Clinical trials

Urinary incontinence (UI), Chronic low back pain (CLBP) in women are prevalent and often coexist. Multiple conditions when coexist, it leads to reduced Quality of life in turn causing physical and mental impairment. Musculoskeletal structures and fascial restrictions is one of the attribute to the coexistence of urinary incontinence and chronic back pain in women. External myofascial mobilization (EMM) with core exercises have been proven beneficial for conditions in males that is caused by musculoskeletal and fascial structures. However there are limited research which proves the effect of EMM in conditions involving musculoskeletal and fascial structures . Therefore, the aim of the study is to find the effect of MFTs in reducing the disability in women with CLBP and UI PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of PEMM treatment in reducing disability, pain and improving mental health in women with CLBP and UI Study design : Simple randomization Sampling method: Simple Random sampling Random numbers will be generated in Excel, then random numbers will be presented in a concealed envelope for the participants to choose Sample Size : 130 (Experimental 65, Control 65) Sample size was determined using expected effect size i.e., mean change in the primary outcome variable disability index reported in the recent research study . With effect size (change in the disability index score) 3.5 and standard deviation of the change in the outcome 6.45, statistical power 80% and level of significance 5%, the required sample size would be n=55 participants in each group. However, to accounts for multiple secondary outcome measures, possible dropouts and non-response it would be good to increase an additional 20% in calculated sample size i.e., a total of 130 participants (65 participants in each group) will be included in this study. The following sample size equation was used to determine adequate sample size:n = \[2 (Z?/2 + Z?)2 \* ?2\] / (m1-m2)2 Where Z? and Z? are the values standard normal variate e.g., at 5% level of significance Z?/2 = 1.96, and with 80% power the value of Z?= 0.84; ? is the polled Standard deviation and m1 and m2 are the mean outcome values s in group 1 and group 2 respectively. Blinding: Single blinding: patient will be blinded to the group allocation. The assessor is blinded to the treatment Material and tools : Theragun - Theragun Elite, 20 V, Myofascial tools - foam roll, foam ball, Questionnaires - SF 3642,43,44, Oswestry Low back pain questionnaire (ODI)45 and The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF)46 PROCEDURE In the course of the study the total number of patients referred to physiotherapy department with LBP will be interviewed to identify patients with or without UI having LBP. The data obtained from this will be recoded as prevalence in results. The documents of the patients having LBP with UI will be reviewed to check who fulfills the inclusion criteria. All who meets the inclusion criteria will be approached face to face with the aim of the study. Informed consent form will be given to patients who are volunteering to participate in the study. The data of the participants who do not wish to participate in the study will also be recorded. The participants who have consented to participate in the study will be then assessed. Since the participants has UI she will be directed to a Urologist for an assessment. After urologist assessment, patients will be randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. Random allocation will be administered by the random numbers generated and will be presented in a concealed envelope for the participants to choose. 1st week, the demographic data and Outcome measure of pain, SF36, ODI, ICIQ-UI-SF will be recorded (1st time) on the day of assessment. The outcome measures will be printed on paper and will be given to the patients to fill up with a pen, all questionnaires are self reported outcome measures. Treatment will commence a week after, where experimental group will undergo PEMM therapy with strengthening for 6 weeks duration and the control group will have conventional symptomatic pain treatment with strengthening (2nd to 7th week). Treatment will be given for 6 weeks (1 sessions in a week). The treatment day may vary any day between 4th and 7th day post one session. After 6 sessions of treatment, patient will be advised HEP (Home exercise program) to continue at home. Reassessment will be done on the 8th week where the outcome measures of pain, SF36, ODI, ICIQ-UI-SF will be recorded. Participants will be educated and advised regarding HEP. Exercises will be taught to the patient by explanation, demonstration, teach-back method, and printed sheet of exercise. Compliance to HEP will be recorded before final Outcome measure

