Clinical Research Directory

Environment, Inflammation and Metabolic Diseases Study

The aim is to establish an effective and practical early warning model for endocrine and metabolic diseases based on an environmental-gene-protein panoramic network, to uncover new mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of these diseases, and to screen for novel therapeutic targets.

Study of Endocrine-Related Conditions and Physiology

Background: Endocrine disorders involve changes to glands that produce hormones. Hormones are released by these glands into the blood so they can direct the function of other tissues in the body. Researchers want to study people who may have endocrine disorders. They want to learn more about the conditions that affect endocrine glands. Objective: To study adults with a variety of endocrine disorders for research and physician education. Eligibility: Adults ages 18 and older who have an endocrine or metabolic-related disorder Healthy volunteers 18 and older Design: Participants will be screened with a review of their medical records. Participants will have a physical exam and medical history. The length of the study and the schedule will vary by participant. Tests may include: Blood and urine tests Stool and saliva samples Imaging studies: Participants will lie on a table while a machine takes pictures of the body. They may be injected with a substance to make their organs more visible in the pictures. Tests of endocrine tissue function Consultation with other specialists Sleep study Medical photographs Participants may be treated for their endocrine disorder. This could include: Surgery. If tissue is removed during surgery, it may be studied. Radiation Medicine Participants may have genetic testing. This will be done with a small amount of blood, cells from a cheek swab, or saliva. Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Digestive, Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma

The goal of this study is to develop better methods of diagnosis, localization, and treatment for pheochromocytomas. These tumors, which usually arise from the adrenal glands, are often difficult to detect with current methods. Pheochromocytomas release chemicals called catecholamines, causing high blood pressure. Undetected, the tumors can lead to severe medical consequences, including stroke, heart attack and sudden death, in situations that would normally pose little or no risk, such as surgery, general anesthesia or childbirth. Patients with pheochromocytoma may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, electrocardiogram, and blood and urine tests. Study participants will undergo blood, urine, and imaging tests, described below, to detect pheochromocytoma. If a tumor is found, the patient will be offered surgery. If surgery is not feasible (for example, if there are multiple tumors that cannot be removed), evaluations will continue in follow-up visits. If the tumor cannot be found, the patient will be offered medical treatment and efforts to detect the tumor will continue. Main diagnostic and research tests may include the following: 1. Blood tests - mainly measurements of plasma or urine catecholamines and metanephrines as well as methoxytyramine. If necessary the clonidine suppression test can be carried out. 2. Standard imaging tests - Non-investigational imaging tests include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonography, and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy and FDG (positron emission tomography) PET/CT. These scans may be done before and/or after surgical removal of pheochromocytoma. 3. Research PET scanning is done using an injection of radioactive compounds. Patients may undergo 18F-FDOPA, 18F-DA, as well as 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT . Each scan takes up to about 2 hours. 4. Genetic testing - A small blood sample is collected for DNA analysis and other analyses.

New Clinical Decision Support Score Based on Steroid Hormone Profiling in the Diagnosis of MACS

The recent development of quantitative steroid metabolome profiling could be of interest for the positive diagnosis of mild autonomous cortisol-secreting adenoma (MACS). The aim of the study is to develop a predictive model of MACS status or non-secreting adenoma (NSA) based on a panel of 19 serum steroids and three clinico-biological parameters (body mass index or BMI, fasting glycaemia, blood pressure) and to estimate its performance for the diagnosis of MACS in a cohort of patients followed in the endocrinology department of Bordeaux University Hospital.

Comprehensive Data Collection and Follow-Up for Patients With Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Disease

The goal of this data review study is to collect data to learn more about thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal disease.