The Columbia Otolaryngology Department is interested in understanding the intersection of vaping, smell, and taste and their impact on individuals' preferences for certain flavors. Participation will involve answering a series of questionnaires in addition to completing a formal evaluation of your smell and taste with standardized measurements. You can…
We are particularly interested in the diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome called Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Minimal Change Disease (MCD), and Membranous Nephropathy (MN). By collecting health information and laboratory samples, our goal is to learn more about diseases and find better ways to prevent and treat people with diseases.…
The use of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigs or vaping, has increased among former smokers and young adults who have never smoked. Relatively little is known, however, about their health effects (whether they are adverse, have no effect, or are beneficial). The purpose of this research study is to evaluate (1) the association of e-cig use with…
The CureGN Bone Study is a prospective study that is assessing the effects of 4-types of kidney disease on the skeleton. In order for us to determine the true effect of kidney disease on bone, we need to determine what healthy bone looks for patients who have the same age, race, sex, and body mass index as the patients with kidney disease. We are looking…
This is a four-session study in which we will be recruiting existing cigarette smokers to explore the competitive dynamics between memory encoding and memory retrieval. To participate, you will first go through a phone screening to determine eligibility and learn about the study. Then you will be asked to visit our facility at the Morningside Campus of…
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The goal is to learn whether the investigational medication may change the amount of protein in the urine and decrease proteinuria.
Kidney disease patients have a variety of severe bone disorders that result in rapid bone loss and fractures. We are doing this research study to determine relationships between bone quality determined from bone imaging and bone biopsy and by non-invasive measures from blood and skin. We are trying to identify non-invasive markers of bone quality in kidney…
This study is for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a study drug called tolvaptan. Tolvaptan continues to be studied in this trial as a possible treatment for ADPKD. ADPKD is a disease that causes kidney cysts (cyst are like fluid-filled balloons), worsening kidney…
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) can occur when patients with pre-existing kidney problems undergo procedures that use iodinated contrast media, such as cardiac catheterizations. RenalGuard Therapy was developed to enable the patient to clear the contrast out of their kidney before it can do significant damage. This study aims to enroll patients with…
The purpose of this research study is to understand the way Alport Syndrome affects patients kidneys over time. Alport syndrome is a genetic condition that causes damage to your kidneys over time. Currently there is not much information on the disease. Information about how the body is affected by the disease will be collected, along with medical and family…
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a disease in which your kidneys allow an excess amount of protein in your urine. Too much protein in the urine (also called proteinuria) is a medical condition called nephrotic syndrome. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the study drug, Acthar, in adult patients…
The purpose of this study is to survey study participants to determine their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility, and interest in understanding fertility management options. Recruited participants will be contacted via e-mail and invited to participate in online surveys and have hormone markers measured at the Columbia University Medical Center.
This research is being done to learn whether organ transplantation from HIV-positive deceased donors is as safe and effective in HIV-positive recipients as transplants from HIV-negative deceased donors. People with end-stage organ disease and HIV infection, and who qualify for organ transplantation, may join this study.
A sign of your kidney disease is the presence of too much protein in your urine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the investigational study drug abatacept can decrease the amount of protein in your urine and improve your kidney disease beyond the treatment you have received or are already receiving. Abatacept is being used in an investigational…
This clinical research study is for women between the ages of 35 and 42 years who are having difficulty becoming pregnant and who would like to receive treatment within an assisted reproductive technology (ART) program in order to become pregnant. The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigation drug called FE…
The MK-8228-002 Study is studying the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in adults with kidney transplants. The MK-8228-002 Study is evaluating an investigational medication (known as MK-8228) versus valganciclovir (VGCV). VGCV is an antiviral medication and is the current standard of care…
The purpose of this study is to assess the most adequate dose of Acthar Gel (ACTH) in patients withIgA nephropathy. Acthar Gel (ACTH) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for routine clinical use in the treatment of patients with proteinuria and patients withidiopathic nephrotic syndrome such as IgAN.