Clinical Research
FACCT Trial
UNC is a contributing ARDSnet center, in conjunction with Duke, for the NHLBI/NIH-sponsored multi-institutional Fluid and Catheter Therapy Trial which is designed to evaluate treatment practices in clinical ARDS.
Extracellular Nucleotides in Lung Fluid of Mechanically Ventilated Patients
An IRB-approved study to analyze the extracellular nucleotide content, by etheno-derivatization and HPLC, of bronchoscopically-derived BAL fluid in ventilated patients.
VATS vs. Intrapleural Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Complicated Pleural Effusions and Retained Hemothorax
This study has served to gather pilot data and document our institutional experience with the use of intrapleural TPA for complicated effusions and traumatic hemothoraces. Published pilot data has served as the groundwork for a prospective randomized trial of VATS vs, TPA for traumatic hemithorax. This study is being designed in coordination with the Department of Radiology and the Division of Thoracic Surgery. Wakemed will serve as an additional entry site.
CSF levels of Extracellular Nucleotides in Head Injury and Spinal Cord Injury
An IRB-approved study, performed in conjunction with the Division of Neurosurgery, to analyze the extracellular nucleotide content, by etheno-derivatization and HPLC, of -CSF fluid in intracranially monitored patients with head injury and spinal cord injury.
Hyperglycemia and Insulin Therapy in Multiply Injured Trauma Patients
An IRB approved project, performed in conjunction with the Division of Endocrinology, to investigate the implications of hyperglycemia and the utility of drip protocols in critically injured patients.
The Application of Highly Sensitive Infrared Thermography for the Diagnosis of Acute Surgical Diseases
An IRB-approved study in underway to determine the utility of infrared thermography in the diagnosis of acute surgical pathology including acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis.
Measurement of Nasal Potential (PD) Difference in ARDS
As a clinical expansion of laboratory interests in alveolar fluid dynamics, the IRB has approved a study to measure nasal potential difference measurements in adult patients with respiratory failure. This study may provide data that will allow patient risk stratification for the development of ARDS.
Comparison of Gastric and Pre-pyloric Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients
The IRB has approved a multi-institutional prospective randomized trial to compare gastric and post-pyloric nutrition in critically ill patients. This study was funded by the GCRC and patient randomization is ready to begin.
Propofol vs. Benzodiazepines as Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
The SICU is a primary component of a large prospective randomized trial lead by Dr. Shannon Carson of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine. This funded trial is designed to evaluate outcome related to variations in sedation strategies (Propofol vs. standard practice) for critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.
Activated Factor VII for Coagulopathy in Traumatic Injuries
Contributing center for the compilation and analysis of data regarding the application of recombinant factor VIIa for refractory coagulapathy in multiple trauma.