Clinical Research Directory

Dysphagia in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The primary goal of this cross-sectional study is to assess risk factors/predictors for dysphagia severity in RA. The secondary goals include demonstrating whether flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy can diagnose joint-affection-induced dysphagia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia are present among these patients. The main questions it aims to answer are * What are the predictors that are associated with dysphagia severity via flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy in rheumatoid arthritis patients? * Whether flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy can diagnose joint-affection-induced dysphagia in patients with RA? * Whether both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia are present in patients with RA?

Assessment of Nutritional Status in Rheumatic Diseases and Association to Disease Activity

The aim of the present work is to assess the nutritional status among different rheumatic diseases patients and to study its association with the corresponding diseases activity.

Ultrasound Neuroimmune Modulation in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis

This two-stage, multicenter clinical trial is designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of at-home ultrasound stimulation to activate immune-neuromodulation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and at least moderate disease activity. The study will enroll up to 40 participants at up to 6 sites across 2 stages. The findings from this trial will directly inform the design and power calculations for a future pivotal trial by identifying an appropriate effect size and confirming protocol feasibility and safety for a daily home-use therapy.

The Effect of Cold Application in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of this thesis is to examine the effects of cold application on pain, disease activity, and quality of life in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Currently, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cold therapy, are utilized less frequently than pharmacological treatments for the management of pain in inflamed joints. Cold application is anticipated to alleviate pain and consequently enhance patients' quality of life. This study seeks to improve quality of life by reducing pain in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Given its simplicity, ease of application, and low cost, this intervention may be recommended as a pain management strategy both for patients and for nurses working in clinical settings. Furthermore, the study aims to contribute to the existing literature on the subject.

Healthier: Health Coaching for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to Improve Mental Well-Being

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if peer coaching works to reduce levels of anxiety and/or depression in adults diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The main questions it aims to answer are: Do people with RA who complete the intervention with a peer coach have lower levels of anxiety and/or depression at 6 months from baseline? Do people with RA who complete the intervention with a peer coach have lower levels of anxiety and/or depression at 6 months compared to those in the control arm? Researchers will compare the peer coaching intervention to an active-control arm (where people without RA coach participants on general health and nutrition topics) to see if peer coaching works to reduce anxiety and/or depression. Participants will meet with a coach every week for 9 weeks and complete several surveys before, during and after the intervention

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.

The Coronary Artery Calcium and Troponins in Rheumatoid Arthritis (CAT-RA) Study

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have up to 2x the risk of having a heart attack compared to someone without RA. The goal of this study is to identify biomarkers that can help us do a better job of identifying individuals at risk before they develop symptoms of heart disease and start preventative treatment earlier.

Generative AI Impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications Diagnosis

Generative AI (GenAI) based on large language models (LLMs) is expected to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. We are studying how GenAI may affect the diagnosis of various complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a retrospective study using RA patients' EHR records, we will quantify physician adoption of GenAI predictions for RA complications and co-existing diseases. In a prospective observational study, we will assess the feasibility of using GenAI predictions as additional clinical information to help physicians make more complete diagnoses of RA complications and co-existing diseases, including complex, uncommon, or rare conditions.

AlloNK®, an Allogeneic Non-genetically Modified, Cord Blood-derived NK Cell Therapy, in Combination With Rituximab, Studied in Relapsing Forms of B-cell Dependent Rheumatologic Diseases.

A Basket Trial of Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Sjögren's Disease (SjD), Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) subjects to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AlloNK, a non-genetically modified allogeneic NK cell, in combination with rituximab.

Investigation Of The Effects Of Anti-Tnf-Α And Non-Tnf-Α Drugs İn Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

In RA, joint structure is damaged due to destructive inflammation in the synovium. This condition negatively affects the patient's level of physical activity. As the patient becomes more immobile, their muscle mass and strength decrease and their aerobic capacity declines. One of the drug groups used in the pharmacological treatment of RA is anti-TNF-α drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of anti-TNF-α and non-TNF-α drug treatments on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, fatigue, cardiorespiratory risk factors, and disease activity in RA patients.

