Clinical Research Directory

Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients With Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa (HGM)

The goal of this observational study is to learn whether heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) in the upper esophagus is associated with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in adults undergoing a medically indicated gastroscopy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the presence of HGM associated with dysphagia? * Is the presence of HGM associated with dyspepsia and reduced health-related quality of life? Among participants reporting dysphagia, what is the distribution of oropharyngeal versus esophageal dysphagia, and is this related to the presence of HGM? If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare participants with endoscopically confirmed HGM to participants without HGM to determine whether dysphagia, dyspepsia symptoms, and quality-of-life measures differ between groups. Participants will: Complete pseudonymised questionnaires about dysphagia, dyspepsia symptoms, and quality of life before the gastroscopy. Undergo the medically indicated gastroscopy as planned; the endoscopist will assess whether HGM is present based on the endoscopic appearance, and routine endoscopy findings will be documented.

Predicting Peptic Complications Using H. Pylori Serology and Gastric Ultrasound

This observational study aims to evaluate whether combining a simple blood test (H. pylori serology) with a non-invasive abdominal ultrasound can accurately predict severe complications in patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Peptic ulcer complications, such as stomach bleeding or perforation, are serious and typically require an invasive procedure called an upper endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment. Researchers want to find out if these two non-invasive tests can be used together to create a reliable risk-scoring system. This system would help doctors quickly identify which patients are at a high risk for complications and need an urgent endoscopy, compared to those who are at a lower risk and can be safely monitored without the invasive procedure. The study will include adult patients presenting with stomach symptoms (like pain, nausea, or heartburn), as well as those with suspected or confirmed peptic ulcer disease. Participants will provide a blood sample to check for H. pylori antibodies and undergo a standard, painless abdominal ultrasound to examine the thickness of their stomach wall. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy will be performed if it is clinically necessary as part of the patient's standard medical care.

Effect of Triple Versus Quadruple Therapy for Treating Helicobacter Pylori Infection

The Goal of this this clinical trial is to assess and compare the eradication rate of triple and quadruple therapy during treating helicobacter pylori infection among patients presented with dyspepsia. It will also assess the patient reported adverse events among two groups. H pylori infection will be confirmed by CLO (RUT) test and stool antigen test both. Standard triple therapy will be based on Esomeprazole 20 mg BD, Clarithromycin 500mg BD and Amoxicillin 1gm BD. Bismuth Quadruple therapy consists of Bismuth subsalicylate 300mg QDS, Tetracycline 500mg QDS and Metronidazole 400mg TDS. Patient will be confirmed H pylori eradication 4 weeks after completion of treatment by Stool antigen test only.

Functional Digestive Disorders Observatory

Functional digestive pathologies are defined by symptoms such as functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, functional constipation, functional diarrhea, functional bloating, the opioid-induced constipation and fecal incontinence, without organic substratum. These diseases are very common in the general population (20%) and represent the first cause of consultation in city gastroenterology. The pathophysiology of these functional disorders is complex and often multifactorial: disturbances in digestive motility, altered visceral sensitivity, sphincter dysfunction, post-surgery, intestinal inflammation, dysbiosis, and impairment of the gut-brain axis. For example, it has been shown that one in four patients with inflammatory bowel disease in confirmed remission report digestive symptoms consistent with a functional bowel disorder, suggesting a possible pathophysiological continuum between these two conditions. The objective of this study is to collect prospective clinical and tests data and a biological collection from biological samples (digestive biopsies, blood, urine and fecal samples) collected as part of the standard care. This collection could identify diagnostic or prognostic markers of the therapeutic response.

Effect of H. Pylori Eradication on The Improvement of Gastrointestinal Symptoms

This study aims to evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastrointestinal symptoms in adult patients. H. pylori infection is a common cause of dyspepsia and other upper gastrointestinal complaints. The trial will assess whether successful eradication therapy leads to significant improvement in symptoms compared to baseline. Adult patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection will receive standard eradication treatment, and symptom changes will be monitored using validated questionnaires over a defined follow-up period.

Domperidone in Treating Patients With Gastrointestinal Disorders

This phase III trial studies how well domperidone works in treating patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Domperidone may help control chronic gastrointestinal disorders and their symptoms, such as pain, bloating, and nausea and vomiting, by stimulating contraction of the stomach to increase its ability to empty itself of food.

The Difference in Carbon Footprint Between Diagnostic Upper GI Endoscopy in Dyspeptic Patients Versus Therapeutic Upper GI Bleeding

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the carbon footprint produced from diagnostic upper GI endoscopy in patients with dyspepsia and therapeutic upper GI endoscopy in patients with non-variceal upper GI bleeding. The main question it aims to answer is: • How much carbon footprint is generated from upper GI endoscopy Participants are already receiving diagnostic and therapeutic upper GI endoscopy as part of their regular medical care for dyspepsia and non-variceal upper GI bleeding, respectively. The carbon footprint generated from this treatment process is examined.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Combined With Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Rescue Treatment

This study aims at evaluating efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii combined with bismuth-containing quadruple Therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple Therapy(bismuth#esomeprazole#tetracycline and furazolidone) in H. pylori rescue therapy. It is hypothesized that Saccharomyces boulardii combined with bismuth-containing quadruple Therapy is superior to bismuth-containing quadruple Therapy. Patients with confirmed failure of H. pylori eradication will be randomized to one of the treatments described above. At week 6 follow-up visits, a urea breath test#rapid urease test or helicobacter pylori stool antigen test will be performed to confirm eradication.

