DALLAS — Aug. 29, 2006 — Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are seeking patients to participate in medical studies on hypertension and two treatments of autism. All clinical trials are approved by UT Southwestern's Institutional Review Board, which reviews them for benefits, risks, side effects and informed consent.

Hypertension
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers are seeking participants for a study of hypertension.  Participants must be post-menopausal women who have high blood pressure. The study is hoping to determine how hormone replacements affect blood pressure. Participants can not have a history of heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease or stroke. For more information, contact Debbie Arbique at 214-648-2968.

Evaluation of equine-assisted activities in autism
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are looking for patients for a 12-month study on equine assistance for children with autism. The study is for patients up to 12 years of age who have a diagnosis of autism, pervasive developmental disorders or autism spectrum disorders. Participants will be given weekly, private horse lessons where they will learn how to ride and care for a horse or pony. Study participants' parents will be asked to complete questionnaires related to their child's well-being, and a researcher will also complete a measure that examines autism symptoms. Those interested in the study should contact Dr. Janet Kern at 214-648-0159.

Whey protein concentrate supplementation in children with autism
This six-week study at UT Southwestern Medical Center is enrolling children up to 14 years of age who have a diagnosis of autism, pervasive developmental disorders or autism spectrum disorders. The study will examine the feasibility of using whey protein (the building block for glutathione, a substance found to be low in autism) as a supplement to improve the child's glutathione levels and ability to excrete toxic compounds. Scientific evidence suggests that children with autism are poor detoxifiers as compared to typically developing children. Study participants' parents will be asked to complete questionnaires related to their child's well-being, and a researcher will also complete a measure that examines autism symptoms. Please call 214-648-0159 for more information.

More clinical trials

###

Media Contact: Katherine Morales
214-648-3404
e-mail: katherine.morales@utsouthwestern.edu

To automatically receive news releases from UT Southwestern via e-mail, subscribe at www.utsouthwestern.edu/receivenews