Eeklo

Researchers are studying foot drop caused by peroneal nerve entrapment to determine if decompressive surgery is more effective than maximal conservative treatment. This trial is prospective, multi-center, and randomized, focusing on patients with persistent foot drop lasting about 10 weeks after symptom onset. The study aims to compare recovery in muscle strength and walking ability, with the main measure being the distance walked in six minutes, evaluated 9 months after treatment begins. Participants will be randomly assigned to either decompressive surgery performed within one week after randomization or to conservative treatment involving physiotherapy and gait rehabilitation. Those in the surgical group undergo neurolysis to release the nerve, while the conservative group receives standard care without surgery until the primary endpoint is reached. Follow-up visits occur at multiple time points including 10 days for surgery, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 18 months to monitor progress. During the study, participants will complete various questionnaires and undergo assessments of muscle strength, gait performance, quality of life, and electrodiagnostic tests. Researchers will track recovery through tests like the six-minute walk and 10-meter walk, muscle strength scores, and patient-reported outcomes. Safety and complications will be monitored throughout, and participants will be observed for up to 18 months post-randomization to gather extended follow-up data.

This research aims to improve prediction of surgery success for patients with borderline resectable BR and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma LAPDA undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX. The study focuses on combining diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging DW-MRI, radiomics, and multi-omics profiling of blood samples to better identify which tumors can be surgically removed. This approach seeks to reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve treatment decisions due to challenges in current imaging and tumor marker accuracy. Participants will receive standard care including CT scans, CA 19-9 blood tests, and FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Additional DW-MRI scans and blood samples for genetic and molecular analysis will be collected before and after chemotherapy. If imaging shows no tumor progression and CA 19-9 levels decrease, surgical exploration may be pursued. Blood samples will also be taken during surgery and at the first follow-up visit to further evaluate tumor characteristics and treatment response. Throughout the study, participants will undergo imaging tests, blood draws, and questionnaires about health status and quality of life. Researchers will analyze data to predict surgical resectability, assess complications, and evaluate disease-free and overall survival over several years. This comprehensive monitoring aims to enhance personalized treatment plans while minimizing risks from unnecessary procedures.

Researchers are evaluating the use of therapeutic drug monitoring TDM to optimize dosing of biologics in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris. The study compares the standard fixed dosing of new biologics that block interleukin 17 and 23 with a dosing approach guided by measured drug concentrations in the blood. The goal is to improve clinical response, safety, patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs by adjusting doses to achieve target drug levels. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups in 14 Belgian hospitals one receiving standard care with fixed doses of secukinumab, ixekizumab, or guselkumab, and the other undergoing proactive TDM-based dose adjustments. Dose modifications will be made stepwise by shortening or lengthening the interval between injections based on drug levels, with changes initially by 33% then 50%, and further weekly adjustments until the target concentration is reached. During the 18-month study, participants will have clinical visits every 12 weeks to monitor disease activity, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and safety. Researchers will measure psoriasis severity using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index PASI and collect questionnaires on quality of life and health status. Drug pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and healthcare use will also be tracked. The study monitors adverse events and aims to confirm sustained disease control over 76 weeks.

Researchers are collecting detailed data about suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts among people who come to healthcare services in Flanders. The study aims to understand how often these behaviors occur, the methods used, and how many receive proper follow-up care after a suicide attempt. This observational study uses a structured interview tool called the Guideline for Suicide Care and Evaluation LOES to gather comprehensive information. Participants undergo a two-part semi-structured interview administered by trained nurses, psychologists, or psychiatrists. The first part happens soon after admission to a healthcare facility and collects information on emotional state, mental health history, social support, hopelessness, and suicidal behavior. The second part provides a deeper evaluation of risk factors, treatment needs, motivations, planning, and coping strategies related to suicidality. Throughout the study, participants provide demographic, clinical, and psychological information through interviews. Researchers assess suicidal intent, planning, past behavior, substance use risk, and care needs. The study tracks treatment agreements and care pathways after assessment. Data collection occurs at the initial presentation, with no drug or medical treatment being tested. The total participation time varies depending on the individuals healthcare encounters and follow-up.