The University Of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

This study tests a new, non-invasive treatment using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to help people quit smoking. It targets deep brain areas linked to nicotine addiction without surgery or needles. The study will enroll 100 adults who have smoked for at least 5 years and…

This study tests a combination of two treatments for people with cocaine use disorder: deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain, and contingency management, a program that rewards participants for staying cocaine-free. The go…

This study tests if temporarily blocking the blood supply to the uterus and ovaries during minimally invasive fibroid surgery can reduce blood loss. About 120 women with large or numerous fibroids will be randomly assigned to receive the vessel-blocking technique or standard surg…

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 a single IV dose of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, 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 edema. The goal is to see if the drug helps th…

This study compares two types of fat infusions (mixed oil vs. soybean oil) given to extremely preterm infants to improve nutrition and reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (a chronic lung disease) and neurodevelopmental impairment. About 230 babies born before 28 weeks o…

This study tests whether a special graft made from donated placental tissue, called ActiveMatrix, can help the shoulder tendon heal better after rotator cuff repair surgery. About 72 people with a full-thickness tear in 1 or 2 tendons will be randomly assigned to get either a low…

This study tests whether a non-invasive nerve stimulation on the leg, called transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), can help maintain bladder function in people with recent spinal cord injury. Researchers will enroll 120 adults with spinal injuries at level T9 or above, …

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 semaglutide along with counseling. Researchers will measure changes in brain responses, cravings, and d…

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 tests whether a very low dose of semaglutide (a drug used for weight loss and diabetes) can help people with HIV avoid regaining weight after an initial weight-loss period. About 30 adults with HIV who are on stable HIV treatment and are overweight or obese will take p…

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

This study looks at whether giving the acid-reducing drug pantoprazole (Protonix) early after a traumatic injury with severe bleeding can lower the risk of acute kidney injury. Researchers will compare early dosing (within 2 hours of arrival) to usual timing (in the ICU) in 100 a…

This study tests whether a weekly injection of semaglutide (a drug used for weight loss and diabetes) can help adults with overweight or obesity avoid gaining weight after they stop smoking. About 197 participants will also use nicotine patches to help them quit. The goal is to s…

This study tests a hospital-based program called Houston-HVIP for people aged 16-35 who have been shot in community violence. Participants get a case manager who helps with needs like job training, housing, and mental health support. The goal is to see if this support reduces the…

This study compares two humidity levels (70% vs 90%) in incubators for extremely premature infants born before 25 weeks. The goal is to see if higher humidity reduces dehydration and improves survival without increasing health problems. About 350 babies will take part, and resear…

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 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 phase II trial tests a new approach for people with advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Participants first receive standard chemotherapy, then an endoscopic procedure that uses heat to destroy tumor tissue (EUS-RFA), followed by the immunotherapy dr…

This study tests whether using smaller tubes for routine blood draws can reduce 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-…

This early-stage trial tests whether nicotinamide riboside (a form of vitamin B3) can improve blood flow and brain function in people with smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (SMDS), a rare genetic condition that narrows arteries and can cause strokes. Fifteen participants will ta…

This study tests a new surgical approach for newborns with spina bifida, where a patch made from the baby's own umbilical cord is used to cover the spinal defect shortly after birth. The goal is to see if this method reduces complications like wound breakdown and fluid leakage co…

This study compares two irrigation systems, GentleWave and EdgePro, for cleaning infected root canals in teeth with dead nerves. Researchers will measure how much bacteria is reduced after treatment. 30 adults with permanent teeth needing root canal treatment will participate.

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 tests a wrist-worn device called ViTrack that measures blood pressure continuously without needles. Researchers will compare its readings to standard invasive monitoring in 40 adults having noncardiac surgery. The goal is to see if the device can accurately track blood…

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 is testing two new molecular tests (qPCR and TMA) to detect syphilis in pregnant women and their newborns. Researchers will compare these tests to current CDC guidelines to see if they are more accurate. The goal is to improve diagnosis and prevent congenital syphilis,…

This study tests a smartphone app called MY-RIDE that offers just-in-time support and nurse-led sessions to help homeless youth reduce substance use and adopt HIV prevention methods like PrEP. 450 participants aged 15-24 who are homeless, use substances, and are sexually active w…

This study tests whether training and supporting healthcare providers can increase HPV vaccination rates among Latino adolescents. Researchers will work with nine health centers to implement strategies like provider education and clinical plans. The goal is to see if these effort…

This study tests whether five weekly video therapy sessions led by trained non-professional counselors can prevent depression in older, low-income stroke survivors who have mild depressive symptoms. Researchers will track 350 participants for up to three months to see if the prog…

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 explores whether a type of talk therapy called behavioral activation, delivered via video call, can help older adults who are involved with Adult Protective Services due to neglect or self-neglect. The therapy aims to reduce depression and apathy, and improve daily act…

This study tests whether using a Bispectral index (BIS) monitor, which tracks brain activity, can help doctors better manage sedation in patients on breathing machines. Researchers will compare how long patients stay on the ventilator, their ICU stay, and the amount of sedation d…

This early study tests a device that uses your own breathing to trigger mild electrical stimulation, aiming to reduce hand stiffness and improve hand movement in people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago. Only 4 participants with moderate hand tightness will be enrolled. The …

