Reactive Arthritis (Reiter's Syndrome)

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.

The GENESIS clinical study aims to map HLA genetic variation in the Greek population and evaluate possible correlations with selected underlying diseases. It is a multicenter, prospective, non-interventional clinical study targeting 12,000 subjects over an anticipated duration of 36 months, with the goal of creating a pilot HLA map for medical research and possible clinical applications. Each subject will complete one visit at a participating site and provide demographic information, including date of birth, gender, race, ancestry, height, and weight, as well as information about smoking or vaping, alcohol consumption, arterial blood pressure, diagnosed diseases, and current treatments. Recent clinical laboratory results from up to 12 months before sample collection may also be collected when available, including blood count, metabolic, liver enzyme, and biochemical parameters. Two buccal swabs will be collected from each subject for DNA extraction and HLA genotyping analysis. Selected DNA samples will also undergo low-pass whole genome sequencing to further investigate associations between the HLA region and autoimmune diseases. After the analysis is completed, an individualized ancestry report will be securely available to study subjects if they elect to access it.

Researchers are evaluating a digital, personalized exercise program designed to reduce disease activity in adults recently diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis axSpA. This controlled trial assesses whether remote exercise supervision through the SPARK app, combined with patient education videos, can improve health outcomes. The study compares this approach to usual care in patients who have not used biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and who have active disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving a personalized exercise program with remote coaching and another receiving usual care. The exercise program includes high intensity interval training HIIT, muscular strength exercises, and moderate aerobic activity spread over three days per week, with the goal of 20 minutes of HIIT weekly at 85-95% of maximal heart rate. The program is remotely delivered via the SPARK application, with weekly coaching sessions and exercise data tracked by a sports watch. Throughout the 6-month trial, participants undergo assessments including disease activity measures like ASDAS and BASDAI, physical fitness tests, psychological wellbeing scales, and safety evaluations with physical exams and MRI scans. Medication use and adverse events are also monitored. The primary outcome is disease activity at 3 months, with further evaluations at 6 months to measure the effects of the exercise intervention on health, wellbeing, and physical function.

Researchers are studying the safety and performance of the LEGION Medial Stabilized insert used in total knee arthroplasty TKA for patients with degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or inflammatory arthritis. This observational study includes both prospective and retro-prospective participants and aims to provide long-term evidence to support product registration worldwide. The study involves three groups receiving different LEGION MS insert combinations with tibia and femoral components Cemented CoCr, Cemented Oxinium, and Cementless options. Participants will be followed for 10 years after their primary knee replacement surgery to monitor outcomes related to the implant. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement KOOS JR, Oxford Knee Score, Forgotten Joint Score, and EuroQol Five-Dimensional EQ-5D-5L questionnaires at multiple timepoints from 6 weeks up to 10 years post-surgery. Implant survivorship will be tracked at intervals up to 10 years, with all participants consenting to follow-up visits and outcome reporting to evaluate long-term device safety and effectiveness.

Researchers are studying the experiences of people who develop rheumatic immune-related adverse events irAEs after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. This study aims to understand how severe these events are, how they affect daily function, and the attitudes of patients towards different aspects of these side effects. The research focuses on conditions like arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica that arise following this cancer treatment. This observational study does not involve any drug or treatment interventions. Instead, it gathers information through qualitative assessments from patients diagnosed by rheumatologists with inflammatory arthritis or polymyalgia rheumatica as irAEs after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The study is sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and will collect data over about one year. Participants will engage in interviews to share their experiences, which will help researchers evaluate the safety and adverse events associated with these immune-related conditions. The study includes monitoring adverse events throughout the study period. The total involvement duration averages one year, allowing for comprehensive understanding of the impact and progression of these rheumatic irAEs.

Researchers are studying the human microbiome, which includes bacteria and other microorganisms living on and inside the body, to understand its role in health and disease. This observational study aims to collect various microbiome samples to create a repository that will support future research. The samples will help validate tests, improve sample handling techniques, and identify targets for future clinical trials related to microbiome-associated diseases. Participants in this study may be asked to provide different types of biological samples including stool, urine, saliva, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and cells from areas like the cheek, nose, mouth, skin, rectum, or vagina. Some samples can be collected at home and mailed to researchers. Blood samples may be collected by needle or heelfinger prick for young children. Tissue samples from the intestine or skin may be collected if participants are undergoing endoscopy, colonoscopy, or biopsy for other reasons. During the study, participants will complete a questionnaire about their medical history and diet. Researchers will collect and store biological specimens for assay validation and research use. The study will assess the hosts microbiome response over time. Participants may be seen at the NIH clinic if over 3 years old. The study will continue until 2032, with ongoing sample collection and data gathering throughout the period.

