Platelet Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease Following Paediatric Burns

Why This Research Matters

Long-term population health data shows that children (and adults) who experience a burn injury are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life.

Researchers believe burns may cause ongoing changes in blood vessels and platelets (blood cells involved in clotting), leading to long-term inflammation that could contribute to heart disease.

Who Can Take Part?

Participants must be:

Aged 10–16 years, and either be:

Currently receiving burn care at Perth Children’s Hospital, or
A healthy volunteer with no history of burn injury.

Who Cannot Take Part?

You cannot participate if you are:

Aged 10–16 years, and:

Have a platelet or thrombotic disorder, cardiovascular disease, an immunodeficiency, a metabolic disorder, or cognitive impairment affecting consent.
Are currently using anti-platelet or anticoagulant medications.
Have any condition where blood collection is unsafe (including blood thinning medication or haemophilia).

What does participation involve?

Location

Sample collection takes place at the University of Western Australia School of Sport and Exercise Science, located near Perth Children’s Hospital.

Duration

Appointments usually begin between 7:00–9:00am (with flexibility available).
Each visit takes approximately 45 minutes.

What You Will Do

Participants are asked to:

Fast before the appointment.
Provide a small blood sample.
Have an ultrasound of an artery in the arm.

Optional: Hair and/or urine samples may also be provided to help identify additional cardiovascular biomarkers.

Appointment Schedule

Healthy volunteers (no burn injury):

One appointment only.

Participants with a burn injury:

Two appointments at 4 weeks and 6 weeks after injury.

If you want any further information concerning this project or to discuss your participation, please contact Dr Blair Johnson.

0459 438 160

blair.johnson@uwa.edu.au

Participation Information Sheets and Consent Forms

Burn Injury Group

Parent Information Sheet and Consent Form

Burn Injury Group

Download Sheet

Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form

Burn Injury Group

Download Sheet

Uninjured Participants – Control Group

Parent Information Sheet/Consent Form

Control Group

Download Sheet

Participant Information Sheet/Consent Form

Control Group

Download Sheet

Ethics Approval

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).