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Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder globally, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and death. Researchers expect its prevalence to rise, especially in people over 65 years old, with about one in three developing atrial fibrillation. Electrocardioversion is a procedure that can restore normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients, but around 60% experience a short-term return of the condition, showing current treatments are not fully effective. Inflammation is thought to play a key role in starting and maintaining atrial fibrillation, so this study aims to explore if targeting inflammation can reduce its recurrence after electrocardioversion. This clinical trial tests whether taking low-dose Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, once daily for 90 days can lower the chance of atrial fibrillation returning following electrocardioversion. Participants receive either Colchicine 0.5 mg orally or a matching placebo, both given in the same manner. The study is a Phase 3 trial called COLECTRO-AF, comparing these two groups to evaluate the effect of Colchicine treatment on post-procedure outcomes. Participants will be monitored for up to six months after electrocardioversion to see if atrial fibrillation comes back. The main outcome measured is the number of recurrences within this period. Patients undergo ECGs and other assessments to confirm heart rhythm status and monitor safety. The study requires informed consent and careful follow-up to track treatment effects and any side effects. The overall goal is to find better ways to prevent atrial fibrillation from returning after treatment.

Researchers are evaluating two surgical techniques for treating recurrent patellar dislocation, a condition where the kneecap repeatedly moves out of place. The study compares a new dynamic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction method developed by Becher with the traditional static MPFL reconstruction technique. The goal is to see if the dynamic method better prevents patella instability and improves quality of life by addressing common complications seen with the static approach, such as improper graft positioning and overtensioning. The dynamic MPFL technique involves detaching and reattaching only the lower part of a hamstring muscle to the kneecap, allowing the kneecap's position to adjust during muscle contraction. The static technique uses a graft from the gracilis tendon that is fixed to the femoral and patellar bones with tunnels, screws, or anchors. Patients receive either the dynamic or static surgery according to specific clinical criteria related to their patella instability severity and anatomical features. Participants will be monitored to assess changes in their knee function and patellar stability over time, with the primary outcome measured by the Kujala score up to 24 months after surgery. Researchers will evaluate clinical and functional outcomes to compare the effectiveness of the two surgical methods. The study includes detailed eligibility criteria to select appropriate candidates and excludes those with more complex knee conditions or additional procedures that could affect results.

Researchers are evaluating the use of vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) as a less invasive method to detect residual tumor tissue in breast cancer patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). NAC is commonly used to shrink tumors before surgery and can lead to complete pathologic remission in over half of aggressive breast cancer types. However, current imaging methods like ultrasound, mammography, and MRI are not reliable enough to confirm if the tumor has been fully eliminated, so surgery remains necessary to assess or remove any remaining disease. In this trial, patients who show a radiological complete or near-complete response after NAC will undergo VAB guided by ultrasound or mammography immediately before their scheduled breast surgery. This biopsy procedure aims to collect tissue samples from the former tumor site to better detect any residual cancer cells. The accuracy of this biopsy will then be compared to the standard surgical tissue analysis to evaluate if VAB can serve as a reliable pre- or intra-operative tool. Participants will be involved in diagnostic imaging and biopsy procedures shortly before their routine breast surgery. Researchers will assess the sensitivity of the VAB in detecting residual tumor tissue within six weeks after patient registration. The study includes monitoring of biopsy results against surgical pathology findings to determine VAB's diagnostic value. Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria and will be followed closely during the trial to ensure safety and accurate data collection.

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often face challenges with memory, concentration, and processing speed, which affect their daily lives and quality of life. Research shows that cognitive rehabilitation can improve these functions, but results vary among individuals. Recent findings suggest that personality traits like conscientiousness influence how well patients respond to cognitive rehabilitation. This study explores whether coaching to increase conscientiousness before rehabilitation can enhance treatment effects in people with MS. Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive 12 weeks of conscientiousness coaching using a smartphone app supported by a coach, focusing on goal setting and values. The other group will undergo a sham intervention with a journaling app and coaching about early life memories. After these 12 weeks, both groups will participate in a 6-week cognitive rehabilitation program using the BrainHQ app, with two one-hour sessions each week. Throughout the study, researchers will assess cognitive changes objectively and subjectively from the start to week 18. They will also evaluate psychological well-being, brain function through fMRI scans in a subsample, social support, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The study involves three assessment sessions and aims to provide insights into improving cognitive function and quality of life for people with MS.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and tolerability of a new drug called TOP-N53 solution when applied directly to open fingertip wounds (digital ulcers) in people with systemic sclerosis, a rare disease that causes hard, thickened skin and problems with internal organs and blood vessels. The study also aims to determine if different strengths of TOP-N53 can improve symptoms such as blood flow, itch, pain, redness, bruising, and bleeding associated with these ulcers. The trial includes men and women aged 18 to 69 years and allows participants to continue taking Sildenafil 20 mg alongside the study treatment. Participants will receive one or two treatments with either placebo or varying strengths of TOP-N53 applied topically to their fingertip ulcers. The higher dose will only be given after the lower dose is confirmed safe. Some participants may also be on stable Sildenafil therapy. The study is an open-label, vehicle-controlled phase 2a trial conducted at multiple centers. During the study, participants will visit the clinic up to eight times within 31 days, with two visits possibly conducted by telephone. Doctors will monitor safety by checking for local adverse events and assess treatment effects using various tests before and after treatment. Participants will report symptoms such as pain using a diary at different times during and after treatment. The trial measures safety and patient-reported outcomes over a maximum period of 37 days.

Gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are rare tumors that arise from the neuroendocrine system in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. This registry study aims to better understand these tumors by collecting detailed clinical information from patients diagnosed with GEP-NETs in Switzerland. Since limited knowledge exists about the biology and treatment of these tumors, the study focuses on gathering data to improve understanding and management strategies. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors from any location who agree to participate will have their information entered prospectively into a secure, anonymized database. Data collection involves visits from study nurses to healthcare centers, where patient files are reviewed and information is recorded. There are no specific treatments assigned by this registry; instead, it tracks various treatment approaches used in Switzerland. Participants contribute data that includes tumor types, treatments received, and outcomes such as mortality and hospitalization rates. The study reviews and evaluates this information regularly to identify patterns and assess patient outcomes over time. The main outcome measured is tumor-related mortality every five years, helping to monitor long-term effects. This registry allows for improved knowledge sharing across hospitals and practitioners in Switzerland to enhance care for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.