Vanderbilt University Medical Center

This study looked at 56 stable kidney transplant patients to see if switching from a twice-daily anti-rejection drug (tacrolimus) to a once-daily version (Envarsus XR) improved their thinking skills and quality of life. Participants took cognitive tests and answered surveys befor…

This study looked at whether using a high-flow nasal cannula (a device that delivers warm, moist oxygen through the nose) right after heart surgery could lower the chance of needing a breathing tube again within 48 hours. Over 3,500 adults who had heart surgery took part. The goa…

This study tested a mobile app called PeerNaija that sends medication reminders, shows personal and peer adherence scores, and offers monthly lottery prizes to encourage young people living with HIV to take their medicine consistently. Fifty-four participants aged 16-27 in Nigeri…

This study tested whether training community health workers to treat childhood epilepsy could help more children in Nigeria become seizure-free. Over 1,600 children took part. The goal was to see if shifting care to local workers is effective and affordable, aiming to close the t…

This study tested whether a drug called dantrolene can help control dangerous heart rhythms in people with structural heart disease. 68 adults who were already scheduled for a heart procedure received either dantrolene or a placebo. The goal was to see if the drug could reduce th…

This study tested a drug called etanercept against standard supportive care for people with severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis). Only 2 adults took part. The goal was to see if the drug helped skin heal faster and to learn more about th…

This study looked at how well the ExploR Modular Radial Head implant works for people with elbow fractures or joint damage. Researchers tracked 61 patients to measure pain, movement, and overall elbow function after surgery. The goal was to see if the implant helps patients regai…

This early-stage trial tested a new combination therapy using a polymer called polyethylene glycol (PEG) to help fuse severed nerve endings right after injury. The goal was to see if this approach could restore nerve function faster than current methods. The study involved 45 peo…

This study tested a patient portal tool called My Diabetes Care (MDC) to see if it helps adults with type 2 diabetes improve their blood sugar, weight, and cholesterol. 458 people from two hospitals took part. The tool gave them easy access to their health information and tips. T…

This study looked at whether two treatments that target insulin resistance can help people with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). 73 adults with PAH were given one of the treatments or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if they could walk farther in six minutes o…

This study looked at whether a simple genetic test (called the nicotine metabolite ratio, or NMR) can help doctors pick the best stop-smoking medicine for each person. 82 daily smokers were enrolled to see if using this test was practical and acceptable. The goal was to make quit…

This study tested whether alerting doctors with a negative rapid swab test result could reduce the use of a strong antibiotic called vancomycin in critically ill adults with pneumonia. 277 ICU patients were randomly assigned to either receive the alert or usual care. The goal was…

This study tested a program to help women with pregnancy-related high blood pressure manage their condition after giving birth. The program included home blood pressure monitoring, app-based reporting, and help from a care navigator. 343 women took part, and the goal was to see i…

This study looked at two different approaches to prevent kidney stones in adults who have had at least two stones in the past five years. One approach used diet and medication based on each person's test results, while the other used a standard one-size-fits-all plan. The goal wa…

This study looked at how the blood thinner rivaroxaban, taken with aspirin, affects blood vessel health and clotting in 60 people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Participants received low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin or aspirin plus placebo. The goal was to see if the comb…

This study tested a new way of caring for stroke patients that brings together doctors, nurses, and family members using technology and teamwork. About 1,200 adults who had a stroke took part. The goal was to see if this coordinated care helps people recover better and have a hig…

This study tested a compound called 2-HOBA in 32 adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants took either 2-HOBA or a placebo three times a day for 4 weeks. The goal was to see if 2-HOBA is safe and reduces markers of inflammation. This early research helps plan larger future s…

This study tested whether training healthcare workers to handle stress and avoid negative attitudes could help people with HIV stay in care. Over 28,000 patients and their providers at four health facilities in Mozambique took part. The goal was to see if a low-cost program could…

This study tested a new, faster way to diagnose GERD (heartburn disease) using a special probe during a routine endoscopy. The test takes only one minute and may be more comfortable than current methods. Fifteen adults with known reflux participated, and their results were compar…

This study looked at whether omega-3 fatty acid supplements could reduce the risk of preterm labor and help pregnant women who smoke cut back on cigarettes. About 237 pregnant smokers took either omega-3 supplements or a placebo. The goal was to see if the supplements could lead …

This study looked at whether taking magnesium supplements could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in people who have had polyps or are at high risk. Researchers measured changes in colon tissue markers linked to cancer growth. The goal was to see if adjusting calcium and magne…

This study tested whether adding a digital goal-setting tool to standard well-child visits helps prevent obesity in babies. 900 parent-infant pairs were followed for 2 years. The approach focused on healthy eating, activity, screen time, and sleep habits.

