The University Of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

This study tests if a more precise way to monitor muscle relaxants during surgery can improve breathing after the operation. About 1,000 adults having non-heart surgery will be randomly assigned to either the new quantitative monitor or the standard qualitative one. The goal is t…

This study compares two bone grafting techniques for children with cleft lip and palate. One method uses the patient's own bone, while the other uses lab-made materials. The goal is to see which approach is more cost-effective, causes less pain, and heals just as well.

This study compares two irrigation systems, GentleWave and EdgePro, for cleaning infected root canals in adults with dead nerves (pulp necrosis). About 30 participants will have their bacterial levels measured before and after treatment. The goal is to see which system reduces ba…

This early-stage study tests nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, in 15 people with smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (SMDS) — a rare genetic condition that can cause moyamoya-like narrowing of brain arteries. Researchers want to see if NR improves blood flow to the…

This study tests if temporarily clamping the blood vessels that supply the uterus and ovaries during minimally invasive fibroid surgery can reduce blood loss. About 120 women with large or many fibroids will take part. The goal is to see if this simple step makes the surgery safe…

This study tests whether taking freeze-dried fecal transplant capsules (PRIM-DJ2727) can help adults with ulcerative colitis stay in remission and avoid flare-ups. About 58 participants will take the capsules or a placebo for 12 weeks alongside their usual treatment. The goal is …

This study looks at whether starting with higher humidity (90%) in incubators helps extremely premature babies (under 25 weeks) lose less weight from dehydration compared to lower humidity (70%). About 350 babies will take part. The goal is to find a safer way to support their ea…

This study tests a community program called Young HEROES for youth aged 12-17 with opioid use disorder. It combines medication, counseling, and peer support to help them stay in treatment and stop using opioids. The goal is to see if this approach works better than usual care in …

This study tests whether using smaller tubes to draw blood can lower the number of red blood cell transfusions needed by anemic patients in intensive care. About 688 adults with low hemoglobin will be randomly assigned to have blood drawn with either small or standard tubes. The …

This study tests whether a very low dose of semaglutide (a drug used for diabetes and weight loss) can help people with HIV maintain weight loss and improve heart health. Thirty participants will first receive a standard dose for 12 weeks, then either continue a low dose or stop …

This study tests a new approach for people with advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. It combines three treatments: a procedure that uses heat to destroy tumor cells (radiofrequency ablation), standard chemotherapy, and an immunotherapy drug called pembrol…

This study compares a connective tissue graft called ActiveMatrix to standard care in 72 people having arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The goal is to see if the graft improves tendon healing and shoulder function. Participants must have a full-thickness tear in 1-2 tendons that…

This study compares two different fat emulsions given intravenously to extremely preterm infants (born before 28 weeks or weighing ≤1000g). The goal is to see which type better prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (a chronic lung disease) and supports normal brain development at a…

This study tests a device that stimulates a nerve in the leg to help people with spinal cord injury manage their bladder function at home. About 21 adults with chronic spinal cord injury (at level T9 or above) will use the device and be monitored for safety, reliability, and ease…

This study tests whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help people with cocaine use disorder reduce their cocaine use. About 75 adults will receive the drug along with counseling. The study measures brain responses, cravings, and drug use to see if th…

This study tests a new way to repair open spine defects (spina bifida) in newborns right after birth. Doctors use a patch made from the baby's own umbilical cord to cover the opening. The goal is to see if this helps the wound heal better, reduces fluid leaks, and improves long-t…

This study tests if giving a stomach acid drug (pantoprazole) early after severe bleeding can prevent kidney injury. One hundred trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock will be randomly assigned to receive the drug either immediately or at the usual time. Researchers will measure …

This study aims to increase syphilis testing and treatment for pregnant women who haven't had prenatal care or a syphilis test during their pregnancy. Researchers will offer rapid point-of-care tests in the emergency department and obstetrical triage, then help connect those who …

This study is testing a new diagnostic tool that helps doctors quickly tell if a respiratory infection is caused by bacteria or a virus. The goal is to see if using this test leads to better treatment decisions, fewer unnecessary antibiotics, and lower healthcare costs. About 100…

This study aims to find better ways to test for syphilis in pregnant women and their newborns. Researchers will compare new molecular tests to current CDC guidelines to see which is more accurate. About 924 participants will be enrolled, including mothers and babies at risk. The …

This study is testing a new device called ViTrack that measures blood pressure continuously without needing a needle in an artery. It will be used on 40 adults having surgery who already need the standard invasive monitoring. The goal is to see if the ViTrack is accurate and safe…

