Bulach

This research project involves collecting biological samples and health-related medical data to study Primary Biliary Cholangitis PBC, a rare liver disease. It aims to gather high-quality prospective data to better understand the diseases epidemiology, natural history, treatment response, and outcomes. The study also plans to use already existing coded medical data for further research and will collaborate with international PBC reference networks. Participants will have an enrollment visit and at least one follow-up visit annually. Each year, a blood sample will be collected for biobanking. When available and collected during routine clinical care, liver tissue samples may also be obtained. These procedures support ongoing research into various scientific questions about PBC. During the study, researchers will monitor disease progression, features, treatment responses, overall survival, and transplantation-free survival over three years. Participants health data and biological samples will be used to explore these outcomes. The total participation duration includes initial enrollment and yearly follow-ups, allowing for long-term observation and data collection.

This research collects biological samples and health-related personal data from people with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis PSC, a rare liver disease. The goal is to better understand the diseases occurrence, natural progression, how patients respond to treatments, and outcomes over time. The study also aims to support scientific research and collaborations with other PSC networks internationally. Participants provide biological material to build a biobank, which helps researchers explore specific scientific questions about PSC. The study does not involve specific treatments but gathers detailed information and samples to advance knowledge about the disease. During the study, researchers collect and analyze coded health data and biological samples from participants. They will monitor disease course, features, treatment responses, overall survival, and transplant-free survival over three years. The study provides a platform for ongoing research and collaboration, with no set end to participation beyond data collection and follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effects of stopping systemic glucocorticoid treatment quickly compared to gradually reducing the dose over 4 weeks in patients with inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. This trial is a placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized study designed to compare rapid termination with a tapering regimen of prednisone. It aims to determine if abrupt stopping is not worse than tapering in terms of patient outcomes over six months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive prednisone with decreasing doses over 4 weeks following a specific tapering schedule, while the other group will stop glucocorticoid treatment abruptly and receive a matching placebo over the same period. Both patients and study staff will be unaware of the treatment allocation. The trial includes a stimulation test at the start, and patients will receive education on managing stress and symptoms related to low cortisol. Follow-up visits will occur mostly by phone at days 7, 35, 90, and 180 to ensure safety and monitor progress. During the study, participants will be monitored for time to any incidence related to glucocorticoid withdrawal up to 6 months, with additional outcomes including health status, symptoms of low cortisol, and hospital stay length if applicable. Safety is a priority with early visits after stopping treatment and emergency medication provided. Researchers will also assess test performance and glucocorticoid doses taken for relapse or adrenal failure treatment. The total follow-up duration for participants is six months.