Vanderbilt University Medical Center

This study tests whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes, can help adults with HIV reduce their alcohol intake and smoking, and lower their risk of heart disease. About 200 participants will take semaglutide or a placebo for 3 months and provide blood, stool, and saliva sam…

This study tests whether a single-port robotic system can safely harvest tissue from the abdomen for breast reconstruction. Four women who need DIEP flap reconstruction will undergo the procedure. The goal is to see if the robotic approach is feasible and leads to fewer complicat…

This study tests whether giving anti-viral medication to kill the shingles virus (VZV) living in the gut can improve symptoms of achalasia, a severe swallowing disorder. Researchers will enroll 40 adults with achalasia and measure changes in swallowing, pain, and weight. The goal…

This study tests whether a supplement called 2-HOBA can help people with lupus by lowering blood pressure and reducing harmful immune activity. About 42 women with stable lupus and mild-to-moderate high blood pressure will take either 2-HOBA or a placebo for 8 weeks, then switch.…

This study tests whether a drug called galantamine can improve blood vessel function and reduce harmful stress in the blood vessels of African Americans. Researchers will measure changes in blood flow and markers of cell damage over three months. The goal is to find a new way to …

This study tests whether giving a long-acting version of the anti-rejection drug tacrolimus early after a lung transplant can help protect kidney function while still preventing organ rejection. About 48 adults who have recently received a lung transplant will be randomly assigne…

This study tests a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program delivered through a custom app for people who have had a heart valve procedure. Participants who choose not to attend center-based rehab are randomly assigned to usual care, the app with self-guided content, or the app …

This study tests whether empagliflozin, a drug used for diabetes, can reduce chronic inflammation in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Researchers will measure immune cells and blood vessel function in 74 adults. The goal is to find a new way to lower heart disease risk…

This Phase 2 trial tests whether a drug called 2-HOBA can improve the function of HDL (good cholesterol) in people with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition causing very high cholesterol. Researchers will give 72 participants either 2-HOBA or a placebo for six we…

This study tests whether storing donated kidneys at 10°C (instead of the usual 4°C on ice) helps them work better after transplant. About 30 adults waiting for a kidney transplant will take part. Researchers will measure kidney function and check for early injury using urine test…

This study tests whether a gel containing a human growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) can help wounds heal faster after skin cancer removal on the head or neck. About 40 adults whose surgical wounds are too large to stitch closed will receive either the gel or a placebo. The goal is to see…

Hospital-acquired blood clots are a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. This study tests an AI tool called VTE-AI that automatically identifies patients at high risk for clots and alerts doctors if prevention hasn't been ordered. Over 2,200 patients across four hospitals wi…

This phase 2 trial tests whether a drug called 2-HOBA can reduce immune system overactivity in people with Long COVID who also have POTS (a condition causing rapid heart rate upon standing). The study will enroll 50 participants and randomly assign them to receive either 2-HOBA o…

This study looks at whether adding CoQ10 (a supplement that supports cell energy) to high-intensity interval training can help people with end-stage kidney disease build muscle and improve physical function. 156 adults on dialysis will be assigned to exercise alone or exercise pl…

This study looks at whether adding a GLP-1 drug (semaglutide, sold as Rybelsus®) to the standard teplizumab treatment can help control blood sugar and improve blood vessel function in people with early stage type 1 diabetes. Researchers will give 24 participants a liquid meal tes…

This study aims to make an evidence-based childhood obesity program called COACH available to families in low-income, rural, and minority communities. About 750 children aged 6-12 with obesity and their parents will take part in a 6-month program at local community centers. The p…

This study compares a high-dose flu vaccine to the standard dose in 270 lung transplant recipients who are 1 to 35 months post-transplant. The goal is to see if the high-dose vaccine triggers a stronger immune response and provides better protection against influenza. Participant…

This early-stage trial tests whether tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) can prevent deep partial-thickness burns from worsening. Researchers believe the drug may calm the inflammation that often makes burns deeper. The study will enroll 18 adults aged 50 to 75 with burns on their han…

This study looks at whether giving lung transplant recipients a high-dose flu vaccine for two years in a row provides better protection against the flu than the standard-dose vaccine. About 60 people who already took part in a previous flu vaccine study will be randomly assigned …

This study tests whether a sleep coaching program can help 150 teens (ages 11-17) with type 1 diabetes sleep longer and more consistently. Participants will receive either sleep coaching or standard diabetes education. Researchers will measure sleep with a Fitbit, check blood sug…

