Doha

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of pegtibatinase compared with a placebo in people aged 12 to 65 who have classical homocystinuria (HCU) due to cystathionine beta synthase deficiency. This Phase 3 study includes participants who continue to have elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels despite receiving standard care. The study involves about 70 participants randomly assigned to receive either the active drug or placebo in a blinded manner. The study lasts up to 38 weeks and includes several periods: an initial screening of up to 4 weeks, followed by a 6-week diet standardization period to stabilize protein intake and supplements. After screening, participants enter a 24-week blinded treatment phase, which includes a 2-week dose titration and a 22-week assessment period. Pegtibatinase or placebo is administered subcutaneously twice weekly. Dietary intake and treatment compliance are closely monitored throughout, with some visits conducted at home or remotely. Participants will undergo regular assessments including plasma tHcy level measurements, diet monitoring using a specific tool called SING, and safety evaluations. The primary outcome is the change in plasma tHcy levels from baseline during weeks 6 to 12. After treatment, a 4-week safety follow-up is conducted for those not joining the long-term extension study. The study aims to understand how pegtibatinase affects tHcy levels and participant safety over this period.

Researchers are evaluating whether using portable air cleaners at home can lower exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and improve systolic blood pressure and biochemical markers over four weeks in adults with metabolic syndrome living in Qatar. This study focuses on people with mild systolic hypertension and metabolic syndrome, conditions that contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease and are influenced by environmental factors like air pollution. The trial aims to understand if reducing air pollution exposure can offer lasting health benefits for this high-risk group. Participants will be assigned to use one of two types of portable air cleaners: those with HEPA filters designed to reduce PM2.5 exposure, or similar devices without HEPA filters as a comparison. The intervention lasts four weeks, during which the air cleaners are used in the participant's home to assess their effect on air quality and blood pressure. During the study, participants will have their systolic blood pressure measured at weeks 4 and 10, along with biochemical assessments to monitor changes. Researchers will also collect lifestyle and health information to understand the intervention's impact. The total study period includes screening, intervention, and follow-up to evaluate the persistence of any benefits. Safety and adherence will be monitored throughout the trial duration.

Researchers are developing and testing "Engage-Qatar PD," an online physical activity self-management program designed for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in Qatar. The program aims to help participants overcome common barriers to exercise by providing knowledge and self-management skills. This project builds on a previous coaching intervention used in Huntington's disease and PD, adapting it specifically for online delivery within the Qatari cultural context through participatory design involving users as co-designers. The intervention includes an 8-week personalized self-management program tailored to individual needs. It starts with one face-to-face coaching session to introduce the online platform, goal setting, and use of activity tracking devices. This is followed by seven online sessions where participants and coaches work through modules on overcoming exercise barriers, managing PD symptoms, and encouraging regular physical activity. Key components include participant-therapist interaction, an online forum with a physical activity guidebook and workbook, a personal physical activity database, wearable smart watches, a video exercise library, an online support group, and cultural adaptations in Arabic. Participants will be involved in monitoring their physical activity over 7 days as an outcome measure. The study will assess feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of the program. Participants will be evaluated through neurologist confirmation of PD diagnosis, physical readiness screening, and ability to follow study commands. Safety and progress will be tracked through the use of wearable devices and online interactions. This pilot randomized controlled trial could pave the way for broader implementation in healthcare settings and expansion to other neurodegenerative diseases and regional countries.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting men, especially as they age, with up to 90% of men experiencing it by age 80. This research aims to create an ongoing international registry to collect and analyze demographic and clinical data from men with BPH who receive either medical therapy or surgical treatments. The registry helps track treatment patterns and outcomes worldwide to better understand the effectiveness and complications related to various BPH treatments. The registry collects detailed baseline information including patient-reported symptoms, sexual health, quality of life, urinary flow, and laboratory values such as prostate-specific antigen and testosterone. It also records any complications like bleeding, infections, incontinence, strictures, ejaculation issues, and erectile dysfunction. This data is gathered over a three-year period with no set endpoint, allowing for long-term follow-up and analysis of real-world treatment results. Participants provide medical records which are securely stored and accessed only by authorized users. The study monitors symptoms using standardized scores and quality of life measures, along with clinical tests such as post-void residual urine volume. Regular audits ensure data accuracy, and the registry’s technology supports future integration with patient portals and electronic medical records. The study duration is planned for at least three years, with possible extensions to continue follow-up and research.

