Is NCT01712620 recruiting in Bethesda, MD?

Yes, NCT01712620 is currently recruiting participants at its Bethesda, MD location. This pulmonary arterial hypertension clinical trial is actively enrolling qualified participants.

How do I join the pulmonary arterial hypertension clinical trial in Bethesda?

To join this clinical trial in Bethesda, complete the eligibility form on this page. A study coordinator will contact you to discuss next steps and determine if you qualify.

Is participation in this Bethesda clinical trial free?

Yes, all study-related care is provided at no cost to qualified participants. Many studies also offer compensation for time and travel expenses.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

About This Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Study in Bethesda

Background: \- High blood pressure in the lungs, known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a rare disorder. In spite of recent advances in treatment, the death rate remains unacceptably high. Lung blood vessel function can be harmed by progressive injuries, such as inflammation, leading to worsening of the disease. A drug called spironolactone has been known to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation. Some people with PAH take spironolactone to help treat fluid retention. However, its effect on inflammation and blood vessel function in patients with PAH is not known. Researchers want to see if spironolactone can help these conditions in people with PAH. Objectives: \- To test the effectiveness of spironolactone in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eligibility: \- Individuals at least 18 years of age with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Design: * This study will last for 24 weeks. Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. * Participants will take either spironolactone or a placebo. They will take their study drug or placebo for 7 weeks. Treatment will be monitored with regular blood tests. * In Week 8, participants who have had no reaction to the treatment will receive a higher dose of the drug or placebo. * In Week 12, participants will have a study visit with heart and lung function tests. They will also have a 6-minute walk test, and provide blood and urine samples. * After additional study visits for blood samples, participants will have a final visit in Week 24. The tests from Week 12 will be repeated at this visit.

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

WHO Group 1 PH patients on either no medical therapy or stable medical therapy for at least the past 4 weeks (defined as no new PAH-specific therapy, no change in the dose of current PAH-specific therapy and no change in NYHA/WHO functional classification within the past 4 weeks) are eligible. The following parameters on RHC are required to meet the hemodynamic definition of PAH:

mean pulmonary artery pressure of \> 25 mmHg at rest,

pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of less than or equal to 15 mmHg (or a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of less than or equal to 12 mmHg) and

pulmonary vascular resistance of \> 3 Wood units (240 dyn.s.cm\^-5). If clinically indicated at the time of enrollment, then a RHC will be performed at the NIH Clinical Center upon study entry under a procedural consent. 2\) Females who are able to become pregnant (i.e., are not postmenopausal, have not undergone surgical sterilization, and are sexually active with men) must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to and for the duration of study participation.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with WHO Group 1 PH and evidence of right heart failure as defined by:

NYHA/WHO class IV symptoms and

Echocardiographic evidence of severe RV dysfunction and

Clinical evidence of right heart failure which may include, but is not limited to elevated jugular venous pressure, ascites, and lower extremity edema

Patients with WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension and a prior diagnosis of cirrhosis with portal hypertension as evidenced by a history of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and/or varices prior to enrollment

Patients with WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension and evidence of active infection, (HIV patients with two consecutive viral loads of \< 500 on their most recent determinations within the past 12 months will be considered to have inactive infection)

Patients with WHO Group 1 pulmonary hypertension who have taken spironolactone or eplerenone within the last 30 days

Known or suspected allergy to spironolactone

Pregnant or breastfeeding women (all women of childbearing potential will be required to have a screening urine or blood pregnancy test)

Age \<18 years

Inability to provide informed written consent for participation in the study

Chronic kidney disease (an estimated glomerular filtration rate of \< 35 mL/min/1.73m\^2 of body surface area)

Serum potassium at the time of enrollment of \> 5 mEq/L

Concurrent use of an ACE inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker OR Patients currently taking the maximum recommended dose of an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker \[For patients taking one of these medicines (ACE-Inhibitors or ARBs), the investigators agree to do due diligence by consulting a clinical center pharmacist and/or a standard pharmacy reference (i.e. Micromedex) to certify whether or not the patient is on a maximum dose of the drug.\]

Women currently taking drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) will be calculated using the IDMS-traceable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation and corrected for body surface area. eGFR = 175 x (serum creatinine in mg/dL)\^-1.154 x (age in years)\^-0.203 x \[1.212 if African-American\] x \[0.742 if female\] (http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/professionals/gfr\_calculators/idms\_con.htm) Exclusion Criteria for MRI These contraindications include but are not limited to the following devices or conditions:

Implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator

Cochlear Implants

Ocular foreign body (e.g. metal shavings)

Embedded shrapnel fragments

Central nervous system aneurysm clips

Implanted neural stimulator

Any implanted device that is incompatible with MRI

Unsatisfactory performance status as judged by the referring physician such that the subject could not tolerate an MRI scan. Examples of medical conditions that would not be accepted would include unstable angina and severe dyspnea at rest

Subjects requiring monitored sedation for MRI studies

Subjects with a condition precluding entry into the scanner (e.g. morbid obesity, claustrophobia, etc.)

Subjects with severe back-pain or motion disorders who will be unable to tolerate supine positioning within the MRI scanner and hold still for the duration of the examination. EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR GADOLINIUM BASED MRI STUDIES ONLY:

History of severe allergic reaction to gadolinium contrast agents despite pre- medication with diphenhydramine and prednisone

Chronic kidney disease (an estimated glomerular filtration rate of \< 60 mL/min/1.73m\^2 of body surface area)

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT01712620) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT01712620) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 2 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced pulmonary arterial hypertension specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all pulmonary arterial hypertension clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

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