Duke University

This study tested a remote, virtual cardiology program for people recently hospitalized with worsening heart failure. The program provided education, monitoring, and quick medication adjustments. Researchers compared outcomes like death and repeat heart failure events between tho…

This study tested whether genetic testing for two liver enzymes (CYP2D6 and CYP2C19) can help doctors prescribe better pain medicines after surgery. Over 1,600 participants were randomly assigned to either immediate genetic testing and tailored pain treatment or standard care. Th…

This study tested whether using mobile monitoring devices along with nurse support can help people better manage type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 220 adults with poor diabetes control took part. The program focused on teaching self-management skills like tracking blood su…

This completed Phase 2 pilot trial tested whether personalized supplements could slow the progression of ALS. Researchers used a genetic analysis platform to sort 50 participants into four disease categories—neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, impaired autophagy, or mitochondria…

This study tested whether a weekly injection of abatacept, given for 24 weeks, can stop juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) from becoming more severe in children. 121 children with mild JIA (affecting 4 or fewer joints) took part. The goal was to see if the drug, added to usual c…

This study tested whether baricitinib, a drug used for arthritis, can safely reduce high protein levels in the urine of African American adults with a specific genetic form of kidney disease (APOL1). Eight participants took the drug to see if it lowered their urine protein and pr…

This study looked at a rare type of daily headache in children and teens called NDPH. Researchers used standard headache medicines and measured certain proteins in the blood to see if they change with treatment. The goal was to better understand the condition and see how well the…

This study tested a weight management program for young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) who have obesity and are within 5 years of finishing cancer treatment. The program combined healthy eating, physical activity, and symptom management to help reduce cardiovascular disease …

This study tested a program called SYV (The Voice of Youth) to see if supporting mental health helps young people with HIV take their medication regularly. 690 youth aged 10-24 in Tanzania took part. The goal was to improve viral suppression by addressing mental health challenges…

This study looked at whether giving diabetes patients who are at risk for food insecurity money to buy fruits and vegetables, along with nutrition education, can improve their blood sugar control and reduce emergency room visits. Over 2,000 adults participated, with one group rec…

This study tested a 6-month, peer-led weight loss program for 116 older African American women with obesity. The program aimed to help participants lose weight and improve physical function through community support. Results could show how a national nonprofit program can help un…

This pilot study tested a text message program to help people gradually reduce and quit smokeless tobacco. 69 adults who used smokeless tobacco at least 3 times a day took part. The program sent scheduled texts over 6 weeks, and some participants also got a live text coach. The s…

This study tested a short, motivational counseling session for injured patients who drink alcohol, delivered in the emergency department in Tanzania. Over 600 adults took part, and the goal was to see if the intervention could reduce binge drinking and related harms. The approach…

This study compared two common water pills (torsemide vs furosemide) in nearly 3,000 adults hospitalized with heart failure. The goal was to see which drug better prevents death or the need for repeat hospitalizations over 12 months. Participants were randomly assigned to one of …

This study looked at whether taking extra ultrasound images during a standard stress echocardiogram can help doctors figure out if chest pain or shortness of breath is caused by a stiff heart (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or HFpEF). Researchers enrolled 30 peop…

This study tested a custom, low-cost eye imaging device to see if it can produce retinal images as good as those from expensive commercial machines. Eleven healthy adults had their retinas scanned with both devices. The goal was to check if the cheaper device could clearly show t…

This study looked at 173 adults on ventilators to see if combining advanced germ-detection tests with a patient's immune response can improve diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Researchers compared several molecular tests and host-response markers to standard clinical …

This study tested a program called Leaders in Action in 250 villages in Peru. The program trained community leaders to change social norms about domestic violence. Over 8,700 adults took part in either home visits or group sessions. The goal was to see if these trainings could re…

This study tested a personalized exercise program called Gerofit for 30 older adults with sickle cell disease. The program included cardiovascular, strength, and balance training, plus mindfulness, all done remotely. The goal was to see if it was safe, doable, and helpful for imp…