Visible Abdominal Distension

Background. Abdominal distention is produced by an abnormal somatic postural tone. The authors developed an original biofeedback technique. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial the authors demonstrated the superiority of biofeedback over placebo for the treatment of abdominal distention. However, the technique is technically complex and unpractical. Aim. To prove the efficacy of a noninstrumental biofeedback technique, transmitted by a standard training program, for the treatment of abdominal distension in different centers. Selection criteria. Episodes of visible abdominal distension. Intervention. Patients will be randomized into biofeedback and placebo groups. Three sessions of either biofeedback or placebo intervention will be performed during the first 3 weeks of the intervention period. Biofeedback: Patients will be taught to control abdominal and thoracic muscular activity by providing instructions using an original video support. In each center one operator will receive a standard training on how to deliver the noninstrumental biofeedback treatment. Patients will be instructed to perform the same exercises before and after breakfast, lunch and dinner during the 4-week intervention period. Placebo: Sham measurements of abdominal and thoracic motion will be performed, and a pill of placebo containing 0.21 g glucose will be administered; patients will be instructed to take a pill of placebo before breakfast, lunch and dinner during the 4-week intervention period.

Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis

Explore the effects of auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on brain and stomach outcomes in functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis patients.

Exposure-Based CBT for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake in Functional Dyspepsia

Randomized controlled trial of an exposure-based behavioral treatment (CBT) in adults with functional dyspepsia who meet criteria for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) with weight loss.

A Study of Chios Mastic Water in Dyspepsia

Chios mastic is a natural product with strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and well-established benefits for dyspeptic disorders. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a natural aqueous extract of Chios mastic (mastic water), a by-product of Chios mastic processing, in the management of dyspepsia. This will be a 3-month randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial in adults with dyspepsia. Participants will be blindly randomized to an intervention group, which will receive 600 mL/d of a carbonated beverage enriched with Chios mastic water (0.2%), or a control group, which will receive 600 mL/d of an identical placebo beverage with no active ingredients. Participants will be evaluated in terms of anthropometric indices, lifestyle habits, severity of dyspepsia-related gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, as well as biochemical markers, both pre- and post-intervention.

High Resolution Gastric Mapping and Gastroduodenal Manometry

Dyspepsia is a common problem attributed to gastric sensorimotor dysfunctions ie, delayed, or less frequently rapid gastric emptying (GE), impaired gastric accommodation, and increased gastric sensation. Therapeutic options manage symptoms, and there is no FDA approved medical therapy for dyspepsia. There is a need for better objective understanding of sensorimotor dysfunction in dyspepsia, as well as noninvasive, efficacious, safe, and inexpensive treatments for dyspepsia. The purpose of this research is to identify disturbances and characterize phenotypes in patients with functional dyspepsia, and to assess the correlations between symptoms (during the manometry and in daily life), gastric emptying, electrical activity (BSGM), and pressure activity (manometry).

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and Functional Dyspepsia

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in patients with functional dyspepsia . . The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in patients with functional dyspepsia? Wich are the clinical characteristics associated with (EPI) in patients with functional dyspepsia? Patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia will undergo an evaluation of clinical symptoms and fecal elastase determination. In those with fecal elastase levels below 100 µg/g, an endoscopic ultrasound and other assessments will be performed to define the cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

A Prospective Multicentre Real-world Assessment of the Efficacy of Danning Tablets in Alleviating Digestive Symptoms

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate if Danning Tablets are effective in alleviating dyspepsia in patients with any of the following digestive symptoms: upper abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, acid reflux or constipation. The main questions it aims to answer are: How effective are Danning Tablets for patients with indigestion symptoms? What are the impact factors (e.g. severity of conditions, demographic features, dose and length of treatment etc.) of the efficacy of Danning Tablets for indigestion patients? Participants already taking Danning Tablets as part of their regular medical care for indigestion will take questionnaires by the end of two weeks and four weeks respectively from the start of their treatment.

Famotidine and Antacids for Treatment of Dyspepsia

The aim of this study is to compare intravenous famotidine, an H2 receptor antagonist, and Maalox/ Mylanta, an oral antacid, in treatment of dyspepsia in the emergency department. The goal of this study is to reduce patients' pain based on the verbal numerical pain scale. The anticipated outcome is for pain levels in both groups to decrease. It is expected that antacids will improve symptoms more quickly and to a greater degree within an hour of taking medication based on the results of similar studies.

