Actively Recruiting
Studies on the Natural History and Pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis
Led by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) · Updated on 2026-06-05
2000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying spondyloarthritis (SpA), a group of bone and joint disorders that cause pain and stiffness, and can lead to abnormal bone growth affecting joints and the spine. The study aims to understand which people with SpA or their relatives are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease by identifying symptoms and medical tests that predict disease progression. This includes both children and adults with SpA and healthy relatives. Participants with SpA will undergo physical exams, medical history reviews, joint movement studies, blood and urine tests, questionnaires on pain and quality of life, and imaging studies such as MRI and X-rays. Some may provide skin tissue, bone marrow, or stool samples for research, and genetic testing may be performed. Healthy relatives will give blood and cheek cell samples. No treatments are provided during the study. Participants will be followed over time with clinical assessments, imaging, laboratory tests, and questionnaires to measure disease activity and function. Researchers will track progression from SpA to more severe forms like axial SpA and ankylosing spondylitis over up to 10 years. The study collects detailed data to improve understanding of disease causes and progression, helping identify patients for future treatment studies.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Natural History and Development of Spondyloarthritis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Subjects with known or suspected spondyloarthritis (SpA)
- Family members of individuals with known or suspected SpA
- Healthy volunteers aged 6 years or older who are not pregnant
- Minor healthy volunteers must be able to complete imaging procedures without sedation
- Pregnant people with SpA may enroll but will not undergo MRI, skin biopsy, or bone marrow aspiration
- Participants must provide informed consent and be able to attend follow-up visits
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to provide informed consent or lack of parent/guardian consent for minors
- Presence of medical conditions that could confuse study results
- Inability or unwillingness to comply with follow-up visit schedule
- Children under 2 years old
- Healthy volunteers who are pregnant
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Ongoing throughout study participation
Participants undergo history, physical examination, imaging studies including MRI and X-rays, and laboratory evaluations to assess spondyloarthritis and related manifestations.
Initial baseline visit and periodic follow-up visits for assessments
Duration - Up to 10 years
Participants are followed over time to track disease progression and changes in signs, symptoms, imaging, and biomarkers.
Periodic visits over the course of the study for ongoing evaluation
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sahar Lotfi-Emran, M.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
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