This study tested whether adding acupuncture and yoga to a medication reduction plan helps older adults safely lower their use of benzodiazepines (drugs for anxiety and sleep). Twenty-three adults aged 65 and older took part in a 12-week program that included gradual dose reducti…

This study looked at whether live music played in the ICU can help critically ill patients feel less pain, anxiety, and stress. Over 100 patients, along with their families and hospital staff, took part. Researchers measured changes in pain, anxiety, and relaxation levels before …

This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) could boost the effects of computer-based brain training in older adults (60+) who have had depression. Sixteen people took part. The goal was to see if this combination could improve thinking skill…

This study tested a special inflatable belt worn around the belly to help people with a condition that causes their blood pressure to drop when they stand up. 28 adults aged 40-80 with this problem took part. The belt automatically tightens to push blood upward and improve sympto…

This study tested a theater-based program called SENSE Theatre® to help adults with autism spectrum disorder improve their social skills. 72 adults took part in the program, which used role-play, scripted scenes, and improvisation. The goal was to see if this approach could make …

This study looked at two FDA-approved medicines, risperidone and aripiprazole, used to treat behavior problems in children with autism. The goal was to see which one causes more weight gain. Thirty children under 18 who had never taken these drugs before took part. The results he…

This study tested two methods to numb the skin before a common clubfoot procedure in infants: a needle-free jet injection that works in 1-2 minutes versus a topical cream that takes 30 minutes. Researchers measured pain levels, heart rate, and oxygen levels in 107 babies to see w…

This study looked at whether placing a ureteral stent after kidney stone surgery causes more or fewer problems. About 100 adults with small kidney stones were randomly assigned to get a stent or not. Researchers tracked ER visits, unplanned doctor visits, and hospital stays to se…

This study tested whether levocarnitine, a natural substance, can help relieve dry eye in people with Sjogren's syndrome. Fifteen adults took both the supplement and a placebo at different times to compare effects. The goal was to see if it reduces eye inflammation and improves s…

This pilot study tested whether online mindfulness sessions could help people recover better after lumbar spine surgery. 67 adults who had their first back surgery were randomly assigned to either mindfulness training or education sessions over 8 weeks. The main goal was to see i…

This study tested whether memantine, a drug used for Alzheimer's, can help with memory and thinking problems in people with lupus. About 111 adults with lupus and cognitive issues took either memantine or a placebo for 14 weeks. The goal was to see if the drug could safely improv…

This study looked at whether giving a drug called guanfacine through an IV can help reduce delirium and improve thinking in very sick patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The trial included 46 adults who needed breathing or blood pressure support. Researchers measured how m…

This study tested whether adding a special negative pressure therapy to standard lymphedema treatment works better than standard treatment alone for reducing arm swelling in women who developed lymphedema after cancer therapy. 18 women with arm or upper body lymphedema participat…

This study looked at whether levodopa (a drug used for Parkinson's) can improve thinking speed, walking, and mood in older adults with depression. 79 people aged 60 and older with depression and slow thinking or walking took part. The goal was to see if boosting dopamine in the b…

This study tested a single dose of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, in one adult with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome. The goal was to see if the drug could quickly shorten the QT interval, a measure of heart rhythm. The approach was to give the drug intravenously and mon…

This study tested a device called NuView that attaches to a standard endoscope to help doctors see the papilla, a small opening in the gut, in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Three adults with FAP underwent their usual upper endoscopy plus an extra look with the…

This study looked at how genetics influence early-onset atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm problem). Researchers enrolled 155 people who had genetic testing to see if they had inherited heart conditions. Participants underwent heart scans and monitoring to find hidden risks and …

