Dr. Michael Ring, recently presented a poster session on behalf of his co-authors: Ken Daratha, Robert Short, Denise Dominik, Lynn Shuler and Katherine Tuttle, for the 2008 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Conference in Chicago, Il. His topic was "Two Year Safety and Revascularization Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Intervention with Bare Metal Stents Versus Strategies of Selective or Predominant Drug Eluting Stents in a Community Setting".
The poster presentation represented the work of their current study completed at Providence Medical Research Center and Sacred Heart Medical Center. The study compared the outcome of individuals who had received a bare metal stent with those who had received drug eluting stents. Patients were tracked for a minimum of 2 years following the placement of the stent, using a regional hospital electronic record.
Rodney D. Raabe, MD is the Principal Investigator for a new research trial being conducted at Providence Medical Research Center. This is a trial primarily sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute investigating the treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis. The name of this trial is:Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombosis Removal With Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (ATTRACT)
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the leg. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body.
People who develop DVT often have one or more of the following risk factors:
1. Recent major trauma (e.g. car accident with bony fractures).
2. Recent major surgery.
3. Cancer.
4. Immobilization due to medical illness, paralysis, or other condition.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Hormonal treatments (e.g. birth control pills).
7. Disorders of the blood clotting system (often inherited).
Approximately 25 to 50% of individuals treated for a DVT have post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after treatment of the condition. This adds up to about 50,000 -100,000 patients a year who develop PTS. Post-thrombotic syndrome includes any number of on-going symptoms such as swelling of the affected limb, pain, heaviness and fatigue, purpura (bleeding into the skin), increased skin pigmentation, eczematoid (eczema-like) dermatitis, pruritus (itchiness), ulceration, and cellulitis (bacterial infection just below the skin). All of these complications result from the impaired return of blood through the veins of the lower leg to the heart.
The ATTRACT Study is being conducted to determine if an investigational method for delivering a clot busting medication can safely prevent PTS and improve quality of life in patients with a blood clot in the leg. Participants will be followed for 2 years. All participants will receive blood-thinning drugs: the standard treatment for blood clots. In addition, half of the study participants will be randomly chosen to have their clot dissolved using a clot-busting drug (TPA) that a study doctor will inject directly into the clotted vein through a specially designed investigational drug delivery catheter.
Participants are followed for 2 years to assess possible symptoms related to the clot and how well the standard and investigational treatments prevent the occurrence of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome.
For more information about this study use the "search box" and enter the word ATTRACT.
Dr. M. Shane McNevin is the Principal Investigator for several research trials at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital (SHMC). Dr. McNevin is a leading physician at the Providence Continence Center, as well as the program director for the gastrointestinal section of Providence Cancer Center. Board certified in general surgery, along with colon and rectal surgery, he is an expert in the diagnosis, medical management and surgical treatment of colorectal and anal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders. Dr. McNevin is also highly respected by his peers across the nation. In the last year alone, he has been invited to share his expertise at four major professional conferences.
Dr. Mc Nevin has been selected as an investigator for new treatments for fecal incontinence (FI). These research trials examine the effectiveness and safety of new treatment methods and are being run in only a handful of locations in the United States. Dr. Mc Nevin was chosen as an investigator by the companies sponsoring these trials because he is a leader in the field of colon and rectal surgery. In addition to his work on these ground breaking trials, Dr. McNevin also conducts his own original research through his office at Surgical Specialists of Spokane.
SHMC is currently participating in a research trial for the treatment of FI. This study, sponsored by Torax Medical, Inc., is investigating the safety and effectiveness of a revolutionary new device to treat FI. This is a study being done in only four locations across the United States. Current treatment options for FI are limited. These include standard treatment with sphincteroplasty (surgical repair of the rectal sphincter), bulking agents (adding fiber to the diet), or Radio Frequency delivery to the anal canal which can cause tissue shrinkage and tightening of muscle tissue.
This current study will evaluate a novel device called the Magnetic Anal Sphincter (MAS).The MAS is an implantable device made up of a series of magnetic beads. The beads are attached with little wires to create a "necklace" shape. The device is implanted around the muscles that control continence. The attractive force of the magnetic beads provides additional strength to these muscles.
In the state of Washington, the Fraternal Order of Eagles have donated thousands of dollars to the Max Baer Heart Fund, which in turn has provided grants to the local heart health programs at area hospitals and health centers. Over the past decade, they have generously supported medical research, first at The Heart Institute of Spokane, then at PMRC. The Eagles have made donations tor research every year beginning in 1998 and continuing today. Funds provided have helped to further research in the fields of heart disease, diabetes, and diabetic kidney disease. Through these generous donations, we have been able to purchase equipment and perform specialized analyses for a number of studies.
