Clinical Research Directory

Frequency and Complications of Major Orthopedic Procedures in Medicare Beneficiaries

Background: \- Orthopedic procedures are common in the United States. These include joint replacement and spine surgeries. Researchers want to study data about these procedures over time. They want to see if treatment has gotten better. They also want to find ways to change the care that people get before and after they have these procedures. These changes may lower the risk of problems people can have during and after treatment. They may also improve people s results. Objectives: \- To study a series of questions about surgery, medicine, treatments, and outcomes for orthopedic procedures. Eligibility: \- Data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 1999 to 2015. Design: * Researchers will look at data for people ages 20-100. * No new participants will be used in this study. * The study will last 6 years.

Evaluation of Serum IL-41 Level in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic inflammatory diseases within the spectrum of spondyloarthritis, characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and progressive functional impairment. Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) is a novel adipomyokine with potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its role in spondyloarthritis remains incompletely understood. This study aims to evaluate serum Metrnl levels in patients with PsA and AS compared with healthy controls and to investigate their association with disease activity, inflammatory markers, and clinical manifestations. The findings may provide insights into the potential role of Metrnl as a biomarker of disease activity and inflammation in spondyloarthritis.

Assessment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Ankylosing Spondylitis

investigators hypothesized that peripheral neuropathy in ankylosing spondylitis is associated with higher disease activity, greater central sensitization, worse functional impairment, and poorer quality of life.

Modeling Spinal Mobility in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Towards New Telekinetic Biomarkers

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that mainly affects the spine and pelvis in its axial form. It is responsible for chronic inflammatory pain and sometimes ankylosis with significant functional retention. Clinicians need markers capable of precisely measuring the restriction of range of motion in these patients, reflections of the activity and/or sequelae of the disease. The Inverstigators validated movement markers in the AS by a device including inertial sensors (XSENS) and computer modeling. The accuracy and repeatability of the XSENS-Awinda system compared to the reference measurement system have been demonstrated. The XSENS-Awinda device offers new real-time evaluation possibilities for quantitative gait analysis. This opens the way to new diagnostic tools, prognostics and therapeutic perspectives for the clinician.

Safety and Efficacy of Allogeneic Bone Marrow MSCs in Ankylosing Spondylitis

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if allogeneic human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CG-BM1) are safe and show preliminary efficacy in treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It will also explore the appropriate dose of CG-BM1. The main questions it aims to answer are: What medical problems (adverse events) do participants have when taking CG-BM1? (Safety and tolerability) Does CG-BM1 improve disease activity, pain, and function in patients with AS? (Preliminary efficacy) Researchers will compare CG-BM1 to a placebo (an inactive substance that looks like CG-BM1) in the second phase of the study to see if CG-BM1 works for AS. This study has two phases: Phase 1 (dose-escalation): Open-label, single-arm. Participants will receive one of three escalating doses of CG-BM1 weekly for 4 weeks. Phase 2 (dose-expansion): Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. Participants will receive either the recommended dose of CG-BM1 or a placebo weekly for 4 weeks, in addition to standard background therapy (celecoxib). Participants will: Receive CG-BM1 or placebo via intravenous infusion once a week for 4 weeks Visit the clinic for follow-up assessments at Week 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 after the first infusion Undergo physical exams, laboratory tests (blood and urine), and complete questionnaires about disease activity, pain, and function (e.g., BASDAI, VAS, ASAS response criteria)

Impact of Air Pollution on the Course of Inflammatory Rheumatism

The objective of this study is to see if there is a link between air pollution and inflammatory rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) To do this, the investigators are going to follow a cohort of about 200-400 patients for 6 months by means of a self-questionnaire, which the investigators ask the patient to fill in once a week on a fixed day, and opposite the corresponding week to put the letter corresponding to the question concerning the activity of your disease: 3 possible answers: A: no flare-up, B: short flare-up of 1 to 3 days, C: persistent flare-up of more than 3 days Then the investigators will collect the questionnaire at the end of these 6 months and at each visit to the consultation or day hospital (on average every 4 to 6 weeks), and they will look to see if any relapses have occurred. At the same time the investigators will calculate the disease activity score (DAS or BASDAI) to have an objective score. Then in parallel they will look at the level of exposure to air pollution according to the place of residence and work of each patient. The hypothesis is that air pollution has an influence on the activity of inflammatory rheumatism.

