Clinical Research Directory

Validation of the C-mo System - Cough Monitoring

The goal of this clinical study is to validate C-mo System's ability to automatically detect and characterise cough, in patients over 2 years old with cough as a key or refractory symptom. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can C-mo System detect cough events? (automatic cough detection) 2. Can C-mo System characterise cough events? (calculation of cough intensity, identification of cough type and presence of wheeze in detected coughs) Participants will be asked to: * Wear the C-mo Wearable device for 24 hours (1 day); * Complete a diary with relevant activities throughout the monitoring period; * Fill-out questionnaires related to coughing frequency and intensity, usability of the device, and impact of cough on quality of life.

Effect of Cuff Pressure Assessment Methods on Postoperative Complications in Breast Surgery

Endotracheal intubation is a standard procedure used to secure the airway during general anesthesia. A key component of the breathing tube is the "cuff," a balloon-like device that is inflated to seal the airway and prevent aspiration. However, if the pressure within this cuff is too high, it can restrict blood flow to the tracheal lining, leading to complications such as postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Currently, there are various methods to monitor and adjust this pressure. In many clinical practices, the pressure is adjusted subjectively or checked only once at the beginning of the surgery. These methods may allow pressure to exceed safe limits (typically 20-30 cmH₂O) or fluctuate during the procedure, potentially causing tissue irritation. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare three different methods of assessing and maintaining endotracheal tube cuff pressure to determine which is most effective at reducing postoperative complications. The study focuses on women undergoing elective breast surgery, a group chosen because the surgery typically lasts 1-3 hours and does not involve major changes in head and neck position, allowing for a clear assessment of the cuff pressure methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: * Continuous Monitoring Group: Cuff pressure is monitored continuously using a pressure indicator and maintained within the 20-30 cmH₂O range throughout the surgery. * Manometer Group: Cuff pressure is measured and set to 20-30 cmH₂O using a manual manometer once, immediately after intubation. * Control Group (Minimal Occlusive Volume): The cuff is inflated with the minimum amount of air required to prevent an air leak, without using a pressure gauge. Researchers will assess patients for sore throat, cough, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulties at 0, 1, 12, and 24 hours after surgery to identify the safest and most comfortable method for airway management.

Cough and Hemorrhoids

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between hemorrhoids and cough by assessing the symptoms, duration, and severity of cough in patients who will present to the general surgery outpatient clinic of Muğla Education and Research Hospital (MERH) with symptoms such as bleeding, pain, itching, fecal leakage, prolapse, and mucus discharge. These patients will be diagnosed with hemorrhoidal disease through rectal examination to detect anal pathology and will be graded according to mucosal prolapse. Our study will aim to determine whether cough is a predisposing factor for hemorrhoids by evaluating the presence, duration, and frequency of cough symptoms in patients with hemorrhoids. The study will be designed as a cross-sectional, analytical, and descriptive study. Between March 2025 and June 2025, patients with newly diagnosed hemorrhoids who will present to the MEAH General Surgery Outpatient Clinic will undergo physical examinations and will be assessed for cough symptoms. Evaluations will include height and weight measurements, the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, the Cough Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaire, duration of cough (categorized as acute if shorter than 4 weeks, or chronic if longer than 4 weeks), timing of cough (day, night, or all day), comorbidities (such as COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and others), and smoking history (active, former, or never smoked). The primary endpoint will be to compare the relationship between the severity of hemorrhoids and the duration and frequency of cough in patients with both conditions. The secondary endpoint will be to compare the grade of hemorrhoids with comorbid chest diseases in these patients. The tertiary endpoint will be to compare the degree of hemorrhoids with the smoking history of patients who have both hemorrhoids and cough.