COVID-19 Clinical Research Archives - AZ Clinical Trials

COVID-19: Omicron

January 13, 2022 No Comments

At this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, it feels like we are navigating the different levels of a video game. Except this isn’t a video game, this is real life amid the COVID-19 pandemic. When vaccines drove the infection rates down, up popped the Delta variant. Now, the COVID-19 variant Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Why and How Viruses Mutate Viruses are constantly making copies of themselves to reproduce. Over time, random changes (mutations) occur in the copies. Most times, these mutations are so small that there’s no change in how the virus behaves. If enough mutations arise, a new variation or strain of the virus can emerge. Omicron As we are barely gaining ground on COVID-19 two years later, it’s understandable our knowledge of Omicron is minimal. We don’t yet know: How easily it spreads The severity of illness it causes How well available vaccines and medications work against it Based on the changed genetic makeup and initial observations reported in those infected, the CDC lists the following information about Omicron: The Omicron variant likely will spread more quickly than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Some treatments are likely to remain effective, while others may be less effective. Vaccinate, Get Your Booster, and Join the Fight to End COVID-19 Scientists and health officials expect that current vaccines will continue to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, it’s still possible for breakthrough infections to occur in fully vaccinated people. Vaccines have remained effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death with other variants like Delta. The emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters. Arizona Clinical Trials offers COVID-19 resources through our clinical trials. Explore your options today! Visit our website to complete the application to see if you qualify.

We are Still Your COVID-19 Resource Center

December 31, 2021 No Comments

It’s hard to believe that we were glued to our television sets two years ago, watching the growing impact of the virus we know as COVID-19. With a second virus variation on the rise, the fight to end COVID-19 endures. Arizona Clinical Trials intends to see it through like the numerous other entities that have joined forces. Until then, we are still your COVID-19 resource center. COVID-19 by the Numbers More than 277 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 5 million associated deaths globally. The United States has had more than 51 million confirmed cases and over 812,000 associated deaths. More than 70 percent of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated with vaccines available to ages 5 and up and boosters for ages 16 and older. What’s New On December 16th, the CDC made the recommendation that individuals still needing vaccination should avoid the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. This was in response to a small blood clot risk which has hospitalized 54 people and taken the lives of 9. Researchers found the Omicron variant grows 70 times faster than the delta one in the bronchial tubes. Officials are still uncertain how many boosters are necessary to effectively fight the virus. Data shows deaths from COVID-19 in 2021 surpassed deaths in 2020. Vaccine mandates prevail in some areas and meet stiff opposition in others in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. For example, a federal judge blocked a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, while the U.S Navy says that sailors forgoing the vaccine would face discharge starting in 2022. Your Resource Center for COVID-19 Though the progress remains steady, we still need your help in the fight to end COVID-19. Arizona Clinical Trials is still offering: FREE screenings for COVID-19 for those who are experiencing symptoms. Potential enrollment into COVID-19 prevention and treatment trials for healthy individuals or those with symptoms of the virus. (Participants must meet all eligibility criteria) To learn more, call us at (480) 360-4000 or visit our website today! Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-updates#12/2/21-3:09-p.m.-PST-Biden-announces-new-COVID-19-strategy https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus-right-now-2021-03-02/

If You Have PCOS, You Need to Read This

December 14, 2021 No Comments

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that encompasses excess fat accumulation, inflammation, and liver scarring, is on the rise. Multiple factors go into developing NAFLD, and it has been linked to several other conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the conditions that share a link with fatty liver disease. If you have PCOS, you need to read this. PCOS Signs and Symptoms PCOS is a hormone disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Although the cause of PCOS is not known, health experts believe that PCOS may be due to different factors working together. These factors include insulin resistance, increased levels of hormones called androgens, and an irregular menstrual cycle. Common symptoms involve: Menstrual disorders can include absent periods, periods that infrequently occur or too frequently, heavy periods, or unpredictable periods Infertility Obesity Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs Severe acne or acne that occurs after adolescence and does not respond to usual treatments Multiple tiny fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries Shared Risk Factors and Androgens PCOS causes symptoms that are also factors we know to increase the chances of NAFLD. NAFLD can progress into the NASH stage, a more severe form of fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the stage of liver disease where chronic liver inflammation begins to damage and scar it-eventually affecting its functions. Insulin resistance and obesity are both triggers for excess fat accumulation in the liver. In addition, prolonged exposure to high androgen levels may add to the problem. Androgens are typically referred to as male hormones and play a role in women’s health at lower levels. Growing research evidence shows, and without treatment, prolonged exposure to high androgen levels can lead to serious health consequences, such as: Heart disease Higher risk of liver inflammation and scarring Increased risk for liver cancer and liver failure without transplant With so many potential factors working together, it’s no wonder that having PCOS doubles your chances of liver disease. While fatty liver disease is serious, it’s possible to reverse and prevent it with diet and lifestyle changes. Eating a sensible, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly will help keep your liver healthy. Along with regular monitoring, healthier lifestyle changes help not only prevent liver disease but those already diagnosed with it. There are no FDA-approved treatments for NASH; however, potential new options are under investigation in clinical research studies. To learn more about enrolling NASH studies here at Arizona Liver Health, call us at (480) 470-4000, or visit our website today! Sources: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/menstrual-abnormalities/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

Read more in our blog about the latest NAFLD research

The Latest Research for NAFLD!