A Study to Evaluate the Long-term Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Bimekizumab in Subjects With Active Axial Spondyloarthritis Including Ankylosing Spondylitis and Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the long-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of bimekizumab in patients with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA, also known as radiographic axSpa (r-axSpA)) including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpa).

Testing of an Educational Tool for Patients With Melanoma and Pre-Existing Autoimmune Disease Who Are Candidates for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

This study learn how easily patients can use an educational tool that will be created for patients with melanoma and pre-existing autoimmune diseases who receive or will receive immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs. Patients will be asked their opinions about the design, accessibility, and content of the tool. Researchers will use the information collected to improve the educational materials that will help patients make future decisions about their treatment.

Vilamakitug in Spondyloarthritis Placebo-controlled Investigation for Efficacy

The goal of this clinical trial is to find out if the study drug will work as a new therapy for axSpA patients. This study is placebo-controlled, and evaluates if study drug can treat symptoms of axSpA, including global disease activity, pain, function and inflammation.

Neuropathic Spinal Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis

The aim of this study is to investigate prevalence of neuropathic spinal pain in AS patients and it's impact on sleep quality. Moreover effects of neuropathic pain on quality of life and fatigue will be assessed.

Neuropathic Spinal Pain Descriptors in Ankylosing Spondylitis

The investigators have aimed to explore and interpret the neuropathic pain (NP) descriptors of spinal pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). For this purpose they have attempted to initiate a prospective, cross-sectional study with AS patients.

Clinical Trial Study on the Improved New Method of Acupotomy for AS

This study employs a randomized controlled trial methodology to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of a modified acupotomy technique in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Through ultrasound-guided localization, the operative sites are assessed to clarify the improvement effect of the modified acupotomy on disease activity in AS patients. The aim is to enhance the clinical outcomes of AS, provide evidence-based medical support for acupotomy treatment of AS, and improve the diagnosis and treatment standards for the condition.

Construct Validity and Responsiveness of EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in Patients With Inflammatory Joint Disease

The aim of this study is to compare the construct validity (convergent validity and known-groups validity) and responsiveness of EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in patients with inflammatory joint disease. The study is based on prospectively collected data through the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ).

Employment and Arthritis: Making it Work

The investigators plan to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of an on-line eLearning program (entitled Employment and Arthritis: Making it Work) designed to help people with inflammatory arthritis stay employed. The program also includes assessments with 1) an occupational therapist, and 2) a vocational rehabilitation counsellor at the end of the program to help participants identify and obtain necessary changes at work. People from three provinces will be recruited from collaborators' patient and program recipient lists. The study group will receive the program intervention and the control group will receive "usual care" and printed educational material. All participants will be followed for five years. The effectiveness of the program at improving at work productivity and reducing work cessation will be evaluated compared to a control group receiving printed material on employment and arthritis.

Clinical Trial Study on the Improved New Method of Acupotomy for AS

This study employs a randomized controlled trial methodology to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of a modified acupotomy technique in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Through ultrasound-guided localization, the operative sites are assessed to clarify the improvement effect of the modified acupotomy on disease activity in AS patients. The aim is to enhance the clinical outcomes of AS, provide evidence-based medical support for acupotomy treatment of AS, and improve the diagnosis and treatment standards for the condition.