This study looks at two different sedative medicines given to children on breathing machines in the ICU. The goal is to see which one causes less confusion (delirium) and helps the brain recover better. About 372 children up to age 11 will take part. The results could change how …

This study is testing different amounts of behavioral coaching for 900 children aged 5-17 with obesity. Kids and their caregivers are randomly assigned to receive between 13 and 26 hours of lifestyle coaching over six months, including nutrition advice, web-based learning, and co…

This study tests whether a brief counseling program called BeSMART, given to parents while their child is in the hospital, can improve how they store firearms at home. About 400 caregivers of hospitalized children will be randomly assigned to receive the counseling or usual care.…

This study tests whether hydroxyurea, a drug already used for sickle cell disease, can prevent strokes in 220 high-risk children in Nigeria. Children with sickle cell anemia and abnormal blood flow in the brain will receive low then moderate doses of hydroxyurea. The goal is to s…

This phase 3 trial tests whether using artificial tears after radioactive iodine therapy can prevent tear duct blockage in thyroid cancer patients. Radioactive iodine can collect in tears and damage tear ducts, leading to blockage. 100 adults receiving high-dose radioactive iodin…

This study tests a smartphone app called VoiceLove that lets mothers of babies in the NICU record voice messages for their infant. Researchers want to see if using the app helps reduce symptoms of postpartum depression compared to standard care. About 150 mothers will take part, …

This study tests whether a special ketone drink is safe and can help reduce confusion (delirium) in ICU patients. Delirium is common in the ICU and can lead to long-term thinking and memory problems. The study will give 40 adults either the ketone drink or a placebo to see if it …

This early-phase study tests whether breathing in rose scent can reduce the number of times people with epilepsy stop breathing during seizures. Forty adults admitted to a hospital epilepsy monitoring unit will have their brain activity and breathing tracked for 48 hours, with ro…

This study tests whether a single-session behavioral class called Empowered Relief can help people manage pain and improve function after lumbar spine surgery. One hundred adults having back surgery will take part. They will attend either the Empowered Relief class or a standard …

This study tests whether using ultrasound to guide the needle during a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) helps doctors get a clean sample of spinal fluid from infants under 12 months. The goal is to reduce failed attempts and avoid repeat procedures. Eighty infants who need a lumbar p…

This study tests whether listening to an educational podcast can improve quality of life, reduce stigma, and increase satisfaction for people with chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis. One hundred participants will either receive standard care or standard care plus access to the …

This study tests a new therapy for young children (ages 2-5) with autism who use few or no words. The therapy involves parents or therapists responding to the child's sounds and gently encouraging more vocalizations. Researchers will see if this approach helps children make more …

This study looks at whether doing simple breathing exercises every day before a heart transplant can help patients breathe, cough, and swallow better after surgery. About 90 adults waiting for a heart transplant will take part. They will do daily breathing exercises and have thei…

This study tests whether giving tranexamic acid (TXA) before rhinoplasty (nose job) can lessen bleeding during surgery and reduce bruising and swelling afterward. Sixty adults having cosmetic or functional nose surgery will be randomly assigned to receive TXA or a placebo. Resear…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can reduce cravings and opioid use in people with opioid use disorder. One hundred participants will receive either real or sham TMS sessions over 8 weeks, with follow-up visits for about 5 months. The…

This study tests whether a drug called icatibant can prevent sudden drops in blood pressure during dialysis, a common and serious problem. About 26 adults with kidney failure who often experience these drops will receive either the drug or a placebo in random order. The goal is t…

This study looks at whether using a CPAP machine (a device that gently blows air through a mask) can safely lower high blood pressure when lying down at night and help reduce dizziness upon standing in people with autonomic failure. About 59 adults aged 40-80 with conditions like…

This study tests whether a mobile health program can help adolescents with pulmonary arterial hypertension increase their daily step counts. About 50 teens aged 10-21 will use a Fitbit and receive coaching to boost activity over 12 weeks. The goal is to improve exercise and quali…

This study looks at whether using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) after hospital discharge helps people with diabetes feel more in control and satisfied with their care. About 60 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who need insulin will use a CGM at home and answer questionn…

This study looks at whether starting physical therapy soon after neck surgery (ACDF) helps people recover better than waiting. About 76 adults who had surgery for a worn-down neck will be split into two groups: one starts PT right away, the other later. Researchers will measure p…

