University Of Pennsylvania

This study investigates whether changing diet can reduce disease activity in people with psoriatic arthritis. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two diets: one focusing on which foods are eaten, and another limiting daily calorie intake. The trial lasts 24 weeks and inc…

This study looked at whether medical cannabis can help people with chronic pain reduce their use of opioid painkillers. 29 patients who wanted to lower their opioid dose but couldn't afford medical cannabis were given access to it. Over 5 months, doctors tracked their pain levels…

This study tested a program where pregnant women living with HIV received support from trained peers to help them stay in medical care and keep the virus under control after giving birth. The program included face-to-face sessions before and after delivery. The goal was to improv…

This pilot study tested whether giving produce vouchers to 100 adults with chronic kidney disease and food insecurity could improve their health. Participants received $40-$60 in vouchers every two weeks for six months. Researchers measured changes in food security, diet quality,…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, AZD6738 and olaparib, in 123 women with recurrent ovarian cancer. The goal was to see if the combo is safe and how well it shrinks tumors or delays cancer growth. Participants had either platinum-sensitive or platinum-resistant cancer…

This study tested a collaborative care model for people with opioid use disorder and depression, anxiety, or PTSD. 567 adults received medication (buprenorphine-naloxone or naltrexone) along with therapy and support from a primary care team. The goal was to reduce opioid use and …

This study tested whether colchicine, a drug used for gout, can reduce inflammation in the leg arteries of people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Twenty-four adults with PAD received either colchicine or a placebo. Researchers used special scans and blood tests to measure c…

This study looked at 159 people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a rare disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels. Participants were randomly assigned to either stay on a low 5 mg daily dose of prednisone or slowly stop it over six months. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether kidneys from deceased donors with hepatitis C can be safely transplanted into people without hepatitis C. All 201 participants received antiviral medication after transplant to clear any infection. The goal was to see if this approach could safely increa…

This study tested two common blood pressure medications—amlodipine and metoprolol—in 50 adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and hypertension. Participants took each drug for a period, and researchers measured their home blood pressure readings. The …

This completed Phase 1 trial tested whether a dye called indocyanine green (ICG) can make brain tumor cells glow during surgery, helping surgeons see and remove them more completely. 363 adults with brain tumors received an ICG injection before surgery, and special cameras captur…

This study tested a set of simple, affordable robots called Rehab CARES to help older adults who had a stroke improve arm and hand function. Twenty-seven participants used the robots for one-hour sessions, three times a week for four weeks, while also receiving standard therapy. …

This study looked at whether providing pre-made, heart-healthy meals that include traditional Navajo foods could help people with heart failure avoid hospital stays or emergency room visits. Over 200 participants either received these meals for 60 days or continued their usual ca…

This study tested whether adding food vouchers or home-delivered groceries to a standard weight-loss program helps adults with obesity and food insecurity lose more weight. 105 participants were split into three groups: standard program alone, program plus grocery gift cards, or …

This study tested whether adding an immunotherapy drug (ipilimumab or nivolumab) to niraparib, a targeted therapy, can prevent advanced pancreatic cancer from growing. It enrolled 104 adults whose cancer had not worsened after platinum-based chemotherapy. The goal was to see how …

This study looked at how a weekly injection of semaglutide (2.4 mg) affects appetite, eating behavior, and mood in 120 adults with obesity. All participants also received lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise. The goal was to see if semaglutide reduces calorie intake and impr…

This study compared different ways to detect early nerve damage in people with hereditary TTR amyloidosis, a condition that can cause progressive nerve problems. Researchers used blood tests, skin imaging, and standard nerve exams in 47 participants. The goal was to see which too…

This study tested whether a fast (abbreviated) breast MRI can detect cancers that mammograms miss in women who have already been treated for breast cancer with lumpectomy and radiation. Researchers recruited 184 women who had a normal 3D mammogram and gave them a quick MRI. The g…

This study tested whether sending text message reminders to patients and nudging their doctors could increase flu vaccination rates. Over 26,000 adults aged 50 and older took part. The approach used simple, low-cost tools like pre-visit texts and automatic vaccine orders in the e…

This study tested a program at Pennsylvania Hospital where visitors and patients who carry firearms could get free cable locks or lock boxes to store their guns safely. Researchers wanted to see if people would use these devices and how to best collect data on it. The goal is to …