Progression of Spinal Fusion in Ankylosing Spondylitis

This study will evaluate: 1) whether computed tomography (CT) scanning is better than regular x-rays for measuring changes in the stiffness, or fusion, of the spine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis; and 2) if CT can be used to determine how fast extra bone forms in the spine of these patients. Better ways to measure spinal fusion are needed to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines in slowing or stopping its progression. CT uses x-rays to provide detailed pictures of the inside of the body and are valuable for detecting spinal abnormalities because of the precision with which it can show these structures. For the procedure, the patient lies on a table that moves into a large, donut-shaped scanner that can move around the body to take pictures at different angles, which are viewed on a computer monitor. Patients 18 years of age and older with ankylosing spondylitis who are not currently taking or planning to receive treatment with anti-TNF alpha medications (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab) for 1 year may be eligible for this study. Participants have eight clinic visits, scheduled at study entry and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 48 months, at the NIH Clinical Center for the following procedures: * Clinical assessment (all visits) - includes medical history and physical examination, measurement of spine flexibility with a tape measure and protractor, symptoms questionnaire * Blood tests for measures of inflammation, including red blood cell sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level (all visits) * Urine pregnancy test in women of child-bearing age (visits 1, 4, 7, 8) * X-rays of the pelvis, low back, and neck (visits 1, 4, 7) * X-ray of the low back (visit 8) * CT scan of the low back (visits 1, 4, 7) * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the low back (visits 1, 4) - MRI combines a powerful magnet with an advanced computer system and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed pictures of organs and tissues. The patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field, wearing earplugs to muffle loud noises that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields. He or she can speak with a staff member via an intercom system at all times during the procedure. During the scan, a contrast dye (gadolinium) is injected into the bloodstream through a catheter (plastic tube inserted in a vein) to brighten the images. In addition, participants will complete a symptoms questionnaire by mail every 4 months for 2 years between visits 7 and 8.

Impact of Low Back Pain Phenotypes on Function and Quality of Life in Ankylosing Spondylitis

This study aims to better understand different types of low back pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Low back pain is a common problem in these patients and may affect daily activities and quality of life. A total of 200 patients with ankylosing spondylitis who have had low back pain for at least three months will be included in the study. Participants will be evaluated during a single visit. The study will assess pain severity, physical function, and quality of life using standard questionnaires. It will also examine how different pain types are related to these outcomes. The results of this study may help improve the understanding of pain in ankylosing spondylitis and support better patient management.

A Study to Evaluate the Safety of Remsima® SC in the Treatment of RA, AS, PsA and Ps

This is an observational, prospective cohort study to evaluate the safety of Remsima® SC in the treatment of RA, AS, PsA and Ps.

Real-world Study on Secukinumab Effectiveness in Biologic-naïve Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Patients in Korea.

This is an observational study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in participants with AS who have never used TNFi, JAKi, or IL-17i drugs before.

Rheumatology Patient Registry and Biorepository

To facilitate clinical, basic science, and translational research projects involving the study of rheumatic diseases.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

The goal of this observational study is to measure the serum level of cytokines IL-17, IL-38,IL-41, and gene expression of HLA-B27 gene in ankylosing spondylitis patients and healthy control group. The main question it aims to answer is: Does the disease activity, severity, serum level of cytokines (IL-17, IL-38, and IL-41) are affected by the HLA-b27 gene positivity? Researchers will compare the serum level of cytokines IL-17, IL-38,IL-41, and gene expression of HLA-B27 gene in ankylosing spondylitis patients and healthy control group to see if there significant differences in serum levels of interleukins 17, 38, 41 in AS patients and healthy control group. .

Expression of Tim-3 on Neutrophils in Ankylosing Spondylitis

1. To investigate the expression of Tim-3 on neutrophils in ankylosing spondylitis patients and its correlation with disease activity and inflammatory markers. 2. Association of Tim-3 with sacroiliac MRI findings and the hip inflammatory MRI scoring system (HIMRISS) .

Skin Autofluorescence Assessment of Advanced Glycation End Products in Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions that can lead to long-term tissue damage and increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful molecules that accumulate in the body over time and are known to promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased AGE burden has been implicated in several chronic diseases; however, its role in rheumatic diseases has not been fully clarified. This observational, cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the accumulation of AGEs in patients with various rheumatic diseases compared with healthy individuals. AGE levels will be assessed non-invasively using skin autofluorescence measurements. By comparing AGE burden between patients and healthy controls, this study seeks to improve understanding of the potential role of AGEs in the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases and to explore their usefulness as a non-invasive biomarker in clinical practice.

Efficacy and Safety Study of Jaktinib in Subjects With Active Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS)

This is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, efficacy and safety study of Jaktinib in subjects with active Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS).