Arthritis

Researchers are evaluating the effects of high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) in older adults with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). This randomized, double-blind clinical trial compares two treatment methods: HI-PEMF applied only to the knee joint versus HI-PEMF applied both to the knee and the quadriceps muscles. The study aims to understand pain reduction and improvement in functional performance in this population, addressing common issues such as muscle weakness and frailty associated with knee OA. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive HI-PEMF therapy focused exclusively on the symptomatic knee for 10 minutes per session, twice weekly for 5 weeks, totaling 9 sessions. Group B will receive HI-PEMF therapy applied to both the knee and the quadriceps muscle, with each site treated for 10 minutes per session under the same schedule. Both groups will also follow a standardized, home-based exercise program involving five specific strengthening and mobility exercises performed three times per week during the 5-week treatment period. The BTL-6000 Super Inductive System device is used for all HI-PEMF treatments. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, after the 5-week intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up. Researchers will measure changes in pain using the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS), functional mobility through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and lower-limb strength with the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5STS) test. Additional evaluations include monitoring paracetamol use, frailty, sarcopenia, and radiological OA grade. Adherence to treatment sessions and exercises will be closely followed, and safety monitored throughout the study, which lasts a total of about three months including follow-up.

This research aims to determine whether supplementation with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) reduces inflammation and clinical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a common autoimmune disease causing chronic joint inflammation and potential joint damage, which leads to disability and affects quality of life. The study focuses on patients with early RA who have low vitamin E intake and are already receiving standard RA treatments. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (FARMEs) plus 800 mg per day of vitamin E, while the other group will receive the same FARMEs plus a 200 mg per day magnesium oxide placebo. The supplementation lasts for one month, with participants taking two capsules daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. During the study, participants will attend clinic visits at the start and end of the supplementation period for assessments including clinical activity, blood tests measuring vitamin E levels, inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, and antioxidant capacity. They will keep a diary to track symptoms and supplement intake. Researchers will evaluate changes in vitamin E levels, clinical disease activity (DAS-28), pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase reactants, and autoantibodies to understand the impact of vitamin E supplementation on RA.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization Technique compared to proprioceptive exercises for treating adults aged 40 and above with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, classified as Grades 2 and 3 on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale. The study aims to assess these treatments over a 10-week period, focusing on pain levels, movement, functional activities, balance, and quality of life improvements. Participants are selected based on clinical diagnosis and mobility ability without assistive devices. The study involves three groups: one receiving proprioceptive exercises designed to improve balance and joint position sense, another receiving Mulligan Mobilization Technique, a manual therapy to improve joint mobility, and a control group undergoing traditional physical therapy. Each participant receives 30 treatment sessions over 10 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. Treatments are delivered by trained physical therapists, and assessments occur at the start and end of the treatment period. Participants will complete questionnaires and undergo evaluations measuring pain intensity, range of motion, functional status, and balance using tools like the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Universal Goniometer, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Berg Balance Scale. Quality of life is also assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The study follows a double-blind, randomized design to ensure unbiased results. Confidentiality is maintained, and participants may withdraw at any time without penalty.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative and inflammatory joint disease causing pain and limited mobility, affecting millions worldwide. This research evaluates the clinical results of treating patients with knee OA and chronic pain that has not improved after at least three months of conventional conservative therapy. The study focuses on selective arterial embolization as a treatment option for patients who are not candidates for or refuse surgery and suffer from refractory chronic pain. The treatment involves transarterial microembolization, which selectively targets and blocks blood vessels causing inflammation in the knee. This procedure uses micro-catheters to inject embolizing material into pathological genicular arterial branches, followed by diagnostic arteriography to confirm successful embolization. The study includes 43 patients who will undergo this procedure after providing informed consent. Patients will be followed up with clinical evaluations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment or until they drop out for other reasons. Participants will be involved in regular clinical assessments to monitor pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and other measures like quality of life (SF-36), joint function (WOMAC score), range of motion, and overall treatment assessment over two years. Researchers will also measure bilateral knee circumferences to evaluate changes. The study aims to understand the treatment's impact on pain reduction and joint function over time, with ongoing safety and progress monitoring throughout the follow-up period.

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.

Researchers are evaluating a new MRI pulse sequence called 3D DL oZTEo to detect bone erosions in the hands of patients with inflammatory arthritis. The study aims to validate this technique against current standard methods like radiography and conventional MRI, as these structural changes are important for diagnosis and treatment decisions in rheumatic conditions. This is an interventional study conducted at Mayo Clinic. Participants will have the FDA-approved oZTEo MRI pulse sequence added to their routine hand MRI scan. The oZTEo images will be anonymized and processed using a deep learning algorithm developed by GE Healthcare. This additional sequence is assessed alongside the standard MRI to compare its ability to detect bone erosions. During the study, researchers will analyze MRI scans with and without the 3D DL oZTEo sequence to determine the presence and number of bone erosions in the hand. Participants must have recent hand radiographs confirming erosions and are scheduled for hand MRI as part of their clinical care. The study measures outcomes on the day of imaging and monitors the accuracy of erosion detection.

Researchers are evaluating the use of Synolis VA 80/160, a device containing hyaluronic acid and sorbitol, in adults with hip osteoarthritis. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of this treatment over a 6-month period in patients experiencing symptoms related to this condition who have not responded well to standard pain relief treatments. The study is conducted independently across multiple centers. Participants will receive a single guided injection of Synolis VA 80/160 directly into the affected hip joint. The study monitors changes in hip function and pain using the Oxford Hip Score at various points including 3 and 6 months after injection. Additional evaluations include patient self-assessments of symptom evolution and tracking whether participants require hip prosthesis placement within 6 months. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at baseline and follow-up visits where their hip function and symptoms are measured using standard questionnaires. The main outcome is the evolution of the Oxford Hip Score after 6 months. Researchers will also monitor safety and any need for hip replacement surgery. Participants will be involved for the full 6-month study duration, with data collected to understand both short-term and longer-term effects of the treatment.

Researchers are investigating how the medicine Filgotinib works to relieve pain in patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study focuses on understanding two main factors influencing pain relief: brain pathways linked to central nervous system sensitization seen in fibromyalgia, and the inflammation surrounding joints and related immune signals. The study aims to clarify why Filgotinib may provide faster pain relief compared to other treatments by examining these mechanisms. Participants prescribed Filgotinib will be observed using advanced 7 Tesla MRI brain imaging to measure changes in brain connectivity and glutamate levels associated with pain processing. The study will assess Filgotinib's impact on both central nervous system pain pathways and peripheral inflammation over periods of up to 12 weeks. This observational test-retest design does not involve altering prescribed treatments but focuses on detailed imaging and biological assessments. During the study, participants will undergo brain MRIs and evaluations of joint inflammation through ultrasound and blood tests measuring cytokines and chemokines. They will also complete questionnaires on pain, fatigue, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. Researchers will monitor changes in these measures at intervals up to 12 weeks to understand how Filgotinib affects pain and related symptoms. Total participation time aligns with the 12-week observation period.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and tolerability of a study medicine called MK-1045 in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study focuses on understanding how people respond to different dose levels of MK-1045. This research is sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC and is designed as a Phase 1 clinical trial to assess safety and how the drug behaves in the body over time. Participants will receive MK-1045 through intravenous (IV) infusions. The dosing plan includes single intravenous doses at varying levels, as well as a series of three step-up doses over a three-week period, progressing from a prime dose to a target dose. The study is randomized, with participants assigned to different dosing panels to evaluate safety and drug behavior at each stage. During the study, participants will be monitored for side effects, including any adverse events and the reasons for stopping the study drug. Blood tests will measure how much MK-1045 is in the body and the effect on B cell counts at various times up to 52 weeks. Safety and drug effects are carefully tracked with follow-ups lasting up to approximately one year. Overall participation may last for several months, depending on the study part.

Researchers are investigating new ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially for people whose symptoms do not respond well to standard treatments like methotrexate (MTX). This study aims to evaluate a medicine called tulisokibart to see if it can reduce active RA symptoms better than a placebo. The study focuses on different doses of tulisokibart to determine which dose might be most effective while participants continue their MTX treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of several treatments: MTX plus a high, medium, or low dose of tulisokibart, or MTX plus a placebo that looks like tulisokibart but contains no active medicine. Those on the low dose or placebo will be re-randomized at week 12 to either a medium or high dose of tulisokibart. The study includes a 12-week placebo-controlled period followed by a long-term extension lasting 116 weeks, split into a 44-week main extension and a 72-week optional extension. During the study, participants will have their RA symptoms and response to treatment assessed using criteria such as the American College of Rheumatology 20% response at week 12. Researchers will also monitor safety by recording adverse events and treatment discontinuations up to about week 142. The study involves regular evaluations, including questionnaires and clinical assessments, to track disease activity, physical function, and overall health over the entire study period.