View clinical trials related to Fibrosis.
Filter by:Chronic periaortitis is a clinico-pathological entity encompassing idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and perianeurysmal retroperitoneal fibrosis. The treatment of this disease is generally based on the use of glucocorticoids, which are often effective. However, prolonged steroid treatments are usually needed to achieve a sustained remission; additionally, patients frequently develop disease relapses following treatment discontinuation, therefore they may be exposed to high cumulative doses of glucocorticoids. Preliminary data reported in the literature show that methotrexate may be effective in combination with prednisone for retroperitoneal fibrosis. In addition, methotrexate is often used as a steroid-sparing agent in different inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a treatment with low-dose prednisone plus methotrexate is non-inferior to conventional dose-prednisone in achieving remission in retroperitoneal fibrosis patients.
Patients of cirrhosis aged 18 to 75 years who have no esophageal varices will be enrolled. After baseline evaluation, the participants will be randomized to receive either Placebo or Carvedilol 12.5 mg BD. After randomization they will be followed up for one year.
The purpose of this study is to investigate inherited genetic factors that play a role in the development of familial pulmonary fibrosis and to identify a group of genes that predispose individuals to develop pulmonary fibrosis. Finding the genes that cause pulmonary fibrosis is the first step at developing better methods for early diagnosis and improved treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. The overall hypothesis is that inherited genetic factors predispose individuals to develop pulmonary fibrosis.
Both propranolol and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) are effective for prevention of variceal rebleeding. Recently several studies compared the efficacy of EBL alone and with a combination of propranolol and EBL. However, the results of recent studies showed discrepancy. This study is performed to compare the efficacy and safety of EBL alone and EBL combined with propranolol in patients without previous history of endoscopic variceal treatment.
This study is performed to compare the efficacy and safety of EBL alone and EBL combined with propranolol in patients who were previously performed endoscopic variceal treatment.
This study is performed to compare the efficacy and safety of EBL, propranolol, and EBL combined with propranolol in patients with medium or large varices.
Background: - Bronchiectasis is a disease characterized by airways that are inflamed, abnormally dilated, and chronically infected. Individuals with bronchiectasis have a history of chronic and recurring respiratory infections. Depending on the underlying cause, these infections may involve the entire respiratory tract, resulting in sinus, ear, and lung disease. - Bronchiectasis continues to be a significant problem in developing countries and in specific groups of individuals, particularly in people who have cystic fibrosis. Although treatments are available or under development for bronchiectasis related to cystic fibrosis, many of the disease-specific treatments may not be effective for bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis. Objectives: - To study the natural history of bronchiectasis to identify inherited and immune factors that may explain why certain individuals have chronic recurring infections. Eligibility: - Individuals 5 years of age and older who have an established diagnosis of bronchiectasis or a history of chronic/recurring respiratory infections. - Direct family members (e.g., parents, siblings, children) of patients in the study may also be asked to participate. Design: - Potential participants will be screened with an initial clinic evaluation and full medical history, as well as a general quality of life and respiratory symptom questionnaire. - The following standard procedures may be done as part of the study: air sampling from the nose; imaging studies, which may include an x-ray or computed tomography (CT), lung function tests; and collection of samples of blood, urine, and sputum (phlegm or mucus). Other tests may be performed as required by the researchers, and will be explained to patients as needed. - Both patients and relatives (if asked to participate) will provide the following samples: blood or buccal (cheek swab) cells for genetic testing, sputum, and urine. - To prevent infections and potential disease progression, patients may receive standard medical care and treatment for bronchiectasis and related infections during this protocol.
Two hundred and sixty patients with breast cancer will be accrued into the study. After inclusion in the study, all the patients will be randomized into two arms. Arm 1 will receive Tamoxifen given concurrently with radiotherapy while in Arm 2 radiotherapy will be given followed by tamoxifen sequentially. The patients will be stratified for the following factors: a) BCS (Breast conservative surgery) versus MRM (modified radical mastectomy) and b) central lung distance (CLD) > 2 cm. Patients in both arms will continue tamoxifen for a period of 5 years. The patients will be evaluated by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) (baseline and at 2 years), serum transforming growth factor (TGF) beta levels (baseline and at 6 months) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) aerosol clearance half life (baseline and at 6 months).
Aim of the study is to detect the prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis, pathogen colonization of the lower and upper airways and, in a sub-cohort the sense of smelling in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Background to ghrelin Ghrelin is a naturally occurring hormone found in the blood which stimulates appetite. In healthy individuals, levels of ghrelin are high before a meal and falls afterwards. Previous studies have shown that giving ghrelin (by injection) to thin patients with renal failure and cancer increases their food intake. Furthermore, addition of ghrelin may also reduce inflammation within the body. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease which frequently results in recurrent lung infections (leading to progressive inflammatory lung damage) and low body weight. Low body weight in CF is associated with increased lung infections, rapidly worsening lung function and a shortened life expectancy. The researchers postulate that administration of extra ghrelin to CF patients with low body weight may increase food intake and reduce lung inflammation. If successful, this study might identify ghrelin as a potential therapy for CF patients to improve nutrition, decrease lung inflammation and thereby improve survival.