PMRC is grateful to the donations from the Spokane Aerie #2, Valley Eagle's Aerie # 3433 and Deer Park Aerie #3564. The Mission of the Eagles, to provide hope and lessen ills, is being well served as we reach beyond what is known in science and medicine.
There are 26 million American adults with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Often there are no symptoms with early kidney disease so most people aren't even aware that they have CKD. Millions of others are not aware that they are at risk. High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are also at increased risk. The key to preventing the progression of kidney disease is early detection.
The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP®) offers free screening for those with certain risk factors including anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. KEEP is designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high risk individuals and provide free testing and educational information so that kidney disease and its complications can be prevented or delayed.
There are three simple tests that can be done to detect CKD. These tests are: blood pressure check, a urine test for urine albumin (protein in the urine) and a blood test for serum creatinine (a blood protein byproduct).
To help raise awareness, and appreciation for all the vital functions the kidneys perform, the National Kidney Foundation is encouraging Americans to learn more and take steps now to preserve kidney health. March 12 is World Kidney Day, the perfect time to get to know your kidneys and find out if you're at risk.
To find out more Click Here
PMRC is currently enrolling participants in two type 1 diabetes trials. Both trials are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and are being conducted at various sites around the United States and the world. Local Pediatric Endocrinologist, Dr. Jeanne Hassing, is the primary investigator for these studies at Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Type 1 diabetes is a significant health problem that affects many people. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
These trials are designed to find out more about how type 1 diabetes occurs. Relatives of people with type 1 diabetes have a 10 to 15 times greater risk of the disease than people without a family history. Because of this, we are screening close blood relatives of people with type 1 diabetes. Brothers, sisters, parents, children, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandchildren of people with type 1 diabetes may be eligible.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIH is composed of 27 Institutes and Centers, providing leadership and financial support to researchers in every state and throughout the world.
It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. The research conducted or funded by the NIH is helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives. NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases. Many of the studies funded by the NIH are conducted at multiple research facilities across the country. This allows for access to research studies to a greater number of participants. Only sites with a proven record for excellence in clinical trial conduct are selected to be participating centers for NIH funded trials. Providence Medical Research Center (PMRC) is a participating center for 6 trials being funded by the NIH. It is a privilege to have been selected for participation in these noteworthy research studies.
Dr. Katherine Tuttle, Medical and Scientific Director at Providence Medical Research Center, was Co-Chair of the Work Group which developed new clinical practice guidelines for Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease. The Work Group included members from North America, Europe, and South America. As such, these guidelines for patient care will be widely adapted in the United States and throughout the world. The February supplement issue of The American Journal of Kidney Diseases (KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines and Clinical Practice Recommendations for Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease.
Am J Kidney Dis. 2007 Feb;49(2 Suppl 2):S12-154) presents a complete version of the guidelines, which are a culmination of over 3 years of rigorous evidence review and synthesis.
The guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and staging of diabetic kidney disease. Medical management of diabetes and chronic kidney disease is clearly defined and the best treatment approaches are described based on current evidence. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of diabetes prevention to reduce the burden of diabetic kidney disease. Special populations with increased susceptibility and risks are also addressed. The Work Group defined key research areas where evidence is lacking.
[read full article ]Providence Medical Research Center is one of approximately 15 research centers nationwide asked to participate in a new research project called CLEVER. This study, sponsored by National Institutes of Health, is for individuals who have blockages in their iliac artery(ies) from a medical condition called peripheral arterial disease.
The iliac arteries are in the lower abdomen leading to the legs. Blockages here cause symptoms like pain or cramping in leg or hip muscles when walking, called "claudication." Several treatment options are available, including:
- Vascular surgery (replacing a portion of your leg artery)
- Stent placement (a metal mesh tube placed through a small tube (catheter) temporarily put into your leg artery)
- Exercise therapy
- Medications
All the above procedures and treatments are accepted standard treatments. Each has been shown to be effective for improvement of claudication symptoms. The purpose of the CLEVER study is to compare treatment options, side-by-side, to learn which is the most effective and safe treatment for patients with claudication.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports there are currently 20.8 million people with diabetes mellitus (DM) in the United States, or 7-8% of the population, and approximately 1.5 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Approximately 44% of people who are newly diagnosed as having chronic kidney disease are individuals with DM.
