Active clinical trials for "Heart and Blood Diseases"

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) of carotid artery plaque is a novel method that enabled direct visualization of neovessels in the vulnerable plaque. Plaque enhancement with CEUS showed correlation with the histologic density of neovessels within the carotid plaque and the previous cardiovascular events. Vulnerable plaques with a high risk of thromboembolic complications and rapid progression is associated with acute ischemic stroke. The prognostic value of vulnerable carotid artery plaque depicted with CEUS has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to define prognostic value of plaque enhancement on carotid CEUS in acute stroke patients. Research question is; in acute ischemic stroke patients with ipsilateral carotid plaque as probable etiology of stroke, is the presence of carotid plaque enhancement on CEUS independent predictor of future stroke.

The HKU Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD) Cohort is a hospital-based, prospective, observational study of older HK Chinese adults with cognitive impairment, with a special focus on studying patients with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment.

The objective of the study is to investigate congenital disorders of glycosylation in congenital heart diseases without a clear molecular or genetic basis.

DiurHF is a prospective, multicenter, observational, study that compares continuous with intermittent infusion of furosemide in patients admitted with a diagnosis of ADHF. Previous pilot study design was planned to anticipate a larger multicenter trial able to definitively evaluate the optimal loop diuretic use strategy in patients with ADHF.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of ALDH2 Glu504Lys polymorphism on aortic dissection.

There are currently many surgical options for patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), including the Hydrus Microstent implant, HiFU (High intensity Focused ultrasound), STAR flo, Kahook Dual Blade, Diode laser, trabeculectomy and the Baerveldt implant, but little is known about how these different surgical techniques used to treat glaucoma affect the flow of fluid through and out of the eye (aqueous dynamics).

Fabry Disease (FD) is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease including an X-linked mutation and characterized by an alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) deficiency. It causes globotriaosylceramide (GB3) accumulation within blood vessels, tissues and organs. This accumulation leads to multisystemic deficiency, such as progressive kidney insufficiency. Due to its low prevalence and non-specific symptoms, FD is under-diagnosed. Its estimated incidence is ranged from 1/40,000 to 1/120,000 live births. A review of the international literature suggests a higher prevalence among dialysis patients. Its diagnosis could lead to an enzyme replacement therapy, in order to avoid the occurrence or aggravation of other organs irreversible lesions, and to enhance the familial screening. We aim to conduct a multicentric cross-sectional prevalence study in 5 areas (Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne, Ile de France, Aquitaine, Picardie and department of Gard), involving biologic collection and genetic diagnosis test. Our objective is to measure the prevalence of FD among dialysis patients. Eligible patients will be included after signing the informed consent. In the five participating areas, all of the dialysis centers will be asked for involvement. Nominative data of the French renal epidemiology and information network (REIN) registry will enable first patients screening for eligibility among prevalent dialysis patients. If needed (insufficient or absent data in the REIN registry), data will be completed with medical files. A blood drop will be collected during a hemodialysis session (or the monthly test for peritoneal dialysis treated patients) and deposited on an anonymized blotting paper. For the diagnosis of FD, men will have a measure of the alpha-galactosidase activity, whereas screening in women will be established on the association of alpha-galactosidase activity and lyso-GB3 analysis. If results are compatible with FD, genetic mutation will be search in order to confirm the diagnosis for women, and, for all, to offer familial testing. Results will be transmitted to the nephrologist within the next 2 to 9 weeks. Patients diagnosed with FD will be managed in accordance with the guidelines of the French National Authority for Health (F.N.A.H.).

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve Replacement (TAVR) in the Asian Pacific population

Contrast enhanced 3D/4D (3 dimension/4 dimension) ultrasound (CEUS) provides visualization of the dynamic vascular features of the plaques, in a unique spatial format using three orthogonal planes and angiogram-like images. Therefore, the observer can utilize the entire vascular system in a volumetric manner (3D). The rotation of the intra-plaque neovasculature as viewed in various angles provides a realistic representation that is more easily appreciated. Inter-observer variability for individual plaques has been assessed and inter-observer variability and inter-scan variability (the analysis of multiple images from single patients in longitudinal studies) were dependent on plaque size, with larger plaques showing lower variability. Therefore, the proposed 3D/4D vs. 2D CEUS imaging of the carotid plaque will provide added value for the depiction of the and quantification of intra-plaque blood vessel density by providing a true volumetric viewing area. This data will be correlated to the subsequent surgical specimens. The goal of the protocol is to investigate the correlation of intra-plaque blood vessel density and hemorrhage to 3D/4D CEUS vasa vasorum using quantitative software analyses. The histology methods used for quantification of hemorrhage and vessel density analyses.

A total of 621 consecutive male and female subjects, without established CAD, referred to exercise stress testing (EST) due to 1) chest pain syndromes or equivocal/equivalent angina with intermediate pretest probability for CAD; 2) , or asymptomatic subjects with diabetes mellitus who are referred EST for risk assessment prior to initiation of an exercise program. To validate the diagnostic performance of the HeartTrends device for the detection and ruling out of myocardial ischemia in a population of subjects who are currently referred for cardiovascular evaluation using EST. Prospective multicenter single-armed study, assessing the diagnostic accuracy of HRV analysis by the HeartTrends device for the detection of myocardial ischemia, as determined by stress echocardiography.