Baylor Research Institute

This study tested a device called the Lariat to close off a small pouch in the heart (the left atrial appendage) in people with atrial fibrillation who cannot take blood thinners. The goal was to reduce the risk of stroke caused by blood clots forming in that pouch. Nine patients…

This study looked at whether community health workers (CHWs) can improve health outcomes for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Over 10 months, 202 low-income adults from specific zip codes received either CHW support plus standard car…

This study tested whether a once-daily anti-rejection medication (Envarsus) works as well as the standard twice-daily drug (Prograf) in heart transplant patients. Researchers looked at rates of organ rejection and graft failure, and whether taking the drug once a day helps patien…

This study looked at three different weight loss strategies for adults with chronic spinal cord injury who are overweight. The goal was to find which approach—prepackaged meals, better self-monitoring, or a combined program—works best. 110 participants tried each method for 13 we…

This study tested whether a once-weekly injection of exenatide (a diabetes drug) could improve heart and kidney health in 57 adults with type 2 diabetes, mild kidney disease, and early heart stiffness. Participants received either the drug or a placebo for 38 weeks. Researchers m…

This study tested whether giving inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) during liver transplant surgery could help the new liver work better and suffer less damage. 23 adults receiving a liver transplant from a marginal donor took part. The goal was to see if iNO reduces early injury and imp…

This study tested a weight loss program designed for people with long-term mobility problems, like those using wheelchairs. The goal was to help participants lose weight and lower their risk for chronic diseases. 67 overweight adults with mobility impairments took part, and the p…

This study looked for DNA markers in the blood that could help detect a common and aggressive type of ovarian cancer earlier. Researchers compared blood and tissue samples from 10 women with and without the disease. The goal is to develop a simple blood test for earlier diagnosis…

This study tested whether a silver alginate dressing (Algidex) can prevent central line infections in very low birth weight infants (500-1500 grams). One hundred babies in the NICU with central lines were randomly assigned to receive either the silver dressing or standard care. T…

This study tested whether a catheter with multiple openings provides better pain relief during labor than a standard single-opening catheter. 650 women in labor received epidural pain medication through one of the two catheters. The goal was to see if the multiport design reduced…

This study tested whether injecting a long-lasting numbing medicine (liposomal bupivacaine) into the breastbone before making the surgical cut reduces pain and the need for strong painkillers after heart surgery. 70 adults having heart surgery through the breastbone took part. Th…

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called Prolonged Exposure Therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms in people with spinal cord injuries. 30 adults with both conditions were randomly assigned to receive the therapy or their usual care. The main goal was to see if t…

This study looked at whether playing the harmonica for 12 weeks can strengthen breathing muscles and reduce shortness of breath in people with COPD. Fifteen patients who had completed pulmonary rehab at least six months earlier took part. They attended weekly one-hour group sessi…

This study looked for chemical markers in blood and urine that could help detect Alzheimer's disease early. Researchers compared samples from 95 people with normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's. The goal is to develop a simple test that catches the disease befo…

This study looked at whether replacing a narrowed heart valve (TAVR) can improve thinking and memory in 81 adults with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers tested participants with a 5-minute quiz before the procedure and again at 30 days and 6 months after. The goal was to see…

This study looked at how social factors like income, housing, and stress, along with depression, affect blood vessel health in 105 low-income racial and ethnic minority adults. Participants completed questionnaires about their mental health, social needs, and lifestyle. The goal …

This study looked at whether adding continuous breathing rate monitoring to existing oxygen level monitoring could help detect breathing problems earlier in adults recovering from surgery who are taking opioid pain medication. Researchers observed 87 patients using a special neck…

This study tested whether a special body composition scan (bioelectrical impedance) can help predict how well heart transplant patients recover. Researchers followed 69 adults for one year after transplant, measuring muscle and fat changes. The goal was to see if these measuremen…

This study looked at 213 adults with severe liver disease who were being evaluated for a liver transplant. Researchers compared two different blood tests (cystatin C and creatinine) to see which one more accurately measures kidney function. The goal was to find a better way to de…

This study looked at how robotic gait training compares to standard walking therapy for people with spinal cord injury during inpatient rehab. 115 participants were involved. The goal was to see if the robotic approach improves walking ability more than usual care.

This study observed 147 heart patients who had a stent placed and were taking two blood thinners (dual antiplatelet therapy) when they needed surgery. The goal was to see how doctors currently handle these medications before, during, and after surgery, and to track rates of bleed…

This study looked at 5 adults with Fabry disease who have been on enzyme replacement therapy since childhood for about 15 years. Researchers checked their kidney function and heart health to see how well the treatment worked over time. The goal was to gather long-term follow-up d…

This study tested whether continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help track blood sugar levels in hospitalized adults with diabetes. 40 patients wore a CGM device during their hospital stay to see how well it detected low and high blood sugar events. The goal was to gather eviden…

This study looked at 66 adults with blocked dialysis grafts or fistulas to see if adding a special ultrasound (IVUS) to standard X-ray imaging helps doctors better understand the blockages. The goal was to compare how well each method measures the size and severity of the blockag…

This study looked at 221 liver transplant patients to see if a lab test could predict who might reject their new organ. Researchers analyzed gene patterns in the patients' blood to find early warning signs of rejection or acceptance. The goal was to better understand how the body…

This study aimed to find genetic markers in blood and uterine tissue that could help identify women at risk for uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract after childbirth, leading to severe bleeding. Researchers analyzed samples from 21 women to compare those …

This study collected blood samples from 26 people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and their close family members. Researchers analyzed DNA and RNA to find biological markers that could help doctors diagnose and treat the disease earlier. The goal was to better understand how…

This study tested a new Spanish-language electronic tool called TAPS-ESP to screen for tobacco, alcohol, prescription drug, and illicit substance use in primary care clinics. About 1,000 Spanish-speaking adults took part to see how well the tool identifies substance use problems …

This study looked at two strategies to improve diabetes care: giving doctors feedback on their performance (profiling) and having a diabetes nurse coordinate care. It included 1891 older adults with diabetes in Texas. The goal was to see if these approaches helped patients meet b…

This study collected blood and tissue samples from 91 adults with aortic valve disease to look for genetic differences that might explain why some develop dangerous bulges (aneurysms) in the aorta. Researchers compared gene activity in people with two types of valve problems and …