Mcmaster University

This large trial tested whether a lower-chloride fluid (Ringer's Lactate) reduces death and kidney injury compared to standard saline in 1,113 adults with septic shock. Participants received either fluid within 6 hours of hospital arrival. The study aims to settle a long-standing…

This study tested a program to help older adults (70+) who take 5 or more medications reduce their pill burden safely. Participants worked with a pharmacist and their family doctor to pause or lower doses of unnecessary drugs, focusing on what matters most to the patient. The goa…

This study looked at whether dupilumab, a drug that blocks certain immune signals, can reduce signs of autoimmunity in the airways of people with severe asthma. 30 patients were followed for 4 months. The goal was to see if this approach could help those who don't get better with…

This study tested tezepelumab, a monoclonal antibody, in 27 adults with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. The goal was to see if it improves lung function and reduces airway inflammation and blockages. Participants received either tezepelumab or a placebo, and researchers u…

This phase 3 trial tested mepolizumab, a drug that targets eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), in 18 COPD patients with eosinophilic bronchitis. The goal was to see if it reduces eosinophil levels in the airways and lowers the risk of severe flare-ups. Participants received…

This study tested whether giving melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, could prevent delirium (sudden confusion) in elderly patients after major non-cardiac surgery. Researchers enrolled 88 patients aged 65 and older across multiple hospitals. The goal was to see if a larger trial …

This study compares two common opioids, morphine and hydromorphone, to see which provides better pain relief with less nausea and vomiting after same-day surgeries. About 400 adults undergoing procedures like gallbladder removal or hernia repair will receive one of the two drugs …

This study tested whether changing the amount (volume) of a numbing medicine called ropivacaine affects pain relief after abdominal surgery. 31 patients having a total abdominal hysterectomy received one of three different volumes injected into the abdominal wall. The goal was to…

This study looked at 252 adults with chronic low back pain to find the best volume and dose of local anesthetic when combined with a steroid in epidural injections. Participants received one of four dosing combinations over three injections in 12 months. Researchers measured pain…

This study tested whether giving multiple doses of gabapentin before and after total knee replacement surgery can reduce the amount of morphine needed for pain. 101 adults having elective knee replacement took part. The goal was to see if gabapentin could lower pain and morphine-…

This study tested a virtual reality app called StoryTelling Medicine (STM) to see if it could reduce anxiety in children aged 8–13 before elective surgery. The app guides kids through hospital settings in a fun, interactive way. Researchers measured anxiety, heart rate, and stres…

This study tested whether gabapentin, a drug for nerve pain, could reduce the need for morphine after hip replacement surgery. 103 adults received either gabapentin or a placebo before and for three days after surgery. The main goal was to see how much morphine they used, along w…

This study looked at how the brain processes pain in people with fibromyalgia compared to healthy individuals. Researchers tested whether a non-invasive procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain, could reduce pain …

This study tested whether a new type of brain stimulation, called controlled transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTMS), can reduce pain and improve daily function in people with painful diabetic neuropathy. Twenty adults with the condition received either real or sham cTMS over fi…

This study tested a light and laser device (photo-biomodulation) on the wound of 180 women after planned C-sections. The goal was to see if using the device twice a day could reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers. Researchers measured pain during movement and after six …

This small pilot study tested whether a 4-week course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce nerve pain and improve quality of life in 18 adults with diabetic neuropathy. Participants received rTMS and were monitored using questionnaires, nerve tests, a…

This study tested a modified version of Goal Management Training, called Trauma-Informed Goal Management Training (TI-GMT), in 33 adults with PTSD. The program teaches mindfulness and goal-setting skills over nine weekly online sessions. Researchers measured changes in PTSD sympt…

This study tested a mobile app called Back2Play that guides youth through step-by-step return to school and physical activity after a concussion. Researchers wanted to see if using the app reduces symptoms, speeds up recovery, and lowers the chance of getting another concussion. …

This study tested whether a program called Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) can reduce trauma symptoms in public safety personnel like police, firefighters, and paramedics. 40 participants from Saskatchewan took part in 16 sessions of unmounted activities with horses, guided by men…

