University Of Pennsylvania

This study tested whether colchicine, a drug used for gout, can reduce inflammation in the leg arteries of people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). 24 adults with PAD received either colchicine or a placebo. Researchers used special scans and blood tests to measure changes in…

This study tested a collaborative care model where a team of providers works together to treat people with opioid use disorder and common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. 567 adults took part, receiving medication for opioid use disorder along with ment…

This study tested a program where trained peer supporters helped pregnant women living with HIV stay in medical care after giving birth. The program included face-to-face education sessions during pregnancy and phone support up to three months after delivery. The goal was to impr…

This study looked at how the weight-loss medication semaglutide affects appetite, eating behavior, and food preferences over 72 weeks. 120 adults with obesity or overweight plus related health issues took either semaglutide or a placebo, along with diet and exercise counseling. T…

This study tested whether providing heart failure patients with pre-made, traditional Navajo meals that follow heart-healthy guidelines could reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays. Over 200 adults took part, receiving either these special meals or their usual care for 6…

This study looked at two types of blood pressure medicines—calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers—in people with a specific kind of heart failure called HFpEF. About 50 adults with high blood pressure and HFpEF took part. The goal was to see which drug better controls blood p…

This study tested whether kidneys from donors with hepatitis C can be safely transplanted into people without the virus. After transplant, patients received antiviral medication to cure the hepatitis C infection. The goal was to expand the number of available kidneys for people w…

This study tested a new imaging technique using a radioactive tracer called 11C-Trimethoprim to see how it spreads in the body and if it can help find bacterial infections. About 16 adults with suspected infections received PET/CT scans over a few hours. The goal was to measure h…

This study tested whether a fast breast MRI can detect cancers that mammograms miss in women who had breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer at least three years earlier. About 184 women with a recent negative mammogram and no symptoms received a quick MRI. The goal was to se…

This study tested a program called ENCODE designed to help family caregivers of people with dementia who are in hospice care. The program taught caregivers how to better manage pain and communicate their needs. 452 caregivers took part, and the study measured changes in their qua…

This study tested whether a very low dose of naltrexone, a drug normally used for alcoholism, can improve physical health and quality of life in people with vasculitis (a group of rare blood vessel diseases). Sixty adults with different types of vasculitis took either the drug or…

This study tested whether a smartphone app called Zemedy can improve quality of life for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over 450 adults with IBS used either Zemedy or a relaxation app. The goal was to see if the app helps reduce symptoms and unhelpful thoughts about …

This study tested a gentle brain stimulation technique (tDCS) combined with language therapy in 23 people with primary progressive aphasia, a condition that slowly destroys speech. Participants received either real or fake stimulation over 10 days, and researchers measured change…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS combined with language therapy in 76 adults with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a condition that slowly destroys language abilities. Participants received either real or fake stimulation over 10 sessions…

This study tested whether simple, affordable robots can help people who have had a stroke improve arm and hand function. 27 older adults (55+) who were at least 3 months post-stroke used the Rehab CARES system in a community setting. They performed exercises with force-feedback r…

This study tested whether community health workers and trauma-informed care training for doctors can improve quality of life for Black and Hispanic people with advanced chronic kidney disease. 153 patients from high-poverty areas in Philadelphia took part. The goal was to see if …

This study tested different communication strategies to see which messages most effectively increase adults' intention to get the HPV vaccine. Over 5,300 adults aged 18-45 who had not received the vaccine took part in a survey experiment. The goal is to find the best ways to enco…

This study tested whether playing a steady broadband sound (like white noise) or wearing earplugs can reduce sleep disruption caused by aircraft noise. 27 healthy adults slept in a lab while their brain activity was measured. The goal was to see if these simple, low-cost methods …

This study looked at whether giving high-risk Black mothers a helpful pamphlet and a personal patient navigator (someone to call for help) for 30 days after giving birth could reduce emergency room visits and readmissions. About 220 women who delivered at the Hospital of the Univ…

This study tested different methods to detect early signs of nerve damage in people with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, a genetic condition that can cause nerve problems. Researchers compared blood tests, skin biopsies, and other exams in 47 participants over 12 months. Th…

This study looked at whether a simple genetic test can help doctors choose the best painkiller for women after major gynecologic surgery. 112 women were randomly assigned to either have their pain medicine chosen based on their genes or to receive standard care. The main goal was…

This study tested a new wearable device that tracks oxygen levels and body movement. Researchers compared it to standard medical monitors in 27 adults who may have low oxygen events. The goal was to see how well the device works and how comfortable it is to wear.

This study looked at whether taking acetaminophen (like Tylenol) alongside aspirin could reduce aspirin's ability to prevent heart attacks. Researchers gave 55 healthy adults and smokers different combinations of the two drugs to see if the order and timing mattered. The goal was…

This study looked at how specific tongue muscles help keep the airway open during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers measured airway pressure and collapsibility in 133 participants. The goal was to better understand the mechanisms behind airway obstruction,…

This study developed and tested a decision aid to help patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis work with their doctor when starting or switching treatments. 37 patients and their providers used the tool and rated how helpful it was. The goal was to improve shared decision-…

This study looked at whether a teamwork training program called TeamSTEPPS, originally designed for hospitals, could be adapted for school mental health teams. Researchers worked with 90 participants including mental health providers, teachers, and school leaders to see if the tr…

This study tested a smartphone app called SMART-HABITS in 47 adults with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure. The app provided reminders, feedback, and educational resources to help patients track their blood pressure and steps. The goal was to see if patients would us…

This study tested a digital, community-led program in rural Appalachia and the Midwest to help people reduce opioid risks and get tested for HIV and hepatitis C. Over 500 adults from high-risk counties took part, with half currently or previously using illicit substances. The pro…

This study tested whether a dye called indocyanine green can make brain and spinal cord tumors glow during surgery, helping surgeons see and remove them more completely. About 363 adults with brain tumors received the dye before surgery, and special cameras were used to detect th…

This study looked at whether asking people to "opt in" or "opt out" of a clinical trial changes how many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) actually join. Over 5,000 adults with PAD were contacted by email. The goal was to see which approach leads to more enrollment and …

This small study looked at whether taking aspirin can block the uncomfortable flushing (redness and warmth) that niacin causes. Nine healthy adults took either aspirin or a placebo for five days, then a dose of niacin. Researchers measured flushing-related chemicals in their bloo…