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The following article appears in the October 1997 issue of Outspoken and is reprinted here with permission from The Robson Clinic and The Canadian Paraplegic Association of Ontario. A spotlight on the Charles J. Robson Clinic, Lyndhurst Spinal Cord Centre

A Review on Research

This article intends to update you with some of the interesting projects the Robson Clinic is involved with.

Cranberry Study

Several issues ago, we wrote about the benefits of using Cranberry extract capsules for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTI). Dr. R. MacMillan, W. Lear (medical student) and myself, Jan Pelletier, developed a research proposal to evaluate the benefits of using cranberry extract (Cranex) to reduce the incidents of UTI. One of the first things we need to do to initiate this project is to recruit "subjects". We are looking for 50 candidates who have had a spinal cord injury, and are currently troubled with urinary tract infections. We are looking for candidates preferably who are located in the Toronto or GTA. Those individuals who use an indwelling catheter as their method of bladder management will be excluded. If you are interested in participating in this project and think that you may be eligible, please give us a call!
 

Microwave Study

For the past year, the Robson Clinic has been working on a project with Dr. S. Richardson, Microbiologist at the Hospital for Sick Children, studying the effect of using a microwave oven to eliminate five tough microorganisms from plastic urinary catheters. This project was funded through the Research Seed Fund Competition at Lyndhurst Hospital. We are pleased to report that the study is now completed and is in the final stage of data analysis. It is too soon to provide details, however we can say that we were able to gain very interesting information that we hope will also be quite valuable. Another way of reducing the incidents of UTI!
 

Capsacin Study

Dr. Hassouna has developed this protocol which involves the use of a new drug, Capsacin, instilled into the bladder to reduce its hyperactivity. Capsacin acts through denervation of some of the sensory nerve fibres involved in bladder hyperactivity. More information will be provided as this project develops.
 

Vibro Stimulation

We are currently developing a protocol to evaluate the use of vibro-stimulation for fertility in men with spinal cord injuries. One of the outcomes we will be exploring will be the potential for home insemination. The Canadian Spinal Research Organization has indicated an interest in this project and has provided direction and support, as well as the possibility of funding this project.
 
 
 

We will keep our Outspoken readers updated with research news as it develops. For further inquiries contact the Robson Clinic @ (416) 597-3422 ext. 6218.
 
 

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