Brief Summary The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether scheduled maternal position changes using a peanut birthing ball improve labor outcomes in low-risk, primiparous women receiving epidural analgesia during labor. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does scheduled maternal positioning with a peanut ball reduce the duration of the first and second stages of labor? Does scheduled maternal positioning with a peanut ball influence mode of delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes? This non-invasive randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Women's Wellness and Research Center in Qatar. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving scheduled maternal position changes using a peanut birthing ball or a control group receiving standard intrapartum care without peanut ball use. Researchers will compare outcomes between the two groups to determine whether structured positioning with a peanut ball improves labor progression and delivery outcomes in women receiving epidural analgesia. Participants in the intervention group will undergo scheduled position changes throughout labor using a peanut birthing ball, including left lateral, right lateral, semi-sitting, and Taylor positions, under the supervision of trained nursing and midwifery staff. Participants in the control group will receive routine intrapartum care following epidural analgesia without the use of a peanut ball or a structured positioning schedule. Primary maternal outcomes include duration of the first and second stages of labor, mode of delivery, estimated blood loss, postpartum hemorrhage, use of oxytocin augmentation, degree of perineal trauma, and hospitalization cost. Neonatal outcomes include Apgar scores at 5 and 10 minutes, NICU admission, birth-related injuries, and umbilical cord blood pH. Findings from this study are expected to support evidence-based intrapartum care practices and inform clinical protocols for women receiving epidural analgesia.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating neurological disorder associated with significant mortality and morbidity rates, arising not just from the hemorrhage itself but also because of the catastrophic multisystem sequelae that can accompany the condition. Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm accounts for up to 85% of instances of SAH, occurring in approximately 3 to 25 people per 100,000 annually in most populations. Treatment of aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) includes prevention of re-bleeding, evacuation of space-occupying hematomas, management of hydrocephalus, and prevention of secondary cerebral insult. Severe headache is the predominant characteristic symptom of aSAH, developing almost instantaneously at ictus in 50% of cases and continuing into the first days. Its severity has a variety of physiological and psychological effects on the patient. Scalp blocks have been suggested to alleviate this headache in case series. However, there is no strong evidence supporting this intervention. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of scalp blocks on headache reduction in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of an aneurysm (coiling or flow diversion) with aneurysmal subarachnoid bleeding.

Clinical Trial The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether different enteral feeding cycles (18-hour, 20-hour, or standard 24-hour continuous feeding) improve outcomes for critically ill ICU patients who need tube feeding. It will also look at tolerance, nutrition delivery, and safety. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do shorter feeding cycles (with fasting windows) reduce ICU length of stay? Do they lower the risk of infections like ventilator-associated pneumonia? How do they affect calorie delivery, blood sugar control, and gastrointestinal tolerance? Researchers will compare: Continuous 24-hour feeding (standard care) 20-hour feeding with a 4-hour fasting window 18-hour feeding with a 6-hour fasting window Participants will: Be critically ill adults in the ICU who require at least 7 days of enteral feeding Be randomized to one of the three feeding schedules Receive daily monitoring of calories, protein, blood sugar, and GI tolerance Have outcomes measured, including ICU length of stay, infections, metabolic control, and feeding tolerance

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is recognized as a leading health problem globally. It is associated with multiple consequences such as cardiovascular diseases, infections, reduced cognitive function, and higher mortality rates. In Qatar, it is estimated that 13% of the population suffers from CKD. Management of CKD is associated with polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications), which burdens the patients and leads to adverse health and economic outcomes. As documented by previous studies, CKD setting is associated with a high medication burden, which leads to non-adherence, reduced quality of life, and other negative sequelae. These consequences can be minimized or averted by implementing a deprescribing program. Deprescribing is defined as the supervised process of intentionally stopping a medication, altering the dose or introducing a safer alternative to improve a person's clinical and quality of life outcomes. Previous deprescribing initiatives in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings were successfully implemented. In general, there are limited deprescribing initiatives in CKD settings. There is a need to provide evidence of the impact of deprescribing programs on improving clinical and economic outcomes in this setting. In Qatar, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of implementing deprescribing programs in clinical settings. Therefore, we have built a team of researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders, and initiated a collaboration with deprescribing experts to fit into the Qatar healthcare system. This project aims to initiate a deprescribing multidisciplinary team and to evaluate the impact of providing such services on the clinical and economic outcomes among CKD patients in Qatar using a randomized controlled trial approach. The findings could have a potential positive impact on the professional practice and patient safety represented by health and economic outcomes.

