Fed: Govt funds asthma research

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2007
Fed: Govt funds asthma research

CANBERRA, April 22 AAP - The federal government will fund research aimed at preventing
health complications in babies whose mothers suffer asthma.

Health Minister Tony Abbott said the government would provide $590,000 to the Hunter
Medical Research Institute in NSW for research into the effects of maternal asthma on
the growth and survival of infants.

"Researchers have found that maternal asthma during pregnancy affects human foetal
growth, with males more at risk than females," Mr Abbott said.

"Complications include placental insufficiency, pre-eclampsia, infection, intra-uterine
growth restriction and pre-term delivery.

"This project will help researchers better understand under what conditions the human
foetus is at risk and will ultimately contribute to knowledge about better treatment and
management of asthma."

Mr Abbott said asthma was Australia's most widespread chronic health problem, affecting
more than two million people.

AAP jb/cp/cdh

KEYWORD: ASTHMA

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