This study looks at whether regularly flushing chest drains with salt water helps keep them from getting blocked in people with serious lung infections (empyema). The goal is to see if this simple step can shorten the time the drain needs to stay in, reduce hospital stays, and im…

This study looks at whether people with different types of bladder pain respond better to different treatments. About 220 adults with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome will receive either pelvic floor physical therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy. The goal is to see …

This study tests whether applying gentle heat to the abdomen overnight can safely lower high blood pressure that occurs when lying down in people with autonomic failure. About 20 adults with conditions like Parkinson's or Multiple System Atrophy who have this nighttime hypertensi…

This study tests a new computer alert system that reminds doctors to give the right anti-nausea medicines at the right time during surgery. About 19,480 adults having planned surgery will take part. The goal is to see if these smart reminders can reduce how many people feel sick …

This pilot trial tests the Discovery Program, a 3-month behavioral intervention for adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. The program combines patient surveys, in-clinic goal setting, and personalized text messages to help improve blood sugar control and reduce diabe…

This pilot study tests whether giving intravenous iron to people with POTS who have low iron stores can increase their blood volume and reduce symptoms like rapid heart rate upon standing. The study will enroll 12 adults aged 18-45 with confirmed POTS and low ferritin levels. Par…

This study tests whether taking GlyNAC (a mix of two natural amino acids) before and after knee replacement surgery can reduce chronic pain. 148 adults with knee osteoarthritis will take either GlyNAC or a placebo for 4 weeks before surgery and 6 weeks after. Researchers will tra…

This study tests a text-messaging program for parents whose child (ages 11-17) had a psychiatric emergency and was sent home from the ER with referrals. The program teaches parents skills to find mental health services and feel more confident managing their child's care. The goal…

This study looks at whether raising the head of the bed can help lower high blood pressure that happens when people with autonomic failure lie down. About 44 adults aged 18-85 with this condition will be studied overnight. The goal is to see if gravity reducing blood return to th…

This study looks at whether using a CPAP machine at night can lower dangerously high blood pressure that happens when people with autonomic failure lie down. About 12 participants will use CPAP or a placebo pill/patch. The main goal is to see if CPAP reduces blood pressure while …

This study tests a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program delivered through a custom mobile app for people with heart failure. Participants use the app for education, mindfulness, and physical activity guidance, plus periodic video calls with an exercise physiologist. The goal…

This study follows 60 people with essential tremor or Parkinson's tremor whose symptoms aren't well-controlled by medication. After receiving stereotactic radiosurgery—a precise dose of radiation to a small brain area—participants fill out questionnaires about their quality of li…

This study aims to understand how heart problems develop in people with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, as well as in carriers. Researchers will collect cardiac MRI scans and clinical data from 1,000 participants to build a registry. Using advanced image analysis and deep…

This study looks at whether stimulating two nerves in the neck (the ansa cervicalis and hypoglossal nerve) can help people with obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers will measure how the airway changes during sleep in 100 adults. The goal is to understand if combining these stimul…

This study looks at how certain brain cells (cholinergic neurons) change with age in adults with Down syndrome, and how that relates to Alzheimer's disease risk. Researchers will use brain scans and EEGs to measure these changes in 30 adults aged 18-55 who do not have dementia. T…

This study looks at a heart condition called cirrhotic cardiomyopathy that can affect people with advanced liver disease (cirrhosis). Researchers want to learn how common it is, what increases the risk, and whether bile acids in the blood play a role. About 440 adults with decomp…

This study tests a new endoscopic camera that measures oxygen levels in the lining of the bowel during colorectal surgery. The goal is to see if low oxygen can predict leaks or strictures, which are serious complications. About 80 adults having colorectal surgery will be enrolled…

This study aims to learn more about the brain activity behind risk-taking and reward-seeking behaviors in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will record brain signals during deep brain stimulation surgery while participants play a gambling task. The goal is to understan…

This study records brain activity from electrodes placed in the brains of epilepsy patients while they perform memory tasks. Researchers aim to understand how brain cells work together to hold and use information in the short term. The goal is to find new ways to diagnose and tre…

This study aims to learn more about the brain activity behind cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. Researchers will record brain signals from 75 people during deep brain stimulation surgery while they perform a gambling task. The goal is to understand how certain brain ar…

