Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Research Protocols

• Mechanisms for Prevention of Aspiration. 
  Description: 3 aims: Characterize aerodigestive reflexes preventing aspiration. Characterize esophageal reflexes preventing aspiration. Characterize upper GI pressure responses to cough and phonation. We are recruiting smokers and nonsmokers. Principal Investigator: Kulwinder Dua, MD

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis -Spectrum of Disease.
  Description: Determine through interview and chart review if adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) have childhood symptoms that may be early signs of EE. Principal Investigator: Walter Hogan, MD

• High Risk Populations for Hepatitis C: Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment.
  Description:Using interviews, describe experiences with access to treatment or services for individuals with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) or patients with HCV and HIV.  Using focus groups with patients and caregivers or staff, describe experiences with screening, diagnosis, and educating patients with HCV or HCV and HIV. Principal Investigator: Kia Saeian, MD

• Esophageal Motor Function in Health and Disease.
  Description: Investigate pharyngoesophageal and laryngeal function in health and disease as it relates to gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux and aspiration. Healthy controls and volunteers with certain gastroesophageal conditions may participate in various types of studies. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
  
  
• Cerebral Cortical Representation of Gut-Sensory Motor Function.
  Description: In-depth investigation of cerebral cortical (brain) representation of digestive tract sensory/motor function in health and disease. We are recruiting IBS patients, Dyspepsia patients, and healthy voluteers for this MRI study. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
  
  
• Comparison of Gene Expression Patterns Between Patients with Erosive and Nonerosive Phenotype Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
  Description: Understand the genetic variations in phenotypically different patients (normal squamous esophageal mucosa, esophagitis, or Barrett's esophagus). Study procedures may involve transnasal endoscopy, conventional endoscopy, biopsy, acid profusion, or taking Nexium. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• CP-EUS A Comparison of the Anatomo-Physiologic Characteristics of the Esophagus Between Patients with Erosive Esophagitis, Esophageal Motility Disorders and Controls.
  Description: Obtain anatomo-physiological information regarding the esophageal wall and the upper and lower esophageal sphincter in patients with erosive esophagitis, esophageal motility disorders, and healthy controls. Participants will undergo a transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (TEGD) and catheter probe-assisted endoluminal ultrasonography (CP-EUS). Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
   
• Esophageal Motor Function in Health and Disease: Sensory Implications.
  Description: Comprehensive investigation of region-specific neural and neurocognitive cerebrocortical responses to esophageal viscerosensation in health and disease. Healthy controls and patients with sensory and organic esophageal disorders due to acid reflux will undergo several procedures. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD
  
  
• Bench Test for pH Monitoring.
  Description: Test and compare the performance of the three most commonly used and FDA approved pH sensors under controlled experimental conditions simulating pharyngeal liquid and mist acid reflux events, using healthy controls. Principal Investigator: Reza Shaker, MD

• Autonomic Dysfunction in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.
  Description: Evaluate the presence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). Adults with and without a diagnosis of CVS will undergo 3 noninvasive autonomic tests, medical history, physical exam, and questionnaire. Principal Investigator: Thangam Venkatesan, MD

If you are interested in participating in a research protocol, please call 414-805-3827.