View clinical trials related to Arthritis.
Filter by:Joint spaces are aseptic areas, meaning that they do not contain microorganisms. Any injury to the joint space could cause the entry of microorganisms, with the potential to cause infection. Septic arthritis refers to the infection of a joint space with microorganisms, usually bacteria. This invasion initiates a process of inflammation and causes irreversible damage to a joint cavity. Patients typically present with pain, swelling, decreased motion, and inability to use the joint. When bacteria enter a joint space, the host immune system responds by concentrating inflammatory cells within the joint. While inflammatory cells serve to eliminate the bacteria, they also produce substances that not only attack bacteria but also could destroy the joint space. These substances are called enzymes, and they could damage the cartilage (translucent fairly elastic tissue around the joint) and adjacent bone in the process. Because cartilage has a poor ability to cure itself, this process may lead to irreversible damage and chronic joint dysfunction. Studies have found that signs of early joint damage can be found within hours following joint infection. This is true even if antibiotic therapy (medicine to fight the infection) is started within 24 hours of infection. Also, delay in treatment has been related to poor outcome. However, the best method of treating septic arthritis has yet to be determined. Currently, there are two accepted ways for treating septic arthritis: serial needle aspiration (introducing a needle in the joint to aspirate the inflammatory liquid), and surgical lavage (opening and cleaning the joint space in the OR under anesthesia). Antibiotics are also used with these two forms of treatment. Supporters of surgery believe that the most dependable method of eliminating bacteria from a joint space is through arthrotomy (opening the joint with a surgical incision) and lavage (irrigation of the joint with copious saline solution) .Promoters of serial needle aspiration support this method because it is quick, does not require opening the joint space, and can be performed without anesthesia.At present, there are no conclusive studies comparing the two techniques. Hopefully, this study will help delineate the best course of management.
Recent studies have demonstrated that subjects with low blood levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). We are pursuing these studies to test the hypothesis that restoration of vitamin D levels ameliorates the manifestations of RA. We will test this hypothesis by inviting patients with RA to participate in a trial that examines the effects of oral vitamin D administration on the clinical expression of this disease. For this purpose, the participants of this trial will be asked to take an oral dose of 2,000 units of vitamin D daily for 6 months. We will examine the participant's joints, assess disease activity measures, and determine his/her blood levels of vitamin D before starting this treatment and periodically thereafter.
The purpose of this study is to monitor the performance of the Pinnacle™ Cup with a polyethylene-on-metal bearing combination in the treatment of patients with hip joint disease requiring a total hip replacement. Patients who enter the study will be evaluated at regular intervals following hip surgery using patient, clinical and x-ray assessments.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety profile of epoetin alfa in patients with anemia of chronic disease due to rheumatoid arthritis