Exploring how electrical stimulation affects constipation in systemic sclerosis patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who experience constipation. It will assess whether TEA can improve colonic and anorectal function by enhancing autonomic nervous system activity and modulating inflammatory pathways. The study will focus on patients with slow colonic transit and rectal hyposensitivity, comparing the effects of TEA to a sham treatment. The goal is to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying constipation in these patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Patients with SSc-constipation from Aim 1 of the study
* Patients with SCT (\>20% radiopaque marks left in the colon 5 days (120 hours) after swallowing the Sitzmark capsule or patients with RH (defined in Aim 1)
* Patients not yet on therapy for constipation or patients who continue to experience constipation while on stable therapy for one month prior to TEA.

Exclusion Criteria

-Patients with symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation but not predominantly symptoms of constipation.

Where it's running

• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zsuzsanna H McMahan, MD, MHS (M-PI) — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
• Study coordinator: Zsuzsanna H McMahan, MD, MHS (M-PI)
• Email: Zsuzsanna.H.McMahan@uth.tmc.edu
• Phone: 7135007531

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.