November 29, 2021 No Comments

In the medical world, we are always trying to find new ways to treat all kinds of conditions. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is a condition that we are constantly learning more about, especially in the work of clinical research. NAFLD has emerged as the most prominent cause of chronic liver disease. So what’s new in NAFLD research? Let’s find out! PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! NAFLD researchers are urging the public to take care of themselves by declaring NAFLD as a public health priority. They are realizing that the general public does not possess proper knowledge of NAFLD and they desire to change that. At the Digital NAFLD Summit 2021, researchers developed a final set of 37 consensus statements and 26 recommendations. The statements addressed a broad range of topics relevant to policymakers, practitioners, civil society groups, researchers, and affected populations. They hope that these recommendations can bring major change to NAFLD basic knowledge and prevention. Who Has a Higher Risk of Getting NAFLD? Anyone can develop NAFLD. Unfortunately, we don’t know everything about this condition. However, clinical research has provided a lot of information about who can get it or what causes fatty liver. We do know that it is more common for people that have the following factors: Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes Obesity Middle-aged or older Hispanic High levels of fats in the blood High blood pressure Take certain drugs Have certain metabolic disorders Experienced rapid weight loss Have certain infections, such as hepatitis C Were exposed to toxins NAFLD Treatment and Prevention There is no medication or vaccine approved by the FDA to treat NAFLD. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can reduce or prevent fatty liver. Common suggestions from physicians include: Losing weight Get regular exercise Eating a healthy diet that reduces salt and sugar intake Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, the flu, and pneumococcal disease NAFLD clinical research is so crucial today. We need clinical trials to develop treatments for NAFLD and you can help us. Participate in clinical trials to help the advancement in medicine for NAFLD. You can sign up for our current or upcoming studies by calling us at (480) 360-4000 or visiting our website. Sources: https://www.healio.com/news/hepatology/20210924/six-recent-reports-from-the-digital-nafld-summit-2021 https://www.healio.com/news/hepatology/20210917/researchers-deem-nafld-a-public-health-priority https://easl.eu/press-release/treatment-advances-for-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld-announced-at-ilc-2021/ https://atriumhealth.org/about-us/newsroom/news/2021/04/groundbreaking-clinical-trials-for-patients-with-nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease https://medlineplus.gov/fattyliverdisease.html

From Vaccines to Boosters

November 11, 2021 No Comments

We are a little over a month away from the first anniversary of when the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was given. Over 15 million fully vaccinated Americans later, a lot has taken place in these last 11 months. Here’s the recap from vaccines to boosters in the fight to end COVID-19. Vaccines, Efficacy, and Age Groups In the U.S., there are three vaccines currently in circulation. Several others are still under evaluation in clinical trials. Let’s look at the latest efficacy reports and which age groups are approved to take them: Pfizer- BioNTech : 2 doses, 21 days apart. Approval Status: FDA approved in August 2021 for ages 16 and up. Emergency use authorization (EUA) for ages 5-15 Effectiveness: Full effectiveness 2 weeks after 2nd 91% effective at preventing COVID-19, and 89% effective in preventing severe disease. Approved ages: Children and adults 5 and older Moderna: 2 doses, 28 days apart. Approval Status: Under EUA since December 2020. Effectiveness: Full effectiveness 2 weeks after 2nd 94% effective at preventing COVID-19, and 90% effective in preventing severe disease. Approved ages: Adults 18 and older. Johnson & Johnson: Single dose. Approval Status: Under EUA since February 2021. Effectiveness: Full effectiveness 2 weeks after single dose. 66% effective at preventing COVID-19, and 85% effective in preventing severe disease. Approved ages: Adults 18 and older. Boosters Being vaccinated is still possibly the most important way we can get past the COVID-19 pandemic. As more time passes, we continue to learn more about whether or not booster doses would be beneficial. It’s important to mention, boosters are not a new idea and do not mean anything is wrong with the vaccine. If vaccine immunity wanes after some time, a booster helps prolong protection. Several routine immunizations require booster doses, these include chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, and mumps. The CDC recommends a booster dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine 6 months after the last dose for people 65 and up. In addition, it covers residents of long-term care settings, people 18 to 64 with underlying medical conditions, and those whose work may put them at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. People with certain immunocompromising conditions can get a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines two months after completing their 2nd dose. CDC interim guidelines recommend moderately and severely immunocompromised people who received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a second dose of either an mRNA or J&J vaccine at least two months after their initial shot. Help Us End COVID-19 The fight to end COVID-19 is still ongoing. Here at Arizona Liver Health, we are looking for individuals to join COVID-19 studies looking into potential new options. We offer FREE COVID-19 testing and provide other study opportunities for healthy individuals and those diagnosed with COVID-19. Call us today to learn more at (480) 360-4000, or visit our website. Sources: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison

