View clinical trials related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Filter by:The aim of this study is to to determine whether atorvastatin 40mg per day is effective in the treatment of SLE.
The PROMISSE Study is an observational study of 700 pregnant patients, enrolled at nine major clinical centers. The purpose of the study is 1) to determine whether certain proteins (called complement split products) that can injure healthy organs can be used to predict poor pregnancy outcome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), and/or 2) to determine whether elevated levels of circulating antiangiogenic factors predict pregnancy complications in patients with aPL antibodies and/or SLE.
Several studies have shown that persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have poor general health and a higher risk of heart attack and bone loss (osteoporosis) compared to the general population. Some of the risks associated with heart attacks and bone loss are modifiable (can be changed). For example, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise are risk factors associated with heart attacks that can be changed. Whereas, age and a family history of heart attacks are risk factors that can not be changed. Similarly, a diet low in calcium, smoking and lack of exercise are modifiable risk factors associated with osteoporosis; while, family history and age are not modifiable. The Health Improvement and Prevention Program (HIPP) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus was developed to increase the general health in persons who have lupus and to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and bone loss. This intervention program gives comprehensive information about lupus and provides tools on how to live better with lupus. The program includes visits with a nurse case manager who will work in close collaboration with the lupus team. She will work on an individual basis with each participant to develop a mutually agreed upon personalized care plan aimed at improving general health, coping skills and heart and bone health. HIPP STUDY (Health Improvement And Prevention Program) Dr Paul Fortin Principal Investigator Primary and Secondary objectives: - To improve health status, decrease cardiovascular risk and improve endothelial function in persons with SLE compared to usual care. - To improve bone health behaviors and prevent decrease in bone mineral density. - To improve adherence to treatments. - To help persons with Lupus move toward wellness by increasing knowledge. - To show that HIPP is cost effective and could become standard care. Duration: 2 years Enrollment 240 patients Study Design: - Randomized prospective study of HIPP compared to usual care, patients will be crossed over at Mth 12. Data collected for 24 mths. - Demographic, health status, cost, SLE knowledge, coping, cardiovascular and osteoporosis information will be collected. - All patients will undergo clinical evaluation to measure disease activity, BMD (every 2 years) and Flow mediated Doppler (every year) - HIPP now patients will attend 4 knowledge sessions, covering SLE, coping with chronic disease, cardiovascular disease in Lupus, bone health in Lupus. - HIPP now patients will be followed by nurse coordinator and receive an individualized risk assessment, telephone follow-up, smoking cessation counseling. For those found at risk stress reduction (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and or bone health program will be provided. Hipp now patients will attend Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at TWH. All HIPP now pts will attend the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at the TWH. Inclusion Criteria: SLE according to ACR, >18 yr, Female, must read and write french or english Exclusion Criteria: MI, TIA, CVA, Other arterial occlusion, PVD, Osteoporosis as defined by BMD, Pregnant now, active cancer For further information contact Study Coordinator Anne Cymet Tel # 13-2895 Pager 416-664-
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a relatively common autoimmune disease that affects mainly women.Cardiovascular disease as a result of accelerated atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in SLE.Previous research has shown that 35-40% of patients with SLE have abnormalities of myocardial perfusion even when they have no coronary stenoses on coronary angiography. The reason for these frequent perfusion abnormalities in the absence of angiographically significant CAD remains uncertain, but could conceivably result from endothelial dysfunction. In SLE, coronary endothelial dysfunction could result from the inflammatory process involved in the SLE disease itself, a finding that could explain the correlation between disease activity and the development of CAD in these patients.As such endothelial dysfunction may account for accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiac perfusion defects (without angiographically significant coronary lesions). We propose to first evaluate whether endothelial dysfunction occurs in these patients and is more frequent in patients with myocardial perfusion abnormalities. Endothelial function will be assessed by measuring flow-mediated brachial artery dilatation. In the 250 patients included in the study we will correlate endothelial function and myocardial perfusion abnormalities to SLE disease activity, to its treatment and to the presence of CAD risk factors In a subgroup of patients (estimated 5 patients) in whom it is clinically indicated, coronary angiography will be performed in order to assess the presence of significant coronary stenoses (>50%),coronary artery reserve and coronary endothelial dysfunction. We will then attempt to reverse abnormalities in endothelial function and myocardial perfusion by therapy with an ACE inhibitor(Quinapril).Patients with myocardial perfusion abnormalities will be randomised to receive Medication A(oral Quinapril or Placebo) for 8 weeks, will have all baseline investigations repeated and then will switch over and receive medication B(Quinapril or placebo) for a further 8 weeks followed by repeat investigations.
Although SLE and RA are correlated with genetic predisposing factors such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II, both diseases and other genetic factors might have contributed to the development of dysregulated lymphocyte activation and autoimmunity. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3)/TR6 is a secreted protein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. It binds to Fas ligand (FasL), LIGHT, and TL1A that are all TNF family members. It was noted that soluble or solid phase DcR3-Fc co-stimulated proliferation, lymphokine production and cytotoxicity of mouse and human T cells upon T-cell receptor (TCR) ligation. Recently, the investigators found that the serum level of soluble DcR3 was higher in SLE patients than in healthy control subjects (unpublished data). Taken together, the investigators propose that in autoimmune diseases, such as RA and SLE, activated T cells secrete more DcR3 than non-autoimmune controls, which may, in turn, costimulate T cells further and cause dysregulated lymphocyte activation. With the aim to establish the possible correlation between DcR3 genetic polymorphisms, DcR3 expressions, and autoimmune phenotypes, the investigators offer this proposal. They plan to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DcR3 gene. The genetic polymorphisms on the DcR3/TR6 gene and circulating DcR3 level will be compared between RA, SLE and non-autoimmune control subjects.
OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the mechanisms of ultraviolet A-1 light therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and normal controls.
This protocol will evaluate patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their relatives to learn more about how the disease develops and changes over time. It will also study genetic factors that make a person susceptible to SLE. Patients 10 years of age and older with known or suspected SLE and their relatives may be eligible for this study. Patients will be evaluated with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests. Other procedures may include: 1. Electrocardiogram 2. 24-hour urine collection 3. Imaging studies, such as chest and joint X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, bone scans, and bone densitometry. 4. Questionnaire about the degree of disease activity, and survey of risk factors for disease complications. 5. Apheresis Collection of plasma (fluid portion of blood) or blood cells for analysis. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The blood circulates through a machine that separates it into its components. The required component (plasma or cells) is removed and the rest of the blood is returned to the body through the same needle or through a second needle in the other arm. 6. Skin biopsy Removal of a small skin sample for microscopic analysis. An area of skin is numbed with an anesthetic and a small circular portion (about 1/4 inch in diameter) is removed, using a sharp cookie cutter-type instrument. 7. Kidney, bone marrow or other organ biopsy Removal of a small sample of organ tissue. These biopsies are done only if they can provide information useful in better understanding the disease or making treatment decisions. 8. Genetic studies Collection of a blood sample for gene testing. Patients will be followed at least once a year with a brief history and physical examination and routine blood and urine tests. Some patients may be seen more often. Treatment recommendations will be offered to patients' physicians, and patients who are eligible for other research treatment studies will be invited to enroll. Participating relatives of patients will fill out a brief medical history questionnaire and provide a DNA sample (either a blood sample or tissue swab from the inside of the cheek) for genetic testing.