Clinical Research Directory

GENECARD - the Use of Genetic, Epigenetic, Metabolomic, Proteomic and Microbiotic Markers, Image and Voice Biomarker Analyses, and Pre- and Intraoperative Clinical Data - to Predict Early Complications After Cardiac Surgery.

The goal of this observational cohort study is to prove whether genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, imaging, voice, and clinical markers can improve prediction of early complications after cardiac surgery in adult patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: Which biological and clinical markers are associated with: new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF), acute kidney injury (AKI), postoperative delirium (POD), vasoplegia, postoperative bleeding and 30-day mortality? Can combining these markers improve early prediction of postoperative complications compared with current clinical risk scores? Researchers will analyze a wide range of data collected before, during, and after cardiac surgery and compare patients who develop early complications with those who do not to identify risk factors and early biomarkers. Participants will: Provide biological samples (blood, urine, stool) before and after surgery for genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, microbiome, and laboratory testing. Undergo standard preoperative and intraoperative imaging and clinical assessments. Allow collection of clinical data related to postoperative outcomes (For some participants) have voice and video recordings performed to help identify early signs of postoperative delirium. This study aims to improve early detection of postoperative complications and support development of personalized diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Tranexamic Acid in Nasal Mohs Reconstruction

This study will be a prospective randomized control trial to evaluate the effects of subcutaneously administered TXA among patients undergoing nasal Mohs reconstruction with local flaps at VUMC.

Tranexamic Acid Use on Pain, Mobility and Bleeding Following Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic agent developed in the 1960s that has been safely used to reduce blood loss, transfusion rates and bleeding-associated mortality in trauma, obstetrics and orthopedic surgery, including hip fracture care and arthroplasty. The efficacy and safety profile of TXA has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials and observational studies. Its wide range of applications, combined with its favourable risk-benefit ratio, has led to the incorporation of TXA into clinical guidelines and protocols worldwide. This RCT aims to compare the current standard dosing for TXA to additional TXA doses given orally post-operatively for THA and TKA patients. The goal is to compare the following between study groups: visible bleeding on post-operative dressing, mobilization (steps, amount of time moving around), pain (visual analog scale), function (Oxford hip and knee scales) and ROM at four to six weeks.

Observational Study of Platelet Dysfunction Assessed by Thromboelastography in Cardiovascular Surgery (DISPLATEG)

Perioperative bleeding requiring blood transfusion is common during cardiovascular surgery, especially in procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plays a fundamental role in platelet function. Several studies have shown that some patients not receiving antiplatelet therapy undergoing cardiovascular surgery have decreased platelet ADP receptor activity; the prevalence of this condition can be as high as 36%. Furthermore, extracorporeal circulation itself has been shown to cause a reduction in platelet function. Platelet dysfunction due to reduced platelet receptor activity after cardiac surgery is potentially a common cause of bleeding, perioperative blood transfusion, and surgical reexploration in patients not receiving antiplatelet agents. However, these studies are conducted with few patients and present some contradictory results, so the evidence is still scarce. The study hypothesis is that preoperative platelet dysfunction for ADP measured by TEG® Platelet Mapping™ is associated with a higher incidence of moderate-severe bleeding after CPB in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Topical Estrogen: Brief Intervention to Improve Postoperative Experience for Transgender Men Undergoing Hysterectomy

The purpose of this study is to determine if applying a single dose of topical estrogen cream in the operating room at the end of your hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix) improves the postoperative experience with bleeding and potential symptoms of dysphoria (a feeling of discomfort or distress). Topical estrogen cream is sometimes used if patients have increased risk of bleeding with surgery but is not currently utilized in a consistent way. This study aims to answer the question of whether this is a helpful treatment and should be included in standard postoperative care.