Researchers are evaluating the long-term outcomes of the ACE Acetabular Cup System, a device used in total hip replacement surgery. This procedure replaces both the hip ball and socket to relieve pain and help patients return to normal activities. The study aims to monitor the safety and performance of this CE-marked device over 10 years by assessing clinical, functional, and radiological results in patients with hip disease. The ACE Acetabular Cup System offers three options for socket liners ceramic, polymer, or dual mobility, allowing surgeons to choose the best fit for each patient. Participants in the study have received a primary elective total hip replacement using this system combined with a JRI femoral stem and head. The study is observational and follows patients over a decade to gather data on device function and patient health. Participants will be followed through questionnaires, reviews of X-rays, and monitoring of any complications. Key measurements include the Oxford Hip Score at 3 years post-operation, along with implant survivorship and other hip function assessments at multiple time points up to 10 years. Radiological assessments will also be conducted at 1, 5, and 10 years. This comprehensive follow-up helps researchers understand how well the device performs long-term and supports patient safety.

Spondyloarthritis SpA is a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that cause pain mainly in the spine, pelvis, and sometimes limbs. This research aims to confirm whether the makeup of the gut microbiota before starting treatment can predict how patients with SpA respond to biotherapy treatments like anti-TNF or anti-IL-17. Earlier studies suggested a link between gut microbiota changes and treatment response, but this study focuses on verifying those findings. Participants in the study include patients diagnosed with SpA or axial psoriatic rheumatism who need biotherapy treatment and healthy volunteers without chronic diseases. Patients will provide stool samples twice once at the start and again four months after beginning treatment with anti-TNF or anti-IL-17. Healthy volunteers will provide one stool sample at inclusion. The study is non-randomized and does not use blinding. During the 18-month study period, researchers will analyze the gut microbiota composition qualitatively and quantitatively to compare patients who respond to biotherapy with those who do not, as well as with healthy controls. Participants will provide stool samples and undergo evaluations to track changes in their intestinal microbiota. The main outcome is the variability in gut microbiota composition related to treatment response, monitored over 18 months.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of antigravity treadmill training and body weight-supported treadmill training for rehabilitation in elderly patients aged 60 to 75 years who have recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. The study compares these two methods to conventional gait training to see which approach may better support recovery and walking ability after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups antigravity treadmill training, body weight-supported treadmill training, or conventional rehabilitation. Each group will undergo a 6-week program with five sessions per week. The antigravity treadmill uses air pressure to reduce weight on joints with gradually decreasing support, while the body weight-supported treadmill uses a harness to partially offload weight with a steady level of support. The conventional group receives standard postoperative therapy including gait training and physical therapy techniques. During the study, participants will receive comprehensive daily therapy including kinesitherapy, ergotherapy, and individualized physical therapy procedures. Researchers will assess outcomes such as pain and function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, balance, mental health, stress, and walking parameters both before and after the 6-week intervention. The total participation period includes baseline assessments and the 6-week therapy program under professional supervision.

Researchers are evaluating the Aptis PRUJ prosthesis in patients with disorders of the proximal radial ulna joint, including arthritis, instability, and decreased motion. This prospective, multi-center, single-arm clinical trial aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of this prosthetic implant as a treatment option. The study will enroll 84 patients across nine centers in the US, with a total duration of about 36 months including enrollment and follow-up. Participants will receive the investigational Aptis PRUJ prosthesis, which replaces the proximal radial ulna joint. The study includes a 12-month enrollment period followed by a 24-month follow-up. After surgery, participants will have annual visits until the last patient reaches two years post-operation. This structure allows researchers to monitor the implants performance and patient outcomes over time. During the study, participants will undergo multiple assessments including effectiveness evaluations and radiographic imaging at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-implantation. Health economic outcomes will also be measured at these intervals. The primary outcome is success at 24 months. Safety and follow-up visits will continue annually to monitor long-term results. Participants can expect regular visits and evaluations throughout the study period.