People with stroke often experience limitations in motor functions and activity participation. Occupation-based bilateral upper limb training (OBBT) using occupations as meaningful daily activities, and as part of the therapy. The activities in OBBT are tailored to the patient's life with the goal of boosting motivation and engagement to enhance activity performance and participation. This study is a randomized control trial that aims to explore the effect of OBBT along with the conventional therapy in comparison with the conventional therapy alone on motor functions and activity participation among stroke survivors in inpatient rehabilitation setting. This study will be conducted in Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. Participants will be allocated randomly to either the OBBT group or the conventional therapy group. Participants in the OBBT group will receive 30 minutes OBBT program in addition to conventional therapy (90 minutes). Intervention sessions will be conducted 5 times per week over 6 weeks. The participants in the conventional therapy group will receive only the conventional therapy (90 minute). All participants will be assessed using the outcome measure immediately the day after completing the last intervention session at 4th week and 6th week.

Specific Aim : The specific aim is to conduct a randomized prospective clinical trial to determine whether no antibiotics in OHCA patients in the ED with very low likelihood of infection is non-inferior to early antibiotic treatment. Hypothesis a: 28-day all-cause mortality will be non-inferior in OHCA patients with very low likelihood of infection who do not receive antibiotic therapy compared with those who receive early antibiotic therapy Hypothesis b: There will be no difference in subsequent incidence of proven infections in the no antibiotics vs, early antibiotics groups Hypothesis c: There will be no difference in the length of ICU stay and overall hospital stay in the early antibiotics vs. no antibiotics groups

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of a combined swallowing intervention (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) + Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) + swallowing exercises) on swallowing function and quality of life in post-stroke dysphagia patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: • Does the combination of swallowing exercises, NMES \& NMT have a greater improvement in dysphagia rehabilitation when compared to either NMES or NMT alone? Researchers will compare the effects of intervention between the three groups (NMES and swallowing exercises, NMT and swallowing exercises, and NMES with NMT and swallowing exercises). Participants will: * Receive a combined dysphagia rehabilitation comprised of swallowing exercises, Neuromuscular Electrical stimulation, and/or Neuromuscular Taping. * Visit the clinic once every 5 days a week for 10 therapy sessions. * Undergo baseline and post-intervention evaluation procedures.

Aim The aim of this study to develop, validate and test an education program for identification of learning disabilities among school children by Primary school teachers in Qatar Objectives 1. To develop and validate an education program on identification of learning disabilities of children by primary school teachers 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of an education program regarding identification of learning disabilities of children.

Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the deficiency of an enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CβS) that affects the catabolic pathway of the amino acid methionine (Met) which leads to an accumulation of high levels of methionine and Homocysteine causing complications in the multi system. Therefore, a strict dietary management is crucial to maintain good biochemical control, growth parameters and avoid complications. The main objective would be to analyze the impact of the Met restricted diet on growth parameters, biochemical markers and long-term complications in patients up to 18 years. In addition, the efficacy of dietary management with additional cysteine (Cys) supplementation for the patients up to 18 years would also be examined. The participants of the study would be recruited from the metabolic and genetics clinic in Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Qatar. All Qatari participants with confirmed diagnosis of HCU \<18 years of age will be included in the study. A mixed method study design would be used which include a cross sectional study design to assess the impact of methionine restricted diet on outcome variables and a single arm interventional study to analyze the effect of additional cysteine supplementation in patients from birth to 18 years. For the retrospective study, all the required data would be retrieved from electronic record from the Cerner of HMC and would be stored in a local drive with password protection. Further, all the eligible participants would be prospectively followed to supplement additional cysteine for the period of 6 months. The collected data will be statistically analyzed using the "SPSS windows version 22.0 software. The study would improve better understanding of dietary management through the identified outcomes. The outcome of Cys supplementation will improve the protein tolerance, biochemical parameters, growth parameters and may standardize the Cys supplementation.

