Clinical trials

This prospective randomised pilot feasibility study will compare single-fraction radiotherapy (8 Gy × 1) with multifraction radiotherapy (20 Gy in 5 fractions) for the palliation of painful bone metastases. The study will evaluate pain response at 4 weeks following radiotherapy, together with feasibility, treatment compliance, toxicity, pain flare, retreatment, patient convenience and resource utilisation. The study will generate preliminary data to inform the design of a future definitive randomised trial.

The goal of this study is to establish and examine the efficacy of using a Telestroke network in Oman to facilitate using emergent thrombolysis for patients with acute ischemic stroke encountered in selected peripheral hospitals. It is proposed to establish a TeleStroke network involving two central hospitals in Muscat linked to three to five peripheral hospitals in Oman which currently have access to CT scans and basic infrastructure for management of AIS patients- but do not have a Neurology service. Selected staff from Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine departments, Nursing, Technical service and support staffs will be trained in the process of assessment and management of AIS patients including the use of IV alteplase or tenecteplase. They will also be trained in timely access of a Neurologist on call at the central hospital(s) using a TeleStroke network. The Neurologist would conduct a Telestroke based clinical assessment of the AIS patient, review imaging and laboratory results in a timely manner and advice the medical team at the peripheral hospital regarding administration of IV alteplase/tenecteplase. The main purpose of such consultation would be to recognize eligible patients for administration of IV thrombolysis safely at the earliest opportunity within 4.5 hours, leading to increased rates of such thrombolysis with expected improved outcomes. Outcomes would be compared among 100 patients with AIS managed across these 5 hospitals prior to initiation of the practice of thrombolysis and at least 100 patients treated each with IV alteplase using TeleStroke Consultation with Neurologist. Demonstration of efficacy of TeleStroke based stroke thrombolysis would lead to effective implementation of this practice in Oman.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool used to manage diseases of the pancreatic and biliary systems. During the procedure, an upper endoscope is used to reach the major duodenal papilla, and a contrast material is injected into the ducts for radiologic imaging. In an endoscopic sphincterotomy, a specialized knife cuts the biliary sphincter to treat papilla conditions or facilitate therapeutic interventions. The most common complication following an ERCP is pancreatitis, carrying an incidence rate of 3.5% to 9.7%. Standard preventive strategies currently include careful patient selection, rectal administration of NSAIDs (like indomethacin or diclofenac), aggressive intravenous hydration, and pancreatic stent placement. The Innovation: Flushing the ampulla with ice-cold water after a sphincterotomy is a safe,easy, and cost-effective evolving intervention. While initial data demonstrates its safety,there is a clear deficiency in multicenter randomized trials assessing its overall clinical effectiveness, and no such studies have been conducted in the Gulf region. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ice-cold water flushing ofthe ampulla after endoscopic sphincterotomy in reducing the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Beta-thalassemia major is a chronic hereditary blood disorder that requires lifelong treatment, including regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Poor adherence to treatment remains a significant challenge and may lead to iron overload and related complications. Self-efficacy is an important factor influencing patients' ability to adhere to treatment recommendations. This study aims to evaluate the effect of nurse-delivered Motivational Interviewing (MI) on treatment adherence and self-efficacy among Omani adults with beta-thalassemia major. A pre-experimental one-group repeated-measures design will be used. Approximately 45 participants will be recruited from the Oman National Center for Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation and Royal Hospital in Muscat, Oman. Participants will receive three individualized MI sessions over a period of six to eight weeks. Treatment adherence and self-efficacy will be assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of the intervention, and at three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include serum ferritin level and frequency of thalassemia-related hospital admissions. The findings will provide evidence regarding the usefulness of motivational interviewing in improving adherence-related outcomes among adults with beta-thalassemia major.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of 4mg and 8mg dexamethasone administered submucosally in reducing postoperative pain after dental implant surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 4mg dexamethasone, 8mg dexamethasone, or a placebo (normal saline) at the surgical site. Later, postoperative pain will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale at 6 hours after the surgery and daily for the next 6 days. Also the number of pain-relief tablets consumed after the surgery will be recorded. Preoperative anxiety will be assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire to assess its association with postoperative pain scores. The results of this study will help determine the optimal dose of dexamethasone that is effective for postoperative pain control following dental implant surgery.

This project aims to examine the effects of six-month treatment with selective SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with end-stage kidney disease on chronic peritoneal dialysis. Methods: A prospective, open label, single-arm interventional clinical trial, will conduct at Nizwa Hospital from March 1st, 2026, to August 31th , 2026, and includes thirty (30) end-stage kidney disease diabetic and non-diabetic patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis, will receive selective SGLT2i Dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily (OD). Clinical and laboratory parameters will be assessed at baseline, then three and six months after drug initiation. The primary outcomes are:1- change in ultrafiltration volume, 2- change in Kt/V (dialysis adequacy), 3. Change in the mean 24-hour urine volume.

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the use of usual verbal counseling supported by a video illustration comparing to the use of usual verbal counseling alone prior to obtaining spinal fluid ( Lumbar puncture - LP ) procedure, from children suspected to have brain infection in the Emergency department settings. This trial is trying to answer if use of video illustration is associated with higher acceptance rate for the procedure by the parents of children who are suspected to have brain infection (meningitis) in the pediatric emergency room settings at a tertiary hospital. Who is suitable to participate? Parents/legal guardians of all children aged between 1day to 12 years, who are suspected to have brain infection (meningitis) attending the Pediatric emergency room at the Royal Hospital. Participants will: Be counseled using verbal snd video method = Intervention group OR verbal method only = Control group The Researchers will collect the acceptance rate in performing LP in both groups.

The purpose of this study is to assess the level of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among nurses working at Ministry of Health hospitals. It will also examine the significant demographics, work-related contributing factors, and the impact of a mindfulness self-care program on nurses' compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction level.