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.

The purpose of this study is to non-invasively characterize the fibrotic consequences of single ventricle physiology, its possible solution and effect on lymphatics. This project investigates the response to acute imposition of Fontan hemodynamics by examining the interrelationship between liver and cardiac fibrosis/dysfunction and lymphatic congestion along with a pilot trial of the antifibrotic agent, spironolactone, to prevent these consequences and to determine if MRI can discern these differences. The combination of serum biomarkers and MRI form a powerful non-invasive tool in putting together this complicated web of dysfunction.

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 want to participate in a study with your child who has cystic fibrosis? This study is exploring computer models to compare cell samples from the noses of people who have cystic fibrosis, their parents, and other healthy individuals in hopes of better predicting how patients will respond to medicine. These computer models may allow medicines to be developed more rapidly and better predict who will respond to a certain cystic fibrosis treatment. To participate in this study, you must fall into one of the following groups: (1) have cystic fibrosis and be at least 12 years old, (2) be the biological parent of a cystic fibrosis patient enrolled in the study and be at least 18 years old, or (3) have no history of lung disease and be at least 18 years old. This study is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

DIVA is a pragmatic randomized clinical trial (RCT) to determine: among (P) preterm infants born 24-27 6/7 weeks gestation undergoing extubation from mechanical ventilation, whether (I) Non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) (C) compared with Non-synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NS-NIPPV), will reduce the incidence of (O) extubation failure within (T) 5 days (120 hours) of extubation.

This is an observational - data and specimen collection study. There have been increasing reports of vaping-induced lung injury, including severe lung injury and rare cases of death. The mechanism by which vaping contributes to lung injury in susceptible persons is unknown, as is impact on chronic lung disease. The investigators aim to identify individuals with chronic electronic nicotine delivery device (ENDD) exposure and matched controls within our ongoing cohort of HIV+ and HIV-uninfected individuals, collect PFT data, bank respiratory and stool samples and collect clinical data for studies of clinical risk, inflammation, biomarkers, and the microbiome in the identification and modification of risk of progression to lung injury or chronic pulmonary disease.

Are you between 40 and 85 with worsening idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? This study aims to test a new combination treatment for acute exacerbations, a life-threatening complication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that has no approved treatment. The treatment is meant to help stop part of the immune system from further injuring the lung tissue. To participate in this study, you must be between 40 and 85 years old and have worsening IPF. This study is located in Birmingham, Alabama; Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Do you have high blood pressure, high A1C levels, or have overweight or obesity? Researchers are testing if a program helps increase physical activity for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants will receive remote coaching and wear a physical activity tracker. To join, you must be 40 to 70 years old and can access the internet. The study is taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Do you have overweight or obesity? Researchers are testing whether messages sent through a mobile app can help people lose weight. To participate, you must be 18 to 39 years and own a smartphone with a data and text messaging plan. The study is taking place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.