disease.
This study, a collaboration between the Fiona Wood Foundation and UWA’s Cardiovascular Research Group, will examine the function of platelets and blood vessels in children with a burn, and compare them to children who have not experienced a burn injury.
To participate in this study, you (or your child) must be 10-16 years old, and either currently attending Perth Children’s Hospital for treatment of a burn injury OR a healthy [no prior burn injuries] volunteer.
Any potential participants must also NOT have any of the following conditions:
- Platelet/thrombotic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immunodeficiency, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment (affecting ability to understand and consent to participation).
- Currently prescribed anti-platelet/anticoagulant medications
- Conditions where blood collection isn’t safe (eg. blood thinning medication, haemophilia)
Location:
- Sample collection is conducted at UWA’s School of Sports and Exercise Science, located near Perth Children’s Hospital.
Duration:
- Appointments are typically commenced between 7-9am but the research team is flexible.
- Each session takes approximately 45 minutes.
What is Involved:
- Before the appointment the participant will need to fast.
- A small blood collection.
- An ultrasound of an artery in the arm.
- Optional: You may provide a hair and/or urine sample to help identify additional biomarkers related to cardiovascular outcomes.
Uninjured Volunteers:
- Only one appointment is required.
Participants with a Burn Injury:
- Two appointments are required, at 4 weeks and 6 weeks after the burn injury.
Burn Injury Group
Parent Information Sheet & Consent Form – Burn Injury Group | CLICK HERE
Participant Information Sheet & Consent Form – Burn Injury Group | CLICK HERE
Uninjured Participants - Comparison Group
Parents Information Sheet/Consent Form – Control Group | CLICK HERE
Participant Information Sheet/Consent Form – Control Group| CLICK HERE
If you want any further information concerning this project or to discuss your particpation please contact Dr Blair Johnson
Email: blair.johnson@uwa.edu.au
Phone: 0459 438 160
About Me
Blair is an early career medical researcher focused on the long-term physiological changes caused by burn injuries. After completing a PhD at UWA in 2023 with support from the Fiona Wood Foundation, Blair continues as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Foundation. Blair’s research uses samples from a growing paediatric biobank to explore how burn injuries disrupt the immune system and contribute to other diseases. Additionally, Blair is investigating the link between burn injuries and cardiovascular disease, working on both clinical studies and developing a pre-clinical laboratory model to test potential interventions.
Research Focus Area / Expertise:
Immunology; Platelet Biology; Physiological Impacts of Burn Injury
All research in Australia involving humans is reviewed by an independent group of people called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The ethical aspects of this research project have been approved by the HREC of the Child and Adolescent Health Service (RGS6700). This project will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023). This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies
The Platelet dysfunction and cardiovascular disease following paediatric burns study has been approved by Child and Adolescent Health Service ethics committee | Approval number: RGS0000006700 | Date: 11/09/2024 (v1.2)