View clinical trials related to Scleroderma.
Filter by:Sharing research results with patients is required by ethical regulations. Yet, most researchers do not share results from their studies with patients. The investigators plan to conduct a series of randomized controlled trials among people with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, in a large international cohort, to identify the most effective methods for communicating study results with patients. The first trial in the series will compare a research dissemination tool (infographic) against a plain-language summary comparator. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the dissemination tool or comparator. Study participants will rate communication tools for (1) information completeness; (2) understandability; and (3) ease of use of format. Our results can be used by researchers and patient organizations who disseminate research results so that they can tailor the way they disseminate results to patient needs.
Typically, specific demographic subsets tend to exhibit greater engagement in medical research. Nonetheless, there is insufficient research elucidating the trial characteristics influencing the participation of these particular demographics. The study will analyze data from diverse demographic viewpoints to uncover recurring trends that could provide valuable insights for future patients with scleroderma.
Investigation of the effects of ESWT and PNF exercises added to ESWT on calcinosis in Ssc patients. Calcinosis cutis is a common, difficult-to-treat manifestation of systemic sclerosis associated with high morbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ESWT therapy for calcinosis cutis in Ssc patients. The effects on grip strength, sleep, function and quality of life will be investigated.
Scleroderma (SSc) is a rare crippling chronic disease associated with damage of the blood vessels and hardening of connective tissue. It has quite a number of complications including ulcers to the fingers and toes (digital ulcers). Digital ulcers (DU) are a frequent challenge in patients with SSc (PwSSc), as they approximately affect more than half of these patients. Care received by PwSSc DU is varied. Patients with three or more ulcers are considered to have severe disease therefore these patients usually receive expensive treatments and referred to specialist SSc clinics, while those with less ulcers may not receive the same treatments, and only see their general practitioner or local rheumatologist or left to their own means. Resulting in patients developing their own DU managing practices which may be good and some not. Currently, no research has fully identified the needs of PwSSc DU and self-care interventions to support them are lacking. The extent to which DU support needs are met by non-specialist health professionals is unknown. There is lack of literature in co-designing interventions with patients in SSc DU. Developing interventions and pathways for managing DU with patients and healthcare professionals (HCP) will enhance DU care and lessen the burden for the affected patients, a qualitative study is required. Aim The aim of this research is to co-design self-care opportunities and develop improvements in DU care. Objectives 1. to explore how patients with SSc DU are currently managed 2. to understand how they currently manage their ulcers and their healthcare needs. 3. to collaboratively co-design self-care opportunities and improvements in care. Study Methods Experience-based co-design (EBCD) qualitative methodology will be used to conduct the study. 10 HCP and 12-15 PwSSc DU will be invited to participate in consultation observations. Followed by individuals interviews for the HCP and PwSSc DU care and perceptions on unmet needs. The results will inform collaborative co-designing and development of interventions with patients and HCP. The same participants will also be invited to participate in three workshops involving designing, discussion, refinement and finalisation of the interventions. The interventions developed will be ready to be tested or being evaluated once they have been put in place..
Calcinosis, i.e. crystal-like nodules are troublesome complication of systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Pyrophosphate inhibits its formation is laborytory. We would like to test if orally administered pyrophosphate prevents calcinosis formation.
The effects of exercises performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with hand-affected scleroderma on range of motion, grip strength, function, sensation, daily life activities and general health will be compared with the effects of traditional physiotherapy practices.
Dyspnea (i.e. breathlessness) and exercise intolerance are common symptoms for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), yet it is not known why. It has been suggested that muscle dysfunction may contribute to dyspnea and exercise intolerance in ILD. Our study aims to: i) examine differences in the structure and function of the leg muscles in ILD patients, ii) determine if leg muscle fatigue contributes to dyspnea and exercise limitation in patients with ILD, and iii) determine the effects of breathing extra oxygen on leg muscle fatigue, as well as ability to exercise in ILD patients.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology, which affects especially the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart and kidneys. Immunological abnormalities characterized by innate and acquired immune disturbances are associated with the disease development. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics in gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional status and innate and acquired immune responses, by means of the evaluation of IgA, Treg and Th1, Th2, and Th17 T helper subtypes levels in patients with SSc. In addition the levels of CD4+ T helper Th1, Th2 and Th17 subtypes and Treg levels will be compared to a healthy control group.
The aim is to find the presence of anti vitamin D antibodies in scleroderma patients and compare with control. A second goal is anti vitamin D levels in serum of scleroderma patients in relation to the clinical manifestations of the disease.