This study tests whether a phone-based counseling program, delivered by trained non-professionals, can prevent depression in low-income older adults who have recently had a stroke. Researchers will enroll 350 people who have mild depression symptoms or none at all. The goal is to…

This study tests whether rinsing the abdomen with povidone-iodine (a common antiseptic) during surgery for a burst appendix can prevent painful internal abscesses. About 346 people having appendix removal will be randomly assigned to get the iodine wash or standard care. Research…

This study works with health clinics to find better ways for doctors to recommend the HPV vaccine to Latino adolescents. The goal is to increase the number of teens who get the vaccine on time. Researchers will test different support strategies across nine clinics and track vacci…

This study tests a hospital-based program (Houston-HVIP) to reduce repeat violent injuries in people aged 16-35 who have been shot. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the program or usual care, and are followed for 12 months to see if they have fewer repeat injuries an…

This study tests a smartphone app called MY-RIDE designed to help homeless youth reduce substance use and adopt HIV prevention strategies, including taking PrEP medication. About 450 participants who use drugs or alcohol and are sexually active will use the app for 15 months. The…

This study tests if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve negative symptoms (like lack of motivation or emotion) in people with schizophrenia. About 20 adults will receive either real or sham stimulation to different brain areas. The main goal is to s…

This study tests a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to help with depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Researchers will use magnetic pulses on specific brain areas to see if it improves mood and brain connectivity. The study involve…

This pilot study tests a new approach called BreEStim, which uses breathing to control mild electrical stimulation, to help reduce hand stiffness and improve hand function in people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago. Only 4 participants with moderate hand tightness will be e…

This study tests a gentle electrical brain stimulation called tACS to see if it can reduce nerve pain in people with spinal cord injury. Researchers will measure pain levels and heart rate changes in 14 adults. The goal is to find a new, drug-free way to manage chronic pain.

This study tests if a gentle ear nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with arm exercises is safe and doable for people with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Twelve adults with tetraplegia will try 18 sessions over several weeks. The goal is to see if this approach is practic…

This study tests a program called Launching! to help young adults with autism improve daily living, social, and thinking skills. About 40 participants and their parents will take part, with some starting the program right away and others waiting. The goal is to see if the program…

This study is testing whether a gentle brain stimulation device (tDCS) used at home is safe and acceptable for people with early-to-moderate Huntington's disease. Ten participants will use the device daily for several weeks while researchers track side effects, mood, thinking ski…

This study tests if a mild electrical stimulation on the leg (called TTNS) can help people with recent spinal cord injuries maintain bladder function. Researchers will measure bladder capacity and sensation in 120 adults admitted to rehab within 6 weeks of injury. The goal is to …

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder quit or reduce smoking. Fifty participants will receive active rTMS using either an F8 coil or an H …

This study tests a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tACS to see if it can improve hand and arm movement in people who have had a stroke. Researchers will enroll 14 adults who are at least 6 months past their stroke and have some finger movement. The goal is…

This study tests a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS to see if it can improve anhedonia—the loss of interest or pleasure—in people with bipolar depression. About 45 adults with bipolar disorder and significant anhedonia will receive tDCS while researchers use brain s…

This study tests a new device called BreEStim that uses your own breathing to control mild electrical pulses to the hand. It aims to reduce muscle tightness and improve hand movement in people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago. Only 4 participants with severe hand impairment…

This study tests whether a 2-week, fully remote program combining mild brain stimulation (tDCS) with prolonged exposure therapy can reduce chronic pain and PTSD symptoms. About 146 adults with both conditions will receive either real or sham stimulation alongside therapy, all fro…

This early study tests whether combining a non-invasive brain stimulation technique (rTMS) with a mental exercise called Episodic Future Thinking (imagining positive future events) can help people with methamphetamine use disorder make less impulsive choices and reduce their desi…

This study tests if a once-weekly injection of semaglutide can help adults with overweight or obesity avoid gaining weight after they stop smoking. About 197 participants will receive the drug or a placebo, and researchers will track changes in body weight, body fat, and appetite…

This study tests a safe, non-invasive device that stimulates a nerve in the leg to help children with spina bifida manage bladder problems. Twenty children will use the device at home for 4 weeks. The goal is to see if it reduces the need for bladder medication and improves bladd…

This study tests whether a sleep medication called suvorexant can improve sleep, reduce stress, and lower drug cravings in people who have recently stopped using stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine. Twenty adults with stimulant use disorder will receive either the drug or …

This study tests whether a special vibrating capsule is safe and helpful for people with spinal cord injury who have trouble controlling their bowels. About 12 adults with chronic spinal cord injury will try the capsule as part of their regular bowel routine. The goal is to see i…

