Shepherd Center - A Catastrophic Care Hospital

In addition to research on spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis, Shepherd Center also conducts research on the following topics:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Urology
• Internal Medicine
• Chronic Pain

CURRENT UROLOGY RESEARCH (Volunteers Needed):

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the safety and efficacy of repeat treatment with two dose levels of BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) purified neurotoxin complex followed by a treatment with BOTOX® in patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity [389]

Principal Investigator: Jenelle Foote, MD

Study Description: This study involves utilizing botox to treat detrusor overactivity in neurogenic bladder. The aim is to decrease urinary leakage between intermittent catherizations and evaluate the most effective dose.

To participate in this study, you must:

• Age 18 – 80
• SCI patient must be T1 or below
• Urinary incontinence as a result of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (as identified on urodynamics) for at least 3 months.
• SCI patient must use clean intermittent catheterization for bladder mgmt

Contact: Email Nell Klein, RN, CCRP, or call 404-367-1307.

ONGOING UROLOGY RESEARCH (Volunteers not needed):

An open-label, multicenter study of augmentation cystoplasty using an autologous neo-bladder construct in subjects with neurogenic bladder following spinal cord injury [417]

Principal Investigator: Bruce Green, MD

Study Description: Shepherd Center is one of several hospitals around the US participating in a Phase II clinical trial of a bioengineered bladder called the Tengion Neo-Bladder Augment(TM). The Neo-Bladder is made from a combination of the patient's healthy cells taken from a tissue sample and grown in a Tengion laboratory. The Neo-Bladder is surgically attached to the patient's native bladder to expand its capacity. This procedure improves the patient's health by reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney damage in addition to stopping urinary leakage.

Contact: Email Nell Klein, RN, CCRP, or call 404-367-1307.