Active clinical trials for "Brain Diseases"

Investigation of efficacy of vigabatrin in refractory autoimmune encephalitis patients

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of oral fecal transplant in patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy

Septic encephalopathy (SE) is defined as acute cerebral dysfunction in patients with sepsis or septic shock. SE occurs in up to 50% of critically ill patients with sepsis and is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. The pathophysiology of SE is complex and involves increased levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, leading to blood brain barrier dysfunction and neuronal inflammation. Several biomarkers of neuronal injury have been proposed to identify patients with SE. Of these biomarkers, S100-β has the highest sensitivity and specificity. Sedation with Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a promising strategy for the management of these patients, as DEX has been shown to decrease the production of inflammatory mediators in experimental models of sepsis. In clinical studies, DEX lowers the incidence of delirium and critical illness polyneuropathy. However, its effectiveness in treatment and prevention of SE remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of two standard sedation protocols (Dexmedetomidine sedation vs. Propofol / Midazolam) on serum markers of SE in critically ill patients with sepsis who require sedation and mechanical ventilation.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the use of polyethylene glycol is superior and more safe in treating hepatic encephalopathy compared to lactulose and also to determine if treatment with polyethylene glycol will reduce the duration of hospital stay.

The aim of the current study is to determine whether rifaximin or lactulose is more effective in preventing the development of severe hepatic encephalopathy in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and new onset kidney failure. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: Group A: Lactulose 20g dose titrated to 2-3 soft-formed bowel movements per day Group B: Rifaximin 550mg tablet twice daily. Subjects will be followed daily for two weeks or until hospital discharge. Treatment success is defined as prevention of grade 3 or 4 HE during hospitalization.

The purpose of this study is to look at the safety (what are the side effects) and efficacy (how well does it work) of Gadavist when used for taking images of the brain and spine. The results of the MRI with Gadavist Injection will be compared to the results of MR images taken without contrast and with the results of the MR images taken with OptiMARK.

After resolution of the initial episode of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), lactulose is routinely continued indefinitely as maintenance therapy. Although widely used for this indication, lactulose has never been shown in randomized, controlled trials to be effective for preventing exacerbations of HE. Indeed, lactulose was found to be ineffective at preventing HE when administered prophylactically to patients undergoing portosystemic shunt insertion. While some patients may be lactulose dependent following an initial episode of HE, it is likely that most could have their lactulose discontinued with no adverse consequences. This goal is worth pursuing because lactulose is not innocuous. It has an unpleasant taste, and it routinely produces gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, gas and diarrhea. In high doses it can cause incontinence, dehydration and electrolyte derangements. Patients universally dislike taking lactulose and often are noncompliant with treatment. A recent trial showed that patients on lactulose had a substantial risk of hospital admissions due to lactulose-related complications and treatment non-compliance.

Concussion is the most common type of brain injury throughout life. Study is seeking improvement of long-term residua following adolescent and adult post-traumatic injuries often associated with contact sports and accidental causes. Typically defined as reversible head injury with temporary loss of brain function. Symptoms range from physical, cognitive, pain (headache) and emotional signs consistent with TBI and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Use of AD-cSVF parenteral delivery to encourage repair of damage and decreased function following concussion, particularly in contact, repetitive sports injuries. Range of damage is measured in Grade I-III according to graduated severity. Unfortunately, less information is available about repetitive concussions and the long-term health issues.

This study is for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy who are in the hospital. This means they have a high ammonia level which is affecting their brain function. All patients will receive the standard of (regular) care. Each will have an equal chance (like flipping a coin) of receiving the experimental drug or placebo along with the standard care. Each patient will have tests during the first 24 hours, receive treatment for up to 5 days, and have 30 days of follow-up.

Studying the effect of passive versus Blanket roll III modality of therapeutic hypothermia (TH)on myocardial function of asphyxiated neonates through using tissue Doppler (TD).