Vanderbilt University Medical Center

This study tests whether a drug called lanadelumab can prevent sudden drops in blood pressure that often happen during hemodialysis. The trial involves 28 adults on long-term dialysis who are prone to these episodes. Participants receive either the drug or a placebo injection, an…

This study looked at whether teaching mothers about nutritious local foods can prevent malnutrition in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in northern Nigeria. 146 children aged 6 to 18 months with SCD took part. Community health workers gave mothers special nutrition advice,…

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 whether levodopa, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, can improve thinking speed, walking, and mood in older adults with depression. Researchers gave 79 participants either levodopa or a placebo for three weeks. The goal was to see if boosting dopamine could he…

This study tests whether a high dose of montelukast (Singulair), given by mouth, can help children aged 4 to 12 who are in the hospital with a moderate or severe asthma attack. The goal is to find the best dose for a future larger study. Children receive either the high-dose mont…

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 tracked 61 patients who received the ExploR Modular Radial Head implant to repair elbow fractures. Researchers measured pain, motion, and function using standard elbow scores and X-rays. The goal was to see how well the implant performs in everyday use.

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 looked at 56 stable kidney transplant patients to see if switching their anti-rejection medication from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily Envarsus XR improved their thinking skills and quality of life. Participants took tests of memory, attention, and reasoning befo…

This study tested 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 goal w…

This study compared two FDA-approved medications, risperidone and aripiprazole, used to treat irritability 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 were followed during routine …

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 completed Phase 4 trial studied 60 people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) to see if adding low-dose rivaroxaban to aspirin improves blood vessel function and reduces clotting. Participants took either rivaroxaban plus aspirin or a placebo plus aspirin. The study measure…

This study compared two common sedatives, ketamine and etomidate, used when critically ill adults need a breathing tube placed in an emergency. About 2,367 patients took part to see which drug leads to fewer deaths and heart problems. The goal is to find the safer option for this…

This study tested a program for women with high blood pressure after pregnancy. Participants monitored their blood pressure at home and reported it through an app. A nurse navigator helped adjust medications and coordinated follow-up care. The goal was to improve blood pressure c…

This study tested whether a single dose of dantrolene, a muscle relaxant, could reduce the risk of dangerous heart rhythms in 68 people with structural heart disease who were scheduled for a procedure to treat ventricular tachycardia. Participants received either dantrolene or a …

This study tested a rapid blood test (T2Bacteria Panel) that identifies bacteria directly from blood, compared to standard blood cultures that take 1-3 days. Researchers wanted to see if using this test could help doctors stop unnecessary vancomycin (a strong antibiotic) sooner i…

This completed trial tested whether a rapid MRSA nasal swab test could help doctors safely stop an antibiotic called vancomycin in adults with pneumonia in the intensive care unit. 277 participants were randomly assigned to have their swab results reported to their doctor or to r…

This study tested whether training community health workers to manage childhood epilepsy can help the many children in Africa who go untreated. Over 1,600 children in Nigeria received either care from trained health workers or standard doctor care. The goal was to see if the comm…

This study tested whether early cognitive training and rehabilitation can improve long-term thinking skills in older adults (65+) who experienced delirium during a hospital stay. 283 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the cognitive training program or usual car…

This study tested a drug called etanercept against a placebo 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 speeds up skin healing and to learn more about the disease.

This study tested a mobile app called PeerNaija that sends medication reminders, shows users how their adherence compares to others, and offers a monthly lottery prize for those with the best scores. The goal was to see if the app is easy to use and helps young people living with…

This study tested a smartphone app called My Diabetes Care that uses simple graphics to help people with type 2 diabetes understand their health numbers (like blood sugar and cholesterol) and gives tips for self-care. 458 adults from two hospitals used the app or got usual care. …

This study looked at whether adding a device that applies gentle suction (negative pressure) to standard lymphedema therapy helps reduce arm swelling in women who developed lymphedema after cancer treatment. Eighteen participants received both standard therapy and the combined ap…

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 tested a new, noninvasive technique called magnetogastrogram (MGG) to measure the stomach's electrical activity without radiation. Researchers studied 22 people, including those with diabetes, gastroparesis, and other stomach conditions, to see if the test can tell nor…

This study looked at whether omega-3 supplements (fish oil) could help pregnant women who smoke have healthier pregnancies and possibly smoke less. About 237 pregnant smokers took either omega-3 pills or a placebo. The goal was to see if the supplements could reduce preterm labor…

This large observational study followed over 135,000 Chinese women aged 40-70 to see if eating soy food reduces the risk of heart attacks and fatal heart disease. Researchers tracked participants' soy intake and heart health over time. The study aims to provide clues about diet a…

This study tested whether taking magnesium supplements could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in people with a specific genetic makeup. Researchers gave 250 participants either magnesium or a placebo for 12 weeks and measured changes in colon tissue markers linked to cancer d…

