Clinical Research Directory

Diuretics Alone vs. Aortix Endovascular Device for Acute Heart Failure

Aortix is a circulatory support device for chronic heart failure patients on medical management who have been hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and have persistent congestion despite usual medical therapy. Eligible ADHF patients with diuretic resistance (irrespective of ejection fraction) will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 to either the Aortix system or standard of care medical management.

Non-interventional Study on Guideline Directed Medical Therapy for Patients With Heart Failure (HF) in Germany

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health issue that affects more than 63 million people worldwide. The clinical and economic burden of HF on health care systems is substantial. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) represents approximately 50% of the HF patient population.The burden of HF is expected to increase substantially as the population ages, and despite improvements in treatment, hospitalisation and mortality rates remain especially high in HFrEF patients. The current guideline recommendation of directed medical therapy for HFrEF combines four drug classes with proven prognostic benefit: Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)/angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), betablockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). The 2023 ESC (European Society of Cardiology) HF guideline update additionally recommends a rapid in-hospital sequencing approach of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) with frequent physician visits during the first 6 weeks post discharge. Studies investigating the implementation of GDMT in a real-world setting have shown that a significant proportion of patients did not receive the recommended drug combination therapy. Delayed initiation of GDMT contributes to the low number of patients receiving guideline concordant HFrEF therapy, which ultimately may affect patient outcomes. One approach to implement the 2023 ESC guideline updates for heart failure treatment regarding early in-hospital initiation and rapid up-titration of GDMT could be to provide specific training on GDMT recommendations. Such a standardised training is offered to the physicians treating HF patients within selected hospitals of the German Helios hospital network (Helios-GDMT-program). Evidence is needed in order to assess whether in-hospital initiation and up-titration of all phenotype concordant classes of GDMT at hospital discharge can be observed after standardised physician training and whether the GDMT-program implementation also translates into real-world routine outpatient care with respect to use of GDMT and clinical outcomes.

Paced Heart Rate Acceleration for Cardiac Conditioning

A clinical trial of exercise-similar heart rate acceleration delivered via cardiac pacing vs. sham intervention in subjects at rest will be performed. The study population comprises subjects with guideline-directed medically managed left ventricular dysfunction due to ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and an existing implantable cardioverter defibrillator or biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The purpose of the study is to understand how the heart rate pattern of exercise contributes to the considerable cardiac conditioning effects of exercise and estimate whether the pacing approach may have translational clinical applicability. Fifty-two subjects will be randomized, single-blinded, to either the pacing intervention or a sham intervention which they will receive once daily, 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Baseline symptoms and clinical test results will be compared to the same measures at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks of intervention/sham and at 3 months and one-year post-intervention. The primary endpoint will be the change in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline in intervention vs. sham groups (mixed effects linear regression with time and treatment arm as fixed effects and pre-specified covariates of sex and cardiomyopathy type as random effects). Secondary endpoints will include changes in quality of life, 6-minute walk distance, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) measures, daily activity and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 3 and 12 months between pacing and sham groups. A "dose-response" analysis of outcomes at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of the intervention vs. sham compared with baseline will be performed.

Pilot Study of StudyU for N-of-1 Trials in HFrEF Patients (N-of-1 App)

This study will look at whether using a phone app called StudyU can help people with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) reach their recommended dose on their beta blocker.

Cardiac Performance During Steep Trendelenburg Position in Patients Undergoing Robotic Surgery Surgery.

The field of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery increases all the time. Older and more fragile patients which are not suitable for major open surgery could be scheduled for robotic- assisted surgery. The peroperative anesthesiological challenges and stresses during this type of surgery could anyway be even more prominent. The extreme positioning of patients during robotic surgery in the pelvis, often 30 degrees head down tilting (Trendelenburg positioning), should increase the work load of the heart significantly. There are no studies concerning fragile patients with heart failure during these conditions. In this study the circulatory effects in patients with normal heart function and preexisting heart failure will be studied during robotic surgery in extreme Trendelenburg positioning During surgery the work load and performance of the heart will be monitored using an esophageal doppler and optical spectrophotometry measuring regional saturation of the brain. This study can identify patients at risk of developing critical circulatory failure during this type of surgery.

Associations Between the Microbiome, Skeletal Muscle Perfusion, and Fitness Status

The purpose of the study is to determine associations between fitness status, bacteria in the mouth, and the blood flow to muscle. This study is trying to find out if fitness status impacts the bacteria that are present in the oral microbiome (environment in the mouth) or the ability of the body to send blood to the skeletal muscle. Participants will complete all or some of the following: * A mouth swab to assess the bacteria in their mouths. * Produce a saliva sample into a tube. * Cycle on a bike until you reach maximum effort. * Undergo blood draws * Wear a 24-hour non-invasive device that monitors blood pressure. * Drink 70mL (1/3 of a cup) of concentrated beetroot juice once

Clinical Trial of Human Allogenic Culture-expanded Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

This clinical study will utilize allogenic bone marrow-derived culture-expanded MSC that are expanded from mesenchymal stem cells and delivered using the investigational Helix transendocardial delivery catheter as a therapy for ischemic HFrEF with reduced ejection fraction.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Acetazolamide Versus Metolazone as an Adjunct to Standard Therapy in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of acetazolamide versus metolazone as adjunctive treatments to standard therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). ADHF is a life-threatening condition, and current treatments often involve loop diuretics to alleviate volume overload. This study will assess the added benefit of acetazolamide and metolazone in improving decongestion, reducing hospital stays, and preventing complications such as renal dysfunction or electrolyte imbalances. Participants will be randomized to receive either acetazolamide or metolazone in addition to standard diuretic therapy. The trial will evaluate primary outcomes including successful decongestion, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay, with secondary outcomes focusing on renal function, electrolyte disturbances, and overall safety. The study is conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, and aims to provide valuable insights into the management of ADHF, especially in the Pakistani population.

Prevalence and Risk Factors asSOciated With CArdiac comorbiDIty in psoriAsis

In a prospective cohort study (n = 1.000), the investigators aim to investigate the correlation between cardiac biomarkers and advanced echocardiography and determine whether these are prognostic markers of heart disease in patients suffering from psoriasis.

MCNAIR Study: coMparative effeCtiveness of iN-person and teleheAlth cardIac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically recommended program for patients with certain heart conditions. It includes exercise training, health education, and counseling. Unfortunately, many patients do not participate in cardiac rehabilitation. Some find it challenging to attend the in-person sessions. This study aims to compare two methods of delivering cardiac rehabilitation: in-person and through telehealth. The investigators want to know if the effects of these two programs are alike and if certain individuals benefit more from one program over the other.

HIDRAdenitis Suppurativa and HEART Disease

In a prospective observational cohort study (n = 250) the investigators aim to assess the correlation between cardiac biomarkers, advanced echocardiography and HS severity and determine whether these are prognostic markers of heart disease in patients suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

The Correlation Between Serum PRMT5 Level and Cardiac Ultrasound Indicators in Patients With Heart Failure

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by abnormal cardiomyocyte metabolism, reduced myocardial contractility, and dysregulated synthesis of myocardial contractile proteins. This pathological process leads to progressive impairment of cardiac function and ultimately progresses to heart failure. Previous studies have demonstrated that PRMT5 exerts a significant inhibitory effect on heart failure, yet its clinical significance in the context of heart failure remains undefined. In this study, we hypothesized that serum PRMT5 may serve as a biomarker to predict cardiac structural parameters and functional indices. Therefore, we aim to analyse the correlation between serum PRMT5 levels and the following parameters-LVPWs, LVPWd, LVIDs, LVIDd, IVSTs, IVSTd, EF, FS, LVMi and RWT on the first day when participants are enrolled in this study.

Pilot Study Lp299v Supplementation in Chronic Heart Failure

The goal of this study is to determine the impact of 12 weeks of Lp299v supplementation (20 million cfu/day vs. placebo) on exercise capacity, circulating biomarkers of cardiac remodeling, quality of life, and vascular endothelial function in humans with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) who have evidence of residual inflammation based on an elevated C-reactive protein level. This will be done in the setting of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AB-1002 in Patients With Class III Heart Failure

This is a Phase 1, prospective, multi-center, open-label, sequential dose escalation study to explore the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a single intracoronary infusion of AB-1002 in patients with NYHA Class III heart failure. Patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy will be enrolled until up to 17 subjects have received infusions of investigational product. All patients will be followed until 12 months post treatment intervention, and then undergo long-term follow-up via semi-structured telephone questionnaires every 6 months for an additional 24 months (+/- 30 days).

Mechanistic Studies of Nicotinamide Riboside in Human Heart Failure

Preliminary animal studies by ourselves and others suggest that the dietary supplement, nicotinamide riboside (NR), may improve cardiac function in heart failure (HF) by increasing cellular levels of its metabolite, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+, NADH). This Study will address a key gap in current knowledge by assessing the mechanisms through which raising blood and myocardial NAD+ levels in humans mediates changes in mitochondrial function, protein and epigenetic modifications, as well as inflammation. Human myocardium will be obtained after 4-14 days of oral NR supplementation from advanced heart failure patients undergoing elective left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Positive results would provide evidence to proceed with further studies of NR as a mitochondria-targeted metabolic therapy in heart failure.

Cardiac Structure and Function in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

In a prospective observational cohort study (n = 100), the investigators aim to assess the correlation between cardiac biomarkers, advanced echocardiography and cystic fibrosis genotype and severity and determine whether these are prognostic markers of heart disease in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF).

Digoxin and Senolysis in Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus

In pilot studies the investigators have shown that subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is dysfunctional. Endothelial cells from the adipose tissue from these patients are senescent and have deleterious effects on healthy human subcutaneous adipocytes, including increasing expression of IL-6 (gene and protein) and reducing glucose uptake. Digoxin, a well-established treatment for HFrEF, selectively clears these senescent endothelial cells and prevents adipocyte dysfunction. This study will examine the effect of digoxin on adipose tissue on the burden of senescent cells.

Optimising Pacing for Contractility 2

The investigators have demonstrated that they can reliably identify an optimum heart rate range for contractility of the left ventricle in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). They have also demonstrated in an acute cross-over and a small parallel group feasibility study that keeping the heart rate in this range (versus standard rate-response programming) in patients with CHF is associated with increased exercise time on a treadmill (around 60s or 10%). They now want to explore in a randomised, placebo-controlled 3-arm parallel group trial whether optimal programming versus standard rate-response programming versus no rate-response programming for 6 months leads to appreciable improvements in exercise time and quality of life, while having no adverse effects on left ventricular function and battery longevity and what the mechanisms of this might be. 450 patients with CHF and a pacemaker will undergo the non-invasive echocardiographic assessment to establish the force frequency relationship and the optimal heart rate for contractility. They will then perform a treadmill walk test, complete quality of life questionnaires and be offered the opportunity to participate in a series of mechanistic substudies. They will then be randomised to optimal rate-response settings, standard rate response settings or no rate-response settings and followed up at 6 months at which point the tests will be repeated.

PhotobiomoduLation for pAtientS With Advanced hEart failuRe

The objective of the study is to examine the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in patients with advanced-stage heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), who have been referred but ineligible for a heart transplantation. The primary endpoint is a 15% relative reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LV ESV) as determined by echocardiography over a 12-month follow-up period. The secondary objective is to determine the change in NT-proBNP, a biomarker for heart failure, the change in heart failure symptoms based on the NYHA functional classification, the change in quality of life questionnaire (KCCQ), additional echocardiographic parameters, and the detection of changes in heart failure and fibrosis biomarkers. Additionally, the study aims to examine hospitalization due to heart failure and overall mortality.