Liver Awareness Month

October 14, 2021 No Comments

The liver is one of the most vital organs in our bodies. It is impossible to survive without the life-sustaining functions it provides. Understandably, how well we take care of our liver impacts its ability to function properly. National Liver Awareness Month is an annual designation occurring in October to create awareness around liver health. By giving it the attention it deserves, we can stay healthy for as long as possible. Why the Liver is Important The liver is the second largest organ in your body and is located right under your rib cage on your right side. Your liver processes what you consume and breaks it down into nutrients your body uses. It also: Cleans your blood of toxins Gives you energy Produces bile for digestion Causes of Liver Disease There are over 100 different diseases that can damage the liver. Nevertheless, most damage the liver in similar ways and follow the same progression. The common causes of liver disease include: Viruses Genetics Autoimmune disease Excessive abuse of alcohol Unhealthy diet and obesity Medication side effects, illegal drugs, or toxic chemicals National Liver Awareness Month Liver disease affects from 50 million to 100 million individuals globally. Numerous diseases pose an increasing concern, such as liver cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatitis. Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America. Despite the growing prevalence, there is hope. With early detection and treatment, the progression can be stopped or reversed. Those at risk of developing liver disease can also potentially prevent its onset. Start taking care of your liver today. You can celebrate National Liver Awareness Month by taking some simple steps towards liver health, such as: Work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Eat healthier by avoiding high-calorie meals, refined carbohydrates like white bread/enriched flour, and eat a good amount of fiber. Exercise regularly up to 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day. Use alcohol responsibly. Avoid using drugs. Follow prescribed directions on all your medications. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. Are you concerned about your risk of liver disease? Arizona Liver Health can help! We offer FREE liver scans using fibroscan technology for adults at risk of developing liver disease. A fibroscan is a quick, painless way to determine liver health. Individuals whose results indicate the presence of liver disease will also have an option to learn more about our enrolling liver research studies. Schedule your appointment today! Call us at (480) 470-4000, or visit our website for more details and online request form. Sources: https://nationaltoday.com/national-liver-awareness-month/ https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-liver-awareness-month-october/ https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/

Can you stop cirrhosis before it occurs?

Catch Cirrhosis from The Start

September 29, 2021 No Comments

Cirrhosis of the liver is a progressive disease, developing slowly over many years. If allowed to continue, the buildup of scar tissue can eventually stop liver function. Because of the gradual decline, liver cirrhosis often goes undetected and unnoticed. You can potentially catch cirrhosis from the start by knowing the signs and your risk for liver disease. The Silent Organ The liver is known as a silent organ because when symptoms of liver disease become apparent, it is typically in the later stages of the disease. If you’re at increased risk of liver disease, you can work with your doctor for annual screenings and lifestyle changes to protect your liver. Risk factors include: Chronic alcohol abuse Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, and D) Fat accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) Being overweight Insulin resistance Family history Signs of Cirrhosis Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions. Each time your liver is injured, it tries to repair itself. This process causes the formation of scar tissue. As cirrhosis progresses, more scar tissue forms, eventually making it difficult for the liver to function (decompensated cirrhosis). While the damage done by cirrhosis generally can’t be undone, if diagnosed early and the cause is treated, further damage can be limited and, rarely, reversed. As scar tissue accumulates, the ability of the liver to function properly is affected. The following signs and symptoms may occur: Blood capillaries become visible on the skin on the upper abdomen. Fatigue Insomnia Itchy skin Loss of appetite Weight loss Nausea Pain or tenderness in the area where the liver is located Red or blotchy palms Weakness If you’re looking to get your liver health back on track, Arizona Liver Health can help. After all, liver health is in our name. We offer FREE fibroscans for adults at risk of liver disease to test for liver fat and fibrosis, which may lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. We also provide an opportunity to participate in one of our enrolling clinical trials to help advance the treatment of liver diseases for those with liver disease. To learn more, call us at 480-470-4000, or visit us online today! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-cirrhosis-basic-information https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172295#treatment https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487

