Clinical trials

The team is investigating whether N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and other cardiac markers are useful for predicting outcomes for patients undergoing vascular surgery. By measuring NT-proBNP before and after surgery, the investigators may be able to determine which patients are at risk of an adverse outcome, such as a heart attack or death.

The OK Daily Study is a multi-centred, part-randomised, part blinded, four cohort study. We are exploring daily dietary supplementation with vitamin K2, specifically menaquinone-7 (MK-7), given to breastfed infants or breastfeeding mothers to see whether this improves the incidence of biochemical vitamin K deficiency in the infants at 2 months postnatal age. The overall aims are: * To compare infant MK-7 supplementation with placebo * To compare maternal MK-7 supplementation with placebo * To compare infant MK-7 supplementation and maternal MK-7 supplementation * To compare infant MK-7 supplementation with vitamin K1 supplementation via infant formula milk. Once recruited, mother and infant pairs will be grouped initially based on the families' feeding choice. Breastfed infants will then be randomised 2:1 to the infant supplementation or maternal supplementation group. Within the infant supplementation group, infants will either receive MK-7 with vitamin D or a placebo containing vitamin D. Follow up will occur at 2 months postnatal age (range 2-3 months postnatal age), where bloods and breastmilk samples will be collected to assess the infant and maternal vitamin K status.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is an acute, sight threatening condition, with an incidence of approximately 10 per 100,000 people. Surgical interventions for treating RRD include pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), which currently represents the main adopted surgical choice. Main outcomes of successful RRD surgery have mainly been represented by anatomical retinal reattachment and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Despite successful surgery, patients with mac-off RRD often report postoperative visual complaints of distortion such as metamorphopsia and scotomas in their central visual field, with great variability. Major advances in retinal imaging including wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) allowed to investigate morphological changes after RRD surgery. The concept of retinal displacement - where the retina has reattached but the exact location has shifted, as evidenced by retinal vessel printing shown on post operative retinal imaging. Postoperative retinal displacement has been observed to occur with different frequency in relationship to variables including postoperative tamponade, surgical technique, and intraoperative use of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL). The investigators hope to formally study the impact of intraoperative use of PFCL, which is used as an aid during surgery to help flatten and position the retina, on retinal displacement. This will help us better understand the impact of this tool on outcomes both objectively through retinal imaging, and subjectively through visual outcomes including visual acuity and measures of distortion and other visual disturbances.

IPF is a progressive scarring lung condition causing coughing and breathlessness. IPF patients often have reflux disease meaning stomach acid may be breathed into the lungs, potentially damaging them. Medicines which stop stomach acid production, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can be used to reduce reflux symptoms including heartburn. Some researchers suggest PPIs also reduce IPF progression. This research aims to see if IPF progresses slower if treated with PPIs. Based on the results, we will be able to recommend whether or not IPF patients should take PPIs. This trial will involve 298 IPF patients from approximately 37 UK hospitals. At the beginning of the study, we will ask patients to start performing weekly breathing tests at home using equipment provided, and ask those with a cough to use a device to count the number of times they cough in 24hours. We will ask them to answer two questions rating their coughing and breathlessness, and complete questionnaires on their coughing, IPF, sleep habits and general condition. People will be given a PPI, called lansoprazole, or dummy tablets, twice per day for 12 months. They will be given a leaflet telling them what to do about reflux symptoms. At the end of the study, we will repeat these tests and analyse the results. We will record any side effects people may get. If people suffer side effects, they can reduce the dose. People taking medicines that interact with PPIs or have other serious medical conditions won't be able to participate. People receiving PPIs will only be able to participate if they can stop taking their medication without their heartburn returning.

Infancy may be associated with a risk of micronutrient depletion due to the high demands of rapid growth. This is particularly true when preterm birth occurs, as the period before term exhibits the highest rate of bodily growth across the lifespan. Folate and vitamin B12 are essential in development, and preterm infants may be particularly susceptible to deficiencies. This is the result of a combination of low stores and high requirements for fast growth and rapid red blood cell production in the context of multifactorial anaemia of prematurity. Micronutrient supply, including vitamin B12 and folate, is delivered through nutritional support, in the shape of parenteral nutrition, fortification of human milk of use of artificial formula. Most of this supplementation will be interrupted by the time the infant is getting ready for discharge home. The investigators previously reported high levels of serum folate in preterm infants at the time of discharge home and in early infancy, but there are no contemporary studies investigating the vitamin B12/folate status in this population. The investigators aim to investigate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in preterm infants at the time of discharge home.

Study team will obtain a list of all patients who have been seen in A+E over the past 6 years with a discharge diagnosis of asthma. Their history will be reviewed from their A+E notes. Team will obtain weight and height from Electronic prescribing tool and will obtain compliance information and past medical history from participant's GP records. Team will use participant's postcode to word out socio economic status quintile using office of national statistics tool. The following information will be taken from hospital documentation and from GP records.

The study aims to determine how expression levels of biomarkers for peripheral arterial disease change over time in response to exercise therapy, surgical or endovascular intervention, and whether they can be used to predict disease progression.