Tralee

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that causes joint swelling and stiffness and is often seen in people with the skin condition psoriasis. It results from an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissue. This research aims to describe the long-term use and effectiveness of risankizumab (RZB) compared to other advanced treatments for managing PsA in everyday clinical care. The study is not conducted in the United States but will take place in about 15 countries and include between 900 and 1200 adult participants. Participants will be assigned in a 2 to 1 ratio to receive either risankizumab or other advanced therapeutic agents. The treatments will be given following usual medical guidelines, including approved dosing and indications, as determined by local regulations and professional standards. All study visits will occur during routine clinical care with no extra burden on participants. Participants will be followed and monitored for 24 months to observe treatment persistence. During the study, participants will continue their regular clinical visits without additional procedures or tests required by the study. Researchers will measure how many participants continue their prescribed treatment over the 24-month period. The study focuses on real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with active PsA who have previously shown an inadequate response or intolerance to certain medications. Safety monitoring will align with routine clinical practice throughout the study duration.

Knee pain caused by degenerative meniscal tears or early osteoarthritis is common among middle-aged and older adults. This trial evaluates a new intervention called KNEE-DEeP designed to improve care for patients with these conditions by addressing barriers at the patient, healthcare provider, and system levels. The study is a feasibility trial aiming to test if the KNEE-DEeP intervention can be delivered as planned and accepted by patients, general practitioners (GPs), and physiotherapists, preparing for a larger future trial. The intervention includes educational workshops for GPs and physiotherapists. GPs receive training to provide an enhanced consultation involving physical exams, education, and treatment planning. Patients then get a single best-practice physiotherapy session within two weeks focusing on self-management, education, goal setting, and exercise. The study involves 15 GPs, 5 physiotherapists, and 36 patients in Ireland. The trial is non-randomised and primarily assesses feasibility rather than comparing treatments. Participants will be assessed at the start, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks, with follow-up extending up to 6 months after enrollment. Researchers will collect data through questionnaires and interviews from patients, GPs, and physiotherapists to evaluate acceptability, adherence to the intervention, and clinical outcomes. The main measured outcome is the change in physical function over 12 weeks using a knee-specific score. Recruitment lasts six months, with the last follow-up occurring 12 months after recruitment begins.

Researchers are evaluating if Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) dressings can reduce surgical site infections, post-surgical complications, and improve scar appearance compared to standard wound dressings in patients undergoing abdominal surgery through a midline laparotomy. The study addresses the significant impact of wound complications after abdominal surgery, which can delay recovery, increase hospital stay, and raise healthcare costs. Limited data exists on the use of NPWT for laparotomy incisions, so this trial aims to provide evidence for its effectiveness and cost implications in both acute and elective surgical settings. The study compares two groups: one receiving NPWT dressings applied to the surgical wound after laparotomy and the other receiving standard wound dressings. NPWT dressings work by removing and absorbing fluid leaking from the wound, potentially improving healing and scar outcomes. Both treatments are applied after the surgical procedure. The trial includes evaluation periods at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery to monitor wound healing and infection rates. Participants will be involved in follow-up assessments including monitoring for surgical site infections at multiple time points after surgery. Researchers will also collect data on wound healing, scar appearance, and patient quality of life through questionnaires. The study will include a cost analysis to understand the economic impact of using NPWT dressings. Overall participation covers the immediate post-operative period and extends through 6 months of follow-up to capture both short- and longer-term outcomes.