Search Results
Clinical, Electrocardiographic, and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Risk Factors Associated with Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (MARVEN Study)
The purpose of this study is to determine what clinical, electrocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging factors identify patients at risk for developing rapid irregular heartbeats requiring therapy by implantable defibrillator. We expect that participation will last for up to 4 years. The procedures will include wearing a heart monitor (Holter) for 24 hours, obtaining a blood sample for markers of heart disease, and having a cardiac magnetic resonance examination with contrast – a substance given intravenously to make the images better, prior to defibrillator implant. After the initial visit, participation will not require any additional visits since information about the clinical course will be acquired from medical records.
• At least 21 years of age
• Diagnosed with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM)
• On optimal medications for management
• If a cardiac defibrillator hasn't been implanted, must be willing to have a cardiac defibrillator implanted within 3 months of study enrollment
• If a cardiac defibrillator has been implanted, it must be more recent than July 1, 2018
• Nonischemic cardiomyopathy due to other known causes such as amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, cardiotoxicity due to chemotherapy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
• History of prior myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary bypass grafting
• History of ablation to treat ventricular fibrillation
Cardiac Sarcoidosis Consortium
This is a registry study. The Cardiac Sarcoidosis Consortium (CSC) is an international, multicenter partnership among physicians and allied professionals at major medical centers with the unifying purpose to learn more about cardiac sarcoidosis through collaborative research.
• People who have been diagnosed with Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS)
• History of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation
• Ventricular arrhythmias treated medically or with an implanted device
Quality of life in patients who have undergone different treatments for upper airway stenosis
The objective of the study is to define quality of life in patients with upper airway stenosis after bypassing the stenosis with either tracheotomy or t-tube stenting. Participants complete surveys over 2 years to collect quality of life information.
• diagnosis of upper airway stenosis treated with tracheotomy or t-tube.
• seen at the Lions Voice Clinic
• at least 18 years old
• able to complete questionnaires in English without help
• require mechanical ventilation
• neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, neurodegenerative disease.
• new diagnosis (less than 1 year) of head and neck cancer as the indication for tracheotomy
Cortical Inhibitory Biomarkers of Acute Suicidal States in Adolescents
Prospective study investigating brain activity associated with markers of suicidal behavior (SB) in adolescents.
• ages 13-21
• current diagnosis of depression
• prior history of either thoughts about suicide, or suicidal behaviors (a suicide attempt or a planned attempt that was stopped before it began)
• must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in English
• parental permission is needed for participants aged 17 or younger
• must have reliable internet connection
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• Active substance use in the past month
• Neurological disorders such as seizures, head injury
Transcatheter Replacement of Stenotic Aortic Valve through Implantation of ACURATE in Subjects InDicatEd for TAVR
Severe aortic valve stenosis can include stiffening and hardening of the heart valve leaflets (tissue that opens and closes in the heart valve) so that the valve cannot work properly. If left untreated, excessive strain put on the heart muscle will eventually cause it to fail or lead to other serious complications. This study is a research project to assess a way of replacing aortic valves without the need for open-heart surgery and without surgically opening the heart to remove the narrowed valve. The device under study is called the ACURATE Transfemoral Aortic Valve System. The study will compare the safety and effectiveness of the ACURATE Valve, along with other commercially available TAVR devices.
• severe symptomatic aortic stenosis
• able to return to the hospital for all required follow up visits
• additional requirements from cardiac evaluation/testing (study staff will review)
• acute myocardial infarction within 30 days
• cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the past 6 months
• significant medical or mental health issues including specific abnormal lab values (study staff will review)
Neurofeedback and Neural Plasticity of Self-Processing and Affect Regulation Circuits in Suicide Attempting Adolescents
The purpose of this study is to examine a new, experimental treatment for adolescents at risk for suicide attempts called neurofeedback training. In neurofeedback training, you are trying to control your brain function on purpose. In this study, your child will see their brain activity (displayed like a thermometer). He/she will recall positive memories to try to change the levels of their brain activity shown on the visual thermometer inside a scanner.