This study looks at brain activity in 100 adults with epilepsy who already have electrodes implanted for seizure monitoring. Researchers will record brain signals while participants answer questionnaires and perform memory and impulse-control tasks. The goal is to find links betw…

This study looks at how older adults who worry about their memory may use extra brain power to stay mentally sharp. Researchers will give a medication that temporarily affects a brain chemical to see how attention networks respond. The goal is to understand these compensatory bra…

This study looks at two common methods for managing chest tubes in people with blood or air in the chest after an injury. About 150 adults will be assigned to either suction or water seal to see which method leads to shorter chest tube use and fewer problems. The goal is to find …

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce cannabis cravings in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Researchers will compare brain activity changes in 100 participants, including healthy cannabis users. The goa…

This study examines why fat accumulates in the right ventricle of people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and how it affects heart function and exercise ability. Researchers will use MRI and blood tests in 75 adults with PAH to track changes over time. The goal is to be…

This study tests a new training tool for kidney stone surgery. Trainee surgeons wear augmented reality goggles that show them where an expert surgeon is looking during the operation. The goal is to help trainees learn to explore the kidney more completely, which could reduce the …

This study uses three wearable devices—a continuous glucose monitor, a heart monitor, and an activity tracker—to see if high blood sugar is linked to heart problems in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers will compare 80 participants with and without DMD. The goal…

This study looks at whether sensitivity to rhythm can predict how well autistic toddlers respond to a social-communication therapy. Forty toddlers aged 18-36 months will receive either standard imitation training or a music-enhanced version. Researchers will track eye gaze to see…

This study follows 150 adults who need surgery for a broken upper arm bone (proximal humerus fracture) using the ALPS plating system. Researchers will measure shoulder strength, movement, and pain, and track any complications. The goal is to see how well this surgical tool perfor…

This study aims to understand how the back of the eye changes during pregnancy by taking safe, non-contact photos at three key times: early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and after delivery. Researchers will measure blood flow and cell health in the eye to see if these changes relate…

This study compares swallowing function in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will also survey caregivers to understand the burden of swallowing issues. Participants will undergo tests of swallowing, coughing, and muscle strength. The goal is to learn …

This study follows 140 adults with Tourette syndrome for two years to see how stress from life events impacts tic severity, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Participants complete interviews and questionnaires about their tics, mood, and daily functioning. The goal is to …

This study tests whether nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3, can improve how cells produce energy in people with combined pulmonary hypertension (CPH). CPH is a serious lung and heart condition with no approved treatments. Ten participants will receive both the supplemen…

This observational study looks at 200 adults with early-onset atrial fibrillation and certain genetic variants. Researchers will use cardiac MRI and electrophysiologic mapping during scheduled heart procedures to find who is at high risk for ventricular tachycardia, a dangerous h…

This study looks at how people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders update their beliefs after treatment for persecutory delusions. Researchers will use therapy, brain scans, and learning tasks to see if treatment changes how the brain responds to uncertainty. The goal is to bet…

This study is a large national survey of 2,000 people with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a rare artery disease that can cause strokes or heart attacks. Researchers want to understand what physical activity restrictions doctors recommend and how those restrictions affect patients…

This study aims to find early signs of heart failure in women who had preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure. Researchers will use exercise stress tests and heart imaging to compare 250 women with a history of preeclampsia to 250 women with normal pr…

This study aims to better understand sensory symptoms in adults with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorders. About 214 participants will fill out yearly questionnaires about urges, attention, mood, and quality of life. The goal is to gather information, not to test a treatmen…

This study is looking at people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), those with a genetic risk but no disease, and healthy individuals. Researchers aim to find molecular and physical markers that explain why some people get PAH and others stay healthy. The goal is to impro…

This study collects tissue, blood, urine, and stool samples from 5000 people undergoing colonoscopy or endoscopy, including those with cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, as well as healthy volunteers. The goal is to find new biomarkers that could improve early detecti…

This study looks at how blocking certain nerve signals for two weeks changes the way the body produces sugar in people who have both obesity and high blood pressure. Twelve participants will receive a placebo, a blood pressure drug, or a nerve-blocking drug in a random order. The…

This study is enrolling 4,000 adults in intensive care with ARDS, sepsis, or pneumonia. Researchers will collect blood, urine, and swab samples, plus track recovery for up to a year. The goal is to identify different patient subtypes and find clues that could lead to better treat…