This study tested whether giving parents extra support through text messages and a website could help prevent obesity in babies. 900 families were split into two groups: one got standard advice on healthy habits, and the other also got texts and goal-setting tools. Researchers tr…

This study compares two store-bought devices for stress urinary incontinence (leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising). About 80 women will try both devices over 20 days and report which they prefer. The goal is to see if a web-based study is practical and what facto…

This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) could make computer-based brain training more effective for older adults with recurrent depression. Sixteen people aged 60 and older took part. The goal was to see if this combination improved memor…

This study tested two numbing methods for 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 using a standard scale, heart rate, and oxygen levels in 107 babies. The…

This study tested an automated abdominal binder that inflates when a person stands, applying pressure to help maintain blood pressure. It included 28 adults with autonomic failure and disabling orthostatic hypotension. Participants wore either the active binder or a sham version …

This study tested whether memantine, a drug used for Alzheimer's, can help with thinking and memory 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 safely improves bra…

This study tested whether giving intravenous guanfacine to critically ill patients with delirium in the ICU could improve their brain function. 46 adults on breathing machines or for shock were randomly assigned to receive guanfacine or a placebo. Researchers measured days withou…

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 a theatre-based program called SENSE Theatre for adults with autism. 72 participants took part in 10 sessions of role-play and peer interaction, ending with a public performance. The goal was to see if this approach could improve social skills like reading faces…

This 12-week study tested whether combining acupuncture, yoga, and gradual medication reduction can help adults aged 65 and older lower their use of benzodiazepines (medications for anxiety and insomnia). Twenty-three participants received weekly acupuncture, private yoga classes…

This small study tested whether levocarnitine, a natural substance, can help treat dry eye in adults with Sjogren's syndrome. Fifteen participants received both the drug and a placebo in a crossover design. The goal was to see if levocarnitine reduces eye inflammation and improve…

This study tested whether a 20-minute live classical music session (piano with or without flute) could help reduce anxiety and pain and increase relaxation in critically ill ICU patients. Researchers also looked at how patients, families, and staff felt about the music. The study…

This study tested whether a single intravenous dose of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, can shorten the QT interval in adults with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, a rare genetic heart condition that increases the risk of dangerous heart rhythms. Only one person participa…

This study tested whether metformin, a common diabetes drug, along with a text-message activity program, could help people with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) walk farther and feel better day-to-day. 73 adults with PAH took part. The goal was to see if these interventions im…

This study looks at a nerve in the neck called the ansa cervicalis, which controls muscles that help keep the airway open. Researchers will measure the nerve's size and shape in 50 adults having neck surgery for head and neck cancer. They will also test how stimulating the nerve …

This study tested a web-based tool called MeTree that collects family health history to estimate a person's risk for inherited cancer. Over 1,800 adults from three medical centers participated. The goal was to see if the tool helps identify high-risk patients more efficiently tha…

This study tested whether taking tadalafil (Cialis) daily for 12 weeks can change how fat tissue works in obese adults. Researchers used MRI scans and fat samples to measure fat metabolism and gene activity. The goal was to understand if the drug could make fat behave more like c…

This study looks at what children with long-term health conditions and pregnant women know and think about pharmacogenetic testing—a type of genetic test that helps doctors choose the right medicines. About 500 participants will take surveys before and after getting their test re…

This study looked at how the upper part of the gut (foregut) senses nutrients and controls metabolism in 27 lean and obese adults. Researchers measured hormone and sugar levels after feeding through a tube to understand if faulty gut signals contribute to obesity. The goal was to…

This study tested whether a daily, step-by-step assessment could help doctors safely remove patients from a life-support machine called ECMO sooner. 225 adults on ECMO were randomly assigned to either the daily protocol or usual care. The goal was to see if the protocol shortened…

This study reviewed the medical records of 569 adults who had surgery for lung or esophageal cancer. Researchers wanted to see if taking statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) around the time of surgery was linked to fewer complications and better long-term outcomes. The goal is to…

This completed study created a biorepository of blood and tissue samples from 60 women with and without lipedema. The goal was to find molecular markers that can distinguish lipedema from obesity, which is often misdiagnosed. Researchers measured immune markers and physical funct…

This study looked at whether placing a ureteral stent after ureteroscopy for kidney stones reduces complications. 103 adults with small kidney stones were randomly assigned to get a stent or not. Researchers tracked ER visits, unplanned doctor visits, and hospitalizations to see …

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 tested an augmented reality tool that shows surgical trainees where an expert surgeon looks during kidney stone surgery. Ten urology residents used the device on kidney models (phantoms). The goal was to see if this eye-gaze guidance helps trainees learn to explore the…

This pilot study tested whether offering secure storage devices (like lock boxes and cable locks) along with brief counseling to families of children hospitalized for mental health crises is feasible and acceptable. Only 2 families participated, and the goal was to see if they wo…

