Use of the nicotine patch for smoking cessation in breastfeeding women.
Kristensen JH, Ilett KF, Roberts M, Hackett LP, Hale TW

Approximately 11% of new mothers continue to smoke whilst breastfeeding. This exposes the breastfed infant to nicotine, its metabolite cotinine and carcinogens from cigarette smoke. In this study we are assisting breastfeeding smokers to quit by use of the nicotine patch. The benefits are reduced exposure to nicotine and its metabolite and no exposure to the toxins in cigarette smoke. The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline and involves an international collaboration with Dr TW Hale from the Texas Tech University School of Medicine.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intraperitoneal ropivacaine alone and in combination with pethidine as an intra-operative treatment for pain.
Paech M, Oh TE , Ilett KF, Hackett LP

This collaboration which is drawing samples from both Royal Perth Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital builds on laboratory assay expertise developed during previous projects. Both drugs are administered intraperitoneally during abdominal surgery, and it is hoped that this novel route of administration will result in optimal peri-operative pain control.

Stability of omeprazole sodium and pantoprazole sodium when dissolved in 0.9% w/v saline or 5% w/v glucose for intravenous infusion.
Carpenter J, Dusci LJ, McNulty MA, Ilett KF

This project investigated the pharmaceutical stability of the anti-ulcer drugs omeprazole and pantoprazole when prepared in either normal saline or 5% dextrose for intravenous infusion. The results indicated that normal saline was the preferred diluent and that both drugs were stable for up to 24 hours. The outcome is that infusions will be able to be maintained for 12 hours longer than was previously possible and this change in practice will result in cost savings to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital pharmacy and nursing budgets.

The use of saliva for therapeutic drug monitoring in methadone maintenance.
Wilkinson C, Dyer KR, Ilett KF, Dusci LJ, O'Halloran S

This project is investigating the use of saliva as a matrix for testing for compliance with methadone therapy. Both rapid immunoassay strip tests, and high performance liquid chromatographic methods are being tested and compared. It is a joint collaboration between NextStep (Drug and Alcohol Office of the Western Australian Government), PathWest and the University of Western Australia and seeks to extend our expertise in drug testing to the novel matrix of saliva.

Saliva, a novel matrix for identifying cannabis and methamphetamine use among dependent patients.
Wilkinson C, Dyer KR, Ilett KF, Dusci LJ, O'Halloran S

This project is using new rapid immunoassay strip tests to identify drug use. It is a joint collaboration between NextStep (Drug and Alcohol Office of the Western Australian Government), PathWest and the University of Western Australia . The project will also develop GC-MS methods for confirmation of these drugs. The results will be important for the development of future routine tests that may be offered by PathWest Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Drink spiking in Perth , Western Australia .
Quigley P, Guest S, Dusci LJ, Ilett KF, O'Halloran S

Drink spiking is a significant problem for the police in Western Australia . Utilising expertise and resources from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital , The University of Western Australia, The Police Department of Western Australia and PathWest, the project is examining the incidence of drink spiking in Perth . The laboratory is assisting by identifying ketamine, benzodiazepines, gamma-hydroxy butyrate and alcohol in specimens taken from alleged drink spike victims.

Stability of bupivacaine, morphine and hydromorphine in implanted intrathecal drug delivery devices.
Goucke CR, Dusci LJ , Van Leeuwen S, Fairclough D, Ilett KF

The aim of this study is to determine the pharmaceutical stability of bupivacaine, morphine and hydromorphone when co-formulated in infusates for use in implanted intrathecal drug delivery devices. Data collected to date show that all three drugs have excellent pharmaceutical stability over a mean of 28 days at body temperature. The results are important for optimal management of drug therapy in outpatients attending the Sir Charles Gairdner Hosptial Pain Clinic.

The safety and efficacy of the novel inhaled nitric oxide donor, diethylenetriamine nitric oxide (DETA/NO), as a selective pulmonary vasodilator.
Lam CF, Filion P , Caterina P, Van Heerden PV, Ilett KF

This study is a PhD project (CFL) investigating the use of DETA/NO as a selective pulmonary vasodilator. Aspects of the basic pharmacology, animal and human toxicology and human therapeutic application of the compound have been investigated.