This pilot study tested a program for cancer survivors who smoke and have pain. Participants received behavioral support and the medication varenicline (Chantix) to help them quit smoking and manage pain. The study involved 19 people and focused on whether the program was feasibl…

This study tested whether a rectus sheath block (a type of nerve block) using liposomal bupivacaine can reduce the need for opioid painkillers after gynecologic cancer surgery. Thirty patients received the block and were compared to 60 similar patients who had epidural pain relie…

This study tested a new program called SMILE that helps teens and young adults (ages 15-29) with advanced cancer manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety. The program includes four video sessions at home, teaching relaxation and coping skills. Researchers tested it with 40…

This completed study tested a health coach-led online program for 36 women with lupus. The program included 8 group sessions and 2 individual sessions to help participants set personal health goals and manage symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog. Researchers measured satisf…

This pilot study tested whether adding mindfulness training and acupuncture to standard education helps people recover after spine surgery. Fifty adults undergoing single-level fusion, discectomy, or laminectomy were randomly assigned to either the combined program or education a…

This study compared two standard ways of giving steroid injections for nerve pain in the arm that comes from the neck. One method injects near the nerve root in the neck, the other in the back of the spine. Researchers measured pain relief in 74 adults to see if one route is safe…

This study tested a mobile app that teaches Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people with glaucoma cope with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Researchers worked with 28 adults who had mild to severe glaucoma and at least some distress. The goal was to se…

This study tested different treatments to help people with Long COVID who struggle with exercise and feel very tired after activity. Researchers enrolled 660 adults across multiple medical centers to see if these treatments could improve exercise ability, daily activity, and qual…

This study tested different treatments to help people with Long COVID who have trouble sleeping. Researchers wanted to see if targeting specific sleep issues, like feeling very sleepy during the day or having trouble falling asleep, could improve sleep quality. About 470 adults t…

This study tested a mobile health program that teaches pain coping skills to breast cancer patients living in areas with limited healthcare access. 180 women with persistent pain joined the program, which used video calls and simple mobile technology to provide support. The goal …

This study tested a program that teaches couples communication skills when one partner has advanced cancer. About 440 patients and their partners took part, with half receiving the training and half getting general healthy living information. The goal was to see if the training c…

This study tested whether offering payments for low carbon monoxide readings can help homeless smokers quit. Twenty-five homeless Veterans received nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and a mobile phone to record their breath tests. The goal was to see if this reward-based …

This study tested four new tonometer tips that measure eye pressure without needing numbing drops, comparing them to the standard numbed tip. 49 adults with glaucoma rated each tip for comfort and tolerability. The goal is to find the best tip for future home use, making pressure…

This study tested a special pain coping skills program for people with advanced solid tumor cancer who have pain that interferes with daily activities. 211 patients were randomly assigned to either the program or standard care. The program taught ways to manage pain and find mean…

This study tested a program called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help people who had a stem cell transplant feel better physically and emotionally. 33 patients and their caregivers took part. They used activity trackers, did physical and thinking tests, and gave feed…

This study aimed to find the right dose of a spinal anesthesia drug (bupivacaine) for women with a BMI over 50 undergoing a planned C-section. Researchers tested different doses in 45 women to see which dose worked best without needing extra pain relief. The goal is to improve sa…

This study tested whether high-dose inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a handheld device is safe and feasible for people with late-onset Pompe disease. 34 adults with stable Pompe disease did remote breathing exercises. Researchers measured changes in respiratory strength an…

This study tested a telehealth program that teaches caregivers skills to manage ADHD-related behaviors and sleep problems in preschoolers aged 3-5 at risk for ADHD. The program involved virtual sessions and practice opportunities. Researchers measured changes in ADHD symptoms and…

This study tested a drug that blocks a pain-signaling protein (CGRP) in 26 adults with trigeminal or glossopharyngeal nerve pain caused by small fiber neuropathy or fibromyalgia. The goal was to see if it reduces pain and the need for other pain medications, while checking for si…

This study looked at whether a moderate-intensity breathing exercise program is safe and doable for people with ALS. Nine adults with ALS did four 3-week cycles of respiratory muscle training at home, with weekly check-ins via video call. The main goal was to see if participants …

