NCT05197530 · University of Rochester
Imaging of Lymphatic Vessels in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
What this study is about
Lymphatic transport was previously examined by these investigators using Near InfraRed Indocyanine Green fluorescence imaging (NIR-ICG) of the upper extremities. They established reliable and reproducible methodologies in RA patients.
View original scientific description
Lymphatic transport was previously examined by these investigators using Near InfraRed Indocyanine Green fluorescence imaging (NIR-ICG) of the upper extremities. They established reliable and reproducible methodologies in RA patients. The purpose of this phase 2 pilot is to study RA disease progression and effectiveness as well as the mechanism of action of clinical interventions using established NIR-ICG methodologies in previous studies.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- Subjects must be 18 years old or older
- RA subjects must fulfill 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria with a DAS28-C-Reactive Protein (CRP) \>3.5
- Must have 1 year or less of disease
- Must be MTX inadequate responder (DAS28-CRP \>2.6 at 4 months of therapy) OR experience a flare on MTX (self-reported and score of \>25 on the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Flare questionnaire AND are starting an anti-TNF therapy.
- Must have active synovitis in one or both hands confirmed by ultrasound Established RA
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- Subjects must be 18 years of age or older
- RA subjects must fulfill 2010 ACR criteria with a DAS-CRP \>3.5
- Must have at least 10 years of disease
- Must have active synovitis in one or both hands confirmed by ultrasound
- Must be on a stable dose of DMARD (MTX, leflunomide, azulfidine, hydroxychloroquine), Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor or biologic agent for 8 weeks
Exclusion criteria
- All PATIENTS
- Active systemic disorders or inflammatory conditions other than RA, (i.e., chronic infections with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV) that would confound the study results.
- Known sensitivity to iodine because of residual iodide in Indocyanine Green
- Pregnant women should not participate; pregnancy tests will not be performed
- Inability to donate blood due to poor venous access
Where
- Rochester, New York
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations