Study to Control and Prevent Urinary Symptoms in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Disease

Introduction

United Spinal Association is working with MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and Children's National Medical Center to learn more about the experiences of people who use intermittent catheterization and who experience urinary symptoms frequently.

Main Digest

The research team at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, located in Washington, DC (*participants can be located anywhere in the USA), noticed during a past study that people with bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) had much less Lactobacillus (a 'healthy' bacteria) in their urine, compared with those who didn't have SCI/D.

"In response to this finding, we have decided to investigate whether Lactobacillus, when put back into the bladder, might have a role in controlling the growth of bacteria that cause urinary tract infection, which may limit urinary symptoms and possibly reduce the need for antibiotics," said Suzanne Groah, MD, MSPH SCI researcher at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Spinal Cord Injury Research Center.

Lactobacillus is a probiotic which has traditionally been used to aid with digestion and is naturally found in your body.

"In our study, the benefits provided by Lactobacillus will be targeted at bladder health rather than digestive health," added Groah.

Study participants will be needed for a period of 18 months.

The study has three phases, each lasting 6 months, which require different levels of participation.

• Phase 1: Completion of weekly survey
• Phase 2: Completion of weekly survey and Lactobacillus instillation into the bladder when symptoms occur
• Phase 3: Completion of weekly survey

Researchers hope study results will lead to the development of treatments that will reduce urinary symptoms in people living with SCI/D, while improving their health and quality of life.

Those interested in participating or would like more information regarding the study, should contact Inger Ljungberg, MPH at inger.h.ljungberg@medstar.net or by phone at (202) 877-1694.

MedStar Health Research Institute provides scientific, administrative and regulatory support for research programs throughout MedStar Health. MedStar Health is a not-for-profit, regional healthcare system with nine hospitals and more than 20 other health-related services in the Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., region. More than a half-million patients trust their care to MedStar Health each year.

United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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Cite This Page (APA): United Spinal Association. (2016, March 19). Study to Control and Prevent Urinary Symptoms in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Disease. Disabled World. Retrieved September 9, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/clinical-trials/usa.php

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