This study tested whether giving extra oxygen through a small tube in the nose during breathing tube placement can prevent dangerous drops in oxygen levels in newborns. About 110 infants in the NICU took part. The approach is simple and could make a common emergency procedure saf…

This study tested a new disposable bite block for people having routine upper endoscopy. The goal was to see if it reduces complications like dental injury and improves how well the procedure goes. 45 adults took part, and researchers measured how often procedures were completed …

This study tested whether virtual music therapy can lower stress as well as live music therapy in older adults with memory problems. Thirty-two participants from assisted living facilities took part. Researchers measured stress through surveys, heart rate, and blood pressure befo…

This study tested whether a medication called solriamfetol, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or both together can help people with insomnia sleep better and feel less tired during the day. 115 adults with insomnia took part. The goal was to see if staying awake …

This study tested a digital program to support the mental health of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. 293 physicians from Penn Medicine took part. The program included text messages, resource support, and peer groups. Researchers measured changes in well-being, depression, an…

This study tested a team-based approach to managing sedation in children with acute respiratory failure who need a breathing machine. The goal was to reduce the number of days on the ventilator. Over 2,400 children from multiple hospitals participated, comparing the team approach…

This study tested a 3-month walking program for Spanish-speaking Latinos aged 55 and older with mild cognitive impairment. Participants walked in groups twice a week, then received motivational phone calls for another 3 months. Researchers measured changes in physical activity, t…

This study tested a program called ENCODE designed to help family caregivers of people with dementia manage stress and communicate better about pain. 452 caregivers were randomly assigned to either the ENCODE program or friendly video calls. The goal was to see if the program imp…

This study looked at whether a simple genetic test can help doctors choose safer and more effective painkillers for women after major gynecologic surgery. About 112 women participated, and half had their pain medicine chosen based on their genes while the other half received stan…

This study tested whether two structured telemedicine visits, added between regular doctor appointments, could help people with psoriatic arthritis improve their quality of life and reduce disease impact. 101 adults with active symptoms took part. The visits focused on lifestyle …

This study tested a program called Advanced Heart Care at Home (AHCAH) that brings heart failure and palliative care into patients' homes. Doctors of 709 seriously ill heart failure patients were randomly assigned to either usual care or a 'nudge' encouraging them to enroll their…

This study looked at how hyaluronic acid filler (Juvéderm Volux XC) changes jaw volume over 90 days. Fourteen adults received FDA-approved doses for jaw contouring. Researchers used 3D imaging before injection and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after to measure volume changes …

This study tested whether a low dose (4.5 mg) of naltrexone, a drug already used for alcoholism, can improve physical health and quality of life in people with vasculitis. Sixty participants took either the drug or a placebo daily for six weeks. The goal was to see if the drug le…

This study tested a 6-week outpatient rehab program for 125 adults with Long COVID. The program included physical and speech therapy tailored to each person's needs, aiming to improve breathing, thinking, and daily function. Researchers measured progress using a six-minute walk t…

This completed trial tested whether four free self-help resources—a symptom-tracking app, a cognitive behavioral therapy workbook, a helpline, and a peer mentor—can reduce disability in people with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Over 800 adults particip…

This study tested a program that sends text reminders and uses social support and game-like features to encourage people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure to check their blood pressure regularly. 70 adults from a University of Pennsylvania clinic part…

This study tested whether a smartphone app called Zemedy, which delivers cognitive-behavioral therapy, can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Over 450 participants used either Zemedy or a relaxation training app for comparis…

This study tested whether playing a gentle broadband sound called pink noise or wearing earplugs can reduce sleep disruption caused by aircraft noise. Twenty-seven healthy adults slept in a lab while exposed to recorded aviation sounds. Researchers measured how much time they spe…

This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with language therapy, could improve speech in 23 people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Participants received either real or fake (sham) stimulation daily for 10 days. Rese…

This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the brain (tDCS) can improve language when combined with speech therapy in people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a condition that slowly damages language abilities. 76 adults with two types of PPA received …

This study tested whether a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and language therapy can improve verbal communication in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Twenty-three participants received either real TMS or a sham (fake) version along with lan…

This study tested whether real-time brain scans (fMRI) could help people with major depression learn to stop focusing on negative thoughts. 71 adults received either active or sham neurofeedback while doing a task. The goal was to see if changing brain patterns could reduce depre…

