Are you interested in knowing more or participating in a Spring TX Rheumatology Clinical Research study? These studies serve as a great path towards improving the treatments of these types of conditions. Rheumatic diseases are very severe and require great attention and care.

Medical centers take illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases very seriously. Research studies help improve the methods of treating patients. Diagnosis and treatment of these diseases are great, but chronic diseases still have no cure. This is what we are trying to change for the better.

About Spring TX Rheumatology Clinical Research Studies

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is proud to participate in worldwide research studies for a select number of rheumatologic conditions. Moreover, these research studies are meant to test out new investigational drugs that can potentially improve the lives of patients. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are manageable through medication.

With that being said, some patients just don’t respond to the medication for these conditions. Research studies set out to test new medication to give patients more chances at a comfortable life. Furthermore, patients who are being treated for rheumatology conditions have an opportunity to participate in these studies.

Each research study has its own set of criteria for participants. Even more, some research studies often include free medication, clinic visits, and travel stipends. It is studies like these where patients are able to help each other. If interested, you can view the requirements for each study on their respective webpage. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is currently taking part in three different research studies: SLE-BRAVE, The contRAst Program, and KEEPsAKE.

SLE-BRAVE

One of the Spring TX Rheumatology Clinical Research studies we participate in is SLE-Brave, focusing on lupus. Lupus is an inflammatory disease that affects several parts of the body, including joints, skin, and organs. Furthermore, organs that can be affected include the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs.

A chronic disease, there currently is no cure for lupus. Although there is no cure, recent advancements in medication have made living with lupus a much more comfortable and doable.

Lupus affects mostly affects females going through puberty. Additionally, children and teenagers make up 20 percent of lupus patients. Symptoms for the disease vary depending on the person, but here are a few signs to look out for:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Swelling in the feet, legs, and joints
• Chest pains when breathing deeply
• Anemia
• Mouth or nose sores

The SLE-BRAVE study will last approximately 62 weeks or 14 months. The study will test out a new investigational drug, Baricitnib, and lupus therapy as effective options for the treatment of lupus. Patients suffering from lupus are eligible to qualify for the study. The study is great for the medical field, and it will help both current and future patients. Above all, the goal is that these studies will help patients take on the hardships that come with these types of diseases.

The contRAst Program

Another study we are taking part in is the contRAst Program. This research study is designed to test new medication for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you didn’t already know, rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. This condition affects millions across the country, which highlights the importance of the studies.

If effective, this new investigational drug being tested will slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Participants have to be at least 18 years old and meet other types of criteria. The study offers patients a chance to help others in the community.

This severe disease that is rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues. The affected tissues will be subject to inflammation, and in the instance of rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are also regularly affected. RA affects smaller joints in a patient’s hands and feet. It also affects organs. Furthermore, the disease primarily affects women from ages 30 to 50.

Commonly recognized as a disabling illness, recent advancements in medicine have made RA much easier to deal with. With that being said, there still isn’t a cure for the disease, so treatment options focus on the symptoms. However, there are research studies being performed with the goal of finding better treatment options.

These studies test out new medication that will slow the progression of these types of illnesses. As of now, many RA patients do not respond to their treatments. The contRAst Program and studies like are here to change that for the better.

What to Expect

Spring TX Rheumatology Clinical Research Studies like these take investigational drugs and test on eligible patients. As such, these studies help doctors see if patients react positively to these new drugs. The program is meant to find a way to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is composed of three different studies: contRAst-1 Study, contRAst-2 Study, and contRAst-3 Study.

• The contRAst-1 Study, which involves 1500 to 1700 people
• The contRAst-2 Study, involving 1500 to 1800 people
• Approximately 600 participants will be involved in the contRAst-3 Study

Patients must meet certain criteria. For example, patients must be 18 years or older and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Eligible patients may receive medication and care from local doctors at no extra cost. Additionally, if patients do qualify but don’t have proper transportation, the concierge travel service may be a viable option. Visit the contRAst webpage to learn more.

KEEPsAKE 1 and KEEPsAKE 2

If you’re currently dealing with psoriatic arthritis and have not been assisted by your treatment options, you may qualify to participate in a research study. An inflammatory and chronic condition, psoriatic arthritis affects those with psoriasis. However, not every patient with psoriasis develops the condition. In fact, only 15 percent of psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis develops scaly red and white patches. Additionally, it sometimes appears before the skin disease. The most vulnerable to the condition are people between the ages of 30 and 50. Men and women are at equal risk for the condition. Generally speaking, psoriatic arthritis affects areas of the body such as feet, hands, knees, elbows, and the neck. Additionally, the condition also goes through flares, much like lupus.

Interested in Participating?

If you or someone you know suffers from one of the mentioned conditions and would like to participate in a study, contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. We’ll give you valuable information to find out if you are eligible. You can reach our clinic at (281) 766-7886. In addition, you can visit our research studies and services webpages to learn more. Finally, help the medical community and participate in one of these Spring TX Rheumatology Clinical Research studies.

 

Spring TX Fun Facts

• Home to Collings Park
• Ranked as one of the most affordable places to live in the nation
• Home to Mercer Botanic Gardens, 60 acres of maintained gardens, ponds, and trails