Signs That You May Have Already Had COVID-19

September 15, 2021 No Comments

COVID-19 has affected the lives of millions of people around the world since late 2019. You can also be asymptomatic, meaning you have no symptoms but still are carrying the virus. With this in mind, a lot of people have been asking themselves if they have already had the virus because some of the symptoms are similar to the common cold. We’ve come up with a list of signs and symptoms that could indicate whether you may have already had COVID-19 without realizing it. Symptoms of COVID-19 Unfortunately, there’s no way to be 100% certain whether the bad cold you developed last season was COVID-19, but here are some possible signs that you may have already had coronavirus. Cough – Do you have a cough that won’t go away? The CDC reported over 40% of people experienced a dry cough for weeks after having COVID. Fatigue – Fatigue is one of the biggest lingering effects after COVID-19. New loss of taste or smell – Loss of taste or smell is a hallmark symptom of COVID. While it’s possible to experience this with other respiratory illnesses, If you experienced this at any point, you may have had COVID-19. Shortness of breath or trouble breathing – Lasting inflammation in the lungs can be cause for shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Other symptoms that are all associated with COVID-19 include body aches, stuffy nose or runny nose, fever or chills, headache, and sore throat. Testing for COVID-19 In addition to knowing the symptoms of COVID-19, you should know the various tests available for the virus. There are two forms of testing for COVID-19: a viral test or an antibody test. The viral test shows if you currently are carrying the virus. The antibody test shows any past exposure to COVID-19. An antibody test is not recommended to assess immunity after a COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to learn more about testing for COVID-19 and to find out where you can get tested at a testing site near you. Please note that just because you may have had these symptoms, does not mean you had COVID-19. The only sure way of knowing is by undergoing testing specifically for the COVID-19 virus. If you believe you might have COVID-19, FREE testing is available at Arizona Clinical Trials. If you know that you have COVID-19, consider looking into clinical trials that may be an option. Clinical trials are important for the future of overcoming COVID-19. Participating in a COVID-19 clinical allows you to be a part of history. Helping evaluate future treatments for COVID-19 is vital to improving the lives of those living with this virus. Are you interested in COVID-19 clinical trials or getting a free COVID-19 test? Learn more by clicking here. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/sure-signs-you-ve-already-had-covid#signs

From Liver Disease to Cirrhosis

August 26, 2021 No Comments

Cirrhosis is when the permanent scarring of the liver has replaced the healthy tissue. While cirrhosis is most often associated with chronic alcohol consumption, it is brought about by many types of liver disease. Here’s how you get from liver disease to cirrhosis. Inflammation to Fibrosis When you have liver disease, the liver enters into a perilous cycle to heal itself. The immune system sends the signal to repair cells triggering chronic inflammation and to continue depositing collagen. In a healthy liver, the collagen stiffens around the tissue, and any extra is discarded. However, with liver disease, there is no signal to stop the inflammation discarding the excess collagen. So, the inflammation and more deposits of collagen continues. This leads to more liver stiffening and the development of fibrosis. Fibrosis is when collagen and other proteins build up between the cells. This forms scar tissue which can block or limit blood flow within the liver, eventually starving and killing healthy liver cells. More scar tissue forms, and unlike healthy liver cells, it cannot function or repair itself. Fibrosis to Cirrhosis While fibrosis is reversible even into the later stages of liver disease, there is a point where the damage is too significant, and the liver can’t fix itself. No treatment can cure cirrhosis; by staying away from things that could harm your liver further, like liquor, certain drugs, and fatty food, you can help improve some of the scarrings. Treatment for individuals with cirrhosis includes managing its symptoms and treating the underlying cause to prevent liver function from worsening or liver failure. Those with cirrhosis have a high risk of developing liver cancer and eventually needing a transplant. Our livers are versatile, continuing to work even when they’ve become seriously scarred. Most individuals with liver disease do not know it until routine blood work picks it up or symptoms become present in the later stages. Talk with your doctor about preventative measures you can take if you’re at risk of liver disease. Arizona Liver Health offers FREE fibroscans for adults at risk of liver disease. A fibroscan is a quick way to determine the health of your liver and the presence of liver disease. Should your results indicate fatty liver or other liver conditions, our staff will talk with you about enrolling studies that may be an option. To learn more, call us at (480) 470-4000, or fill out a request form online today! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-cirrhosis-basic-information https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/#cirrhosis-severe-scarring

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COVID-19 Clinical Research Archives - AZ Clinical Trials

COVID-19: Omicron

We are Still Your COVID-19 Resource Center

If You Have PCOS, You Need to Read This

The Latest Research for NAFLD!

From Vaccines to Boosters

Liver Awareness Month

Catch Cirrhosis from The Start

Signs That You May Have Already Had COVID-19

From Liver Disease to Cirrhosis

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