Bethesda, MDNCT00001372Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

Access cutting-edge systemic lupus erythematosus treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

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Expert Care in Bethesda

Access systemic lupus erythematosus specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related systemic lupus erythematosus treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trial in Bethesda, MD

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Study in Bethesda

This protocol will evaluate patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their relatives to learn more about how the disease develops and changes over time. It will also study genetic factors that make a person susceptible to SLE. Patients 3 years of age and older with known or suspected SLE and their relatives may be eligible for this study. Patients will be evaluated with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests. Other procedures may include: 1. Electrocardiogram 2. 24-hour urine collection 3. Imaging studies, such as chest and joint X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, bone scans, and bone densitometry. 4. Questionnaire about the degree of disease activity, and survey of risk factors for disease complications. 5. Apheresis-Collection of plasma (fluid portion of blood) or blood cells for analysis. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The blood circulates through a machine that separates it into its components. The required component (plasma or cells) is removed and the rest of the blood is returned to the body through the same needle or through a second needle in the other arm. 6. Skin biopsy-Removal of a small skin sample for microscopic analysis. An area of skin is numbed with an anesthetic and a small circular portion (about 1/4 inch in diameter) is removed, using a sharp cookie cutter-type instrument. 7. Kidney, bone marrow or other organ biopsy-Removal of a small sample of organ tissue. These biopsies are done only if they can provide information useful in better understanding the disease or making treatment decisions. 8. Genetic studies-Collection of a blood sample for gene testing. Patients will be followed at least once a year with a brief history and physical examination and routine blood and urine tests. Some patients may be seen more often. Treatment recommendations will be offered to patients' physicians, and patients who are eligible for other research treatment studies will be invited to enroll. Participating relatives of patients will fill out a brief medical history questionnaire and provide a DNA sample (either a blood sample or tissue swab from the inside of the cheek) for genetic testing.

Sponsor: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Patients with known or suspected SLE will be evaluated in either the outpatient or inpatient research ward of the Clinical Center as indicated. Patients will not be selected based on age, race or gender. However, due to the nature of the disease, the patient population will not be expected to be evenly distributed, since SLE is predominantly a disease of young females, with increased prevalence in select racial groups, particularly African Americans and Hispanics. First and second-degree relatives of the patient may be recruited in the study for genetic analysis. We will ask for the patient s permission to contact his/her relatives.
SLE or suspected SLE established by ACR/EULAR or ACR criteria
Ability to give informed consent
Adult and minor relatives (first and second degree) of individuals Included in IV-G (only for genetic studies)
Ability of the patient or minor relative s parents to give informed consent
Affected individuals age \>= 3 years with no upper age limit
Healthy Volunteers (non-related) age \>=18 with no upper age limit
Healthy Volunteers (first- and second-degree relatives) age \>=3 with no upper age limit
Vascular studies adults only age \>=18 with no upper age limit

Exclusion Criteria

Concomitant medical problems which would confound the interpretation of studies gathered by this protocol. Included in this is the presence of HIV in the blood, active malignancies, or other significant medical conditions that may interferes with interpretation of some lupus studies.
Concomitant medical, surgical or other conditions for which inadequate facilities are available to support their care at NIH
Inability or unwillingness to comply with follow up requirements (e.g. distance, social, physical limitations)
Any comorbidity of medical or psychological/psychiatric condition or treatment after reviewing of patients previous or outside medical records, that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, would exclude the subjects from the research studies (e.g. Patient requiring urgent and/or acute medical care, surgical or other procedures)
Unwilling to participate in research studies or to provide research samples or data
Any concomitant medical problems or are taking medications which would confound the interpretation of studies they are considered for EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR VASCULAR STUDIES ONLY, FOR SLE AND HEALTHY CONTROLS:
Subjects with a contraindication to MRI scanning will not receive the optional Cardiovascular MRI. These contraindications include subjects with the following devices:
Central nervous system aneurysm clips unless it is labeled safe or conditional for MRI
Implanted neural stimulator (e.g.TENS-Unit) unless it is labeled safe or conditional for MRI
Implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator unless it is labeled safe or conditional for MRI
Cochlear or any type of ear implant unless it is labeled safe or conditional for MRI
Ocular foreign body (e.g. metal shavings)
Implanted Insulin pump or drug infusion device unless it is labeled safe or conditional for MRI
Metal shrapnel or bullet unless cleared by plain x-ray as safe for MRI
Subjects with renal excretory dysfunction, estimated glomerular filtration rate \< 60 mL/min/1.73m\^2 using the CKD-EPI equation or equivalent (using the CRIS-calculated eGFR to define the threshold) and a serum creatinine measured within 2 weeks without intercurrent change in medical condition or medications. Subjects meeting this exclusion criterion may still be included in the study but will not be exposed to the cardiac CT angiography, or gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Pregnant or lactating women will be excluded from vascular studies.
Any clinical instability precluding subject from getting MRI as determined by the enrolling clinician.
Healthy controls with known history of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease or atherosclerosis.
Individuals younger than 18 years old will be excluded given the radiation exposure as well as the lack of proper validation for the proposed vascular function studies.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT00001372) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT00001372) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced systemic lupus erythematosus specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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