SBHAC is pleased to announce that the successful applicant for our 2017 grant was Dr. Adrienne L. Davis for her 2 year research project titled Sonographic Change in Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Optic Disc Evaluation as predictors of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Obstruction in children. The study involves using a new technique for detecting high brain pressure using ultrasound measurements of the nerve that travels from the brain to the eye. The project explores whether change from those baseline measurements can predict shunt obstruction when patients show symptoms of possible shunt blockage.

Co-investigators on the project are Dr. Abhaya Kulkarni, Dr. Mark Tessaro, Dr. Magali Gauthey and Nurse Practitioner Sara Breitbart.

• How should we talk about weight-related issues in spina bifida consultations? PDF
• Simulation based training for endoscopic third ventriculostomy.   PDF

2005

• Risk of Neural Tube Defects in Association with Elevated C-Reactive Protein – Dr. J. Ray

2004

•  Maternal Diabetes Mellitus and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects;
•  Maternal Ethnicity and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects

2002-2005

• “Developmental Issues Related to Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport and the Importance of the Extracranial Lymphatic System” This award has been granted for 3 years. This award is offered in partnership with SBHAC based on a 1:1 funding ratio with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

2001

•  Eye Movement Abnormalities and Cerebellar Dysmorphology in Children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

2000

•  A Mechanical Investigation into the causes of Spina Bifida
•  The Effects of Physical Activity and Bisphosphonate Supplementation on the Prevention and Reduction of “Secondary” Handicaps in Children with Spina Bifida

1999

•  Developmental changes in CSF clearance mechanisms; relevance to pediatric hydrocephalus.
•  “Self-Esteem and Social Support: Strengthening the Social Relationships of Young People with Spina Bifida”

1998

•  No grants awarded

1997

•  Identification of the Primary Lesion of the Spina Bifida and attempt to induce axonal growth using Polymer Matrix.
•  Neural Tube Defects and Homocysteine Metabolism.

1996

•  Renal Risk Project.
•  Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transformation in Secondary Neurulation.
•  Surgical Correction of Congenital Kyphosis and the Effects of Cordotomy on Bowel and Bladder Function in Myelomingocele.
•  Toward Improved Diagnosis of Visual Learning Problems in Children with Hydrocephalus.

1995

•  Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transformation in Secondary Neurulation.
•  Timing Functions of the Cerebellum: Their Role in Motor & Language Skills with Children with Hydrocephalus.
•  The Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Design Trial.
•  Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children with Myelomeningocele.

1994

•  Expression Analysis of Vertebrate E (spl) Gene Homologues.
•  Neural Tube Defects in the B.C. Sikh Population.
•  Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children with Myelomeningocele.
•  Conversational Patterns in Children with Myelomeningocele & Hydrocephalus.
•  Development of the Father-Infant Relationship with an Infant who has Spina Bifida.

1993

•  Does Amniotic Fluid Damage the Fetal Spinal Cord?
•  Molecular Genetic Basis for Spina Bifida.
•  Measuring Functional Outcome of Spine Surgery in Children with Spina Bifida.

1992

•  Morbidity and Mortality in Hydrocephalic Children Associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Valves: Slit & Core or Ball & Spring.
•  Differentiation Waves During Formation of the Nervous System.
•  Assessment of Methods for Rapid Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections in Children with Meningomyelocele.
•  Molecular Genetics Basis for Spina Bifida.
•  Support and Burden of Mothers of Children with Spina Bifida.

1991

•  Comparison of Normal and Abnormal Neural Tube Closure.
•  Mechanical Properties of Developing Neural Plate.
•  Glucose Utilization in Neonatal Hydrocephalus.
•  The Use of Stomach in Creating a Urinary Sphincter.

1990

•  Mineral Analysis of Anencephalic Tissue and Control Tissue.
•  The Effects of: (i) Experimentally Induced Hydrocephalus on the Cerebral Cortex and (ii) Vasopressin on Brain Water Content and Intracranial Pressure.
•  Rotating Microscope for Observing Neurulation.
•  Comparison of Bacterieurea in Subjects using Intermittent Catheterization: Sterile Catheters Versus Clean Reused Catheters.
•  Gastric Muscularis as Physiological Urinary Sphincter.

1989

•  The Effects of: (I) Experimentally induced Hydrocephalus on the Cerebral Cortex and (ii) Vasopressin on Brain Water Content and Intracranial Pressure. (2nd year of 3 year project)
•  Early Brain Development. (3rd year)
•  Chronic in vivo Evaluation of CSF Shunt Function in a Hydrophalic Model.
•  Investigation of the Symplahtetic Nervous System in Myelodysplasia and its Relation to Vesico-Urethral Dysfunction.
•  Identification of Genes Selectively Expressed in the Neuroectoderm of Amphibians During Neurulation.

1988

•  The Effects of: (I) Experimentally induced Hydrocephalus on the Cerebral Cortex and (ii) Vasopressin on Brain Water Content and Intracranial Pressure. (1st year of 3 year project)
•  Development of the Neural Tube. (2nd year)
•  Study of the Surgical Release of Tethered Cords.
•  Myelomeningocele Clinic Data Collection.

1987

•  Mechanics of Early Neurulation. (1st year)
•  To Assess the Long Term Neurological, Orthopaedic and Urological Consequences of the Surgical Release of Tethered Cords in Myelomeningocele Children.