Clinical trials

Many families of young children with autism in India wait a long time for a diagnosis and specialist therapy, and receive little structured guidance on how to help their child at home. PRIME-ASD is a 12-week programme in which a trained therapist coaches parents or other main caregivers to use simple, play-based activities within everyday household and cultural routines to support their child's social interaction, communication, emotions, behaviour, sensory responses and thinking skills. This study will test whether PRIME-ASD, added to usual care, reduces autism symptoms more than usual care alone. A total of 188 children aged 2-9 years with autism attending AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive PRIME-ASD plus usual care or usual care alone. Autism symptoms will be measured with the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) by assessors who do not know which group the child is in. The main comparison is at 12 weeks; the study will also look at behaviour, social maturity, whether any benefit lasts to 24 weeks, whether families can take part and find the programme acceptable, and safety. Some caregivers will be interviewed about their experience of delivering the programme at home.

Patients with schizophrenia on second-generation antipsychotics have a high burden of metabolic syndrome and elevated cardiovascular risk, with few effective treatment options. This multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial evaluates whether adjunctive oral semaglutide 3 mg once daily, added to treatment as usual, reduces 10-year cardiovascular risk (QRISK3) and improves insulin resistance, lipids, weight and metabolic biomarkers over 24 weeks compared with placebo, while confirming psychiatric safety and tolerability.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which treatment works better to help people with treatment-resistant depression stay well after they improve with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment. It will also learn about the safety of maintenance rTMS and maintenance quetiapine. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does maintenance rTMS help prevent depression from returning better than maintenance quetiapine? Do participants receiving maintenance rTMS have greater improvement in depression symptoms over time than those receiving maintenance quetiapine? What side effects or medical problems occur with each treatment? Researchers will compare maintenance rTMS with maintenance quetiapine after all participants have completed the initial course of rTMS. Participants will: Receive an initial course of rTMS. Be randomly assigned to receive either maintenance rTMS or maintenance quetiapine. Attend regular follow ups to assess depression symptoms with MADRS , assess overall improvement by CGI , and any side effects. Provide blood samples at selected visits to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that may be be linked to recovery from depression. Be followed for several months to monitor whether their depression returns and how well they continue to improve.

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial compares three brain stimulation approaches-accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aITBS), high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS), and sham stimulation-for treating cognitive deficits in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Ninety patients receiving clozapine will be randomized 1:1:1 to receive 20 sessions over 4 weeks targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The primary outcome is change in cognitive function measured by B-CATS score at 2, 4, and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include social cognition, symptom severity, brain metabolism (FDG-PET), and inflammatory biomarkers.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the changes in body composition in morbid obese patients following bariatric and metabolic surgery Secondary Objectives: 1. To assess changes in BMR in obese patients following bariatric surgery 2. To evaluate muscles strength and muscle performance parameters in obese patients following bariatric surgery 3. To assess change in inflammatory and metabolic parameters following bariatric surgery In this study, morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery will be assessed at baseline and followed by 3rd and 6 months to evaluate various physiological and biochemical changes. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, BMI, and waist-hip ratio will be recorded. Body composition will be assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), which will provide data on percentage body fat (PBF), segmental muscle mass (SMM), segmental fat mass (SFM), and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Basal metabolic rate (BMR) will also be measured through BIA. Muscle strength will be evaluated using a hand grip dynamometer, while muscle performance will be assessed via gait speed using the 6-meter walk test. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) will be analyzed. Additionally, metabolic parameters including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile will be measured to understand the systemic effects of the surgery.

Depression is a common illness that can affect a person's mood, sleep, energy, ability to work, and overall quality of life. While medicines are available to treat depression, many people do not get complete relief from their symptoms. This study will evaluate whether adding a magnesium supplement in the form of magnesium bisglycinate to regular antidepressant treatment can help improve symptoms of depression. Adults with depression who are already receiving treatment will be randomly assigned to receive either magnesium bisglycinate or a placebo (an inactive substance) along with their usual medication. The study will compare the two groups to see whether the supplement leads to greater improvement in symptoms, sleep, and day-to-day functioning. Information on any side effects will also be collected. The findings may help determine whether magnesium bisglycinate can be used as a safe and affordable additional treatment for people with depression.