• any gender identity
• 11-17 years old
• past suicide attempt and/or current suicide ideation
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Cognitive Developmental Delay (IQ < 75 i.e.intellectual disability)
• diagnosis of Schizophrenia
Vibrotactile stimulation of the larynx to treat unexplained chronic cough
This is a study of adults with unexplained chronic cough between 18-80 years old. This study is trying to determine whether a noninvasive vibrotactile stimulation device can help reduce cough symptoms.
• adults aged 18-80
• more than 8 weeks of non-productive cough
• chest x-ray or chest CT negative (collected as part of routine clinical care); no time limit on imaging (if available)
• clinical impression that untreated or inadequately treated gastroesophageal, pulmonary, and/or sinus or nasal issue is not the reason for the cough
• able to read and speak English
• current smoker or quit less than 3 months ago
• infectious cause for cough (e.g., TB, pertussis, COVID)
• history of known or suspected aspiration pneumonia
• recent intubation/neck surgery (within 8 weeks)
• neuromuscular impairment that may affect cough/laryngeal sensation and/or function (e.g., multiple system atrophy, Parkinson, CVA)
• untreated carotid artery disease
• electronic implants (e.g., pacemaker)
• specific medications (study staff will discuss)
• anticipate use of new medications to treat the cough during the period of the study
• currently having speech therapy for cough
• BMI > 40 (for transmission of VTS through soft tissue)
• allergy to adhesives
• drug/alcohol dependency or abuse
• pregnant
• without regular access to wifi and internet
Paravertebral Block to Reduce the Incidence of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
To determine if a perioperative infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine via bilateral T3 paravertebral catheters can decrease the incidence of new onset atrial fibrillation following primary CABG and/or valve surgery and compare a number of secondary outcomes.
• undergoing one of the following elective or urgent (but not emergency) surgeries: A) Primary Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) B) Primary Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (sAVR) C) Primary Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement (sMVR) D) Combined CABG & surgical valve replacement
• history of atrial fibrillation or flutter
• Infective endocarditis
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 30%
• redo surgery
• unable to have a block because of local anesthetic allergy, bleeding problem
• Body mass index > 35kg/m2
• woman who is pregnant
Comparison of normothermia maintenance between resistive blanket and forced air warming systems in renal transplant surgery
The maintenance of normal body temperature is important for all patients undergoing anesthesia to maintain important body functions. To help patients maintain normal body temperature during the surgery, a warming device is used. This study will compare the effectiveness of a resistive blanket warming device to the standard of care forced air warming device.
• having a kidney transplant (not an emergency surgery)
• previous organ transplantation or nephrectomy
• diagnosis of end stage renal disease with decreased or no urine output
• previous upper extremity amputation
• sepsis or other infection
• women who are pregnant
Cleansing device for the treatment of scalp and hair conditions
The objective of this study is to evaluate an improvement of scalp health after the use of an investigational off-label WaterPik and brush device aimed to massage and cleanse the scalp.
• one of the following scalp conditions based on clinical opinion of a board-certified dermatologist: healthy scalp, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or hair loss disease
• willing to defer pregnancy and use two contraceptive methods for the period of the study treatment
• non-English speaking
• pregnant
• clinical condition that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements
Efficacy and Mechanisms of Combined Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training in MCI (The ACT Trial)
• diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment
• live in the community
• English speaking
• adequate vision
• physician confirms that exercise is safe
• stable on drugs affecting cognitive and psychological status
• able to have a MRI
• resting heart rate less than 50 or greater than 100
• additional medical or mental health diagnosis (study staff will review)
• enrolled in another intervention study related to cognitive improvement
Wearable sensors for the combined use of early detection of postural instability and fall risk prediction in Parkinson s disease patients
This is a prospective study aimed at quantifying walking and balance in patients with parkinsonism in the clinical setting in addition to a living environment setting. To accomplish this, we will use a portable motion capture system that is widely used to study biomechanics in humans. Once quantified, we want to test the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) frequency in patients who already have DBS systems in place. Thus, our objectives are: 1. Demonstrate that parkinsonism patient-specific kinematics can be used to detect postural instability in the clinic using wearable IMUs. 2. Demonstrate that individualized, home-based postural response curves can detect postural instability and prospectively predict fall risk in patients with parkinsonism.
