University Of Pittsburgh

This study tests whether adding Air Quality Index (AQI) information to standard asthma action plans helps children control their asthma better. About 351 kids with asthma will be split into groups: one gets EPA AQI info, another gets commercial AQI info, and a control group gets …

This study looks at whether allowing slightly higher blood sugar levels in pregnant women with diabetes during labor can lower the chance of their newborns having dangerously low blood sugar. Researchers will compare a more flexible approach to the usual strict control in 218 wom…

This study tests whether special alerts in electronic health records can help doctors prescribe opioids more safely for patients at high risk of overdose. About 1,350 adults who have taken opioids in the past year will take part. The goal is to see if these alerts lead to safer p…

This study is testing whether a 10-session phone or online coaching program can help people who have both chronic pain and problems with opioid use. Researchers want to see if this program helps participants manage their pain better and stay engaged in treatment for opioid use di…

This study tests whether a type of talk therapy called Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), delivered via video calls, can prevent or delay bipolar disorder in teens (ages 12-18) who have a parent with bipolar disorder and are at high risk themselves. 120 participants…

This study tests whether using a penile traction device (RestoreX) for several weeks before getting a penile implant can increase the size of the implant and improve patient satisfaction. About 48 men with erectile dysfunction who are scheduled for implant surgery will be randoml…

This study tests personalized treatments for adults aged 50 and older who have had a concussion. The goal is to see if targeted therapies can reduce symptoms like headache, dizziness, and fatigue. About 50 participants will be tracked over several visits to measure how well the t…

This study tests a program called CARES that helps cancer patients manage symptoms like pain and depression. About 1,750 adults with cancer will be assigned to either CARES or standard care. The goal is to see if CARES improves quality of life and emotional health.

This study tests a digital health platform paired with a live health coach to help people recover better after abdominal surgery. About 1,300 adults scheduled for elective inpatient surgery will use the Pip app and work with a coach to manage their care tasks. The goal is to see …

This study looks at whether cognitive-behavioral therapy can help cancer patients who feel distressed about stopping immunotherapy. About 100 adults who have had immunotherapy for cancer will take part. The goal is to reduce fear of recurrence, anxiety, and depression, and improv…

This study tests whether adjusting the timing of speech therapy sessions can help people with aphasia (trouble finding words after a stroke) remember words better and use them in daily life. About 32 adults with chronic aphasia will practice naming pictures on a schedule that ada…

This study tests a new rehabilitation program called ACES, which combines acceptance and commitment therapy with strategy training, to help people who have had a stroke rejoin social activities. About 54 chronic stroke survivors living in the community will take part. The program…

This study tests two parent training programs for 3-5 year olds with sleep problems and early signs of ADHD. One program focuses on general behavior strategies, the other adds sleep-improving techniques. Researchers want to see if the sleep-focused program is more helpful and pra…

This study looks at whether yoga can help men aged 18 to 65 who are dependent on tobacco and want to quit. Participants will either do yoga or receive standard advice, and researchers will measure cravings and relapse rates over three months. The goal is to see if yoga is a pract…

This study is testing whether a mobile health system can help people with chronic conditions like spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida improve their self-management skills and quality of life. About 160 participants aged 12 and older will use the system or receive …

This study tests whether a mobile app that tracks symptoms and sensor data can help people receiving chemotherapy feel better and stay connected with their care team. About 50 adults with solid tumors will use the app and a Fitbit for 90 days. The goal is to see if the app is eas…

This study looks at how sensory sensitivities affect sleep and emotions in autistic children aged 6 to 10. Researchers will test a special bedtime routine designed to lower arousal levels in kids who are overly sensitive to sensory input. The goal is to see if this routine improv…

This study is testing a mobile app designed to help teenagers who struggle with binge eating and are overweight or at risk for it. The app uses proven strategies to improve self-control and eating habits. For 16 weeks, 50 teens will use the app and share their thoughts on how hel…

This study looks at whether a program of exercise and nutrition supplements before esophageal cancer surgery is practical and helpful. About 20 adults scheduled for surgery will either receive the program or standard care. Researchers will track how many people join and stick wit…

This study looks at whether listening to live or recorded music can help lower stress and pain in children who are on breathing machines in the intensive care unit. About 171 children, ages 2 months to 17 years, will take part. Researchers will measure stress and pain using saliv…

