View clinical trials related to Joint Diseases.
Filter by:This 2-part study will evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of two anti-inflammatory drugs for relieving pain and improving jaw function in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Part 1 will evaluate celecoxib (Celebrex); Part 2 will evaluate etanercept (Enbrel). The Food and Drug Administration has approved both of these drugs for treating certain forms of arthritis. Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years with painful jaw joint conditions may be eligible for this study. Candidates will complete several written questionnaires about their jaw condition and will undergo a medical history, complete TMD evaluation, blood and urine tests, and imaging studies of the temporomandibular joint, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients will rate the quality and intensity of their pain before beginning treatment. At certain periods during the study, they will also keep a pain diary, twice a day recording the intensity and magnitude of their pain. Part 1 - Celecoxib: Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either 1) celecoxib twice a day by mouth; 2) naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) twice a day by mouth; or 3) a placebo (inactive pill) twice a day by mouth. Part 2 - Etanercept: Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either 1) etanercept injected under the skin or 2) saline (an inactive placebo) injected under the skin. Patients in this group will also undergo two aspirations of fluid from the jaw joint - once before treatment begins and again 6 weeks later. For this procedure, the joint is numbed with an anesthetic and then a needle is inserted into the jaw space to withdraw fluid, which will be analyzed for inflammatory processes in the joint. All patients will have a final evaluation 6 weeks after beginning treatment, including a TMD physical examination, laboratory and X-ray tests as required. The pain diary and questionnaires will be collected at this visit.
This study offers evaluation and treatment of patients with diseases of the mouth or systemic diseases that involve the mouth. The protocol is not designed to test new treatments; rather, patients will receive current standard of care treatments. The purposes of the study are: 1) to allow NIDCR's Gene Therapy and Therapeutics Branch staff to gain more knowledge about oral soft tissue diseases and possibly identify new avenues of research in this area; and 2) to establish a pool of patients who may be eligible for new studies as they are developed. (Participants in this protocol will not be required to join a new study; the decision will be voluntary.) Patients of any age with oral diseases or systemic diseases involving the mouth may be eligible for this study. Women of childbearing potential and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding will only have tests and procedures and receive medications that pose no greater than a minimal risk to the fetus. Participants will have a comprehensive dental and medical examination, including a physical examination of the head and neck. Additional tests and procedures that may be required for diagnosis and to guide treatment include the following: - Blood and urine tests - for routine laboratory studies, assessment of kidney and liver function, and detection of viruses, fungi, bacteria or parasites - Electrocardiogram - to record the electrical activity of the heart - Biopsies - to examine tissue under the microscope. The method and number of biopsies depends on the individual's specific condition and the tissue to be removed. For all biopsies a local anesthetic (lidocaine with or without epinephrine) is injected at the biopsy site. A punch biopsy uses a small sharp cookie-cutter instrument to remove a small (about 1/10- to 1/5-inch) piece of skin. An excisional biopsy uses a small surgical knife or scalpel to remove a piece of tissue, usually requiring some stitches to close the wound. - Diagnostic imaging - X-rays, photographs, or other tests as needed for diagnosis Treatments include tablets, injections and topically applied medications. All preparations are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are commercially available. Patient follow-up may vary from one visit to intermittent visits over a number of years, depending on the patient's condition.
This study provides a mechanism for evaluating patients for possible participation in NIDCR clinical research studies. NIDCR studies involve three major areas-pain, neurosensory mechanisms, and pain-relieving drugs-all of which have specific requirements and patient characteristics. No treatment is offered under this protocol; it is intended to facilitate patient recruitment into NIDCR studies. Patients with unusual or unknown conditions that have or have not been diagnosed may be eligible for this screening study. Specific medical criteria for enrollment vary with the particular protocol for which the individual is being screened. Medical and dental histories will be obtained and participants will have a dental examination. Diagnostic procedures will be done in accord with standard medical and dental practice and may include X-rays, blood tests, and routine urinalysis, as appropriate. Participants found eligible for an active study may enroll in that study. Those who are not eligible for a current study may be re-evaluated for future studies within a year if they wish. After 1 year, participants for whom no appropriate studies are identified will be referred back to their primary doctor or referring physician or dentist.
This protocol will examine blood, synovial fluid and synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory joint diseases to study genetic and immunologic factors involved in the cause, development and progression of these conditions. Synovial fluid is the lubricating fluid in joints. The synovial membrane is a delicate tissue lining the inner surface of joints, which, in arthritic conditions, thickens and becomes infiltrated with various types of cells. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and certain patients with other forms of arthritis may be eligible for this study. Those enrolled will be followed periodically for follow-up and disease evaluation. They may undergo the following procedures: 1. Synovial fluid aspiration, when medically indicated (for example, for joint swelling and inflammation). For this procedure, an area of skin around the joint is numbed with an anesthetic, and a needle is inserted into the joint to withdraw a small fluid sample. 2. Periodic blood sampling, not to exceed 450 milliliters (15 ounces) during any 6-week period, for genetic studies of rheumatoid arthritis. The samples are usually taken at the same times that synovial fluid is withdrawn. 3. Synovial tissues, collected by needle biopsy or during surgical procedures for arthroscopy (examination of the interior of the joint and repair of the joint) or total joint replacement. For the needle biopsy, the skin over the biopsy site is washed and anesthetized. A needle is inserted and fluid is aspirated. The biopsy needle is then inserted through the outer needle and a tissue sample is suctioned. Patients who qualify for other research studies may be invited to participate.