RCT to compare the surgical success in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy with intraoperative Mitomycin-C (0.4 mg/ml) Vs Hyaluronic acid 1% (1ml) as adjuvant, To compare the complication rates and wound healing patterns in each group, To Compare change in tear MMP-9 levels from preoperative (within 1 week before surgery) to postoperative (6 weeks after surgery) , To compare the comfort levels of patients in each group.

Study Description This prospective cohort study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of pre-neoadjuvant tumor localization using skin tattooing, with or without radiopaque clips, in patients with biopsy-proven T2-T3 breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis. Eligible patients will undergo tumor localization in the supine position with the ipsilateral arm abducted to 90°. Palpable tumor margins will be marked with sterile tattoo ink, and deep or mobile tumors will receive additional localization with ultrasonography-guided radiopaque clips. Following localization, patients will receive standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor response will be monitored clinically and radiologically. Post-therapy, the tattoo markings and/or clips will guide breast-conserving surgery. Primary outcomes include feasibility of breast conservation, achievement of negative margins (R0 resection), and avoidance of mastectomy, while intraoperative technical challenges will also be documented.

The goal of this clinical trial is to find the most effective and safe medical treatment for Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (GLM) - a rare, chronic inflammatory breast disease that affects young and middle-aged women, often following childbirth. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does an antibiotic regimen (clarithromycin, ofloxacin, rifaximin) lead to faster and complete healing (Complete Clinical Response) compared to steroids? Do steroids (prednisolone in tapering doses) provide better symptom control or cause more side effects? Researchers will compare the antibiotic group (Group A) and the steroid group (Group B) to see which treatment results in quicker recovery, fewer side effects, and lower recurrence rates. Participants will: Receive a 14-day antibiotic trial initially (screening phase). If no improvement, be randomly assigned to: Group A (Antibiotic therapy) - Clarithromycin, Ofloxacin, Rifaximin for 8 weeks, or Group B (Steroid therapy) - Prednisolone in tapering doses for 8 weeks. Undergo evaluation after 2 months: If not fully recovered, receive Methotrexate + Folic acid for another 8 weeks. If still no improvement, switch to the alternate treatment or undergo surgery if required. Attend regular follow-ups for 6 months for clinical assessment and monitoring of side effects. This 2-year study aims to develop a standardized, step-by-step treatment protocol for GLM, helping improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary surgeries for affected women.

This observational study aims to learn about the correlation between the improving comorbidities associated with obesity after MGB (Mini-Gastric Bypass) surgery and changes in body composition in morbidly obese patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: To study the correlation between the improving comorbidities associated with obesity after MGB(Mini-Gastric Bypass) surgery and changes in body composition. Other objectives are: * Changes in the parameters of the metabolic syndrome after surgery * Changes in the cardiovascular risk biomarkers after metabolic surgery * Emergence in complications arising out of surgery requiring any intervention or causing a prolonged hospital stay, or requiring additional outpatient visits. Type of Study: An observational study in which participants with morbid obesity will undergo mini-gastric bypass surgery as per routine protocol. No separate experimental interventions will be done in the study for the participants.

Many of the patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) either fail to achieve complete remission or experience frequent relapses with conventional topical corticosteroid therapy, which is currently the mainstay of treatment. Long-term corticosteroid use is limited by local and systemic adverse effects, and many patients develop steroid resistance or intolerance. To overcome these limitations, combination therapy with agents having complementary mechanisms may improve therapeutic outcomes, reduce steroid requirements, and minimize associated adverse effects. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK1/JAK3) inhibitor, modulates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, thereby reducing inflammatory cytokine production involved in OLP pathogenesis. Preliminary case series and pilot trials have shown promising results with tofacitinib in OLP. However, to date, no randomized controlled trial has evaluated the efficacy and safety of add-on oral tofacitinib with standard topical steroid therapy in OLP. Hence, investigators considered tofacitinib to be a candidate drug for add-on therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Adding tofacitinib to ongoing topical triamcinolone therapy may increase the response rate, reduce adverse drug reactions by lowering steroid dose requirements, or achieve a quicker therapeutic effect. Therefore, the present randomized controlled trial has been planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral tofacitinib as an add-on therapy in patients with OLP.