• Anyone who has been diagnosed with parkinsonism including Parkinsons disease, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, or atypical parkinsonism
• Healthy adults of similar age as study participants
• people who have dementia of sufficient severity to impair their ability to make health-care decisions for themselves
Kinematic signatures of postural instability and gait in Parkinson Disease
This is a prospective study aimed at quantifying walking and balance in Parkinson's Disease patients in the clinical setting. To accomplish this, we will use a portable motion capture system that is widely used to study biomechanics in humans. Once quantified, we want to test the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) frequency in patients who already have DBS systems in place. Thus, our objectives are: 1. Develop an anonymized database of quantitative postural responses and gait of PD patients. 2. Develop software that can quantify the postural response and gait of PD participants using only standard video camera footage. 3. Test the effectiveness of bilateral high and low frequency STN-DBS on the postural responses and gait of PD patients using the portable motion capture system. 4. We will passively record thalamic LFPs from patients with Medtronic Percept DBS devices while the DBS is OFF, set to low frequency, and set to high frequency.
• People diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with or without implanted Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS). May be at any age of disease progression.
• Healthy adults of similar age to participants who have Parkinson's Disease and are enrolled in the study.
PROmote weight loss in obese PAD patients to preVEnt mobility Loss: The PROVE Trial (PROVE)
More than 65% of people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) are overweight or obese. Overweight or obese people with PAD have greater functional impairment and faster functional decline than normal weight people with PAD. Walking exercise is first line therapy to improve walking performance in PAD. However, our NHLBI-funded observational longitudinal study of functional decline in PAD showed that overweight and obese PAD participants who combined weight loss with walking exercise had significantly less functional decline than those who walked for exercise but did not lose weight. Therefore, we hypothesize that among people with PAD who are overweight or obese, a weight loss intervention combined with exercise will improve walking ability more than exercise alone. However, the effects of intentional weight loss in overweight or obese people with PAD are unknown and may not be beneficial if weight loss exacerbates PAD-related sarcopenia. Behavior change that achieves sustained weight loss is particularly challenging in older obese people with chronic disease. Therefore, among people with PAD and BMI>28 kg/m2, we will conduct a randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that a weight loss intervention combined with walking exercise achieves greater improvement in functional performance than exercise alone at 12-month follow-up.
• at least 18 years old
• diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) with leg symptoms
• BMI 25kg/m2 or more
• above or below knee amputation, critical limb ischemia, or wheelchair confinement
• walking is limited by a condition other than PAD
• heart attack or stroke in the past 3 months
• medical or mental health disease that will interfere with study participations (study staff will review)
• currently walking regularly for exercise at a level comparable to the amount of exercise prescribed in the intervention
• unwilling/unable to use a smart phone and unwilling to attend weekly study sessions
• unable to speak English
APOL1 Long-term Kidney Transplantation Outcomes Network (APOLLO)
This study is being done to improve outcomes after kidney donation and kidney transplantation. We will test kidney donors and kidney transplant recipients for apolipoprotein L1 gene (called APOL1) variants (or forms of the gene) and to see how these may affect them. Genes control the traits inherited from your family such as your eye color or blood type. Only a blood sample (and possibly urine) will be collected. Information routinely collected as part of surgery will also be used in the study. There will not be any changes to usual medical care.
