What is this study trying to find out about intravenous drug use?

This study aims to find out how common retained needle fragments are in people who inject drugs and what factors contribute to this condition. Researchers want to better understand potential health risks and complications from these retained fragments. The study is led by Tampere University Hospital and involves outpatient volunteers receiving treatment for drug abuse.

Who may be eligible for this intravenous drug use clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years and older who have a history of intravenous drug use and are currently receiving treatment at a local drug abuse or primary health care center may be eligible. Participants must be willing to complete questionnaires and undergo X-ray imaging. Both men and women can participate. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this intravenous drug use clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the questionnaire and X-ray imaging, is provided at no cost. Personal travel or other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should consider their own travel arrangements when joining the study.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05679284

Study of How Common Needle Fragments Are in People Using Intravenous Drugs and What Factors Increase the Risk Using Low-Dose X-Ray Imaging

Led by Tampere University Hospital · Updated on 2023-06-01

100

Participants Needed

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying people who use intravenous drugs PWIDs to understand how often needle fragments remain in the body after injecting drugs and what factors contribute to this condition. Retained needle fragments can cause local pain, infections, or serious complications like needle emboli to the heart or lungs. The study aims to be the first large investigation into the frequency and risks of needle fragment retention among PWIDs, focusing on those receiving outpatient care at drug abuse service units. Participants will complete a questionnaire covering their drug use history, injection sites, and any related local symptoms. They will then undergo targeted low-dose X-ray imaging of common injection areas to detect retained needle fragments. Female participants under 50 will have a pregnancy test before imaging. The study includes an initial pilot with 20 participants to refine procedures, followed by recruitment of up to 100 total participants. During the study, researchers will collect information through questionnaires and X-ray imaging to identify needle fragment retention and related risk factors. They will also track how many participants have fragments surgically removed within five years after detection. The study involves outpatient volunteers who are currently in treatment and will last up to five years for follow-up of surgical outcomes and mortality risks associated with retained fragments.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Cross-Sectional Observational Study on Retained Drug Needle Fragments in People Who Use Intravenous Drugs

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

History of intravenous drug use
Currently receiving treatment for drug abuse at a local low-threshold service unit or primary health care centre
Willingness to complete the questionnaire
Willingness to participate in X-ray imaging of injection sites

You will not qualify if you...

No history of intravenous drug use
Unwillingness to complete the questionnaire or refusal of X-ray imaging
Pregnancy
Under 18 years old

Research Team

Otso Arponen, Associate Professor, MD

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