This study looked at whether it's possible and safe for people with early-stage Parkinson's disease to stop their medication for one week while being monitored with brain scans and wearable sensors. Twenty participants were followed to see how their symptoms and brain activity ch…

This completed study looked at 172 people with and without HIV to understand why those with HIV have a higher risk of diabetes. Researchers examined fat tissue and immune cells to see if chronic immune activation in fat contributes to insulin resistance. The goal was to learn how…

This study looked at 155 people with early-onset atrial fibrillation to see if genetic testing can help doctors choose better treatments. Participants had heart imaging and ECG tests to find hidden heart muscle or rhythm disorders. The goal is to learn how genetics influence the …

This study looked at two common treatments for low blood pressure upon standing in people with autonomic failure: the drug midodrine and an abdominal compression belt. Researchers measured how each affects heart health markers like pulse wave velocity. The trial involved 31 adult…

This study looked at how an abdominal compression binder (like a tight belt) helps people with autonomic failure who get dizzy or faint when standing due to low blood pressure. Researchers compared the binder to a standard medication (midodrine) and a placebo in 21 adults. The go…

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 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 tested an augmented reality (AR) tool that tracks where a surgeon looks during kidney stone surgery. The goal was to help trainee surgeons learn to find all stone fragments, which could reduce repeat surgeries. Eight urology residents participated in a simulated settin…

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 looked at whether a blood test that measures immune response to CMV can predict infection risk in children who have received a heart, kidney, or liver transplant. Researchers tested blood samples from 161 children within the first year after transplant. The goal is to …

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 pilot study tested three common ventilator modes—volume control, pressure control, and adaptive pressure control—in 566 ICU adults with respiratory failure. The goal was to see which mode leads to more days alive and off the ventilator. The study is a first step to guide fut…

This study created a registry of 3,000 children who were severely obese before age 6. Researchers collected DNA samples to look for genetic causes of early obesity. The goal was to better understand the condition and identify families interested in future clinical trials.

This study looked at why experienced anesthesiologists sometimes make decisions that go against best practices when managing muscle relaxation at the end of surgery. Researchers interviewed 154 anesthesia providers and used clinical scenarios to understand their thought processes…

This study looked at whether a hand-held device called a dynamometer can accurately measure leg strength in 20 people who had a stroke more than 3 months ago. The goal was to reduce measurement errors and give therapists better information for designing therapy. Participants perf…

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 small, completed study tested a device called NuView in 3 people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The goal was to see if the device helps doctors view the papilla, a small opening in the intestine, using a standard forward-facing endoscope. Participants had their u…

This study tested whether sending text messages with links to food resources helps families of recently hospitalized children who struggle to afford enough food. 608 caregivers took part. The text messages included a link to an online database and information on applying for food…

This study tested whether a genetic biomarker called the Nicotine Metabolite Ratio (NMR) can help doctors choose the best FDA-approved smoking cessation medication for each person. 82 daily smokers were assigned to varenicline, bupropion, or nicotine patches based on their NMR re…

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 retrieval exercises. The main goal was to see if the app was easy to use and ac…

This study looked for brain markers of catatonia (a condition causing movement and behavior problems) in people with autism. Researchers used MRI scans to target a brain area with magnetic stimulation and measured brain activity and symptoms. The goal was to see if overactive bra…

This study tested two types of brain stimulation (TMS) in 90 people who smoke, 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 befor…

This completed trial tested two ways of reminding doctors to prescribe statins to patients who need them. Over 3,300 patients were included. One reminder popped up and required action, while the other was less intrusive. The goal was to see which method works better without overw…

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 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…

This study looked at whether eating less salt can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease sodium levels in the skin of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers measured changes using MRI and disease activity scores in 18 adults with stable, moderate RA. …

This study followed 94 adults who have both recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney stones that are not blocking the kidney. Researchers wanted to see if surgically removing these stones reduces the number of future UTIs compared to just monitoring them. Patients chose with…

This early-stage study looked at whether people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have low carnitine levels and if taking carnitine supplements could help. Ten adults with PAH kept food diaries and had blood tests to measure carnitine. The goal was to gather information …

This completed study tested whether targeted brain stimulation (TMS) could affect attention and nicotine cravings in 15 people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who smoke. Researchers applied different types of TMS to a brain network linked to attention and measured …

This study tested whether training health care workers in resilience and anti-stigma techniques could improve HIV care. Over 28,000 people living with HIV in Mozambique were involved. The goal was to reduce burnout and negative behavior among providers, which often leads patients…

This completed Phase 1 study at Vanderbilt University looked at how the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system works in people with POTS, a condition that causes a rapid heart rate and dizziness upon standing. Researchers gave 28 participants (including healthy controls) a one-hour…

This study looked at how a drug that blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine affects attention in older adults with mild memory concerns. Nineteen participants aged 55 and older took either the drug or a placebo and had their brain activity measured with EEG. The goal was to…