Anaphylaxis is an acute serious allergic reaction, with multi-organ system manifestations caused by the release of chemical mediators and it is potentially fatal . Between 5% and 14% of patients may experience a recurrence of anaphylaxis 8-12 hours after the initial presentation, called biphasic (late-phase) . The mainstay of treatment for children experiencing anaphylaxis remains adrenaline and H1-antihistamines. Corticosteroids are not life-saving and do not have an immediate effect on the symptoms of anaphylaxis but may help reduce or prevent a biphasic "late phase" reaction . The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of oral glucocorticoids in prevention of the second phase or biphasic reaction of anaphylaxis, as compared to placebo in children, presenting to the pediatric emergency department (PEC Al-Sadd) with mild to moderate anaphylaxis (Prospective Study). Patients will be randomized to either one of the two treatment: Treatment 1: Dexamethasone 0.6mg/kg oral. Treatment 2 : Placebo All patients will be urgently treated for anaphylaxis according to guideline protocol. Enrolled patients will be given one of the study medications orally, and he /she will observe in the observation room with cardiac monitor and close monitoring by nurse. The treating physician will discharge patient when he/she looks well, breathing comfortably, has oxygen saturation \>94%, stable blood pressure and no gastrointestinal or neurological manifestation. Discharge patients will be sent home on anti-histamine (cetirizine) for 5days. All patients will be followed up for one week post discharge by a phone call asking about the general condition, relapse of symptoms, or need for readmission.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a dreadful acute neurological condition with overwhelmingly high rate of associated morbidities and mortality. Despite leaping advancement in neurosurgical techniques and imaging modalities, there is no substantiative improvement in overall prognosis for aSAH. Cerebral vasospasm remains the predominant cause of associated morbidities. Human albumin has been used in different neurological conditions including head trauma, intracerebral hemorrhages, and ischemic strokes with favorable outcome. However, its beneficial use in aSAH has not been sufficiently explored until recently a published systematic review by our team. In view of scarcity of published data and lack of robust evidence, our group has designed for the first ever RCT to compare the use human albumin-enhanced fluid management versus standard fluid therapy with crystalloids in patients with aSAH. This single center open label, prospective, parallel group randomized control trial will be conducted at Hamad General Hospital, Doha-Qatar from August 2024 to July 2027. A sample size of 84 (42 in each arm) has been calculated to detect as sufficient to detect a clinically significant difference in modified Rankin Scale good score between two groups (human-albumin induced volume expansion therapy versus crystalloid only) for fluid management in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages patients. Primary outcome will be based on dichotomized modified Rankin scale \[(Good grades (0-2) and poor grades (3-6)\], while secondary outcome will include symptomatic vasospasm, transcranial doppler velocities, and Pulse Index Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO) parameters. The trial aims to provide firsthand evidence on the beneficial use of human albumin to achieve optimal fluid management regime to explore its potential role to improve clinical outcome in patients with aSAH.