A Study of CLN-978, a Subcutaneously Administered CD19-directed T Cell Engager, in Subjects With Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Phase I, open-label study of CLN-978 in patients with treatment-refractory rheumatoid arthritis.

Comparative Effectiveness of Primary Care Providers Trained in Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Versus Rheumatologist Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue; causing pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. This disease effects lots of people in the US and can lead to major joint damage if not properly treated. In rural areas like northern NY, these are underserved areas for RA patients, thus many patients struggle to get the appropriate care. This model is testing whether primary care providers (PCP) can safely and effectively provide stable RA patients with the proper treatment rather than send them to a specialist. PCPs were trained through classes, case reviews, and a final exam. Patients will be randomly assigned to either see a trained PCP or their normal rheumatologist at the rheumatology clinic. This study will examine how patients are doing over a year using medical exams and patient feedback. If this model proves to be successful, it will make RA treatment easier and more affordable for patients.

A Study of Iguratimod in Combination With Tofacitinib in RA Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis, which can cause joint pain, deformity, and extra-articular symptoms, seriously affecting the quality of life and lifespan of patients. Currently, the treatment of RA adopts a target attainment strategy, aiming to control the disease and reduce the disability rate. Although traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can alleviate symptoms, they have slow onset, many side effects, and cannot completely stop the disease progression. Among biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors have better effects, but some patients have poor responses and their conditions are not effectively controlled, thus new treatment options are urgently needed. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of iguratimod and tofacitinib in the treatment of RA patients with poor responses to traditional or biological DMARDs, providing evidence-based support for clinical treatment.

An Alternative Assessment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: 6 Minute Step Test

Although joint involvement is predominant, RA is a systemic disease that can affect many organs. RA is a disease that includes changes such as inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, increased risk of coronary and heart disease. In patients with RA, exercises should be planned for decreased muscle strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and affected normal joint movements. Aerobic exercise capacity should be measured for individualized exercise planning in rehabilitation. Bicycle ergometer, one of the aerobic capacity tests, has been used in rehabilitation for a long time. Although it is frequently used in rehabilitation, it has some disadvantages. Therefore, other tests such as the step test can be used to eliminate these disadvantages of the bicycle ergometer and to assess functional capacity. The 6-minute step test (6MST), which requires less time and space, can be used as an alternative to assess exercise capacity. Patients will be evaluated at Firat University Hospital. Patients diagnosed with RA, older than 18 years of age and with a body weight of 100 kg or less (maximum weight supported by the stepper) will be included in the study.

The Impact of Glycemic Control on Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity on Diabetic Patients

The incidence of DM is unclear in RA but most prior data suggest that DM or insulin resistance in RA has risen because of activation of the immune system and/or RA therapy . Besides, RA causes joints to become stiff, swollen, and agonizing. As a result, the patient may not want to exercise or move. One study found that 42% of people with RA are not physically active. the aim of this study is To evaluate the glycemic status among RA patients with Type 2 diabetes and its association with disease activity.

Efficacy Of Upadacitinib In Psoriatic Arthritis And Comparison To Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The general objective of the OPTIMA study is to assess the time course and interrelationship of imaging (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging), clinical, laboratory, and Patient Reported Outcome variables in patients with active Psoriatic Arthritis (any subset) and Rheumatoid Arthritis starting therapy with a Jak-Inhibitor (Upadacitinib), during the first 6 months of follow-up. Participants will be evaluated at the start of therapy with upadacitinib and during the follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment initiation. At each visit (with the exception of the 2-weeks visit), data relating to the clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and ultrasound of the affected joints will be collected according to standard clinical practice; questionnaires on disease activity will also be completed. In the case of axial involvement, a magnetic resonance imaging will be performed at baseline and after 6 months of therapy, only if required by the standard of care.