Clinical Research Directory

REMS25: Study on the Use of REMS Technology in Diseases Commonly Associated With Reduced Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

This study evaluates bone mineral density (BMD) in pediatric patients aged 5-18 years with conditions negatively affecting bone health, using REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry), a non-invasive and radiation-free ultrasound technology. Bone health is crucial during childhood, when peak bone mass develops, and reduced BMD is associated with increased fracture risk. DXA is the current reference method but has limitations in children, including radiation exposure and growth-related measurement issues. REMS has been validated in adults and shows promise in pediatrics, despite the lack of reference values. The study is a single-center, national, non-profit interventional study lasting about 12 months. Participants will undergo REMS BMD measurement, clinical history collection, and assessment of anthropometric and pubertal parameters, with prior DXA data collected when available. The primary aim is to describe BMD values measured by REMS in pediatric osteoporosis, with secondary aims including subgroup analyses and comparison with DXA. A sample of 100 patients is planned. Statistical analyses will assess BMD distributions, correlations with clinical variables, and agreement between REMS and DXA using correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis.

Evaluating the Functional Status of the Adrenal Glands With [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor in Hyperaldosteronism and Hypercortisolism

Background: The adrenal glands are 2 small organs that sit on top of each kidney. They release hormones; these are chemicals that control how the body works. Tumors on or outside the adrenal glands are called functional if they release hormones; they are called nonfunctional if they do not. Doctors who treat adrenal tumors need to know which type a person has. Researchers want to find better ways to learn whether an adrenal tumor is functional. Objective: To see if a new radioactive tracer (\[68Ga\]Ga-PentixaFor) can make it easier to identify functional adrenal tumors with positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with 1 or more adrenal tumors. They must have increased levels of the hormones aldosterone or cortisol. They must also be enrolled in at least 1 other related NIH study (protocols 19-DK-0066, 18-CH-0031, or 09-C-0242). Design: Participants will be screened. They may have imaging scans. Their ability to perform normal activities will be reviewed. Participants will have one PET scan with the study tracer. The tracer will be given through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. Participants will receive the tracer 1 hour before the scan. They will lie still on a bed while a machine captures images of the inside of their body. The scan will take 45 to 90 minutes. Participants heart rate, blood pressure, and rate of breathing will be checked before, during, and after the scan. Participants will have a follow-up visit 3 days after their scan. This visit can be by phone, email, or in person.

Salivary Cortisol and Hypercortisolism in Type 2 Diabetes

The goal of this observational study is to explore the prevalence of hypercortisolism in a population with difficult to control type 2 diabetes despite receiving standard-of-care therapies. Additionally, the study will evaluate the correlation between salivary cortisol levels and glycemic control.

A Block-and-Replace Therapy With Osilodrostat and Concomitant Glucocorticoid Replacement

The major goal of this study is to determine the incidence of adrenal insufficiency in patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome receiving osilodrostat treatment combined with a replacement of glucocorticoid (block-and-replace approach). The investigators are also evaluating new biomarker steroids to reflect adequate osilodrostat dosing, the durability and safety, and clinical improvement during treatment.

Impact of Adrenal IncidenTalomas and Possible Autonomous Cortisol Secretion on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Alterations

The investigators hypothesize that cardiovascular and metabolic alterations can occur in patients with adrenal adenomas and possible Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (pACS). Investigators hypothesize that adrenalectomy in selected patients, following the 2016 European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) guidelines, can improve metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risks and features.

Osilodrostat Therapy and 11C-methionine PET to Improve Corticotroph Adenoma Detection

Cushing's disease is a rare condition where the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps with metabolism, the immune system, and managing stress. But too much cortisol can lead to problems like weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and changes in appearance, such as a round face or a hump on the back. People with Cushing's disease often gain weight around their belly and may get stretch marks. They might also feel emotional changes, tiredness, or weakness. This disease is usually caused by a small, non-cancerous growth in the pituitary gland called a 'pituitary adenoma.' The pituitary gland is a small organ at the base of the brain and controls many important functions. When someone is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, doctors typically use an MRI scan to look for the adenoma in the pituitary gland. If found, the adenoma can often be removed through surgery, which often cures the disease. This is the standard treatment for patients with Cushing's disease. However, MRIs only find the adenoma in about 60% of the time. If surgery isn't possible because the adenoma can't be located, doctors may use medication to lower cortisol levels. In addition to the MRI, doctors might use a special PET/CT scan to find the adenoma. This PET/CT scan is not available everywhere, so the investigators refer our patients to Cambridge Hospital for this scan, which uses a special dye called 11C-methionine. The investigators then review the scan with the teams from Imperial and Cambridge. If the PET/CT scan shows where the adenoma is, the patient will be offered surgery. However, finding the adenoma can be challenging because they are often small and hard to distinguish from normal tissue. If the adenoma isn't visible, the investigators will use medical treatment to lower cortisol. After a period of medical treatment, another MRI scan and PET/CT scan will be done to see if the adenoma has become clearer. This second PET/CT scan would not normally be part of routine clinical care. The investigators will then compare the results of the two scans to see if the special dye is showing a stronger signal, which can help us find the adenoma more accurately and improve the chance of curing Cushing's disease with surgery.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation in Primary Aldosteronism

In this study, the investigators will perform endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) treatment of left-sided adrenal tumours in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). Four different study groups will all receive EUS-RFA of left-sided adrenal tumours. Clinical and biochemical outcome as well as procedural safety will be evaluated. In study patients with verified lateralised aldosterone or cortisol overproduction to the left adrenal, outcome will be compared with control groups performing conventional unilateral adrenalectomy. Study group 1: PA patients with AVS-verified left sided lateralisation and a EUS-detectable tumour in the left adrenal for EUS-RFA treatment. Study group 2: PA patient with suspected left-sided overweight of aldosterone production and a EUS-detectable tumour but without strict lateralisation of their aldosterone overproduction, for EUS-RFA treatment as an aldosterone "debulking" procedure. Study group 3: patients with MACS with AVS-verified lateralisation of cortisol overproduction to the left adrenal and EUS-detectable tumour for EUS-RFA treatment Study group 4: patients with MACS with bilateral adrenal tumours and verified bilateral overproduction of cortisol for EUS-RFA treatment as a cortisol "debulking" procedure.

Dynamic Hormone Profiling and Multimodal Data Capture in Primary Aldosteronism

This study is a observational study applying 24-hour microdialysis methodology to perform dynamic multisteroid adrenal hormone profiling of patients with suspected or confirmed PA. Simultaneous registration of blood pressure, tissue glucose, sleep pattern, activity level and food intake registration may be performed. The overall objective is to develop a novel, sensitive, fast and user-friendly diagnostic procedure for PA, using multimodal data capture including dynamic multisteroid hormone profiling from microdialysis fluid.