This study tested whether mepolizumab, a drug already used for asthma, can reduce coughing in people with chronic cough and eosinophilic airway disease. 46 adults received either the drug or a placebo over 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if cough frequency decreased, measured …

This study tested whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce persistent pain after fracture surgery. Over 1,000 adults with broken arm or leg bones received either CBT or usual care. The goal was to see if CBT lowers the number of people who still have moderate to seve…

This study looks at whether the hormone progesterone changes how muscles build protein after resistance exercise. Twenty healthy women aged 18-30 will take either progesterone pills or a placebo, then do leg exercises. Researchers will measure muscle growth using biopsies and blo…

This study looked at whether a quick bedside test (Hemochron Jr) gives the same results as standard lab tests for measuring blood clotting in people having planned heart bypass surgery. Twenty patients were tested before and after being placed on a heart-lung machine. The goal wa…

This study looked at 250 adults with heart stents who were taking blood thinners and needed non-cardiac surgery. Researchers used special blood tests to measure how well the blood was thinned and tracked whether patients had serious heart problems after surgery. The goal was to s…

This study tested whether wearable devices can be used to monitor activity in older adults with chronic low back pain. 30 participants wore ankle sensors to track movement and reported on their pain and mobility. The goal was to see if this approach is practical and acceptable fo…

This study looked at whether a new educational program helps doctors-in-training better recognize and respond to child maltreatment. 84 medical residents from Canadian universities took part. The program was delivered either in a group with a leader or on their own. The goal was …

This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with eating disorders and their families in Canada. Researchers tested virtual support groups led by parents who have been through similar experiences. They interviewed parents, youth, and healthcare workers to see …

This study looked at why certain foods cause symptoms in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Researchers focused on how gut bacteria produce histamine when digesting specific carbohydrates (FODMAPs). Thirty adults with IBS followed a low-FODMAP diet and took special drink…

This study looked at whether purified gluten or whole wheat (which contains gluten plus other proteins) causes stomach and gut symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Twenty-nine adults with IBS who had previously felt better on a gluten-free diet took part. They …

This pilot study tested whether a transition coach can help 16-17 year olds with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease move from pediatric to adult care. The coach met with each teen for 8 one-hour sessions covering self-advocacy, medication management, and …

This study tested whether a new training program helps healthcare and social service providers better recognize and respond to intimate partner violence and child abuse in veterans and their families. Forty providers took part, either in a group workshop or self-guided online tra…

This study tested whether coaching sessions are practical for young people with rheumatic diseases moving from pediatric to adult care. 26 participants received up to 8 coaching sessions covering self-advocacy, medication management, and future planning. The main goal was to see …

This study looked at whether a single dose of a ketone supplement can improve blood flow to the brain and thinking skills in young adults. Twenty healthy people aged 18-35 took either a low dose, high dose, or a placebo drink. Researchers measured brain blood flow and memory perf…

This study looks at whether matching people with chronic low back pain to specific exercises—graded activity or motor control exercises—based on a questionnaire leads to better results. Researchers will compare the two exercise types in 425 adults to see if personalized matching …

This study looked at how many women with fibromyalgia at a pain clinic might have iron deficiency. 81 women completed a questionnaire about symptoms like heavy periods and past iron issues. The goal was to see if iron deficiency is common and if treating it could help their pain.

This study followed 211 older adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 to see how their mobility and daily function changed over time. Researchers measured physical abilities like walking, balance, and thinking skills. The goal is to understand recovery patterns so doctors can …

This study analyzed electronic medical records of nearly 920,000 Canadian adults to see how the COVID-19 pandemic affected primary care for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and depression. Researchers compared care before and during the pandemic, looking at visits…

This study used brain imaging (fMRI) to see how heavy drinkers' brains respond to pictures of alcohol versus non-alcoholic drinks. 72 non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers made hypothetical decisions about buying alcohol at different prices while in the scanner. The goal was to un…