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is marked by persistent physical complaints, often involving pain, alongside excessive thoughts or behaviors related to health, which substantially disrupt daily functioning. The underlying mechanisms of SSD are multifaceted. The serotonin hypothesis links low serotonin levels to the development of somatic symptoms, while the cortisol hypothesis highlights dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with chronic stress often associated with hypocortisolism. Furthermore, the neuroinflammatory hypothesis suggests that cytokine-driven inflammation and activation of glial cells may intensify pain and somatic symptoms, exacerbating patient outcomes. Challenges such as limited acceptance of the diagnosis, resistance to treatment among patients and caregivers, and societal stigma further hinder effective management. Currently, treatment options lack definitive efficacy, with pharmacological interventions primarily targeting serotonin pathways. There is limited exploration of therapies addressing mechanisms like cortisol dysregulation and neuroinflammation. Commonly used medications include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with prescribing decisions often based on physician discretion and patient tolerance rather than clear evidence favoring one class over another. The proposed study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Dosulepin (a TCA) and Venlafaxine (an SNRI) in managing SSD patients with predominant pain. By evaluating their impact on symptom severity, quality of life, and biomarkers such as serum cortisol and TNF-alpha levels, this research seeks to enhance understanding of SSD treatment. The findings aim to address gaps in SSD pharmacotherapy and contribute to improved patient care strategies.

This study is designed to test the safety and effectiveness of a plant-based supplement called Prosman™ (made from Prunus domestica extract) for men with symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a common non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes urinary problems in older men. Key Points: Purpose: The main goal is to see if Prosman™ can improve prostate health, hormone levels, and quality of life in men aged 40 to 60 who have BPH symptoms. How the Study Works: 38 men will be randomly assigned to take either Prosman™ or a placebo (a dummy pill) every day for 8 weeks. The study is randomized and controlled, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers know who is getting Prosman™ or the placebo. Measurements: Prostate health will be measured using a symptom score. Blood tests will check hormone levels and other health markers. Quality of life will also be tracked. Safety: The study will monitor for any side effects or health problems during the trial. Why It Matters: Current medications for BPH can have unwanted side effects, so there is interest in plant-based alternatives like Prosman™, which may offer benefits with fewer risks. The study follows strict ethical guidelines to protect participants' privacy and safety. Data will be kept confidential, and participants can leave the study at any time.

Given that testosterone is a key modulator of muscle protein synthesis and overall anabolic response to resistance training, any natural intervention that boosts testosterone levels could logically contribute to improved exercise performance, lean muscle gain, and subjective vitality. 13 However, despite encouraging preclinical and ethnopharmacological data, clinical validation of Curculigo extract in human participants-especially in the context of exercise and lifestyle enhancement-is lacking. A novel extract of Curculigo orchioides (commercially known as RhizomK™) has been developed. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study seeks to bridge this crucial gap by evaluating the efficacy and safety of RhizomK™ supplementation in healthy, physically active males. The findings of this study have the potential to substantiate RhizomK™ as a scientifically supported dietary intervention for enhancing hormonal balance, physical performance, and well-being in men who are not candidates for pharmacological therapy but are seeking to optimize their health through lifestyle and supplementation.

Percutaneous CT guided biopsy is a well-established, standard sampling technique for suspected neoplastic lesions located in peripheral region in lung parenchyma. Inconclusive results on CT guided biopsy is substantially higher in large lung lesions which are prone to cause peripheral pneumonia, atelectasis and even regional necrosis, which are hard to be distinguished from tumor on CT images. Functional imaging guided biopsy like PET/CT guided biopsy identifies areas of highest concentration of neoplastic cells and provides accurate results. Only a few studies have been done regarding PET/CT guided biopsy and studies omparing PET/CT guided and CT guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy are very few and this study would be a randomized trial comparing these diagnostic modalities in terms of diagnostic yield, diagnostic accuracy of sample and complications.