This study tests a 4-week ear acupressure program, guided by a smartphone app, to help people in rural areas manage chronic muscle and joint pain. About 693 adults with ongoing neck, back, or knee pain will either use the program with remote or in-person training, or receive stan…

This study tests an 8-week program where college students call seniors weekly to provide social support. The goal is to reduce depression, loneliness, and social isolation in older adults who have experienced abuse or self-neglect and are leaving Adult Protective Services. Resear…

This study tests whether adding a pain medicine called Ketorolac to standard care helps children drink more fluids after cleft palate surgery. About 74 children with cleft palate (with or without cleft lip) will take part. The goal is to see if better pain control leads to improv…

This study tests whether a single dose of an IV medication can prevent labor from stalling and reduce the need for C-sections in first-time mothers. Researchers will enroll 200 women in active labor with cervical swelling. The goal is to see if the drug helps the cervix fully dil…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can help people with PTSD better process and overcome fear. Researchers will use brain scans and skin sensors to see how TMS changes fear-related brain activity. The goal is to learn how to improve fea…

This study looks at whether using two non-invasive monitors during pelvic surgery can detect when a patient's leg isn't getting enough blood. Thirty adults having certain pelvic surgeries lasting over 2 hours will be monitored. The goal is to see if this approach can help prevent…

This study creates a registry to collect information on extremely premature infants (born at 22-23 weeks) and their mothers. Researchers will track what treatments are used and how babies fare, without testing any new drug or device. The goal is to understand current practices an…

This study looks at donated blood to see if it contains high levels of a protein called pTau217, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to know if receiving such blood could be risky for patients. About 250 blood donors will provide samples for testing.

This study looks at how the brain works in people with PTSD, focusing on why they feel constantly on edge. Researchers will test a gentle brain stimulation technique called tACS to see if it can calm overactive brain circuits and reduce anxiety. The study involves 160 adults aged…

This study is testing a cooking and nutrition program for 50 people in Texas who are recovering from opioid use and living in recovery homes while on medication therapy. The program aims to improve their eating habits and confidence in cooking skills. Participants will fill out q…

This study aims to understand how the brain works differently in people with PTSD, especially regarding anxiety and hypervigilance. Researchers will use brain scans and EEG to measure brain activity. They will also test a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tACS to se…

This study tests whether a package of proven tools can help primary care doctors diagnose the root causes of low hemoglobin (anemia) and low kidney function more accurately and quickly. About 450 patients and their doctors across 13 clinics will take part. The goal is to improve …

This study is building a registry of 2000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to collect health information from their medical records. The goal is to learn how to improve MS care and quality of life. Participants simply allow their data to be used for research; no new treatments…

This study is gathering 5,000 people with certain gene changes that raise the risk of aortic disease (like aneurysms or dissections). Researchers will track their health over time to see how these genes affect the condition. The goal is to better predict and manage the disease, n…

This study looks at whether not using inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) leads to better outcomes, like fewer needing life support or dying. About 600 babies from multiple hospitals will be included. The goal is to see if stopping th…

This study looks at whether drinking only clear liquids for 24 hours before anesthesia can reduce stomach contents in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic). The goal is to lower the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during surgery. About 136 adults on t…

This study looks at how genes influence the body's response to a hormone called GLP-1 in Mexican-Americans with prediabetes. Researchers will analyze DNA and gene activity to understand why some people respond better to GLP-1-based treatments. The goal is to find genetic markers …

This study is gathering information from 1,500 people with cluster headache or trigeminal neuralgia to learn more about these painful conditions. Researchers will collect surveys, genetic samples, and other health data. The goal is to better understand what causes these headaches…

This study looks at how brain connections change when people feel pain. Researchers will use brain scans (fMRI, EEG) and mild brain stimulation (tACS, tRNS) to measure these changes. The goal is to better understand pain, not to treat it. The study needs 60 adults who are fluent …

This study is creating a registry and biorepository for people who have had a suspected amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare and serious pregnancy complication. Researchers will collect medical information and biological samples from up to 400 participants, including mothers, th…

This study looks at how firearm owners feel about secure gun storage and temporarily storing guns away from home to prevent suicide. Researchers will talk to gun store owners, range owners, and healthcare providers in the Houston area. The goal is to find out if these groups can …

This study is creating a registry of children and teens with bipolar disorder, their siblings, and healthy volunteers. Researchers will collect blood and saliva samples, do brain scans, and track symptoms over time to better understand the condition and find early warning signs. …

This study looks at how the brain learns to avoid certain situations in people with PTSD. Researchers will use brain scans and measure stress responses while participants learn to avoid stimuli. The goal is to understand how fear and avoidance work in the brain, which could help …