This study tested a new radioactive tracer called [18F]Fluotriopride in 29 healthy adults using PET/CT scans. The goal was to see how the tracer moves through the body and brain, and to check its safety. This is an early-phase study that helps develop better tools for brain imagi…

This study looked at whether opioid use disorder and non-fatal overdoses cause a harmful protein called tau to build up in the brain. Researchers used special PET/CT scans on 12 adults, including those with opioid use disorder and healthy volunteers. The goal was to understand lo…

This study tested a computer alert that reminds doctors to provide palliative care for seriously ill patients in the hospital. Over 18,800 adults at high risk of dying within six months took part across six hospitals. The goal was to see if the alert helps patients spend more day…

This study tested whether an AI tool could help hospital doctors write end-of-rotation handoff notes faster and with less stress. 85 doctors were randomly assigned to use the AI draft feature or not. Researchers measured time spent on notes and feelings of burnout.

This completed study looked at whether chemicals in the blood (metabolomics) can help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and track changes with treatment. Researchers analyzed stored blood samples from 388 people with and without sleep apnea, and also collected new samples from pat…

This study looked at whether using a heart ultrasound probe (TEE) during low-risk coronary artery bypass surgery should be done routinely or only when needed. Researchers enrolled 40 patients and checked if it was possible to randomly assign them to one of two groups. The goal is…

This study looked at ways to improve the care, environment, and daily routines of children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to support their healing and natural sleep-wake cycles. Researchers observed 56 children aged 6 months to 18 years who were on breathing machines…

This study compared five different membranes used to preserve the jawbone after a tooth is pulled. Bone loss after extraction is common, and membranes help protect the area for future dental implants. Researchers measured bone changes and tissue quality in 47 adults who needed a …

This completed study looked at 227 people with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy. Researchers examined their oral health—including cavities, gum disease, and dry mouth—and checked for links to metabolic problems and ongoing inflammation. The goal was to understand if poor ora…

This study looked at how the nervous system helps control blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes who had islet cell transplants. Nine participants received drugs that block nerve signals or a placebo during controlled low blood sugar experiments. The goal was to learn whether…

This study tested whether a 'Disclosure Toolkit'—including a family letter, a chatbot, and a website—helps people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations share their genetic test results with at-risk relatives. Researchers enrolled 52 participants to see if the toolkit improves communicati…

This completed early-phase study tested different doses of fatty acids (Intralipid) in 9 healthy volunteers to find the dose that causes mild insulin resistance. The goal was to create a reliable model for future diabetes research. Participants received low or medium doses of fat…

This study tested a simple program to help new mothers who are at higher risk for health problems after giving birth. 220 Black mothers who delivered at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania took part. Some received a helpful pamphlet and a patient navigator they could c…

This study tested a conversational AI tool to help pregnant people get connected to care earlier and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. About 350 pregnant individuals participated. The goal was to see if the AI could safely guide them to the right care at the right time.

This study tested an AI tool called LyssnCBT that listens to therapy sessions and gives therapists feedback on how well they are using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Researchers worked with 449 therapists, supervisors, and clients at five community mental health agencies in …

This study looked at how bariatric surgery changes the bacteria in the mouths of people with and without type 2 diabetes. Researchers collected blood and plaque samples before and after surgery from 102 participants. The goal was to understand if diabetes alters mouth bacteria in…

This study tested a new wearable device that tracks oxygen levels and movement in 27 adults who may have low oxygen events. The goal was to see how well the device works compared to standard FDA-approved monitors. Researchers also asked participants how comfortable the device was…

This study looked at whether patterns in cell phone use (like calls and texts) are linked to blood pressure and metabolism over a 24-hour day. Six healthy adults aged 25-35 with Android phones participated. The goal was to better understand how daily behaviors relate to body func…

This study tested a digital, community-led program to help people in rural Appalachia and the Midwest reduce their risk of HIV and hepatitis C, often linked to opioid use. Over 500 adults took part, with half currently or previously using illicit substances. The program included …

This study aimed to create and test a decision aid for people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who are starting or switching treatments. Researchers worked with 37 patients and their doctors to design a tool that supports shared decision-making. The goal was to help patients…

This study looked at whether taking acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can reduce aspirin's ability to prevent heart attacks. Researchers gave 55 healthy adults and smokers both drugs in different orders to see if timing matters. The goal was to understand if acetaminophen interferes w…