Bariatric Surgery for morbid obesity is indicated when BMI \> 40 kg/m2 without comorbidities or BMI \> 35 kg/m2 with co-morbidities. Different surgeries performed for obesity are classified as restrictive, malabsorptive, and hybrid procedures. Because laparoscopic surgery has increased the interest and growth of bariatric surgery, soaring demand for laparoscopic bariatric surgery from patients has boosted the boom in bariatric surgery worldwide. Achieving pneumoperitoneum is the initial and one of the most crucial steps in any laparoscopic surgery, giving the surgeon working space to operate on a particular organ/organ system. Usually, pneumoperitoneum is achieved either by a closed technique with a veress needle or an open technique with many variations like finger assisted or the conventional open technique. Given the excess amount of subcutaneous fat in morbidly obese patients, putting a veress needle to achieve pneumoperitoneum successfully is particularly challenging which takes a toll on the operating surgeon when he/she is trying to locate the midline one can either overshoot to cause omental emphysema or undershoot getting lost in the subcutaneous fat. It is usually done in the supra umbilical area. Sometimes, due to previous surgical scars other sites are preferred. Sonography is routinely used by radiologists with negligible radiation exposure. Anesthesiologists in the operating room have used it for many assisted procedures like central line insertion / giving nerve blocks. It can also be used in obese patients undergoing metabolic surgery to assist in creating pneumoperitoneum by a veress needle. Advantages of Intraoperative ultrasonography in this particular study : 1. To quantify the thickness of subcutaneous fat 2. To visualise the linea alba and guide the veress needle safely into the peritoneal cavity 3. Real-time visualisation of the pneumoperitoneum created 4. Avoid complications like omental emphysema, bowel or vascular injury

The pharmacological treatment options in schizophrenia developing resistance to clozapine are limited. Few studies have found ECT as beneficial in TRS, including CRS. However, literature on the role of M-ECT in maintaining the therapeutic gains of acute ECT in CRS is lacking. The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of M-ECT vs aripiprazole as an add-on to ongoing clozapine on the severity of symptom dimensions, cerebral perfusion, global functioning and cognitions in patients with CRS.

Clozapine is the only drug approved for Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia. However, it has been associated with many adverse drug reactions including agranulocytosis, myocarditis, sialorrhea, constipation, orthostasis, tachycardia. There are many factors that have impacted the use of clozapine in TRS patients including physician hesitation, patient denial, stopping of drug due to Adverse drug reactions. Although Tachycardia should not be the reason to stop clozapine, but data shows that it leads to discontinuation of drugs in significant patient population. If patient on clozapine develops tachycardia; first orthostasis, myocarditis and systemic infection should be ruled out. Tachycardia traditionally have been treated with B1 adrenergic blockers such as Atenolol. But the problem with beta blocker medications is that significant proportion develops hypotension. Recently developed Ivabradine slows heart rate via I(f) current, and is not associated with much cardiac adverse effects. Recent Clinical trials have been carried out to show its effects on Clozapine associated tachycardia which shows promising results. Some studies suggest using Ivabradine in patient population that have contraindication for beta blockers. Although both of these drugs are used widely in clinical practice, but as Ivabradine is relatively new drug there have been no head-to-head comparison with Atenolol. A recent meta-analysis tried to compare treatment efficacy in these patients, but found no studies that met their inclusion criteria. This current study attempts to make such comparison and guide further research.

This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of transcranial Alternating current stimulation (tACS) vs. transcranial Direct current stimulation (tDCS) vs. sham stimulation in chronic schizophrenia. The main question it aims to answer is: • In comparison to tDCS, can tACS improve the clinical outcome of patients with chronic schizophrenia? Participants will be randomised into 3 groups receiving either tDCS, tACS or sham stimulation and changes in psychopathology and neuro-cognition with the interventions will be compared within and between the groups. The primary outcome measure is the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), while secondary outcome measures are the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS), Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).