Clinical Research Directory

Autonomic Reactivity and Personalized Neurostimulation

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) affect up to 25% of U.S. children. Patients often suffer from disabling, multisystem comorbidities that suggest a common root (sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, etc). Yet, DGBI are defined and treated based on GI symptom origin (cyclic vomiting, dyspepsia, irritable bowel) rather than underlying pathophysiology. Many patients manifest comorbidities suggesting an underlying autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation (palpitations, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction). Unfortunately, due to common features of anxiety and visceral hyperreactivity and lack of obvious pathology, children with DGBI are frequently diagnosed with psychosomatic or 'benign, functional disorders' and treated with empiric antidepressants despite lack of scientific support and risks of serious side effects. Little is known about the underlying brain-gut mechanisms linking these comorbidities. A lack of targeted treatment options naturally follows the paucity of mechanistic data. A dysregulated ANS response circuit via brainstem nuclei is linked to visceral hypersensitivity. As the team's prior research has shown, ANS regulation can be non-invasively measured via several validated indices of cardiac vagal tone. Using the novel vagal efficiency (VE) metric, the investigators have demonstrated inefficient vagal regulation in cyclic vomiting syndrome and pain-related DGBI and that low VE predicts response to non-invasive, auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) therapy. PENFS targets brainstem vagal afferent pathways and, along with brain-gut interventions such as hypnotherapy, are the only therapies currently proven effective for pediatric DGBI. Individualizing neurostimulation based on sensory thresholds while assessing dynamic ANS reactivity offers a path towards personalized medicine using the most effective therapies to date. This proposal will test the feasibility of an ANS tracking software in assessing real-time, autonomic regulation and providing individualized neurostimulation in children with nausea/vomiting and ANS imbalance.

Effects of Multi-strain Bacillus Spore Probiotics on Growth, Digestive Function, and Gut Microbiota in Cesarean-Delivered Neonates

Infants born by cesarean section commonly show early weight loss and slower recovery of birth weight, together with characteristic patterns of gut microbiota dysbiosis marked by reduced Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and increased Proteobacteria. This early microbial alteration has been associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including colic, regurgitation, and changes in stool frequency and consistency, which may in turn affect early growth and overall gastrointestinal functioning. Probiotic supplementation is considered a safe and feasible strategy to support microbial restoration and improve digestive function during the first months of life. In this study, researchers propose that daily supplementation with multi-strain Bacillus spore probiotics may help support healthy early growth, reduce functional gastrointestinal symptoms, and promote a more balanced gut microbiota in cesarean-delivered infants. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two oral probiotic formulations, LiveSpo PREG-MOM and LiveSpo CONSY, containing multi-strain B. subtilis ANA46, B. clausii ANA39, and B. coagulans ANA40 at respective 3 and 4 billion colony-forming units (CFU)/5 mL ampoule, administered 1 ampoule daily, during the first 90 days of life. The study examines effects on growth, digestive symptoms, immune markers, and microbial composition. Study Design: This randomized, blind, controlled clinical trial will enroll 180 healthy full-term cesarean-born infants at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Intervention Description: Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups (n = 60 each). All groups will receive one 5-mL ampoule daily for 90 days: LiveSpo PREG-MOM, LiveSpo CONSY, or placebo. Stool samples will be collected at several follow-up time points to assess digestive health and microbial development. All products will be provided in blinded and coded packaging to maintain objectivity. Study Duration: 12 months

Feasibility Study of a Guided Imagery Therapy Mobile Application for Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Children

Chronic abdominal pain is common among children, and the majority of cases are attributed to functional abdominal pain disorders. One approach to treating these disorders is by using psychological therapies. This clinical trial aims to see how well pre-recorded guided imagery therapy sessions help children's abdominal pain when delivered via a mobile application (app) on a smartphone or tablet. Participants will complete a baseline abdominal pain and stooling diary to determine eligibility, as well as other surveys. Eligible participants will be given access to the guided imagery therapy mobile application. This intervention asks participants to listen to a 10- to 15-minute GIT session 5 out of 7 days per week for 8 weeks, in addition to their usual care for their abdominal pain. Then, participants will complete another abdominal pain and stooling diary, along with other psychometric surveys, at the end of this intervention period. Participants will also collect another diary and surveys 3 months post-treatment.

A Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback Training in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID)

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are conditions characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms without evidence of pathology. These disorders are believed to result from alterations in gut-brain communication. The most common subtypes are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD), often accompanied by chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The role of stress in the manifestation of FGIDs is notable, with stress-related distress affecting the nerve pathways that connect gut and brain. Recent interest has focused on the use of Heart Rate Biofeedback (HRV). High levels of stress are associated with reduced HRV, which is common in patients with FGID. HRV biofeedback has been shown to be effective in improving parasympathetic tone and reducing sympathetic tone. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing stress and symptoms associated with FGIDs in college students. The project involves online screening to recruit participants, who will then be randomized to receive either the true HRV biofeedback treatment or a placebo condition. Pre- and post-treatment assessments include psychological questionnaires, physiological recordings, and a three-month follow-up. The treatment is expected to improve HRV, thereby reducing anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Mechanism of FODMAP Restriction on FGID Patients

Brief Summary : The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of differing FODMAP diets on gut microbiota, gut barrier function, symptom severity, quality of life, and psychological status in FGID patients. The main question it aims to answer is : How does diets with differing FODMAP content affect the gut microbiota, gut barrier function, symptom severity, psychological status and quality of life in patients with FGID ? Researchers will compare low FODMAP diet, Gentle FODMAP diet and Traditional Dietary Advice (NICE guidelines) to see which diet is more suitable and effective for Malaysian FGID patients. Participants will : Be given either low FODMAP diet, Gentle FODMAP diet or Traditional Dietary Advice intervention and will be required to follow the intervention for two weeks. Be required to provide stool and blood samples during baseline and intervention Record 4 day food diary and complete assessing questionnaires during baseline and intervention