Current Research Studies
An extremely active research unit is maintained within the UK Endoscopy Center, focusing on projects in which endoscopy is the subject under investigation. These include new endoscopic techniques, assessment of endoscopic technologies, evaluation of endoscopy outcomes, and endoscopy suite management. A variety of active research protocols in endoscopy are currently underway; examples are described below.
Hypoechoic Intramural Tumor Study - This international 5 year multi-center study examines the appropriate endoscopic management of submucosal masses identified at endoscopic ultrasound. The University of Kentuckyis the central coordinating and data collection site for this project, which is funded by research grants from the American Digestive Health Foundation.
Satisfaction and Aversive Outcomes to Endoscopy - This prospective study is designed to identify pre-procedure indicators for aversive experience with endoscopy. Pre-procedure assessment includes personality inventories, anxiety assessment, and demographic questionnaires. The aim is to identify patients who are at risk for an unsatisfactory outcome from endoscopy, as well as to identify patients who might be able to have endoscopy with less potent sedative agents (such as nitrous oxide) or no sedation.
Nitrous Oxide for Sedation of Upper Endoscopy - This is a pilot feasibility study examining the usefulness and technical success in administering nitrous oxide as the sole sedative agent in EGD. Technically, the gas is difficult to administer when the oral passage is being traversed by the endoscope; however, use of a nasal mask may permit this agent to be administered successfully.
Hepatitis C study by Dr. Koch
Dr. Alvaro G. Koch and researchers at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital Department of Gastroenterology are conducting clinical research studies of persons with Hepatitis C.
You may be able to participate if you:
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are a male or female between the ages of 18 and 70;
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have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C;
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are not currently pregnant;
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are not planning to become pregnant during the study time period; and
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have previously failed to respond to standard therapy with Pegylated-interferon and Ribavirin.
Patients who qualify will receive procedures, labs, and medications at no charge. Patients who respond to treatment can expect to participate for 48 weeks, plus
an additional 24 weeks of post-treatment follow-up consultations. For more information, please call Jeri Reynolds or Karen Meekins at (859) 323-6423.
Hepatitis C study by Dr. Shedlofsky
Researchers at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital are conducting a clinical research study. If you have hepatitis C with a recent liver biopsy and are non-diabetic, we invite you to participate in a research project. We also are looking for healthy volunteers to act as a control group.
You may be able to participate if you:
You will be compensated for your time and travel, and all procedures are done at no cost. If you are interested in becoming a part of this study, contact:
Steven Shedlofsky, M.D., or Angela Hobbs, R.N.
University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital
Lexington, KY 40536-0305
Telephone: (859) 323-6423
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