Active clinical trials for "Syndrome"

The main aim of the study is a comparison of serum and plasma concentration of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor) and PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor) with markers of myocardial injury as troponin I, hsCRP, CK-MB and NT-proBNP assessed in patients with first episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in their lives and the estimation of assumed value of VEGF, HGF and PDGF in prognosis of cardiovascular complications at 3 months follow up especially with respect to myocardial infarction (MI), exacerbation of angina, reintervention (PTCA,CABG), symptoms of heart failure, stroke, rehospitalization due to cardiovascular reasons and death. The dynamics of changes in serum and plasma concentration of growth factors in comparison with values of myocardial injury markers will be checked. For the realization of the purpose of the study biochemical measurements will be performed twice i.e. just after admission to hospital and 24h later. Area of a myocardial injury will be estimated by echocardiography examination.

Background: Sj(SqrRoot)(Delta)gren s Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produce saliva and tears, causing dry eyes and dry mouth. Researchers do not know the exact cause of SS, but they believe that it may be caused by abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that stimulate these glands. Objectives: To better understand ANS function in patients with SS. To compare information about ANS function in healthy individuals and in patients with SS. Eligibility: Patients with Sj(SqrRoot)(Delta)gren s Syndrome who are 18 years of age and older, and who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Participants will be asked to taper or discontinue the use of certain medications or dietary supplements before the ANS testing. Participants must be willing to discontinue the use of alcohol and tobacco 24 hours prior to testing. Design: The study will require one inpatient admission and/or outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center. The following tests and procedures will be performed: Saliva, tear, and sweat production measurements to evaluate the function of glands. Testing of changes to the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and blood flow testing, and an electrocardiogram designed to evaluate hemodynamic changes controlled by the ANS. Testing of changes to the gastrointestinal system, including a swallowing assessment study, barium swallow study, and gastric emptying study designed to evaluate gastrointestinal function controlled by the ANS. Tests to evaluate the ANS function in response to certain drugs (edrophonium, glucagon and acetylcholine). Self-reported questionnaire on ANS function and emotional/psychological well-being. Additional procedures and tests may include the following: Blood samples. Optional skin biopsy to study sweat glands and nerve supply of the skin.

After informed consent, participants will be asked to complete a medical/family history questionnaire and provide a blood sample. Participants will also be asked for their permission for study investigators to access medical records and/or recontact them for updates to their medical and family histories. Data and biospecimens will be stored for potential future research projects.

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) on etiology and prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Characterize the quality of life of young children with CVS (i.e., psychological, social, physical, school functioning) and the impact of the child's illness on the parent's and family's quality of life (i.e., emotional, social, cognitive functioning, communication, worry, daily activities and family relationships). Assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD and behavioral problems in what our preliminary data suggests is a psychiatrically vulnerable population. Evaluate the associations between quality of life and psychiatric symptoms and the frequency and intensity of CVS attacks. Use the data generated from this study to develop a psychosocial intervention targeted at young children with CVS and their families who evidence risk for functional disability, with the aim of intervening as early as possible to limit the psychological and social morbidity experienced by children with CVS and their and families.

The purpose of this week long study is to describe sleep and problems with sleep in women diagnosed with Fibromyalgia syndrome.

The project investigates on the role of pain avoidance, comorbidity and stress response for the development of chronic somatic and visceral pain. We, the researchers at University Hospital Mannheim, assume that implicit operant learning of pain sensitization is a central mechanism of the process of pain becoming chronic, which is augmented by fear and by avoidance behaviour. Somatic and psychological comorbidity as well as stress factors are further promoting factors in chronic pain development.

This study will investigate what factors may lead to the development of immune reconstitution syndrome (IRIS) in HIV-infected patients and what the outcome is after IRIS. It will also seek to better define and describe the syndrome. IRIS is a condition that can occur in HIV-infected people following the start of antiretroviral therapy. The sudden improvement of immune function with this therapy can cause an unexpected worsening of diseases the patient already has, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, and development of fever, enlarged lymph nodes or other complications, or even uncover a previously silent disease. HIV-infected people who are at least 18 years old, whose CD4+T cell count is 100 cells per microliter or less, and who have not previously been treated with combination antiretroviral therapy or have taken the drugs for less than 3 months and more than 6 months before screening for this study may be eligible to participate. Candindates must also live within the wider DC area so that acute problems after therapy initiation will be evaluated at NIH. Candidates are evaluated before starting therapy with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray and CT scan of the chest, tuberculin skin testing, apheresis, and possibly an intestinal (gut) and lymph node biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination). For apheresis, blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein and spun in a machine that separates the blood components. The white blood cells and plasma are removed, and the red cells and platelets are returned through the same needle or through a needle in a vein in the other arm. Participants have a complete history and physical examination and additional blood tests, including genetic studies, upon entering the study. They start taking anti-HIV medications, prescribed according to the current standard of care, as well as medications to treat other infections, and treatment of IRIS, if needed. The study lasts about 4 years. Patients return to the clinic at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the entry visit, then every 12 weeks (about every 3 months) until week 48 (the first year), and then every 16 weeks (about every 4 months) until the end of the study. At most visits, patients have a medical history, physical examination and blood and urine tests, including CD4+T cell count and HIV plasma viral load measurement. Apheresis is also done at weeks 24 and 48 and then once every 48 weeks. Intestinal and lymph node biopsies (optional) are also done at weeks 24 and 48. A syphilis test and PAP smear (for women) are done yearly. and plasma, cells and serum are stored at almost every visit for immunologic studies.

This is an observational, natural history trial of mechanisms of gut adaptation in adult short bowel syndrome (SBS). Patients with SBS (< 200 cm small bowel ± colon) will be studied initially 2-9 months after the last small bowel resection and again exactly 6 months after the initial study. GCRC-studies will examine intestinal nutrient absorption, gut barrier functions and gut mucosal biopsy specimens for markers of nutrient transport and cell proliferation and apoptosis.

The purpose of the study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of transcranial duplex scanning (TCD) and single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) in patients suspected of having Idiopathic Parkinson Disease (PD) or Atypical Parkinson Syndromes (APS) with as golden standard the clinical diagnosis after 2-year follow-up.