• living kidney donors with self-reported recent African ancestry (defined as African American, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic black or African)
• people who have received a kidney transplant from an eligible living or deceased donor with recent African ancestry
• people who have received multi-organ transplants including a kidney plus an additional organ (i.e. liver, heart, lung, pancreas, etc.) or pediatric en bloc and dual kidney transplants
COCOA (COCOA-PAD II)
Among people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) age 55 and older, we will test the hypothesis that PAD participants randomized to cocoa flavanols will have greater improvement or less decline in six-minute walk distance at six-month follow-up, compared to those randomized to placebo. We will randomize 190 participants (32 in Minnesota) with PAD age 55 and older to one of two groups for six months: cocoa flavanols vs placebo. Our primary outcome is change in six-minute walk distance at six-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are six-month change in maximal treadmill walking distance, Actigraph-measured physical activity, whole body oxygen consumption, measures of nitric oxide (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)), calf muscle endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated eNOS, calf muscle perfusion (measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and calf muscle characteristics (measured by calf muscle biopsy). To achieve our specific aims, we will randomize 190 participants age 55 and older with PAD to one of two groups: cocoa flavanols vs placebo. Participants will be followed for seven months.
• Age 55 and older
• Presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD will be defined as either an ABI <= 0.90 at baseline or vascular lab evidence of PAD or angiographic evidence of PAD.
• Unable to tolerate study pills
• Inability to walk or requiring a walker
Biomechanical Mechanisms of Soft Tissue Deformation during the Volleyball Spike
No current studies have examined in vivo glenohumeral kinematics during the overhead volleyball spike despite the high prevalence of spike-related shoulder pain. The extreme shoulder positions achieved by volleyball players during the spike motion may contribute to unique deformations that could result in structural change or pathology of the rotator cuff and long head biceps tendons. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which GH kinematics differ between SAB and a simulated volleyball spike at a self-selected position of ball contact.
• 18 to 35 years old
• played at least 2 years of high school varsity-level volleyball and/or play competitive volleyball at the club level or NCAA D3/NAIA level or above
• have no shoulder pain that has resulted in removal from, or cessation of volleyball participation in the past 6 months
• have a negative clinical screening exam
• fluent in English
• any injuries, impairments, or pain of the hitting arm that limits participation in volleyball
• shoulder pain related to the cervical spine
• history of trauma and/or surgery of the hitting shoulder
• currently pregnant.
Role of exogenous and endogenous sex hormones on tenofovir and emtricitabine disposition in female genital tract
This study aims to determine the role of menopause and exogenous hormone use in regulating antiretroviral disposition in the female genital tract.
• at least 18 years old
• female, or transgender female with a cervix
• HIV- positive
• on a stable antiretroviral regimen containing tenofovir or emtricitabine for at least 2 weeks before starting the study
• currently pregnant, or previous pregnancy in the past 3 months, or breast feeding
• vaginal infection within 2 weeks before starting the study
• abnormal bleeding per vagina, bleeding per vagina during or following vaginal intercourse, or gynecologic surgery within 90 days prior starting the study
• use of oral and/or vaginal preparations of antibiotic or antifungal medications within 30 days prior to starting the study
Neurobiological and Psychological Maintenance Mechanisms Associated with Anticipatory Rewards in Bulimia Nervosa
The purpose of this investigation is to identify the potentially crucial role of anticipatory reward mechanisms maintaining bulimic behavior (i.e., binge eating and purging) in bulimia nervosa (BN).
• ages 18 to 55 years
• right handed
• able to read and speak English
• at least one bulimic episode and one self-induced vomiting episode per week for at least three months
• stable dose (for at least 6 weeks) in medication that affects mood, appetite, or weight
• For Healthy Participants: right handed, speak and read English, no history of eating disorder
• history of gastric bypass
• current medical or psychiatric illness instability (e.g. hospitalization in past 3 months
• history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
• current substance use disorder
• neurological disease
• BMI less than 19 kg/m^2
Characterization of spleen motion and anatomy using imaging and sensors
This research is being performed to examine how the spleen moves during breathing in various body positions and breathing conditions. Physical measurements of the participant's body will be recorded (weight, height, and body dimensions) and then noninvasive recordings of the spleen and breathing patterns will be recorded. The spleen motion will be measured using standard abdominal ultrasound imaging, and breathing will be measured with accelerometers (small devices about the size of a quarter that measure the movement of the chest during breathing).