This study tested two programs designed to help children aged 5 to 9 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition where kids can't eat enough or a wide enough variety of food. The goal was to see if these programs could reduce severe symptoms like poor grow…

This study tested whether a type of talk therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people struggling with the emotional stress of infertility. Nine adults with infertility took part in 12 therapy sessions. Researchers measured changes in mood, stress, and ho…

This study tested whether a sleep medication called suvorexant could improve sleep and reduce severe confusion (delirium) in adults 65 and older after non-cardiac surgery. 142 participants received either the drug or a placebo after their operation. The goal was to see if better …

This study tested a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS in 12 people with focal hand dystonia (writer's cramp). The goal was to see if stimulating certain brain areas could improve hand function during writing. The study also used brain scans to understand changes…

This study tested different treatments to help with sleep problems caused by Long COVID. It involved 361 adults and looked at improving daytime sleepiness and overall sleep quality. The goal was to find which treatments work best for these specific sleep issues.

This study tested two behavioral programs—coping skills training and general health education—to see which better improves well-being in people with ongoing pain after breast cancer surgery. About 316 participants who had surgery for breast cancer or precancerous conditions took …

This study tested whether acupuncture given in the emergency department can safely and effectively reduce sudden muscle or bone pain. Researchers enrolled 599 adults with pain lasting 7 days or less. Participants received ear acupuncture, body acupuncture, or no acupuncture, and …

This study tested whether a smartphone app could help people with PTSD quit smoking and avoid starting again. Participants received counseling, stop-smoking medications, and rewards for not smoking, plus the app. The goal was to see if the app made it easier to stay smoke-free co…

This study tested a steroid nasal spray (beclomethasone) against a placebo in 16 adults who lost their sense of smell for more than 3 months after COVID. The goal was to see if the spray could improve smell function and quality of life. The trial was small and early-stage, so res…

This study tested a home-based tablet program that teaches pain coping skills to people who had a stem cell transplant. 36 adults who had pain after their transplant used the program or received usual care. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful for managing…

This study tested a program called LiveWell, which teaches practical skills to help people with metastatic lung cancer manage stress, anxiety, and sadness. One participant completed the 8-session video-based training. The goal was to see if the program is usable and helpful for i…

This study tested different treatments for sleep problems caused by Long COVID. It included 830 adults who had COVID-19 and now have trouble sleeping or feel very sleepy during the day. The goal was to see if treatments matched to specific sleep issues could help people feel bett…

This study looked at whether shared medical appointments (group visits) could help people manage their weight. 43 adults with obesity from a weight management center were split into two groups: one attended group visits and cooking classes for 8 weeks, the other completed online …

This study looked at different treatments for vestibulodynia, a long-term vulvar pain condition that affects about 1 in 6 women. Researchers compared a numbing cream, an oral medication, and a combination of both to see which worked best. 209 women took part, and the goal was to …

This study tested a mobile app called PainPac designed to help people with colorectal cancer manage their pain. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy to use and if patients would stick with it. The app uses real-time tracking and could one day connect with electronic medi…

This study looked at whether it is safe for pregnant women to receive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time versus a few weeks apart. 98 pregnant women were randomly assigned to one of the two schedules. Researchers tracked side effects, pregnancy outcomes, …

This completed study followed 509 children aged 3 to 18 who were taking risperidone or aripiprazole for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers measured weight changes over up to 50 months to understand long-term risks. The goal was to provide better safety…

This study tested a coaching program for doctors to improve communication with Black and Latinx families during hospital rounds. The program taught doctors to be more respectful, collaborative, and trauma-aware. Researchers measured whether families felt more trust and satisfacti…

This study looked at 297 older adults (60+) who had planned knee replacement surgery. Researchers measured their physical activity, pain, thinking skills, and immune responses before and after surgery to understand what helps people recover well. The goal is to learn what makes s…

This study tested a program called AARC, designed to support African American parents and their babies. The program included 7 group sessions over Zoom covering parenting goals, feeding, sleep, and self-care. Researchers wanted to see if parents found the program acceptable and e…

