Research Projects
The Stroke Center engages in clinical research with the goal of providing the most advanced care available, while seeking to further our understanding of stroke pathophysiology and management. Patients are only enrolled in clinical trials after informed consent has been obtained. The goal of the study, risks, benefits, and other treatment options are explained in detail to potential patients.
Outpatient Studies
IRIS: Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke
The University of Utah is seeking patients who have suffered a stroke to participate in a clinical trial.
For survivors of ischemic stroke a major source of subsequent mortality and functional decline is recurrent stroke and heart attack. On average, within five years of the initial event, 25% of patients who survive an initial stroke will have a recurrent stroke, 10% will have a heart attack and 12% will die from one of these conditions. Prevention of recurrent stroke and other vascular events, therefore, is of major importance.
The IRIS trial will examine a new therapeutic approach that is based on the detection and treatment of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance affects almost all patients with type 2 diabetes and 50% of non-diabetic patients with ischemic stroke. Based on past research, investigators think that treatment of insulin resistance may reduce the incidence of stroke and heart attack.
To test this hypothesis the IRIS trial will determine the effectiveness of Pioglitazone, an agent that reduces insulin resistance, for reducing the risk for stroke or heart attack among patients with a recent ischemic stroke. Participants must be age 45 or older and must have had a stroke no less than 14 days ago and no more than 6 months before randomization.
To learn more, please contact:
Toni Harbour, Study Coordinator
175 North Medical Drive Suite 3204
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
(801) 581-6291
Email: toni.harbour@hsc.utah.edu
SWISS: Siblings With Ischemic Stroke Study
People with a family history of stroke are more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke. The association between parental history of stroke and risk of stroke is greater in younger subjects (ages 25 to 49) than older subjects, suggesting that some people are more likely to have a stroke because of their genes.
The objectives of this study are to detect human chromosomal regions of interest associated with ischemic stroke. We will use DNA samples collected from 300 pairs of siblings who have both suffered strokes. A potential participant must have a confirmed diagnosis of at least one ischemic stroke, and report having at least one living full sibling with a history of stroke.
There will be three groups of study subjects in SWISS. Potential probands for SWISS will have had a recent ischemic stroke and will have been evaluated a neurologist. The other study groups in SWISS are first, siblings of the patient who have had a stroke and second, siblings of the patient who have not had a stroke. These latter two groups will be evaluated at the Mayo Clinic using a medical record review (a doctor's visit is not needed). All participants will have their blood drawn by a nurse who will come to their homes.
To learn more, please contact:
Toni Harbour, Study Coordinator
175 North Medical Drive Suite 3204
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
(801) 581-6291
Email: toni.harbour@hsc.utah.edu