• at least 18 years old
• individuals who have had a splenectomy
• people with breathing difficulties and/or individuals for whom short breath holds and modification of breathing patterns is difficult or uncomfortable
• unable to maintain five body positions: sitting, sitting with a 45 degree recline, laying on back (supine), laying on right side, and laying face down (prone) comfortably and independently
• unable to speak and read English
Stress Response and Opioid Dysfunction in Nicotine Dependence
This study includes healthy adults between 18-70 years old who are either non-smokers or cigarette smokers interested in quitting. The purpose of this study is to learn more about how people respond to stress and to taking one dose of a widely and safely used drug called naltrexone as well as to learn about how these responses relate to whether or not someone smokes, smoking cessation, and smoking relapse.
• Live in Minnesota.
• Between 18-70 years old.
• Generally healthy.
• Want to quit using tobacco and nicotine.
• Are willing to attend up to 11 online (videoconference) study visits over a period of approximately 4 months (though you may be asked to complete the last visits over a period of up to 1 year).
• Do not live in Minnesota.
• Not between 18-70 years old.
• Not willing to attend to up to 11 online (videoconference) study visits over a period of approximately 4 months.
Surgical Timing and Rehabilitation for Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries: A Multicenter Integrated Clinical Trial (Protocol # PRO16090503)
This study is being conducted to determine when is the best time to do surgery is and when to start rehabilitation after surgery for the treatment of a multiple ligament knee injury. The study will randomize (i.e. a coin toss) when you have surgery and when you begin rehabilitation (early or delayed surgery and early or delayed rehabilitation). The type of surgery is decided between you and your surgeon. Rehabilitation is tailored to the type of surgery you have. You will fill out some questionnaires and have your knee examined at your normal postsurgery appointments with your surgeon.
• Ages 16-55
• Has a multiple ligament knee injury (MLKI is defined as a complete grade III injury of two or more ligaments)
• Prior knee ligament surgery of the involved knee
• Torn or avulsed patellar or quadriceps tendon
• Periarticular or long bone fracture that is anticipated to preclude weight-bearing after surgery
• Require use of an external fixator for greater than 10 days
• Planned staged surgical treatment
• Unable to weight bear on the contralateral uninjured leg
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) that limits their ability to participate in their post-operative care
• Surgical procedures that precludes early weight-bearing or range of motion
Determinants of Renal Structural Responses to Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) in Fabry Disease Study (LDN6702)
The effect of enzyme replacement therapy on how well your kidneys are responding to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is not clear from blood and urine tests alone, but may be more clear in comparisons of kidney biopsies performed before and some time after ERT has been initiated, and this is what we are focusing our study efforts on. The purpose of this study is to obtain your permission to allow us to study the kidney biopsy tissues (collected for medical reasons) after the regular routine studies have been completed. Through our special research measurements and additional study, we hope to be able to see and measure very specific changes in the kidney tissues from Fabry patients taking ERT. We also hope that through these studies of what happens within the kidney before and after starting ERT, we are able to reveal valuable information about the importance of factors like your age that you started ERT, the amount or dosage of ERT, and any differences seen between males and females.
• diagnosed with Fabry disease and a clinical decision has been made to obtain a kidney biopsy, a GFR, and urinary albumin studies
• have previously completed clinical trials which included measures of renal function and renal biopsies
• serum creatinine more than 2.5 mg/dL
• known to have a renal disease other than Fabry
Autonomic regulation of blood pressure in premature and early menopausal women
The goal of this study is to learn more about the effects of menopause on women's blood pressure and heart health. We are looking for women between the ages of 35 and 70 years to participate in the study. Participants may be pre- or postmenopausal; we are specifically interested in evaluating the influence of premature (< age 40 years) and early (< age 46 years) menopause.
