View clinical trials related to Collagen Diseases.
Filter by:Osteoporotic vertebral fracture (VF) and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH) are major concerns in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases treated with high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs). The investigators examined and compared the incidence and risk factors of VF with those of OFH in patients who had recently received high-dose GC therapy to clarify the relationship between these two complications.
This pilot study will explore the usefulness of a series of questions asking about views of research from the perspective of minority and economically disadvantaged research participants. Racial and ethnic minorities are consistently under-represented in clinical research. This under-representation has been attributed primarily to an unwillingness to participate in research because of mistrust in the research establishment, especially in light of widely known historical examples of abuse. However, more recent data suggests that not being invited to participate in research, or stringent entry criteria, may contribute substantially to the low numbers of ethnic minority research participants. The perspectives of racial and ethnic minorities who are knowledgeable about or participating in research are important to understanding the kinds of vulnerabilities that exist and any important barriers to participation. People 18 years of age and older from the Cardozo clinic in Washington, D.C., who are enrolled in the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Studies' natural history study are eligible to participate in this protocol. Participants are interviewed with questions about their own experiences in clinical research as well as some hypothetical research studies. Questions include participants' general views of clinical research, perceived risks and benefits of research, alternatives to research participation, the limits of what they would be willing to accept in research and types of research or research procedures they might perceive as unfair.
The purpose of this study is to compare the performance and compare the wear characteristics of two polyethylene cup liners, Marathon™ and Enduron™, in the treatment of patients with hip joint disease requiring a total hip replacement. Patients who enter the study will be randomly allocated to one of the polyethylene cup liners, Marathon™ or Enduron™ and will be evaluated at regular intervals using clinical and x-ray assessments.
This study will explore the diverse health beliefs and behaviors among minority patients with rheumatic diseases. These diseases may cause joint pain, stiffness or swelling. Some can involve bones, muscles, tendons or ligaments. Some cause abnormalities of the immune system-the body's defense against disease. Some rheumatic diseases are painful or deforming and some can be life-threatening. Many rheumatic diseases occur more often and more severely in certain minority communities. This study will explore psychosocial and cultural factors related to rheumatic disease in minorities. Patients enrolled in the NIAMS protocol Natural History or Rheumatic Disease in Minority Communities (protocol #01-AR-0227) may participate in this study. Participants will be evaluated at the NIAMS Community Health Center at the Upper Cardozo Health Center in Washington, D.C. Participants will be interviewed about individual and community health behavior, and health beliefs about rheumatic disease and its effects on several areas of their life, including mood and physical activity. The interview will be in one of the following formats: 1) in-depth cognitive interview, 2) focus group, or 3) face-to-face interview, as follows: In-Depth Cognitive Interview Participants take part in a one-time interview conducted by one investigator, observed by another, and tape recorded. The interview lasts from 1 to 2 hours. Focus Groups Participants take part in a group interview of from 6 to 10 people during a one-time tape-recorded session that lasts from 2 to 2-1/2 hours. The group discussion is led by a moderator and a facilitator, who takes notes and makes observations. Face-to Face Interview Participants are interviewed twice - first upon enrollment at the NIAMS Community Health Center and again after 6 months' follow-up at the Center.