IV Iron and SGLT2 Inhibitor on Ventricular Function and Myocardial Iron Content in Heart Failure With Iron Deficiency

Background. Treatment with intravenous iron has been shown to improve symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and iron deficiency. However, the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects remain unknown. SGLT2i seem to alter hematocrit and other hematological markers or iron content. This study aims to measure cardiac magnetic resonance changes in myocardial iron content and in left ventricular function after administration of intravenous iron with and without the concomitant use of SGLT2 inhibitor in patients with HFrEF and iron deficiency.

Atrial Appendage Micrograft Transplants to Assist Heart Repair After Cardiac Surgery

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) leads the global mortality statistics. Atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries hallmark IHD, drive hypoxia, and may rupture to result in myocardial infarction (MI) and death of contractile cardiac muscle, which is eventually replaced by a scar. Depending on the extent of the damage, dysbalanced cardiac workload often leads to emergence of heart failure (HF). The atrial appendages, enriched with active endocrine and paracrine cardiac cells, has been characterized to contain cells promising in stimulating cardiac regenerative healing. In this AAMS2 randomized controlled and double-blinded trial, the patient's own tissue from the right atrial appendage (RAA) is for therapy. A piece from the RAA can be safely harvested upon the set-up of the heart and lung machine at the beginning of coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. In the AAMS2 trial, a piece of the RAA tissue is processed and utilized as epicardially transplanted atrial appendage micrografts (AAMs) for CABG-support therapy. In our preclinical evaluation, epicardial AAMs transplantation after MI attenuated scarring and improved cardiac function. Proteomics suggested an AAMs-induced glycolytic metabolism, a process associated with an increased regenerative capacity of myocardium. Recently, the safety and feasibility of AAMs therapy was demonstrated in an open-label clinical study. Moreover, as this study suggested increased thickness of the viable myocardium in the scarred area, it also provided the first indication of therapeutic benefit. Based on randomization with estimated enrolment of a total of 50 patients with 1:1 group allocation ratio, the piece of RAA tissue is either perioperatively processed to AAMs or cryostored. The AAMs, embedded in a fibrin matrix gel, are placed on a collaged-based matrix sheet, which is then epicardially sutured in place at the end of CABG surgery. The location is determined by preoperative late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-CMRI) to pinpoint the ischemic scar. The controls receive the collagen-based patch, but without the AAMs. Study blood samples, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and LGE-CMRI are performed before and at 6-month follow-up after the surgery. The trial's primary endpoints focus on changes in cardiac fibrosis as evaluated by LGE-CMRI and circulating levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Secondary endpoints center on other efficacy parameters, as well as both safety and feasibility of the therapy.

Robotic-assisted Exercise Training in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

This study will address the challenging task of remobilizing patients with advanced chronic lung or heart failure in a functional New York Heart Association class III-IV by using an externally physically-supported exosuit movement therapy. This soft, wearable robot (Myosuit) assists mobilization according to individual needs by activating neuromuscular feedback systems, promoting physical activity and preventing early physical exhaustion. The feasibility, tolerance and safety of a Myosuit assisted training was shown in a feasibility trial. In the efficacy trial, patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio for an exosuit-supported or non-supported exercise training protocol, training 3 units per week for 8 weeks. Assessment of outcome will be performed by various functional, mobility and endurance tests, questionnaires and clinical parameters. Furthermore, the transfer of regained motor and balance skills to everyday life will be analyzed.

Evaluating Infrasonic Hemodynography

This comparative diagnostic accuracy study will determine the accuracy of a noninvasive wearable infrasonic sensor to detect the mechanical, electrical, and hemodynamic function of the cardiovascular system.

Modulation of SERCA2a of Intra-myocytic Calcium Trafficking in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

It is believed that targeted SERCA2a enzyme replacement in HFrEF patients will correct defective intracellular Ca2+ hemostasis, resulting in improved cardiac contractile function and energetics which will, in turn, translate to improved clinical outcomes. Additionally, it is hypothesized that correcting SERCA2a dysfunction will also improve coronary blood flow through correction of the impaired endothelium-dependent nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatation observed in heart failure.