This study looked at whether starting cognitive training early in the hospital and continuing it at home can improve thinking and memory in older adults (65+) who experience delirium during a hospital stay. 283 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the cognitive t…

This study created a collection of blood and tissue samples from 60 women with and without lipedema, a painful fat disorder in the legs. The goal is to find unique markers in the blood that can help doctors tell lipedema apart from regular obesity. By understanding the disease be…

This study looked at how certain hormones (renin and aldosterone) affect blood pressure in people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Researchers measured changes in blood pressure and hormone levels after a one-hour infusion. The goal was to learn more about w…

This study tested a phone app called MEMI designed to help adults with chronic traumatic brain injury improve their memory. Forty participants used the app to practice remembering words through spaced repetition. The main goal was to see if the app was easy to use and acceptable,…

This study looked at how the upper part of the gut (foregut) senses nutrients and sends signals that control metabolism and hormone release. Researchers compared 27 lean and obese adults to see if these signals are faulty in obesity. The goal was to better understand the body's n…

This study tested two ways of reminding doctors to prescribe statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) to patients who need them. One method used pop-up alerts that interrupt the doctor's workflow, while the other used non-interruptive reminders that doctors could check on their own. …

This study looked at how asking about tough childhood experiences (ACEs) during regular doctor visits and offering a parenting program could help families. Over 500 parents of children aged 2-10 took part. The goal was to see if the program improved parenting behaviors and reduce…

This study looked at whether eating less salt can reduce inflammation and blood pressure in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers measured changes in tissue sodium using MRI and tracked disease activity scores. The study involved 18 adults with stable, moderate RA an…

This study tested a new, noninvasive magnetic method to measure the stomach's electrical activity in 22 people, including those with diabetes, gastroparesis, or who had stomach surgery. The goal was to see if this technique can tell the difference between normal and diseased stom…

This study looked at how salt affects blood pressure in Black adults. Researchers wanted to see if changes in blood pressure from eating more or less salt were linked to signs seen on medical scans. 19 people took part, and the goal was to learn more, not to test a new treatment.

This study looked at 161 children who had heart, kidney, or liver transplants. Researchers used a special blood test to measure their immune system's ability to fight CMV, a common virus that can cause serious problems after transplant. The goal was to find out if this test could…

This study looked at over 2,300 critically ill adults who needed an emergency breathing tube. Doctors wanted to know if using ketamine or etomidate as a sedative leads to better outcomes, like survival and fewer heart problems. The goal was to find out which medicine is safer and…

This study tested whether a daily, structured assessment could help doctors safely remove ECMO (a machine that does the work of the heart and lungs) earlier in adults with severe breathing failure. Researchers compared this approach to usual care in 225 patients across multiple h…

This study looked at how a brain chemical called acetylcholine helps older adults with mild memory concerns stay focused. Researchers gave a drug that temporarily blocks this chemical and measured brain activity with EEG. The goal was to understand if the brain works harder to ma…

This study looked at whether brain over-excitability is linked to catatonia (a condition causing movement and communication problems) in people with autism. Researchers used MRI scans to target a specific brain area with mild magnetic pulses, measuring brain responses and cataton…

This study tested an augmented reality (AR) tool that tracks where a surgeon looks during kidney stone surgery. The goal was to see if sharing an expert's eye-gaze pattern could help trainee surgeons find and remove all stone fragments, reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Eig…

This study looked at whether wearable motion sensors and special brain scans (FDG-PET) can reliably track Parkinson's symptoms when patients temporarily stop their medication for one week. Twenty people with early-stage Parkinson's took part. The goal was to see if this approach …

This study looked at carnitine, a nutrient from food, in 10 adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Researchers measured carnitine levels in the blood and tested if supplements could raise them. The goal was to gather information for future studies on whether carnitine…

This study looked at whether special devices placed on the belly can detect differences in stomach activity between children with nausea and healthy children. Researchers used electrogastrogram (EGG) and magnetogastrogram (MGG) recordings to measure stomach slow waves. The goal w…

This study investigated whether eating soy foods reduces the risk of heart attacks and fatal heart disease in Chinese women. Researchers followed over 135,000 women aged 40 to 70 living in study communities. The goal was to see if soy intake is linked to better heart health.

