View clinical trials related to Sarcoidosis.
Filter by:Exercise intolerance and reduced health status have been found in patients with sarcoidosis and has been related to skeletal muscle weakness. The present researchers reason that skeletal muscle weakness is, at least in part, related to physical inactivity and therefore partially reversible following a structured exercise training program. Nevertheless, the effects of exercise training have never been studied in patients with sarcoidosis. Therefore, the present study is undertaken to explore the effects of exercise training in patients with sarcoidosis. A priori, the following hypotheses are formulated: - A 12-week exercise training program improves health status, quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to sarcoidosis patients without exercise intervention. - A 12-week exercise training program improves skeletal muscle function and reduces complaints of anxiety and depression in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to sarcoidosis patients without exercise intervention. - A 12-week exercise training program reduces circulating levels of inflammatory markers in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to sarcoidosis patients without exercise intervention.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of infliximab (Remicade) in patients with Chronic Sarcoidosis. Infliximab (Remicade) targets specific proteins in the body's immune system to help control the development of inflammation to help reduce painful disease.
To identify sarcoidosis susceptibility genes and to determine how these genes and environmental risk factors interact to cause sarcoidosis.
To determine if hereditary susceptibility predisposes African Americans to sarcoidosis and to identify sarcoidosis susceptibility genes in African Americans.
To test specific hypotheses concerning environmental, occupational, lifestyle, and other risk factors for sarcoidosis. Also, to examine the familial aggregation of sarcoidosis and to test genetic hypotheses concerning its etiology. Finally, to describe the natural history of sarcoidosis, particularly in African-Americans who appear to be disproportionately affected, and to implement a system for storing biological specimens including blood cells, plasma, and serum.
Sarcoidosis is a disease most commonly affecting the lungs, but it can also involve lymph nodes, skin, liver, spleen, eyes, bones, and glands. The cause of the disease is unknown. When it occurs it can produce an inflammatory reaction leading to irreversible organ damage and disability. In sarcoidosis granulomas can form in various organs (primarily lung) which can lead to its dysfunction. Granuloma is formed by clusters of inflammatory cells. The formation of these granulomas is influenced by the release of a substance called TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) which is found in some white blood cells. A drug known as pentoxifylline (POF) is known to markedly reduce the release of TNF-alpha. The standard medical treatment for sarcoidosis is steroid therapy. However, steroid therapy is associated with significant side effects and often must be stopped. Unfortunately, some of these patients can relapse when the steroid therapy is discontinued. Because of this, researchers are interested in finding alternative therapies for the treatment of sarcoidosis. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of giving POF to patients with sarcoidosis currently taking steroids. Researchers will compare the results between patients taking steroids with pentoxifylline and those patients taking steroids alone.
The purpose of this study is to develop a relatively simple, accurate method of diagnosing sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a disease in which granulomas (nodules of inflamed tissue) develop in various organs, such as the lungs, liver, skin and eyes. Disease symptoms vary depending on the tissues involved. Many patients develop uveitis (eye inflammation). Tissue biopsy-often a costly and difficult invasive procedure-is currently the only definitive diagnostic test for sarcoidosis. Other tests, such as blood and urine tests, do not provide definitive results. Patients with uveitis that is 1) known to be due to sarcoidosis; 2) suspected to be due to sarcoidosis based on specific diagnostic criteria; and 3) known not to be due to sarcoidosis may be enrolled in this study. Participants will undergo an eye examination, blood tests, chest X-ray, and skin test for tuberculosis and other infections. Small tissue samples from the conjunctiva (the thin lining covering the outside of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and the lacrimal (tear) gland will be taken after the eye is numbed with anesthetic drops and injection. Investigators will examine and compare levels of certain proteins in the biopsied tissues from the three patient groups to see if elevated levels of these substances may indicate granuloma formation. Development of a new, relatively simple diagnostic test for sarcoidosis based on these findings may permit doctors to start appropriate therapy earlier in the course of disease without invasive biopsy.
To determine the effects of cyclophosphamide compared with prednisone, dapsone, or high-dose intermittent 'pulse' therapy with methylprednisolone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Also, to evaluate the use of intermittent, short-term, high-dose intravenous corticosteroids in patients with sarcoidosis. There were actually four separate clinical trials.