Clinical Trials

The purpose of this study is to determine the occurrence of scarring of the heart (cardiac fibrosis) and inflammation in those with perinatally acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection compared to people not infected with HIV. The information learned from this research may help the investigator to better understand the link between cardiac fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction and inflammation in those with perinatally acquired HIV infection compared to the uninfected.

This project will determine the health impact of parenthood on people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The study team will use retrospective data to provide relatively immediate evidence on parenthood's effect on pulmonary health.

The purpose of this study is to look at lung ventilation in people with cystic fibrosis over time (1 year) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an inhaled contrast gas, and compare these measures to lung function assessed by spirometry and multiple breath nitrogen washout. This study also looks at how these measures change in response to a pulmonary exacerbation and treatment (if applicable). Over the span of a year, participants would be asked to complete 3-5 visits to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). with each lasting up to 4 hours. If participants do not have a pulmonary exacerbation during the year they would be asked to complete 3 visits (one at enrollment, a second roughly 2 weeks later, and the third approximately a year later). If participants do experience a CF pulmonary exacerbation they would complete 5 visits (Visit 1, Visit 2, two exacerbation visits with one before treatment and the other after, and Visit 3 at one year after Visit 1). Only one exacerbation per participant will be tracked. Participants are eligible for this study if they are 18 years old or older, have Cystic Fibrosis (CF) with mild lung disease (FEV1 >/= 60%), and can undergo an MRI. There are no known benefits for participating in this study.

Do you have cystic fibrosis and are you eligible for a lung transplant? This study is interested in learning more about the presence and location of certain bacteria in the lungs of people who have cystic fibrosis by examining lungs that have been removed from patients who have cystic fibrosis who are undergoing a lung transplant. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old, have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, be eligible for a lung transplant, and have tried all other available treatments without success. This study is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Are you an adult who has had Fontan palliation operation? If so, you may be able to join a clinical trial where researchers learn more about how the heart and lungs work after a Fontan palliation. Researchers will perform a procedure called a cardiac catheterization while participants exercise to see how well the heart is working. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The study is taking place in Rochester, Minnesota.

Are you an adult with heart failure? A clinical trial is testing if a supplement drink helps people with heart failure. Participants will visit the study site once where they will be served a light breakfast with the study’s supplement drink. Researchers will perform a physical exam and draw blood several times during the visit. The study is taking place in Durham, North Carolina.

Are you an adult with mild heart failure and a left bundle branch block? This study will test whether a type of pacemaker called a cardiac resynchronization device can help the heart pump more blood in people who have mild heart failure (HF) and left bundle branch block. In the study, participants will have a cardiac resynchronization device implanted. This study is located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Do you want to help find new treatments for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction? This study is testing whether a medicine called spironolactone can help treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction when paired with the standard treatment. Spironolactone helps to remove excess water and sodium from the body. To participate in this study, you must be between 50 and 99 years old and diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Are you an adult with mild heart failure (HF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB)? LBBB is a heart condition in which there is a delay or blockage of electrical signals to the left side of the heart. This study is exploring the use of a treatment called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in people with HF and LBBB. To have CRT, participants must be willing to have an implanted device, called a biventricular pacemaker, that helps the chambers of the heart work together to pump blood more efficiently. To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old. This study takes place in Rochester, Minnesota.

Do you have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF)? This study is testing the efficacy of a diuretic medicine called spironolactone that stops your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from dropping too low. Participants of this study must be between 50 and 99 years old and already taking diuretic medicine. This study takes place in multiple locations across the United States and Sweden.