• 35 to 70 years old
• experienced premature (less than 40 years old) or early (45 or younger) menopause OR
• premenopausal 35-49 years of age OR
• typical-age menopause who are between 50-70 years old
• menopause will be confirmed by report of amenorrhea for 12 months
• nicotine or tobacco use within the past six months
• have diabetes or asthma
• diagnosed significant carotid stenosis
• additional medical diagnosis (study staff will review)
• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Methodology and Development of Tobacco Related Biomarkers Methodology and Development of Tobacco Related Biomarkers, part of 'Metabolism of Carcinogenic Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines'
The purpose of this study is to better understand how tobacco and nicotine products affect our bodies. In this observational study smokers, vapers, smokeless tobacco users, nicotine replacement product users, non-users, and ex-users will be asked to provide biological samples. We will look for biological “markers” (biomarkers), or chemical changes in the body, that occur due to tobacco or nicotine exposure. Collected samples will be used for the development of biomarkers of toxicant exposure and for assessing exposure between the different groups. The intent is to eventually use these biomarkers to improve detection, prevention, and treatment strategies for tobacco-related diseases. This study will allow us to test currently used biomarkers, and to establish a biorepository (sample bank) to identify and develop new biomarkers associated with tobacco exposure and cessation. The type of samples and amount collected will depend on the specific biomarker(s) being developed or tested. Potential samples include saliva, cheek (buccal) & oral cells, blood, urine, hair, and/or nail clippings.
• 21 years or older
• Daily user of tobacco or nicotine products
• Unstable health condition
• Pregnant or nursing
Prospective quantitative kinematic assessment of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus
The purpose of this research is to better understand balance and walking in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Balance and walking problems in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus do not respond well to the typical medication treatments. This research study uses small wearable devices that attach to your clothing and can measure your body’s location while performing walking and balance tests.
• People who have dementia of sufficient severity to impair their ability to make health-care decisions
• People who have other types of Parkinson's Disease
• People who are unable to stand without help
A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
Almost 300,000 Americans with a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) suffer from reduced or complete loss of sensory and motor function, which can compromise functional independence and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to find better treatment options for improving sensation and movement after SCI/D.
• 18 to 75 years old
• incomplete or complete SCI/D of more than 3months
• medically stable.
• MRI contra-indications (stabilizing hardware is typically MRI safe)
• uncontrolled seizure disorder
• cognitive impairment and/or communicative disability (e.g., due to brain injury) that prevents following directions or learning
• ventilator dependent
• other major medical complications
• pregnant women
A person-centered employment preparation program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families
This study includes the development and evaluation of a person-centered employment preparation program for families of transition-aged youth with autism.
• between the ages of 15-25
• have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or educational eligibility for special education services under the category of autism
• verbally fluent (can speak in complete sentences and have basic conversation) and speak and understand English
• have access to WiFi and two devices with webcams
• at least one caregiver are able to commit to attending 8 90-minute virtual intervention sessions
• do not live in MN
• medical, behavioral, or mental health concerns that make it too difficult to participate in the study or that necessitates a higher level of care
Improving Spinal Cord Stimulation with ECAP
The purpose of this study will be to investigate the optimization of spinal cord stimulation with ECAPs in patients with spinal cord implants.
• medically stable as determined by the principal investigator
• scheduled to have external spinal cord stimulation
• English-speaking
• scheduled for permanent implantation without an external trial
• have a pacemakers or other neurostimulators
• women who are pregnant
An Open Label Study to Evaluate DPCP Ointment for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
The purpose of the study is two-fold. First, we will see whether treating alopecia areata with a ointment containing DPCP is safe and causes hair to regrow. Second, we will take blood and scalp biopsy samples and analyze them for biomarkers. The biomarkers in this study are molecules related to DNA that tell us whether certain genes are turned on or off. Those markers may help us predict whether or not patients respond to this type of treatment. The testing for biomarkers will also help us to better understand what causes alopecia areata. This study requires you to make forty-two (42) visits to the study site over a course of approximately four (4) months.
• diagnosis of extensive alopecia areata
• women of childbearing age must agree to use an acceptable, highly effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy
• women who are pregnant or breast feeding
• current controlled or uncontrolled infection of any type
• systemic therapy for cancer within the past five years except for adequately treated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) or Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) of the skin
• additional medical conditions, treatments for alopecia areata, or mental health diagnosis (study staff will review)