Cardiac Morphology and Function in Individuals With Autonomic Dysreflexia (NCT07456722) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Cardiac Morphology and Function in Individuals With Autonomic Dysreflexia
Switzerland48 participantsStarted 2026-05-01
Plain-language summary
This case-control study aims to investigate left ventricular remodeling in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) (≥10 years) and autonomic dysreflexia (AD) who have no prior cardiovascular history. The primary objective is to compare cardiac changes between 24 individuals with high-level SCI/D (above Th6) who have AD and 24 individuals with low-level SCI/D (below Th10) who do not have AD. A secondary objective examines how factors such as age, sex, injury duration, and physical activity are associated with cardiac remodeling.
All 48 participants will undergo cardiac MRI as well as blood measurement of B-type natriuretic peptid to assess cardiac morphology and function. The findings could shed light on a potentially underestimated cardiovascular risk factor in the SCI/D population.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* adults aged 18 years or older
* long-term (\>10 years), motor-complete SCI/D (AIS A and B)
* Group A (24 individuals): high-level (\>Th6) SCI/D and autonomic dysreflexia
* Group B (24 individuals): low-level (\<Th10) SCI/D without autonomic dysreflexia
* signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* congenital heart defects
* valvular disease(s)
* cardiomyopathy
* medium to severe arrhythmia
* myocardial infarction
* comorbidities causing morphologic heart changes including primary hypertension, aortic stenosis
* comorbidities causing arterial hypertension
* use of anti-hypertensive treatment
* smokers
* individuals after sacral deafferentation surgery
* pregnancy
* active implanted medical devices
* claustrophobia
* inability to comply with the measurement procedures
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.