This study is creating a large, diverse group of 1,000 older adults in Tennessee to help researchers better understand Alzheimer's disease. Participants, who may be healthy, have mild memory problems, or have Alzheimer's, will be followed yearly with tests like brain scans and bl…

This study follows 750 people with sickle cell disease to see how curative therapies affect the heart, lungs, and kidneys over time. Researchers will compare those who received a stem cell transplant with those on standard treatment. The goal is to understand whether curative the…

This study aims to understand the natural bacteria living on the surface of the eye in both healthy people and those with certain eye conditions. Researchers will collect eye swabs from 500 adults in middle Tennessee to build a database of what a normal eye microbiome looks like.…

This study looks at why some people develop a fast heart rate and dizziness months after COVID-19, a condition called post-COVID tachycardia syndrome. Researchers will measure immune markers and nerve activity in 60 participants to see if ongoing inflammation and reduced vagal ne…

This study tests whether computer-based decision support tools can help doctors reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in children with lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and asthma flare-ups. Most of these infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria,…

This study tests whether low-dose buccal buprenorphine (a film placed in the cheek) can provide pain relief similar to a standard dose of oxycodone but with less potential for abuse. 120 healthy adults will receive different doses of buprenorphine, oxycodone, or placebo in separa…

This study follows 750 healthy family members of people with familial pulmonary fibrosis, a lung scarring disease that runs in families. Researchers will track participants with yearly questionnaires and in-person visits every two years to see who develops the disease and why. Th…

This early-phase study looks at whether reducing high insulin levels (common in type 1 diabetes) with an SGLT2 inhibitor can improve heart and blood sugar health. Researchers will compare people with type 1 diabetes, those with a mild genetic diabetes (GCK-MODY), and healthy volu…

This study tests whether having traditional healers offer HIV counseling and testing can increase the number of people who get tested compared to usual care. Over 230,000 adults in rural South Africa will take part. The goal is to reach people who might avoid regular clinics and …

This study looks at why some people develop POTS (a condition causing rapid heartbeat and dizziness) after COVID-19. Researchers think a part of the nervous system that normally fights inflammation may not work well in these patients. They will compare 150 adults with and without…

This study looks at why eating carbohydrates makes symptoms worse for people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes dizziness and rapid heartbeat upon standing. Researchers will measure blood flow changes in the abdomen after a sugary drink in 50 parti…

This study aims to learn more about sensory and movement difficulties in adolescents with tic disorders, like Tourette syndrome. Researchers will compare teens with and without tics using questionnaires, brain wave tests, and motor tasks. The goal is to identify factors that affe…

This early-phase trial tests whether it is safe and practical to swab the noses of C-section babies with maternal vaginal secretions. The goal is to see if this can modify the baby's respiratory microbiome. Twenty healthy newborns will be randomly assigned to receive either the v…

This study will test if wearable devices like continuous glucose monitors and heart rate monitors can help detect early signs of heart problems in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Ten participants will wear these devices at home over two years and have periodic hear…

This study follows 300 people who are having weight-loss (metabolic) surgery to see how their gut bacteria change over time and how those changes relate to heart health, diabetes, and cholesterol. Participants provide blood and stool samples before surgery and at several follow-u…

This study aims to understand how immune cells use glucose (sugar) for energy and building materials. Researchers will give 12 healthy adults a non-radioactive glucose tracer through an IV and then collect blood samples to track how different immune cells take up and process the …

This study collects tissue, blood, and saliva samples from up to 8,000 people with head and neck cancer and healthy volunteers. Researchers also gather medical and lifestyle information to build a detailed database. The goal is to provide a resource for future cancer research, no…

This study looks at how stress changes the way opioid painkillers work in people with chronic back pain. Researchers will give participants oxycodone, a pain blocker, or a placebo in a lab setting to measure pain relief and drug liking. The goal is to understand why some people m…

This study looks at how newer weight loss drugs (like semaglutide) compare to gastric bypass surgery in people with severe obesity. Researchers will track changes in muscle, fat, and side effects over a year using body scans and surveys. The goal is to help doctors and patients c…

This study looks at how midodrine and droxidopa, two drugs used for low blood pressure upon standing, affect the veins in the abdomen of people with autonomic failure. About 34 adults aged 40-80 with conditions like multiple system atrophy or Parkinson's disease will participate.…

This study looks at how hormones and metabolism are involved in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious lung condition. Researchers will measure sex hormone levels, insulin resistance, and test two potential treatments—metformin and ACE-2—in small groups. The goal is to …