Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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 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 whether the drug dantrolene can help prevent dangerous heart rhythms in people with structural heart disease who are at risk for ventricular tachycardia. 68 adults scheduled for a heart procedure received either dantrolene or a placebo. The goal was to see if th…

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 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 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 the drug etanercept can help people with severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Only 2 adults took part, receiving either etanercept or a placebo along with standard supportive care. The goal was…

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 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 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 looked at whether two treatments that target insulin resistance can help people with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). 73 adults with PAH were given one of the treatments or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if they could walk farther in six minutes o…

This study tested whether alerting doctors with a negative rapid swab test result could reduce the use of a strong antibiotic called vancomycin in critically ill adults with pneumonia. 277 ICU patients were randomly assigned to either receive the alert or usual care. The goal was…

This study tested a program to help women with pregnancy-related high blood pressure manage their condition after giving birth. The program included home blood pressure monitoring, app-based reporting, and help from a care navigator. 343 women took part, and the goal was to see i…

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 looked at how the blood thinner rivaroxaban, taken with aspirin, affects blood vessel health and clotting in 60 people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Participants received low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin or aspirin plus placebo. The goal was to see if the comb…

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 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 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 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 looked at whether eating soy foods can lower the risk of heart attacks and fatal heart disease in women. Over 135,000 Chinese women aged 40 to 70 took part. Researchers tracked their soy intake and heart health over time to see if soy offers protection.

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 study tested whether adding a digital goal-setting tool to standard well-child visits helps prevent obesity in babies. 900 parent-infant pairs were followed for 2 years. The approach focused on healthy eating, activity, screen time, and sleep habits.

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 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 study looked at whether levodopa (a drug used for Parkinson's) can improve thinking speed, walking, and mood in older adults with depression. 79 people aged 60 and older with depression and slow thinking or walking took part. The goal was to see if boosting dopamine in the b…

This study looked at whether adding a special negative pressure therapy to the usual treatment for arm swelling (lymphedema) in women who had cancer works better than the usual treatment alone. Eighteen women with lymphedema after cancer therapy took part. The goal was to see if …

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 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 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 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 adding acupuncture and yoga to a medication reduction plan helps older adults safely lower their use of benzodiazepines (drugs for anxiety and sleep). Twenty-three adults aged 65 and older took part in a 12-week program that included gradual dose reducti…

This study looked at whether live music played in the ICU can help critically ill patients feel less pain, anxiety, and stress. Over 100 patients, along with their families and hospital staff, took part. Researchers measured changes in pain, anxiety, and relaxation levels before …

This study tested a special inflatable belt worn around the belly to help people with a condition that causes their blood pressure to drop when they stand up. 28 adults aged 40-80 with this problem took part. The belt automatically tightens to push blood upward and improve sympto…

This study tested a theater-based program called SENSE Theatre® to help adults with autism spectrum disorder improve their social skills. 72 adults took part in the program, which used role-play, scripted scenes, and improvisation. The goal was to see if this approach could make …

This study looked at two FDA-approved medicines, risperidone and aripiprazole, used to treat behavior problems 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 took part. The results he…

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 single dose of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, in one adult with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome. The goal was to see if the drug could quickly shorten the QT interval, a measure of heart rhythm. The approach was to give the drug intravenously and mon…

This study looked at how a brain chemical called acetylcholine affects attention in older adults who have mild memory concerns but normal thinking tests. Nineteen volunteers aged 55 and older took a single dose of a drug that temporarily blocks acetylcholine, while their brain ac…

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 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 study tested whether a daily safety checklist helps doctors decide when to safely remove patients from a life-support machine called ECMO. The trial included 225 adults on ECMO across multiple hospitals. The goal was to see if the protocol reduces time on ECMO and improves o…

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 study looked at 94 adults with both recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones that were not causing blockages. Patients chose either to have the stones removed or to monitor them. The goal was to see if removing the stones would lower the number of UTIs. Th…

This study looked at over 2,300 critically ill adults who needed an emergency breathing tube. Doctors wanted to know if using ketamine or etomidate as a sedative leads to better outcomes, like survival and fewer heart problems. The goal was to find out which medicine is safer for…

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 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 during a standard upper endoscopy. Participants had an extra exam with the NuView device during their regular procedure…

This study created a biorepository (a collection of blood and tissue samples) to help researchers better understand lipedema, a painful fat disorder often mistaken for obesity. 60 women with and without lipedema provided samples and underwent tests like walking and grip strength …

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 looked at how certain hormones (renin and aldosterone) affect blood pressure in people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Researchers measured changes in blood pressure and hormone levels after a one-hour infusion. The goal was to better understand …

This study tested whether training healthcare workers to manage stress and reduce stigma helps people with HIV stay in care. Over 28,000 patients and staff at four clinics in Mozambique took part. Researchers measured changes in worker burnout and patient retention. The goal was …

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

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 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 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 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 tested whether targeted magnetic pulses to a specific brain region could affect attention and nicotine cravings in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Fifteen smokers aged 18-65 received different types of brain stimulation (including a sham version)…

This study looked at whether placing a ureteral stent after kidney stone removal leads to more or fewer complications. 103 adults with small kidney stones (1.5 cm or less) were randomly assigned to get a stent or not after surgery. Researchers tracked ER visits, unplanned doctor …

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 whether a genetic test called the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) can help doctors choose the best medication to help people quit smoking. 82 daily smokers participated to see if using this test was practical and acceptable. The goal was to learn if personali…

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 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 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 how genetics influence early-onset atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm problem). Researchers enrolled 155 people who had genetic testing to see if they had inherited heart conditions. Participants underwent heart scans and monitoring to find hidden risks and …

This study looked at whether starting cognitive training early in the hospital and continuing it at home can improve thinking and memory in older adults (65+) who experience delirium during a hospital stay. 283 participants were randomly assigned to receive either the cognitive t…

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 repetition. The main goal was to see if the app was easy to use and acceptable,…

This study tested two ways of reminding doctors to prescribe statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) to patients who need them. One method used pop-up alerts that interrupt the doctor's workflow, while the other used non-interruptive reminders that doctors could check on their own. …

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 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 tested an augmented reality (AR) tool that tracks where a surgeon looks during kidney stone surgery. The goal was to see if sharing an expert's eye-gaze pattern could help trainee surgeons find and remove all stone fragments, reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Eig…

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 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 study tested a new rapid blood test that identifies bacteria directly from a blood sample, instead of waiting days for standard cultures. The goal was to see if this test helps doctors stop unnecessary antibiotics (like vancomycin) sooner in adults with suspected bloodstream…

This study looked at how pressing on the belly (abdominal compression) helps people with a condition that causes blood pressure to drop when they stand up. 21 adults with autonomic failure participated. The goal was to understand how this compression improves blood flow and stand…

This study tested whether sending text messages with food resource information to families of recently hospitalized children is more effective than giving them a paper handout. Over 600 caregivers participated. The goal was to see if the text message approach helped more families…

This study looked at 172 people with and without HIV to understand why those with HIV have a higher risk of diabetes. Researchers examined immune cells in fat tissue and blood to see if chronic immune activation harms fat cell function and insulin sensitivity. The goal was to gat…

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 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 study tested three common ways to set a breathing machine (ventilator) for critically ill adults with respiratory failure. The goal was to see if the choice of mode affects how many days patients are alive and off the ventilator. Over 500 patients took part to help design a …

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…