This study looked at whether it's safe to give young children (6 months to 5 years old) their mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. About 347 children took part, and researchers tracked fevers and other side effects for a week after vaccinati…

This pilot study tested whether a personalized nutrition plan using up to three Ensure shakes a day is practical for older adults (60+) recovering from a serious injury. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either the nutrition plan or standard care. The study did not mea…

This study tested a program called GRACE that helps primary care patients assess their risk for diseases like heart disease, cancer, and liver disease using family health history. Researchers enrolled 245 patients from five clinics, including low-resource settings, to see how man…

This study looked at how young adults react to health warnings on waterpipe (hookah) tobacco ads. Over 2,500 participants rated ads for emotional impact, attitudes toward smoking, and whether warnings made them want to smoke less. The goal was to find out which warnings work best…

This study looked at whether a handheld ultrasound can measure muscle quality as well as a CT scan, but without radiation. Researchers compared images of the thigh muscle in 18 patients scheduled for hip replacement. The goal was to see if ultrasound could be a safe, easy way to …

This study looked at 16 adults with acute respiratory failure who were on a type of breathing machine called pressure-support ventilation. Researchers compared three different methods to measure the risk of lung injury caused by the ventilator itself. The goal was to see which me…

This study looked at whether special eye scans (SDOCT) can predict vision loss and worsening of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in people at moderate to high risk. Researchers followed 470 participants from the AREDS2 trial, taking detailed images of the back of the eye to…

This study tested whether showing hospital patients a short video about how to bathe with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) improves how often they do it correctly. CHG bathing reduces the risk of serious bloodstream infections from central lines. The study involved about 1,000 patie…

This study tested a program where doctors led a conversation to help patients with chronic rheumatic diseases take their medications as prescribed. The study involved 102 patients and aimed to see if the program was practical and well-received. The goal was to gather information …

This study tested whether a smartphone-based cognitive training app, adapted from BrainHQ and tailored for older Chinese Americans, is practical and well-liked. Thirty-five participants aged 60 and older used the app for several weeks. Researchers measured how many people signed …

This study tested a mobile app called CLARE designed to train and support family caregivers of older adults with COVID-19. Researchers enrolled 50 caregivers aged 35 or older who were the primary helper for a loved one aged 55+ after hospital discharge. The app provided guidance …

This study tested different settings of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in 16 adults with epilepsy who were already scheduled for VNS device surgery. Researchers measured how stimulation affected heart rate and throat muscle contractions to find ways to reduce side effects. The goa…

This study looked at whether applying moisturizer before metronidazole cream changes how much medication gets into the skin of people with rosacea. Twenty-one adults had moisturizer and metronidazole applied to their face, then researchers used tape strips to measure drug levels …

This study looked at whether a 5-day skin treatment (mupirocin ointment in the nose and chlorhexidine baths) can reduce the amount of Staph aureus bacteria on mothers and their newborns. Only one mother participated, and researchers measured bacterial levels and surveyed her inte…

This study looked at how the drug dupilumab changes gene and protein activity in airway cells from adults with asthma and obesity. Researchers compared allergic and non-allergic participants to understand different treatment responses. The goal was to gather knowledge, not to tes…

This study enrolled 1,000 adults aged 30 and older from North Carolina to track their physical fitness, thinking skills, and daily activity over two years. Participants provided blood samples and completed tests like walking speed and memory tasks. The goal was to learn what fact…

This study tested a method to help prevent decompression sickness (the bends) in astronauts during spacewalks. Nineteen healthy volunteers breathed pure oxygen for 6 hours, then spent 6 hours in a low-pressure chamber while exercising. Researchers monitored them for bubbles in th…

This study used computer simulations to analyze airflow in the noses of 12 adults with a cleft lip nasal deformity who were scheduled for surgery. The goal was to better understand how the deformity affects breathing and to help doctors plan more effective surgeries. The research…