Providence Medical Research Center (PMRC) is one of approximately 50-80 centers in North America who will be participating in a research study of an investigational drug for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Management with current medications that treat the complications of T2DM, such as diabetic kidney disease, may not sufficiently reduce the rate and onset of damage to the kidneys. The consequence of this damage is improper filtering by the kidneys and excess protein in the urine or "proteinuria". Previous research has shown that treatments that reduce proteinuria, which is a common sign of T2DM related to declining kidney function, can slow progression of diabetic kidney disease. This study is designed to determine the effect of the investigational drug on proteinuria and also on kidney function.
There are many factors known to lead to the decline in renal function for people who have T2DM. High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and potentially high cholesterol levels all play a role in the loss of kidney function. Recent research has found another contributor to a decline in renal function is an increase in Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF), a protein the body normally produces. CTGF acts along with many other proteins to regulate the production of fibrous tissues in the body. It is thought that when CTGF is too high, growth of this fibrous or scar-like tissue occurs in the kidney. This results in loss of kidney function and proteinuria. Previous studies have found that current medications that treat hypertension and diabetes may help to protect the kidneys from damage, but they do not completely normalize CTGF levels. This study will also examine the effects of an investigational drug on CTGF levels. We at Providence Medical Research Center are proud to be a part of this important study.
The Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital provides a wide spectrum of highly specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to monitor pregnancy from conception through delivery. As part of their efforts to stay on the cutting edge of practice, our physicians participate in research trials.
Sacred Heart Perinatologists Dr. Reinaldo Acosta and Dr. Jorge Tolosa have been chosen as investigators in perinatal research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network.
The NICHD is one of the Institutes within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 1986, the NICHD created the MFMU Network to focus on clinical questions in maternal fetal medicine, particularly with respect to the continuing problems of preterm birth, low birth weight, and medical problems of pregnancy. Operating under cooperative agreements, the current Network is comprised of fourteen university-based clinical centers and a data coordinating center. Since its creation, the MFMU Network has been a driving influence for introducing new scientific discoveries into the field of perinatology. More than 30 randomized clinical trials, cohort studies and registries have been completed or are in progress. The studies to date have not only identified new therapies and evaluated technologies used in maternal-fetal medicine, but also have helped to abolish practices that are not useful.
Click here to visit the Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine Web page.
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Providence Medial Research Center have been selected as one of about 50 sites for a National Institutes of Health study to determine if aggressive treatment of stroke victims for high blood pressure and cholesterol-along with placing a stent to widen a narrowed artery in a patient's brain-can reduce their risk of having a second stroke.
"People who suffer an ischemic stroke, the most common kind of stroke, have a 30 percent to 50 percent chance of having another stroke," says Dr. Chris Zylak, a neurointerventional radiologist and the lead researcher for the study here. Drs. Zylak and Madeleine Geraghty, director of Sacred Heart's Primary Stroke Center, will treat study patients.
The best treatment for prevention of another stroke or TIA (transitory ischemic attack or mini stroke) in patients with narrowing of one of the arteries in the brain is uncertain. A common treatment is the use of anti-clotting medications to prevent blood clots from forming in the narrowed vessel. There are a variety of medicines used for this purpose. These medications are usually taken for the rest of a patient's life.
The SAMMPRIS trial is a study funded by The National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is being done to determine whether intracranial stenting (a device inserted in a blood vessel in the brain) combined with intensive medical therapy is better than intensive medical therapy alone for preventing stroke or death in individuals who have had a stroke or TIA caused by a narrowing in one of the arteries in the brain.
It's a simple premise, but it's the foundation of the "Start!" movement, from the American Heart Association (AHA). Research has shown that you can gain about two hours of life for every hour of regular vigorous exercise you do. You couldn't find a better two-for-one deal if you tried!
It's a good thing, too. The American workforce is becoming more and more sedentary. As a result, our waistbands are growing. So are our healthcare costs and the number of preventable illnesses.
Start! is here to stop the trend. Walking is simply the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
So join the Start! Movement. Check out the AHA free tools on-line to motivate more Americans to Start! walking:
The Start! movement is here to motivate and encourage all Americans to take up walking and other healthy habits as part of their daily routine all year round, and to live longer, stronger, heart-healthy lives.
April 8th is National Start! Walking Day, we challenge you to join the nationwide campaign to get Americans walking! The goal of The American Heart Association is to walk a million steps and raise $1 million.
The AHA Challenge for You!
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Start! by getting out and taking a WALK
- Then take 30 minutes to inspire your friends and family by sending them an email.
- Encorage them to take a WALK and join you in raising funds to fight our nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers -heart disease and stroke.