Constipation in systemic sclerosis: nerve and muscle causes
Interrogating the pathophysiological mechanisms of constipation in patients with systemic sclerosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11159431
This project tests whether problems with gut nerves and pelvic floor muscles explain different types of constipation in people with systemic sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159431 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will perform tests that measure how fast your colon moves, how sensitive your rectum is, how well your anal muscles relax, and how your autonomic nervous system is working. Some participants may undergo noninvasive autonomic stimulation to see if nerve activation improves bowel function. The team will use these measurements to identify subgroups of patients who have different underlying causes for their constipation. Understanding these differences could help match patients to better treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with systemic sclerosis who experience chronic or severe constipation and can travel to the research site for testing.
Not a fit: People without systemic sclerosis or those whose constipation is caused by a clear mechanical obstruction or unrelated medications may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized treatments such as targeted nerve stimulation or other therapies that relieve constipation in people with scleroderma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked autonomic dysfunction to GI problems in systemic sclerosis, but using autonomic stimulation to treat constipation is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCMAHAN, ZSUZSANNA HORTOBAGYI — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: MCMAHAN, ZSUZSANNA HORTOBAGYI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.