This study looks at how the daily rhythm of sleep and social activity relates to mood and suicidal thoughts in older adults who recently lost a spouse or life partner. Researchers will track 169 participants over 12 months using surveys and activity monitors. The goal is to under…

This study follows 180 children with overweight or obesity to see how their thinking skills (like memory and self-control) relate to their eating behaviors and weight changes over time. Researchers will use brain games and interviews to measure these skills. The goal is to find b…

This study follows 146 people with cystic fibrosis who became first-time parents within the last 180 days. Researchers will track lung function, mental health, and stress levels over five years using surveys and medical records. The goal is to understand how parenthood impacts he…

This study aims to find genetic differences in chronic wounds that heal versus those that don't. Researchers will compare DNA from wound tissue and blood samples from 256 adults with long-lasting ulcers. The goal is to understand why some wounds fail to heal, which could lead to …

This study aims to uncover the genetic causes of biliary atresia, a rare liver disease in newborns that often leads to liver failure and transplant. Researchers will analyze DNA from 1,100 children who have had or need a liver transplant. By finding the genes involved, they hope …

This study looks at whether using a single continuous catheter or inserting and removing a catheter every few hours is better for women who have an epidural during labor. The goal is to see which method leads to fewer bladder problems and infections after giving birth. About 564 …

This study looks at whether harm reduction care—a non-judgmental approach that focuses on safety and respect—can reduce stigma and improve health for people with HIV who use drugs. Researchers will survey about 768 patients and providers at three clinics to understand how attitud…

This study looks at diabetic foot ulcers to see if a history of biofilm infection leads to poor skin barrier function after the wound closes. Researchers will measure water loss through the healed skin to predict if the ulcer will come back. The goal is to understand the biologic…

This study follows 1500 people with rare genetic brain disorders to learn how these diseases progress over time. Researchers will track thinking, movement, and daily living skills, and look for biomarkers in blood and spinal fluid. The goal is to better understand these condition…

This study is building a research registry of up to 3,000 people with emphysema or COPD, plus a control group without lung disease. Participants provide DNA, lung function tests, and medical history to help researchers better understand the disease and identify candidates for fut…

This study follows 7,500 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy volunteers over 30 years to learn why the disease affects people differently and why some respond better to treatments. Researchers hope this will lead to more personalized care for each person with MS. Part…

This study looks at how anti-seizure medications work in pregnant and breastfeeding women with epilepsy. Researchers will measure drug levels in the blood to understand how much reaches the baby. The goal is to help doctors choose safer doses for both mother and child.

This observational study looks at why some people with knee osteoarthritis have more severe pain than others, even when their knee damage looks similar. About 300 adults aged 45-80 with chronic knee pain will complete surveys, physical tests, knee X-rays and MRIs, brain imaging, …

This study creates a registry of Amish and Mennonite people who are willing to be contacted about future medical research. It does not involve any treatment or test—just permission to be matched with studies that fit their health and family history. The goal is to make it easier …

This study tests whether having a doula (a trained birth support person) can reduce intimate partner violence and related harms like coercion and depression during pregnancy. Researchers will compare a doula program to standard care in 250 pregnant survivors of abuse. The goal is…

This study collects blood samples from 2,000 adults with pulmonary fibrosis to find genetic traits that may explain why they developed the disease and why scarring patterns differ. Participants must be 18 or older with a confirmed diagnosis. The goal is to better understand the d…

This study is testing a mobile health app designed to support the mental and social well-being of Veterans with spinal cord injuries and their family caregivers. About 100 participants will use the app and provide feedback to help improve it. The goal is to see if the app is help…

This study aims to find genetic and protein markers that may predict when a person with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) will experience a rapid decline in lung function. Researchers will compare these markers with changes in symptoms over time. The study involves 500 adults d…

This study tests whether a training session for hospital doctors can help them feel more confident when adjusting medications for older adults with diabetes and high blood pressure. About 150 doctors will attend a one-time educational session and complete surveys before and after…

This study looks at how cannabis use and stopping it affect sleep, daily rhythms, and sensitivity to light in healthy young adults aged 18-25. Researchers will compare regular cannabis users to non-users using sleep monitors, light tests, and pupil measurements. The goal is to un…

This study looks at how to improve the way pediatric primary care clinics handle children's behavior problems and ADHD. Researchers will test different strategies to help clinic teams work together more effectively. About 450 healthcare providers and families will take part. The …

