PolyHeme® Study
In May 2004, the IU/Wishard Level I Trauma Center began enrolling patients in the innovative PolyHeme® pharmaceutical research study. This study is testing the use of a blood substitute in patients with severe bleeding after a penetrating trauma such as a gunshot wound or stabbing. This product, if found effective, will decrease the dependence on blood products in trauma patients who need transfusions. Blood products are currently in a critical shortage in the United States. This study begins in the pre-hospital setting when paramedics begin the infusion of the product in the ambulance. This allows critical intervention to occur much earlier for the patient.
PROCRIT®
The IU/Wishard Level I Trauma Center is a key site for a study designed to test the effect of PROCRIT® in patients after a blunt trauma such as a car crash or fall. PROCRIT® is a medication that is currently indicated to treat anemia in patients with cancer, and the manufacturer is testing the drug’s ability to elevate hemoglobin levels in the blood of patients who suffered a femur or pelvic fracture to increase their rehabilitation outcomes after repair of their injuries.
NovoSeven®
The IU/Wishard Level I Trauma Center is one of only a few sites in the country selected to participate in the NovoSeven® Trauma Study. NovoSeven® is a medication given by injection that is currently FDA-approved to treat hemophiliacs and other patients with bleeding disorders. This study will test the drug’s ability to decrease bleeding in trauma patients who are receiving transfusions of large quantities of blood products either in the Emergency Department, Operating Room, or Intensive Care Unit.
Tygacil®
In 2005, the IU/Wishard Level I Trauma Center was selected to participate in the Phase IV study of the new antibiotic Tigecycline in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. This study will enroll patients in the Intensive Care Units at both Wishard Memorial Hospital and Indiana University Hospital.