This study tests an 8-week social engagement program for seniors who have recently left Adult Protective Services after experiencing elder abuse or self-neglect. The program pairs each senior with a trained student volunteer who makes weekly calls to reduce loneliness and depress…

This pilot study tests a device called BreEStim that uses breathing to control electrical stimulation of hand muscles. Four people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago and have moderate hand tightness will try one session. The goal is to see if it reduces finger stiffness and i…

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 early study tests a device called BreEStim, which uses breathing to control mild electrical stimulation, to see if it can reduce finger stiffness and improve hand function in people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago. Only 4 participants will receive a single 10-20 minut…

This small study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tACS can reduce nerve pain in people with spinal cord injury. Fourteen participants will receive either real or sham stimulation for 20 minutes. Researchers will measure pain levels and heart…

This pilot study is testing a special capsule that vibrates as it moves through the digestive system. The goal is to see if it is safe and helpful for people with spinal cord injuries who have bowel problems. Only 12 participants will be enrolled to check safety and how well they…

This study tests a small, home-use device that sends mild electrical pulses to a nerve in the leg (tTNS) to improve bladder control in 20 children with spina bifida who have neurogenic bladder. Half the kids will use the real device, half a sham device, for 30 minutes daily, 5 da…

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 whether a brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help ease depression in people with schizophrenia. Researchers will give up to 20 sessions of active or sham rTMS to 120 participants and use brain scans to see h…

This study tests a 4-week program that teaches people in rural areas to use ear acupressure (a non-needle technique) to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain like back, neck, or knee pain. Participants use a smartphone app to learn self-treatment, with some receiving in-person trai…

This study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) is safe and practical when used during arm and hand therapy for people with chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Twelve adults will receive 18 therapy sessions over six weeks, followed …

This study tests a 12-week group therapy program called Launching! to Adulthood for young adults with autism. The program includes weekly group sessions and individual coaching to improve daily living skills, social abilities, and readiness for adulthood. Researchers will compare…

This pilot study tests whether suvorexant, a sleep medication, can improve sleep, reduce stress, and lower drug cravings in people who recently stopped using stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine. Twenty participants will receive either the drug or standard care for 7 days w…

This study tests iCHAMPSS 2.0, an online tool designed to help school staff and administrators adopt evidence-based sexual health programs. Researchers will measure how well the tool works in Texas school districts, looking at factors like program adoption and implementation. The…

This study is creating a large collection of health information and tissue samples from up to 15,000 neurosurgery patients. The goal is to provide researchers with the data they need to better understand neurological conditions and develop new treatments. Participants provide blo…

This study tests whether non-invasive sensors can detect reduced blood flow in the legs during long pelvic surgeries. Thirty adults will be monitored during their procedure. The goal is to see if this approach can help prevent complications like limb ischemia.

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 is creating a large registry of extremely premature infants born at 22-23 weeks of pregnancy. Researchers will collect information on the care these babies receive and their outcomes. The goal is to learn what practices work best for this vulnerable group. No new treat…

This study looks at how people with PTSD learn to avoid certain situations, using mild electric shocks and brain scans. Researchers will measure stress responses and brain activity in 300 adults as they learn to avoid shocks by pressing a button. The goal is to understand the bra…

This study looks at how a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS affects the brain's fear circuits. Researchers will test different TMS settings in 250 people with and without PTSD to see how it changes fear-related brain activity and skin responses. The goal is to l…

This study looks at how genetic differences in Mexican-Americans with prediabetes affect their response to semaglutide (Ozempic), a GLP-1 drug. Researchers will measure changes in insulin production and sensitivity, and analyze gene activity. The goal is to understand why some pe…

This study looks at how gentle electrical brain stimulation changes the way the brain processes pain. Researchers will use EEG and fMRI to measure brain activity in 60 healthy adults while they experience pressure pain. The goal is to better understand the brain circuits involved…

This study is building a patient registry for 2000 people with multiple sclerosis. Researchers will collect health records and survey data to understand disability and cognitive challenges. The goal is to find better ways to manage MS and improve quality of life through collabora…

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 registry study is enrolling 1,000 children and teens in the Houston area, including those with bipolar disorder, children of parents with bipolar disorder, and healthy controls. Researchers will collect blood and saliva samples, perform brain scans, and conduct interviews to…

This study looks at donated blood samples to see if some contain high levels of a protein called pTau217, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to know if such blood might be risky for transfusion recipients. They will measure pTau217 in plasma from 250 blood d…

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 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 tests whether a new team-based approach can help primary care doctors diagnose anemia and decreased kidney function more accurately and quickly. The approach includes automated tracking of abnormal test results, adding care partners to guide follow-up, and using nurse …

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 looks at whether a clear liquid diet for 24 hours before anesthesia can reduce leftover stomach contents in patients taking GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic). These drugs slow digestion, which can increase the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during anesthesia. The s…

This study looks at how the brain processes threats in people with PTSD. Researchers will use a mild electrical current (tACS) to gently stimulate brain areas and measure changes in brain activity and anxiety. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind PTSD, not to tes…

This study looks at how the brains of people with PTSD process sensory information differently. Researchers will use a mild electrical current (tACS) applied to the scalp to see if it can change brain activity and reduce feelings of anxiety and hypervigilance. The study involves …