This pilot study tested whether taking a low dose of aspirin (81 mg) before niacin (600 mg) could reduce the flushing reaction that niacin often causes. Nine healthy adults with high cholesterol participated, providing urine and blood samples to measure prostaglandin levels. The …

This study tested two ways to encourage daily lesson completion in a 30-day digital health challenge. Over 7,000 adults used a web app where one group saw their streak of consecutive days and the other saw their total tally of completed days. The goal was to see which feedback st…

This study tested a new imaging technique using a radioactive tracer called 11C-trimethoprim to see how it spreads in the bodies of 16 adults with suspected bacterial infections. Participants had PET/CT scans to track the tracer over time. The goal was to learn how the tracer beh…

This study looked at how specific tongue muscles help keep the airway open during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers used a special camera during sleep-like sedation to measure airway collapse. The goal was to understand the mechanisms behind airway obstruc…

This study looked at whether training community health workers to focus on kidney disease care, and teaching doctors about trauma-informed care, could improve quality of life for Black and Hispanic patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. The study involved 153 patients fro…

This study interviewed 26 adults who either have behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) or carry a gene that puts them at risk. The goal was to learn how the condition affects daily life, emotions, and coping. No treatment or medication was tested—just listening and g…

This study tested a computer program that acts like a virtual doctor to teach people with advanced chronic kidney disease about kidney transplants. 148 patients took part. The goal was to see if talking with this virtual agent could increase their interest in considering a transp…

This study looked at whether asking people to "opt in" or "opt out" of a clinical trial changes how many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) actually join. Over 5,000 adults with PAD were contacted by email. The goal was to see which approach leads to more enrollment and …

This study used MRI scans and blood tests to see how a single use of an e-cigarette (with or without nicotine) or a tobacco cigarette affects blood vessel function and inflammation. 55 current smokers and vapers were compared to a group of non-smokers/non-vapers. The goal was to …

This study looked at whether eating the same number of calories at different times of day affects weight, body fat, and metabolism in people with obesity. Thirty-eight adults were given all their meals and snacks to eat either during the daytime or later in the day. The goal was …

This pilot study tested a smartphone-based tool called SMART-HABITS in 47 adults with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure. The tool provided reminders, feedback, and educational resources through text messages or an app, and linked to wearable devices like Fitbits and …

This study looked at whether TeamSTEPPS, a teamwork training program used in hospitals, can be adapted for school mental health teams. Researchers worked with 90 school staff and mental health providers to see if the program was feasible and acceptable. The goal was to improve co…

This completed study looked at whether digital data like social media posts and online searches can help predict heart disease risk and healthcare use. Researchers analyzed language from Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms from 781 adults aged 30-74. The goal was to find patte…

This study tested whether a remote monitoring belt (INVU) could help pregnant women complete fetal heart rate tests as effectively as going to the clinic. 400 women with singleton pregnancies between 30 and 35 weeks were randomly assigned to use the belt at home or receive standa…

This study followed 31 children with infantile or juvenile GM1 gangliosidosis, a rare and severe genetic disorder, for up to 3 years. Researchers collected data from exams, blood tests, and developmental assessments to better understand how the disease progresses. The goal was to…

This study tested a digital incentive spirometer and phone app designed to help patients do breathing exercises after major chest surgery. Thirty-one adults who had lung resection surgery used the device, which included reminders, game-like features, and progress tracking. The go…

This study looked at whether offering genetic testing to all young adults with cancer (ages 18-39) is better than only testing those who meet certain guidelines. About 749 participants were randomly assigned to either universal testing with a broad gene panel or standard testing …

This study tested whether giving low-income Los Angeles residents $1,000 every month for a year helps reduce financial stress and improve well-being. Over 8,000 adults with children and low incomes took part. Researchers tracked changes in mental health, housing, food security, a…

This study analyzed data from over 634,000 Medicaid enrollees aged 15 and older to understand who is at highest risk for a stimulant overdose and when that risk is greatest. Researchers built models using personal and neighborhood factors to predict overdoses, and also looked at …

This study tracked 30 adults with advanced heart failure who received a CardioMEMS implant, a wireless sensor placed in the lung artery to monitor pressure. Patients sent data from home, and doctors used it to guide care. The goal was to see if this approach reduces hospital stay…

This study tested new MRI methods to detect bleeding inside the heart muscle after a heart attack. Researchers studied 14 patients to see if these scans could better identify damage that raises the risk of heart failure. The goal was to improve imaging, not to test a treatment.