Clinical Research Directory

Neuroma-Associated Pain Management After Combat-Related Trauma in Ukraine

This multicenter interventional study in Ukraine is designed to compare the effectiveness of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation in managing neuroma-associated pain following combat-related trauma. Adult patients with clinically significant neuropathic pain caused by neuromas will be randomly assigned to receive either image-guided cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation of the affected nerve. Cryoablation uses controlled cold temperatures to temporarily disrupt nerve conduction, while radiofrequency ablation uses thermal energy to modulate nerve function. Both interventions are minimally invasive and performed under image guidance. The study will evaluate changes in pain intensity, opioid consumption, functional outcomes, and patient-reported measures at predefined time points following the procedure. This research aims to provide evidence on which intervention is more effective in reducing pain, improving function, and minimizing the need for opioid medications in patients with combat-related neuroma pain.

Comprehensive Multicenter Study on the Management of Acute Pain Following Thoracic Combat-Related Trauma in Ukraine

This study is a multicenter clinical trial conducted in Vinnytsia, Rivne, and Lviv, Ukraine, focusing on the management of acute pain following thoracic injuries sustained during combat. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of two minimally invasive procedures, cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation, in controlling severe chest pain and improving patients' recovery. Cryoablation involves applying extreme cold to specific intercostal nerves to reduce pain signals, while radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to achieve a similar effect. Both procedures target the nerves responsible for transmitting pain from the injured areas and are performed by experienced clinicians under careful monitoring to minimize risks. Adult patients who have experienced thoracic combat trauma and are experiencing moderate to severe pain may be eligible to participate in the study if they are able to provide informed consent and comply with the study procedures. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation. Pain intensity will be assessed before the procedure, and then again at four, twenty-four, and seventy-two hours afterward using a standardized verbal numeric rating scale. In addition to measuring changes in pain, the study will monitor opioid medication use to determine whether either procedure reduces the need for pain-relieving drugs. Mechanical pain sensitivity will be evaluated using Von Frey testing, and pulmonary function will be assessed using incentive spirometry to determine whether pain reduction improves the ability to breathe deeply and cough effectively. The impact of pain on daily activities, quality of life, and emotional well-being will also be measured using validated tools such as the LANS scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire. The study aims to provide important information on the relative benefits and risks of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of acute thoracic pain, including changes in pain intensity, opioid consumption, respiratory function, and overall comfort. Potential risks associated with the procedures include temporary soreness, bruising, or rare complications, but all interventions are performed under strict safety protocols. Participation in this study may allow patients to experience better pain control, potentially reduced reliance on opioid medications, and faster recovery, while contributing valuable data that could improve pain management strategies for other patients in similar circumstances. Data collected during the study will be analyzed to compare the effectiveness of the two procedures and to identify factors that may influence outcomes, such as age, body mass index, the number of intercostal levels treated, and baseline pain scores. The study provides a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding acute pain management after thoracic combat injuries and aims to support clinicians in making informed decisions to improve patient care. For patients, families, and healthcare providers, this research offers an opportunity to participate in a carefully monitored clinical trial designed to enhance recovery and reduce suffering after serious chest trauma while advancing medical knowledge in the field of pain management.

The Effectiveness and Efficacy of an Online Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapeutic Program

An online group cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic program will be offered to patients with cystic fibrosis and to caregivers by the Hellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association. These 2 above therapy groups will be compared with control groups in a randomized controlled trial

The Effect of the Web-Based Gamified Application on Functional Results and Recovery Conditions

The aim of this clinical trial is to determine the effect of a mobile-compatible web-based gamified application (Game-App-KNEE) developed for post-operative care of total knee replacement (TKA) surgery on functional outcomes and recovery status. Based on this, the hypotheses of our project are; In the intervention group where the mobile-compatible web-based gamified application to be developed for the home care of individuals undergoing TKA due to osteoarthritis is applied, compared to the control group; Hypothesis 1 (H1): After the application of Game-App-KNEE, the functional levels of individuals in the intervention group are higher than the control group. Hypothesis 2 (H1): After the application of Game-App-KNEE, the post-operative recovery levels of individuals in the intervention group are higher than the control group. Participants: Receive the game module application (intervention group) or only the educational booklet (control group) every day for 3 months after discharge Visit the clinic every 1st and 3rd month for check-ups and tests.

Effectiveness of Trauma Treatment in the Specialist Health Care Services

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental illness. Treatments for PTSD are regarded as highly effective, but a large-scale, prospective, longitudinal randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of these treatments has been requested by the research community. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the effectiveness of two prominent PTSD therapies, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD), within the Norwegian specialist health care services. The study aims to compare the therapy effectiveness, including their impact on comorbid disorders, complex PTSD symptoms, and functional outcomes post-treatment. Patients will be randomly assigned to EMDR or CT-PTSD and given manualized therapy aligned with their treatment goals. Each arm aims to recruit 135 patients, resulting in a total sample size of 270 patients. The main objective of this study is to examine the growth curves of the two methods and how patient characteristics affect their developments. Secondary short-term aims include (1) investigating the impact of EMDR and CT-PTSD on complex PTSD symptoms, (2) assessing effects on other clinical conditions and functional outcomes, and (3) exploring whether the therapeutic alliance mediates treatment effects. Secondary long-term aims are (1) to assess the long-term effects of EMDR and CT-PTSD on PTSD symptoms and (2) to explore the impact of extended or additional treatments on outcomes.

Microsurgical Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastases

The aim of the study is to establish a multi-center, retrospective database for patients with intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) and analyse the functional outcome in surgically treated ISCM patients. The hypothesis is that the surgical treatment of selected ISCM patients does not lead to persistent morbidity and does not increase mortality, compared to patients that are treated non-operatively. Secondary objectives are to assess pre- to postoperative neurological deficits, ambulatory status, and overall survival of surgically treated ISCM patients. The investigators intend to include a control cohort of patients with ISCM from participating centers, who underwent non-surgical oncological treatment (radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy). This control cohort of patients will be used to match patients with and without surgical treatment. Primary endpoint (analysed in surgically treated ISCM patients): Functional outcome at 90 days after treatment initiation, measured by the modified McCormick Scale. This is a score for grading of neurological function in spinal cord conditions. The McCormick scale ranges from Grade I (neurologically intact) to grade V (paraplegic or quadriplegic). The McCormick scale is suitable for our retrospective study because of its good reproducibility and comparability. Secondary endpoints (analysed in surgically treated ISCM patients and analysed in matched patients with and without surgical treatment): * Functional outcome by the McCormick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA) at 6 and 12 months. This is a score evaluating motor function of upper and lower extremities, sensory function of upper extremities and sphincter function / voidance. The mJOA ranges from 0 - 18 points, with higher score values representing better functional outcome. The minimum clinically important difference of the mJOA is 1-2 points, and scores lower than 14 indicate moderate myelopathy, scores lower than 11 indicate severe myelopathy. * Ambulatory status and continence at 90 days, 6 \& 12 months (determined by mJOA subscores) * Neurological outcome, measured by American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) * Impairment Scale at 90 days, 6 and 12 months * Rate \& type of complications at 90 days after treatment according to The Novel Therapy * Disability-Neurology Grade (TDN grade)16 * Overall survival (in days)