Volunteer for a Study

ASTHMA Clinical Trials

One of the most common chronic diseases in the world, asthma has become more prevalent and more severe in recent years. While genetic and environmental factors, such as virus infections and allergen or occupational exposures, contribute to its origins and progression, chronic airway inflammation is considered the underlying cause of the hyper-responsiveness to environmental triggers and the airway structural changes that occur in patients over time.

AIR3TRIAL

An international, double-blind trial of bronchial thermoplasty (AIR2TRIAL) in patients with severe asthma has recently been completed. Enrollment for AIR3TRIAL will commence in the summer of 2008.

Inclusion criteria: Ambulatory adults ages 18–65 requiring combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilator (beclomethasone > 1000 ug or equivalent/day plus salmeterol ≥ 100 ug salmeterol or equivalent/day); use of other asthma medications, including oral corticosteroids ≤ 10 ug/day, is acceptable; non-smoker.
For more information, contact: Marcelle Baaklini, 216.445.1756

Pathobiology of Asthma

A talented multidisciplinary team of investigators at the Cleveland Clinic received this NIH-sponsored study to identify the causes of asthma inflammation.

Inclusion criteria: Asthma; informed consent.
For more information, contact: Marcelle Baaklini, 216.445.1756

Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP)

The National Institutes of Health have funded a multicenter research study to learn more about severe asthma. Individuals with severe asthma make up ten percent of the asthmatic population but use the majority of health care services when compared to other asthmatics. The Cleveland Clinic and other respiratory centers have been asked to participate. The information gained from this study will be used to learn more about the causes, treatments, and disease process of severe asthma and hopefully increase the quality of life for the patients suffering from this disorder.

Inclusion criteria: Asthma; informed consent.
For more information, contact: Marcelle Baaklini, 216.445.1756

PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION Studies

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease of unknown etiology characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary artery pressure and vascular remodeling. Secondary forms of PAH are associated with known diseases, such as collagen vascular diseases or portal hypertension, but in the absence of an identifiable etiology are classified as idiopathic (IPAH). Abnormalities in vasodilators, specifically nitric oxide (NO), and mitochondrial abnormalities have been implicated in the pathogenesis of IPAH. The mechanisms for NO deficiency are complex, but inflammation and consequent oxidative stress contribute to the consumption of NO, and ultimately to the pathobiology of PAH. The Cleveland Clinic is studying mechanisms of vascular remodeling and abnormalities of metabolism through grants from the Cardiovascular Medical Research Educaiton Fund and the National Institutes of Health.

Inclusion criteria: Pulmonary hypertension; informed consent.
For more information, contact: Marcelle Baaklini, 216.445.1756