Researchers are comparing the effects of bio-ceramic sealers and resin-based sealers on postoperative pain in adult patients undergoing root canal treatment for single-rooted teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. The study aims to evaluate how these two types of sealers influence the intensity and occurrence of pain after the procedure, as well as the need for pain relief medication. This randomized controlled trial follows established guidelines for non-drug treatment studies and targets adults aged 18 to 60 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a bio-ceramic sealer or a resin-based sealer during the root canal obturation procedure at the Endodontic clinic of PHCC Qatar. Both sealers are placed inside the root canals to seal the dentine walls and support the remaining tooth tissue. The bio-ceramic sealer is noted for its small particle size, tissue compatibility, and hydrophilicity, while the resin-based sealer is known for its physical properties but requires a dry canal and has some initial cytotoxic activity. During the study, participants will be monitored for postoperative pain and any complications at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days after treatment. Pain levels will be assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at these times. Researchers will analyze differences in pain occurrence, intensity, and analgesic intake between the two groups using statistical tests. The main outcome is the postoperative pain reported within one week following the root canal treatment.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health issue linked to serious complications like heart disease, infections, and cognitive decline. In Qatar, about 13% of people have CKD. Managing CKD often involves taking many medications, which can be overwhelming and lead to side effects, poor medication adherence, and higher healthcare costs. This research aims to create and test a team-based deprescribing program designed to safely reduce unnecessary medications and improve outcomes for patients with advanced CKD in Qatar using a randomized controlled trial. The study will develop a multidisciplinary team including pharmacists, nephrologists, and specialist nurses to review and adjust patients' medications. The clinical pharmacist will identify problematic drugs and propose changes after consulting with the nephrologist. The medication plan will be implemented and monitored over 1-2 weeks during patient visits. Patients will receive a deprescribing card with updated medication info, and the team will follow up with patients by phone three times after appointments to check for any issues. The study includes three phases: preparing the program and team, delivering the deprescribing intervention, and assessing its economic impact on the healthcare system. Participants will be assessed for medication appropriateness at the start, after 3 months, and after 6 months. Researchers will track outcomes such as the number of potentially inappropriate medications, quality of life, clinical effects, and economic benefits. The study involves regular monitoring, documentation in medical records, and communication with primary care providers. The goal is to provide strong evidence supporting deprescribing in CKD care in Qatar, potentially improving patient safety and healthcare costs.

Researchers are studying women aged 18 to 65 years who have chronic low back pain (CLBP) lasting more than 3 months along with urinary incontinence (UI). The study aims to evaluate the effects of Pelvic External Myofascial Mobilisation (PEMM) therapy combined with strengthening exercises on reducing disability, pain, and improving mental health in these women. The trial uses a simple randomization method with 130 participants divided equally into experimental and control groups to assess the effectiveness of the treatment compared to conventional pain management methods.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem following radical prostatectomy. Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation alone, pelvic floor muscle exercise alone, and a combination of both to manage urinary incontinence after this surgery. This randomized controlled trial will include adult male patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized low or intermediate risk prostate cancer, with recruitment planned over three years and total study duration expected to be seven years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving only extracorporeal magnetic stimulation using the Magneto STYM device, another receiving pelvic floor muscle training with a therapist, and the third group receiving both treatments combined. The intervention phase will include sessions of these treatments, and patients will be followed for 18 months to assess their urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life. During the study, researchers will monitor severity of urinary incontinence using a one-hour pad test and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Urodynamic leak point pressure will also be measured once, six weeks after starting rehabilitation. Follow-up will focus on the course of urinary incontinence symptoms, quality of life scores, and treatment safety over 18 months from the intervention start.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a serious neurological condition that causes significant illness and death. It occurs when an intracranial aneurysm ruptures, leading to bleeding around the brain. This condition often results in severe headaches that start suddenly and last for days, greatly affecting patients' quality of life. Current treatments focus on preventing further bleeding and managing complications, but there is limited evidence on effective headache management after aSAH. This study investigates whether scalp blocks can reduce headache pain in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms. The study compares two groups of patients with aSAH receiving endovascular aneurysm treatment. One group will receive a scalp block using 20 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine administered by a specialist after the procedure but before waking up from anesthesia. The control group will receive conventional pain management, including intravenous paracetamol every six hours and fentanyl through patient-controlled analgesia. The scalp block targets specific nerves on the scalp to reduce pain and is performed using sterile techniques. Participants will be closely monitored during their stay in the surgical intensive care unit. Researchers will track opioid use in the first 24 hours after the scalp block to evaluate pain control. Assessments will include neurological exams, pain evaluations, and safety monitoring. The study aims to find opioid-sparing ways to manage headaches, improving comfort and reducing side effects related to opioid use. The duration of participation corresponds to the critical care period following endovascular treatment of aSAH.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a combined swallowing therapy involving Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), Neuromuscular Taping (NMT), and swallowing exercises on improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients who have difficulty swallowing after a stroke. This randomized controlled trial compares the rehabilitation outcomes between three groups: NMES plus swallowing exercises, NMT plus swallowing exercises, and a combination of NMES, NMT, and swallowing exercises. Participants are recruited from post-acute and rehabilitation units at Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals in Qatar. Participants will receive a rehabilitation program consisting of swallowing exercises such as Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR), along with NMES and/or NMT. NMES uses electrical pulses to stimulate muscles involved in swallowing, while NMT applies elastic tape to support muscle function and movement during swallowing. Therapy sessions occur five times a week for a total of 10 sessions. The study compares the effects of these interventions alone and in combination to determine if combined therapy offers greater benefits. During the study, participants undergo baseline assessments before starting treatment and follow-up evaluations immediately after completing the therapy sessions, up to 15 days from the start. Researchers measure swallowing safety and function using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale, Dysphagia Handicap Index, and surface Electromyography (sEMG). The study monitors participants closely to assess improvements and ensure safety throughout the treatment period.