Study of Dysphagia and Its Causes in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Flexible Fiberoptic Pharyngolaryngoscopy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying dysphagia difficulty swallowing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis RA to identify risk factors and predictors. The study aims to determine if flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy, a diagnostic test, can detect joint-affection-induced dysphagia and whether both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia occur in RA patients. This is a cross-sectional observational study focused on RA patients aged 18 and older who meet specific classification criteria. Participants will undergo flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy, also known as Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing FEES, to examine the nose, throat, and airway. This procedure assesses the severity of dysphagia and can be adapted to examine the larynx and nearby areas. The study is conducted during inpatient or outpatient visits and involves only one group of RA patients. During the study, participants will have clinical, laboratory, and radiological tests that may take 1 to 2 days. The FEES assessment typically lasts between 10 and 25 minutes, with additional evaluation for oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia lasting up to 2 minutes. Researchers will measure dysphagia severity and evaluate the presence of different dysphagia types. The studys total duration extends until August 2026, with safety and outcome monitoring throughout this period.

Dysphagia in Rheumatoid Arthritis