A high prevalence of diabetes has been reported in Qatar with nearly 23% population suffering from the pandemic, thereby increasing the associated healthcare cost. Low compliance with exercise and physical activity in patients with diabetes increases foot risk complications, deteriorates health, and further increases economic costs. This is particularly true among patients with diabetes who are undergoing hemodialysis (HD) process. Exercise interventions have been shown to improve mobility and balance, reduce the incidence of falls, and improve peripheral blood flow, which is essential to reduce foot problems and peripheral arterial disease. However, uptake of exercise programs for individuals who are undergoing HD treatment has been limited. The three main factors limiting uptake and adherence among HD patients are time availability, post-dialysis fatigue, and transportation to exercise programs, which are usually offered in rehabilitation departments or cardiovascular centers but not in nephrology departments or in free-standing dialysis clinics. Many of these patients visit clinics 3 times a week to receive hemodialysis, providing an optimal opportunity for intervention. Thus the investigators are proposing an innovative intervention based on plantar electrical stimulation treatment during HD (3 times per week) to enhance balance and quality of life while reducing the risk of peripheral arterial diseases and diabetic foot ulcers, which are highly prevalent among people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. This interdisciplinary study is based on preliminary studies, in which the investigators demonstrated that regular plantar electrical stimulation is an effective and practical therapy to enhance motor performance and plantar sensation in patients with diabetes. The scientific premise of the proposed intervention has been also supported by literature as well as three systematic reviews suggesting the effectiveness of electrical stimulation to reduce pain, improve balance, improve skin perfusion, and improve plantar sensation. In the context of this study, the investigators propose to bring an innovative technology based on an FDA-cleared bio-electric stimulation technology (BEST®) microcurrent platform, named Tennant Biomodulator® (Avazzia Inc., Dallas, TX, USA), which is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) and has been designed for symptomatic relief and management of chronic pain. However, the system was modified to provide electrical stimulation to the plantar area via two electrodes placed on the hind and forefoot area instead of the leg. The device has a 60-minute run cycle after which it automatically turns off. In the context of a previous study funded by QNRF, the investigators developed and tested 50 electrical stimulation units (which will be used in the context of the study), including 25 active systems and 25 placebo systems. The placebo systems are similar to active systems in the appearance and functioning of lights and indicators. However, they were programmed not to provide any electrical current. In a preliminary study, the proof of concept of this revised technology was tested in the context of enhancing balance and skin perfusion in ambulatory patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. In the context of this study, the investigators plan to translate this technology for routine treatment during HD sessions for patients with diabetes who are undergoing regular HD treatment. Using a double-blinded randomized-controlled model, the investigators will validate the effectiveness of this technology to enhance balance, reduce pain, and improve skin perfusion. One hundred (n=100) HD volunteers with diabetes will be recruited and randomized to either intervention (n=50) or control (CG: n=50) group for the purpose of this study. Plantar electrical stimulation will be provided during HD sessions, 3 times per week and for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks to examine the effectiveness of the proposed intervention to enhance balance, improve quality of life, and improve lower extremity skin perfusion among HD patients with diabetes. This proposal is in line with Qatar National Priorities Research goals and if successful the result will open new doors to managing diabetes and kidney failure. In a setting where no therapeutic agents or interventions effectively address poor balance and loss of protective sensation among HD patients with diabetes and where affected individuals life with a heightened risk of developing a debilitating foot ulcer and quite possibly a disabling amputation, the potential impact from the plantar electrical stimulation system may offer the potential for significant clinical benefit, with very low risk, and with ease of implementation in routine care application for patients who are undergoing HD treatment.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are closely related. T2DM risk equivalent for CVD and it remains the major cause of death in T2DM. Thus, patients with T2DM and CVD disease are at very high-risk of CVD-related mortality. Therefore, more aggressive metabolic and hemodynamic control is required in such patients to improve the prognosis. We recently initiated a cardio-metabolic clinical service at the Heart Hospital, where T2DM patients with existing CVD are simultaneously examined by Cardiologist and Diabetologist for optimal metabolic and hemodynamic control. We would like to start a clinical registry for all patients who attend this clinical service to collect import clinical data about this population. This registry will serve an important source for future clinical research in the field.