Strommen

Hypertension is a widespread cardiovascular condition that can lead to serious complications like stroke, heart attack, and heart failure due to increased strain on the heart. This research focuses on understanding and improving treatments related to heart hormones called natriuretic peptides, especially B-type natriuretic peptide BNP, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. The study aims to explore how BNP biology is altered in hypertension and to evaluate BNP as a potential new protein-based therapy for patients with this condition. Participants in this trial will receive either gradually increasing doses of subcutaneous nesiritide a form of BNP or a placebo, administered twice daily over two days. The trial includes a phase to find the best dose by assessing safety and blood pressure effects. Patients will be randomized to receive either the active drug or placebo to compare the effects on blood pressure lowering and other heart and kidney-related functions. During the study, participants will have their blood pressure monitored before and after each injection over 48 hours. Researchers will also assess kidney function, hormone levels related to heart and blood pressure regulation, and track any treatment-related side effects up to three weeks after the last dose. The main measure of success is the change in blood pressure from the start to the end of the two-day treatment period, helping to understand the potential of BNP in managing hypertension.

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition marked by red, warm, and painful extremities, often triggered by warm environments. The exact cause is not fully understood, and managing pain is difficult since no single treatment works for everyone. This research aims to evaluate how well spinal cord stimulation works for treating pain that has not responded to other medical treatments in people with erythromelalgia. Participants will receive a spinal cord stimulator implanted, which sends electrical pulses through a thin wire to nerves near the spinal cord. The study involves four six-week periods where participants will experience either the burst spinal cord stimulation or no stimulation sham in a randomized order. Each participant will have two periods of actual stimulation and two periods of sham stimulation. During the study, participants will be monitored for changes in pain over six months. Researchers will also assess quality of life, disability levels, daily physical activity, redness severity, and healthcare costs. The study uses careful monitoring and randomization to compare the effects of the stimulation versus no stimulation over this time frame.