Veruno

Researchers are comparing two ultrasound methods, two-dimensional 2D and three-dimensional 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography, to measure how well the heart muscle contracts in patients with heart failure who have reduced or mildly reduced pumping ability. The study focuses on the global longitudinal strain GLS measurements from both techniques to understand how well they agree and to explore whether 3D GLS better predicts the risk of death. The study involves 419 patients from seven cardiac rehabilitation hospitals in Italy with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction HFrEF or mildly reduced ejection fraction HFmrEF. Participants will undergo heart ultrasound imaging using standardized GE Vivid E95 ultrasound systems with specific probes to collect 2D and 3D echocardiographic data. The images will be analyzed offline with specialized software to calculate various strain parameters for each method. Data quality will be carefully checked, and certain datasets will be excluded if image quality or tracking is inadequate. The study aims to assess the agreement between 2D and 3D GLS, factors influencing differences, and the predictive value of 3D GLS for mortality over a one-year follow-up. During the study, participants will have echocardiograms performed with multiple views to collect detailed heart function data. The researchers will analyze these images and measure heart muscle strain using both 2D and 3D techniques. They will track outcomes like all-cause mortality for up to one year. Statistical analyses will compare the two imaging methods and evaluate which better predicts patient outcomes. Participants involvement includes consenting to the imaging procedures and follow-up assessments as part of this observational study.

Researchers are investigating how adding a therapeutic dose of oxygen during exercise affects people with chronic respiratory failure or exertional hypoxemia due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD or interstitial lung disease. This multicenter crossover trial aims to evaluate exercise performance, gas exchange, heart rate, symptom perception, and ease of performing exercise in patients hospitalized in pulmonary rehabilitation centers. The study will compare walking ability during two conditions using the 6-minute walk test to understand the benefits of different oxygen levels during exertion. Participants will perform two 6-minute walk tests in random order within 24 hours. One test uses their usual oxygen flow prescribed at rest or room air for those with exertional hypoxemia, while the other uses double the prescribed oxygen flow or 2 liters per minute for patients with exertional hypoxemia. Oxygen is delivered through nasal cannulas with a stroller carrying the oxygen supply. Tests are separated by at least 3 hours. The study groups include patients with COPD with exertional hypoxemia, COPD with chronic respiratory failure on long-term oxygen therapy, and interstitial lung disease with chronic respiratory failure on long-term oxygen therapy. Participants will be assessed for walking distance, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue before, during, and after the tests. A questionnaire will capture how easy participants found the test. Researchers will analyze the difference in walking distance between conditions as the primary outcome. The study will also examine how clinical and anthropometric factors influence responses to oxygen therapy. The total planned enrollment is 114 patients, and the trial will provide insights for better oxygen therapy prescriptions during exercise.

Researchers are examining how different types of pain and autonomic symptoms affect people diagnosed with Parkinsons disease PD and multiple system atrophy MSA receiving care at Maugeri Clinical Scientific Institutes. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of pain and autonomic dysfunction, assess how rehabilitation impacts these symptoms, and understand their effect on quality of life for both inpatients and outpatients. All participants will receive a neurological exam and participate in a rehabilitation program designed to improve strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and daily living skills. Clinical scales will be used to assess disease stage, severity, motor and non-motor symptoms, cognitive function, depression, autonomic dysfunction, pain, and quality of life. The study compares patients with PD and MSA and measures outcomes before and after an average 30-day rehabilitation period. Participants will undergo evaluations at recruitment and after completing rehabilitation, including assessments of pain and autonomic symptoms. Researchers will monitor changes in clinical scores and quality of life throughout the study. This observational study will provide insights to help clinicians better manage disability and tailor rehabilitation strategies to improve patients well-being over the course of their care.