Clinical Research Directory

Natural History of Stroke: Cause and Development

The purpose of this study is to learn more about stroke and obtain information that may serve as the basis for future investigations. It will 1) establish a registry of patients with cerebrovascular disease (stroke); 2) characterize the natural history of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA)-an interruption of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke symptoms for a short period of time); and 3) evaluate the data to generate ideas for future studies. Patients 18 years of age or older with suspected acute stroke or TIA may be eligible for this study. Subjects will be recruited from patients who present with stroke at the emergency department of Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. The study will gather data collected from diagnostic and laboratory tests the patient undergoes as part of standard medical care, including findings of medical and neurological examinations and other tests. In addition, studies will be done for research purposes only to gather data about stroke and TIA. These may include the following: * Blood and urine tests not more than 2 tablespoons of blood will be drawn for various tests. * Electrocardiogram (EKG) (heart tracing)-electrodes placed on the chest wall detect the heartbeat and heart rhythm. * Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head-specialized X-rays are used to obtain images of the brain. * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain-a strong magnetic field and radio waves are used to produce images that provide information about the brain tissue and blood vessels. * Transcranial Doppler (TCD)-sound waves are used to image the arteries of the brain and neck. * Echocardiogram-sound waves are used to image the heart and evaluate heart function. Patients may be asked to return to Suburban Hospital for follow-up testing in 1, 3, and/or 12 months, when some of these tests may be repeated to assess changes over time

Chronical Illness-related Limitations of the Ability to Cope With Rising Temperatures, Third Wave

The CLIMATE-III Observational Study examines to what extent chronically ill patients experience adverse health effects because of heat and whether the patients' specific health behavior, somatosensory amplification, risk and benefit perception, self-efficacy, health literacy, and the degree of urbanisation of the patients' administration district are associated with these effects. Study participants from Germany and Italy will be included in the sample.

Impact of Door-to-Needle Time on Stroke Outcomes at Gonesse Hospital

This study looks at how quickly stroke patients receive treatment after arriving at Gonesse Hospital and whether this affects their recovery. Researchers will measure the time between a patient's arrival and the start of clot-busting treatment (called Door-to-Needle Time), as well as the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival (Home-Time). The goal is to see if treatment delays impact recovery, and to find ways to improve stroke care in the hospital.

Performing a Low-dose, Whole-body Angiography as the First Element of an Imaging Assessment Following Stroke / TIA

The main objective of this study is to compare two post-stroke/TIA (transient ischemic attack) imaging strategies in terms of the number of clinically important (i.e. requiring specific treatment according to current recommendations) lesions detected. The first strategy is the current/usual strategy in each participating centre and the second strategy consists in starting the post-stroke/TIA imaging assessment by a whole-body, low-dose angiography and subsequently resorting to elements of the usual strategy if required.