Study of Arthritis and Related Conditions

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions and the course of these diseases. Patients in this study will not receive treatment, but may be offered participation in a treatment protocol if an appropriate study is available.

Official Title

Studies of the Pathogenesis and Natural History of Arthritis and Related Conditions

Conditions

– Arthritis- Synovitis

Study Type

Observational

Study Design

Synovitis

Further Details

Children and adults of all ages with known or suspected arthritis are eligible for this study. Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures: -Medical history and physical examination- Measurements of weight and height- Blood sample collections for clinical and research purposes- X-rays of hand, feet or other affected joints, if x-rays have not been taken in the past 3 months and are medically indicated- Magnetic resonance imaging (in some patients) to assess disease or study the usefulness of this diagnostic method for arthritis patients – Quality of life questionnaires- Stride analyzer test (children only) – computer system analysis of walking speed and pattern- Hand functional test (children only) – detailed study of hand function- Walk/run time (children only) – measurement of distance the child can walk or run in 9 minutes (heart rate and blood pressure are taken before and after the test) -Synovial biopsy (in some patients) – removal of a sample of tissue from the synovium (lining of the joint) for evaluation under the microscope. The procedure is done under local anesthetic. This research protocol will recruit patients with arthritis and related conditions for the purpose of screening patients for treatment protocols, and evaluating the natural history of arthritis and related conditions. Patients will be evaluated clinically, radiographically and serologically, and standardized data will be uniformly collected on all patients. Additional imaging using sensitive MRI methods will be obtained in some patients. The collected blood and tissue will be utilized for laboratory studies to continue research on the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune joint diseases. Data from the history and physical examination as well as several disability questionnaires in the adult and pediatric population will be used to phenotypically characterize these patients and assess outcome and functional status. Any medical care recommended or provided to the patients will be consistent with routine standards of practice and provided in consultation with the patient’s referring physician.

Study Start

Eligibility & Criteria

Genders Eligible for Study: Both Criteria INCLUSION CRITERIA:No age limits.History of inflammatory synovitis of at least one or more swollen joints.Patient’s ability and willingness to give informed consent or in the pediatric patients, the parent’s willingness to give informed consent and the patient’s willingness to assent to the protocol whenever possible.EXCLUSION CRITERIA:None if patients fulfill inclusion criteria.

Total Enrolment

999

Contact Details

[1] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) (US)