Primary carE PPi dEprescRibing Trial

Proton pump inibitors (PPIs) is a class of medications that reduce the acid secretion in the stomach. These medications are very effective to relieve symptoms of acid reflux for a well-identified group of diseases and conditions. Over the years, a major rise in use of these drugs has occurred. Convincing analyses reveal that a large share of this use occurs outside regular indications, at inappropriately elevated doses and prolonged treatment durations. Moreover, there are increasing concerns regarding potential adverse effects and the high cost associated with improper PPI use. Guidelines propose to reduce chronic use of PPIs, but to date this has not generated a reduction in their application in clinical practice. One reason is the occurrence of a period of 2 weeks of increased acid secretion, with recurrence of symptoms, when these drugs are stopped after already a few weeks of usage (rebound effect). The best strategy to overcome this period of increased acid secretion and symptoms has not been established. The PEPPER study will evaluate two different strategies to overcome the period of increased secretion when trying to interrupt chronic proton pump inhibitor therapy. The investigators will compare the success of stopping PPIs when these strategies are implemented, compared to a classical strategy of stopping after intermittent PPI intake. The strategies under evaluation are a period of non-daily intake of proton pump inhibitors (on-demand) before stopping, or the use of alternative methods to control gastric acidity and reflux (so-called alginates). The investigators will evaluate the success rate of stopping chronic PPIs treatment with these approaches, compared to an interruption with intake of antacids. Patients will be followed up for 1 year after interruption of PPIs, and the level of symptom control, quality of life and healthcare costs will be evaluated at intervals. The study will be conducted in patients from primary care practices with chronic PPIs intake outside of the established disease indications.

Epidemiological Investigation of Helicobacter Pylori-infected Patients and the Effect of Eradication Treatment on Dyspepsia Symptoms

The objectives of this multicenter, prospective, observational study were to investigate the incidence of dyspeptic symptoms in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and to continuously follow up the remission of dyspeptic symptoms after H. pylori eradication, so as to provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies of patients with H. pylori infection and dyspeptic symptoms.

The Clinical Course and Factors for the Progression of Uninvestigated Dyspepsia to Functional Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. This disease was defined as predominant epigastric pain lasting for at least 1 month, which can be accompanied with other symptoms, such as epigastric fullness, and early satiety. Despite dyspepsia symptoms lasting for ≥1 month represented clinical problem, a longer duration of 6 months or more after first-onset symptom was required for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia based on ROME IV criteria. It was unclear about the natural procession of first-onset dyspepsia to functional dyspepsia assessed by Rome IV or Asia criteria and possible factors associated with this progression.

Clinical Study of De-Stress & Happy Gut Powder for Stress and Indigestion in Adults.

The current study focuses on clinical validation of efficacy of nutraceutical product in relieving stress and functional dyspepsia symptoms in adults for gut health. The effect of these nutraceuticals not only targets the physical symptoms but also enhances overall well-being. Improved digestive health leads to better nutrient absorption, which is essential for energy levels and immune function. Reduced stress levels contribute to better sleep quality, cognitive function, and emotional stability.

The Effect of a Ginger Supplement on Digestive Complaints in Healthy Adults Versus a Placebo

The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effect of a ginger formulation as a dietary supplement on gastrointestinal complaints in healthy adults. The effect of this formula will be compared to a placebo after 8 weeks of consumption.

Validation of a Mental Health Scale for Young People With Chronic Stomach Symptoms

This study aims to validate the Alimetry® Gut-Brain Wellbeing Survey- Youth Version (AGBW-Y), a mental health scale developed for patients aged 12-17 years with chronic stomach symptoms.

EFFICACY OF ORAL AROEIRA (Schinus Terebinthifolia Raddi) COMPARED TO OMEPRAZOLE IN DYSPEPPSIA

This is a prospective, randomized, double - blind study of 474 male and female volunteers with dyspeppsia diagnosed at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic from March 2025 to March 2027. Hypothesis: As a non-inferiority study, the hypothesis is that the use of oral Aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) for the treatment of participants diagnosed with functional dyspepsia efficacy not inferior to therapy based on the use of omeprazole.

Traditional Dietary Advice Versus Reassurance-alone in Postprandial Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is common, affecting 7.2% of the global population, and associated with substantial health impairment. Almost 80% of patients with functional dyspepsia report meal-related symptoms and are classified as having the postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) variant. However, studies evaluating dietary modifications in PDS are sparse. The investigators will perform a single-centre randomised trial evaluating traditional dietary advice (TDA) in PDS. 50 patients with PDS will be randomly assigned to a leaflet explaining reassurance-alone +/- TDA. The reassurance-alone group will be informed of the absence of organic disease and provided a diagnostic explanation of functional dyspepsia. The TDA group will receive the same information but also be recommended to eat smaller, regular meals and reduce the intake of caffeine/alcohol/fizzy drinks, fatty/processed/spicy foods, and fibre. Questionnaires are to be completed during the 4-week trial, including self-reported adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms, and the validated Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale (LPDS), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and Napean Dyspepsia Quality of Life Index. The primary endpoint(s) to define clinical response will be evaluated over weeks 3-4 as, i) ≥50% adequate relief of dyspeptic symptoms, and ii) \>0.5-point reduction in the PDS subscale of the LPDS (calculated as the mean scores for early satiety, postprandial fullness, and upper abdominal bloating).