This study looked at whether eating ketone-rich foods before a dive could delay oxygen toxicity in the brain, a risk for divers breathing high-pressure oxygen. Twenty healthy adults exercised in a pressure chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Researchers measured how long it took…

This study tested two approaches to improve kidney disease care for Hispanic/Latinx and Black people with diabetes. First, community groups helped screen people for kidney disease and connect them to a primary care doctor. Second, clinics got support to help doctors screen and tr…

This study aimed to find new genetic changes that might cause inherited diseases, especially in people who already have a diagnosis but whose genetic tests were not clear. Researchers studied 56 patients and their family members to look for hidden variants in parts of the DNA tha…

This study looked at 149 adults with high blood pressure and insomnia to understand how poor sleep might raise the risk of heart disease. Researchers used a sleep therapy called CBT-I to see if improving sleep could lower nighttime blood pressure. The goal was to learn more about…

This study looked at whether genetic testing can help doctors choose better medicines for depression, acute pain, and chronic pain. Over 4,000 people were screened to join one of three trials. The goal was to see if matching drugs to a person's genes improves outcomes compared to…

This study looked at the out-of-pocket costs and financial stress experienced by 60 adults undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. Researchers surveyed patients to understand how these costs affect their quality of life and treatment choices. The goal was to gather informa…

This study tested a new imaging software called HoloDBS to see if it helps doctors plan deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery better than current methods. Researchers reviewed medical records from 20 adults with Parkinson's disease who were already scheduled for DBS. No extra visi…

This study reviewed health records from 2039 racial/ethnic minorities with HIV to see if seeing a heart specialist (cardiologist) helps prevent heart problems. Researchers tracked who visited a cardiologist and compared outcomes over up to 5 years. The goal is to learn how to bet…

This study looked at whether giving African American adults with high blood pressure early access to genetic testing for a kidney disease risk gene (APOL1) could improve their care. Over 6,700 participants were randomly assigned to get their genetic results right away or later. T…

This study looked at whether special eye scans can help doctors predict which treatment will work best for people with diabetic macular edema, a common cause of vision loss in diabetes. Researchers analyzed images from 32 participants to find patterns linked to good or poor treat…

This pilot study looked at whether adding genetic risk information to standard heart disease counseling or health coaching helps people make healthier choices. 31 adults at risk for heart disease participated. The goal was to see if this approach is practical and can improve diet…

This study tested whether a wearable sensor can detect changes in knee joint loading after a small amount of fluid is injected into the knee (simulating injury). Fourteen healthy adults aged 18-35 participated. Researchers measured walking patterns, muscle activity, and balance b…

This study tested a play (ethnodrama) designed to reduce stigma around PrEP, a daily pill that prevents HIV, for young women in Kenya. Researchers asked 63 people—including young women, their partners, peers, healthcare workers, and community leaders—whether the play's storylines…

This study looked at the energy needs and nutritional health of 60 adolescent girls in Abia State, Nigeria. Researchers measured what the girls ate, how active they were, and their body composition using simple tools like scales, tape measures, and activity trackers. The goal was…

This study looked at why different physical therapy treatments, like manual therapy and exercise, both help chronic neck pain. Researchers studied 122 adults with neck pain lasting over 3 months. They measured changes in neck movement, pain sensitivity, and muscle endurance to se…

This study looked at how changing the pressure around the body (like a blood pressure cuff but on the whole body) affects exercise in people with a certain type of heart failure. 27 participants, including healthy volunteers and heart failure patients, were monitored while exerci…

This study tested a new way to help women living with HIV get screened for HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. The program used simple scripts and videos to address fears and stigma around HPV. Researchers worked with nearly 1,000 women in Kenya to see if this approach c…

This study looked at whether using a stronger disinfectant that stays active for 24 hours can lower the amount of germs on surfaces in hospital rooms. Researchers compared this to standard cleaning in 475 patient rooms. The goal was to see if enhanced daily disinfection reduces c…

This study looked at how a common antibiotic (metronidazole) spreads into the bowel tissue of healthy infants during planned intestinal surgery. Researchers gave the antibiotic before surgery and took small blood samples to measure its levels. The goal was to learn the best dose …