This study followed 225 people who had ACL reconstruction surgery to see how their knees were doing 10 years later. Researchers looked at X-rays and pain scores to find out which factors increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The goal is to better understand long-term ou…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS could change attention and nicotine cravings in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who smoke. Fifteen adults completed the study, which measured brain activity and cravings before a…

This study tested whether a handheld device (dynamometer) can reliably measure leg strength in 20 adults who had a stroke more than 3 months ago. The goal was to reduce measurement errors and give therapists better information for designing rehab exercises. Participants performed…

This study tested a new rapid blood test that identifies bacteria directly from a blood sample, instead of waiting days for standard cultures. The goal was to see if this test helps doctors stop unnecessary antibiotics (like vancomycin) sooner in adults with suspected bloodstream…

This study looked at 94 adults with both recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones that were not causing blockages. Patients chose with their doctor whether to have the stones removed or just monitor them. The goal was to see if removing the stones would lower t…

This pilot study tested whether it is practical and acceptable to offer free secure storage devices (like cable locks and lock boxes) and counseling to families of children hospitalized for mental health crises who own firearms. Only 2 families participated, and the main goal was…

This study looked back at the medical records of 569 adults who had surgery for lung or esophagus cancer. Researchers wanted to see if taking statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) around the time of surgery helped reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes. The goal was t…

This study looked at how pressing on the belly (abdominal compression) helps people with a condition that causes blood pressure to drop when they stand up. 21 adults with autonomic failure participated. The goal was to understand how this compression improves blood flow and stand…

This study tested a new way to program cochlear implants in 47 children aged 4 to 12. Instead of the standard method, doctors used CT scans to see exactly where the implant's electrodes sit inside the ear, then turned off any poorly placed ones. The goal was to see if this person…

This study tested two types of brain stimulation (TMS) in 90 smokers, half with schizophrenia and half without. The goal was to see if TMS could change brain connections and reduce nicotine cravings. Participants completed thinking tasks and reported their cravings before and aft…

This study tested whether sending text messages with food resource information to families of recently hospitalized children is more effective than giving them a paper handout. Over 600 caregivers participated. The goal was to see if the text message approach helped more families…

This study created a registry of 3,000 children who were severely obese before age 6. Researchers collected DNA and health information to find genetic causes of early obesity. The goal is to better understand the condition and identify families who may want to join future clinica…

This study looked at 172 people with and without HIV to understand why those with HIV have a higher risk of diabetes. Researchers examined immune cells in fat tissue and blood to see if chronic immune activation harms fat cell function and insulin sensitivity. The goal was to gat…

This study looked at why experienced anesthesiologists sometimes make decisions that go against proven best practices when managing muscle relaxants at the end of surgery. Researchers interviewed 154 anesthesia providers using realistic scenarios to understand their thinking. The…

This study tested an augmented reality tool that shows trainee surgeons where expert surgeons look during kidney stone surgery. The goal is to help trainees learn to see the entire kidney more completely, which could reduce the need for repeat surgeries. Ten urology residents par…

This study looked at 7 adults with achalasia, a swallowing disorder, to find out why some lose weight and others don't. Researchers monitored body weight and compared differences between the two groups. The goal was to gather information that could lead to better understanding an…

This study looked at whether using feedback and spacing out practice sessions can help children aged 5 to 9 who are deaf or hard of hearing learn new words more efficiently. Thirteen children took part in word-learning exercises to see which methods worked best. The goal was to f…

This study looked at two common treatments for a condition where blood pressure drops sharply when standing up: a medication called midodrine and wearing an abdominal compression binder. Researchers measured how each treatment affects markers of heart health in 31 adults with aut…

This study tested three common ways to set a breathing machine (ventilator) for critically ill adults with respiratory failure. The goal was to see if the choice of mode affects how many days patients are alive and off the ventilator. Over 500 patients took part to help design a …

This study looked at whether eating fewer carbohydrates could help people with type 1 diabetes become more sensitive to insulin and improve blood vessel health. Fourteen adults on insulin pumps tried both a low-carb diet and a standard diet for one week each. The results showed n…