Using ultrasound to improve treatment for acute spinal cord injury

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 utilize contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess blood flow in the spinal cord of patients with acute spinal cord injury during routine surgical procedures. By measuring blood flow at the injury site, the investigators hope to optimize treatment strategies that could enhance blood circulation and potentially improve patient outcomes. The CEUS will be performed after the key surgical steps of decompression and stabilization, ensuring that it does not delay or complicate the surgery. Participants will also undergo routine MRI imaging post-operatively to further evaluate their condition.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age minimum
* Acute spinal cord injury fpr less than 24 hours
* Injury ranging from mild spinal cord injury where motor function is preserved (AIS A) to complete injury where there is no motor or sensory function below the leel of the injury (AIS D)
* Medically stable to undergo routine dorsal decompression, spinal realignment
* and stabilizing with segmental instrumentation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18 years old
* Neurological lower extremity exam missing or intact
* Traumatic head injury with a Glasgow score of 11 or lower
* Cord injury level caudal to T10 (thoracic spine level 10)
* A known sensitivity to lipid microsphere or its components, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)
* A history of anaphylactoid reactions from ultrasound enhancing agents
* A known history of cardiopulmonary conditions
* Cardiac shunt

Where it's running

• University of Washington Harborview Medical Center
  Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christoph Hofstetter, MD, PhD — University of Washington
• Study coordinator: Amy Anderson
• Email: amya9@uw.edu
• Phone: 206-744-9364

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.