Sint Truiden

Researchers are evaluating the combination of baxdrostat and dapagliflozin in people with chronic kidney disease CKD and high blood pressure hypertension. This Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to assess whether this combination reduces the risk of serious kidney damage, heart failure events, or cardiovascular death compared to dapagliflozin alone. The study includes participants with CKD and hypertension who meet specific kidney function and blood pressure criteria. Participants who are not already taking SGLT2 inhibitors will first complete a 4-week dapagliflozin run-in period. Then, they will be randomly assigned to receive either baxdrostat plus dapagliflozin or a placebo plus dapagliflozin. Baxdrostat dosing may start low and be increased if needed. Study visits will occur at 2, 4, 8, 16, 34, and 52 weeks after randomization, and then approximately every four months until the study ends, which is based on the number of key kidney or heart-related events. Throughout the study, participants will have regular assessments including blood tests to monitor kidney function and potassium levels, blood pressure measurements, and evaluations of heart and kidney health. If participants stop the blinded study drug early, they will continue dapagliflozin if possible and remain in the study for ongoing visits and monitoring. The main outcome is whether the combination treatment reduces the risk of a 50% sustained decline in kidney function, kidney failure, heart failure events, or cardiovascular death over up to 37 months.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and costs of the NAVIO system compared to the traditional intramedullary alignment guide for total knee replacement surgery. The study aims to see if using NAVIO in total knee arthroplasty TKA is at least as efficient and safe as the conventional method. This clinical trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, and single-blind study conducted by Sint-Trudo Hospital. Participants will undergo one of two procedures either a conventional total knee arthroplasty using the standard intramedullary alignment guide or a NAVIO-assisted total knee arthroplasty. The first 52 participants will receive CT scans of the hip, knee, and ankle before and after surgery to assess alignment accuracy. The study includes multiple follow-ups at various time points up to 10 years post-surgery to monitor outcomes. During the study, participants will be assessed through CT scans, long-leg X-rays, and various clinical scoring systems such as the Visual Analogue Scale, American Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, Lower Extremities Activity Scale, and WOMAC index. Researchers will track surgery time, blood loss, hospital stay length, and complications like infections or loosening. The total participation duration may extend up to 10 years for long-term observation of clinical outcomes and safety.

Pregnancy involves many changes in the cardiovascular system, but in pre-eclampsia PE, these changes are abnormal. PE affects 5 to 8 percent of pregnant women worldwide and is marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If not treated, PE can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. This research focuses on better monitoring and early detection of PE in high-risk pregnant women. The study compares two groups a control group receiving no intervention, and a remote monitoring group using special devices. At 10 weeks of pregnancy, all participants receive measurements with NICCOMO, maternal venous Doppler echography, and Maltron bio-electronic impedance analysis. These tests repeat at 20 weeks, and at 30 weeks if results are abnormal. The remote monitoring group uses devices to check blood pressure twice daily, activity continuously, and weight once daily. Participants will be monitored throughout their pregnancy with repeated tests and device tracking. Researchers will check blood pressure, heart and vein function, body measurements, activity levels, and weight at specific times. They will also collect birth-related information like birth weight, gestational age, delivery method, and timing. The study includes 2000 pregnant women and aims to improve follow-up and care for those at risk of PE.

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.