Research Highlights
Richmond University Medical Center has numerous ongoing research studies at any given time. The studies give eligible patients access to the latest cutting-edge treatments before they are available to the public.
COVID-19
COVID-19 has been at the center of various research studies. Due to it being highly contagious, it has caused great concern among medical professionals and the general public. Generally, COVID-19 causes fever and respiratory symptoms. However, other symptoms could include neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiac, and taste and smell abnormalities. The spectrum of this disease could range from asymptomatic infection to multi-organ failure. Currently, there are limited medications available to treat COVID-19. Those that are available, such as Remdesivir, dexamethasone, and IV antibody treatments, are authorized for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. As a result, it is clear that an easily administered outpatient medication for COVID-19 patients is a significant medical need.
At Richmond University Medical Center, the Department of Clinical Research has an ongoing study that will provide eligible COVID-19 patients with an easily administered study drug focused on helping prevent the worsening of COVID-19.
What to Expect:
Clinical research studies help advance science, give patients access to new medicine, and provide hope for future patients. All participants are monitored closely to ensure their safety. Before participating, you will have a chance to sit down with the medical staff and discuss the benefits and possible risks, as well as study procedures. There will also be time to ask any questions you might have.
Once you begin the study, you will be required to make regular visits to the hospital, where the medical staff will perform tests and assessments to see how your body is responding to the medication. The visiting times are flexible to accommodate your schedule.
There is no cost to participate and compensation may be available.
Who Should Enroll?
This study focuses on high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Older adults and individuals with significant comorbidities, such as cardiorespiratory diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are considered a high-risk population and are welcome to participate in this study. In order to qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis within the last 5 days
- Have one or more COVID-19 symptoms within the last 5 days
- Considered to be at higher risk for progression to more severe COVID-19
How to Enroll:
If you are interested in participating, please call 718-818-2707 or contact the Department of Clinical Research at research@rumcsi.org. We will provide answers to your questions and help you decide whether or not you are a good candidate for this study.
Severe Heart Failure Studies
There is no guaranteed cure for heart failure, but these are studies designed to reduce symptoms and prolong life:
CONNECT-HF is a three arm study of regular hospital treatment through referrals to community services such as the visiting nurse organization compared to a team of healthcare providers who virtually live with patients to oversee diet, activity, medication and more. The third arm of the study is the provision of smartphones with an app that reminds patients of what they need to do through self-care. Richmond University Medical Center is studying this smart phone arm; heart failure patients with smart phones may be eligible for enrollment. Heart failure patients readmitted within 30 days cause the hospital to be financially penalized and these studies are designed to determine which of the three provide the longest remission.
HEART- FID is a study of severe heart failure associated with anemia to determine whether a new preparation of intravenous iron can reverse the anemia and relieve the heart failure. Curing the anemia allows the blood to carry more oxygen to the failing heart muscle.
The Department also conducts registries of cancer tissue in hospital patients.
There are many other physician initiated research studies, including white coat hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, anion gap in infants, depression in chemotherapy, treatment of pressure ulcers, potassium and glucose levels with dialysis as well as predictions of mortality in the ER.