This study aims to learn more about what causes pancreatic cancer by following 10,000 people over time. Participants include those with or at risk for pancreatic disease, as well as healthy volunteers. Researchers will collect medical history, family history, blood, and urine sam…

This study looks at whether taking a nap during a night shift can help lower blood pressure and improve alertness. Researchers will test 5 different nap lengths in 130 healthcare and public safety workers. The goal is to find the best nap duration to protect heart health and boos…

This study tests a training program for college health and counseling center providers to improve their knowledge and skills in caring for transgender and gender diverse students. The goal is to make these centers more welcoming and effective, which may help lower rates of sexual…

This study is testing a new method called Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing (P-QST) to see if it can predict how well people with chronic pancreatitis will respond to pain-relieving procedures like endoscopy or surgery. Researchers will measure pain levels before and after …

This study looks at how your heart and blood vessels react to a short stressful task and how that relates to your brain health. Researchers will measure things like blood pressure, heart rate, and brain scans in 450 adults. The goal is to understand links between stress responses…

This study aims to find the genetic and immune system changes that cause lung cancer to start and grow. Researchers will collect tissue samples from 6,000 people who have or may have lung cancer. The goal is to better understand the disease, not to test a new treatment.

This study aims to develop a new brain-scan task that mimics social media to see how it affects teens with depression. About 60 teens aged 13-17 with mild to severe depressive symptoms will have their brains scanned while using a custom social media app. They will also answer dai…

This study looks at whether it is safe for women aged 70 and older with very small, screen-detected breast cancers to skip immediate treatment and instead have regular imaging to monitor the tumor. Researchers will track how many participants' tumors grow within 12 months. The go…

This study looks at whether a tool called MyPath helps women with substance use disorder choose and stick with a birth control method after giving birth. About 400 women will use the tool during pregnancy or right after delivery. The goal is to see if it improves use of effective…

This study looks at how animal-based and plant-based proteins affect metabolism and immune signals in healthy adults. Twenty participants will drink three different protein smoothies and give blood samples to measure changes. The goal is to understand how protein type and added l…

This study collects blood, urine, and skin samples from 200 adults with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Researchers will analyze proteins in these samples to better understand the diseases. The goal is to gather information for current and future research…

This study looks at how different exercise programs affect knee cartilage in people with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty participants will either do exercises as usual or with rest breaks in between. The goal is to see if the way we exercise changes how the knee joint responds, which…

This study collects and freezes testicular tissue from boys who are not yet producing sperm and are at risk of infertility due to cancer or autoimmune disease treatments. The tissue is stored in a lab for possible future use to help them have biological children once experimental…

This study tests whether a mobile app can help parents of children aged 5-8 with disruptive behaviors. About 324 parents will be randomly assigned to use the app alone, with a coach, or a control app. The goal is to see if the app improves parenting skills and child behavior, and…

This study looks at whether a program called 'One All,' built around the sport Ultimate Frisbee, can help young people from tribal communities in South India feel more resilient and mentally healthy. About 240 youth will take part, and researchers will measure changes in their re…

This study tests a special toolkit designed to help primary care doctors have better conversations about future medical care with people living with Alzheimer's or other dementias. About 120 patients and their doctors will take part over 18 months. The goal is to see if the toolk…

This study is looking at proteins in the body of people who have had an organ or bone marrow transplant. The goal is to better understand how anti-rejection drugs work and why some people reject their transplant while others do not. About 1,200 transplant patients of all ages wil…

This study looks at whether improving deep sleep can help protect the brain in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will ask 116 people aged 65-85 with mild sleep issues to spend less time in bed to naturally deepen their sleep. They will measure changes in m…

This study looks at how children who stutter process speech and language in the brain compared to children who do not stutter. Researchers will use brain scans (EEG and fMRI) and speech tests to find differences in brain activity. The goal is to better understand stuttering, not …

This study aims to find markers in blood and tissue that could signal a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Researchers will collect medical history and samples from up to 7,000 people with esophageal disorders like GERD or Barrett's esophagus. The goal is to enable earl…

This study aims to understand how substances from gut fungi might travel into the bloodstream, cause inflammation, and worsen lung function in people living with HIV. Researchers will observe 100 participants with HIV over three years, collecting blood, urine, breath, and stool s…

This study aims to create a large database and sample bank for people with neurogenetic disorders. Researchers will collect detailed health information, family histories, and biological samples from up to 1,000 participants. The goal is to better understand these conditions, impr…