The Woodlands TX rheumatology clinical research studies help patients and doctors alike find better ways of dealing with rheumatologic illnesses. Developing and researching clinical research studies is very important as it can help improve treatments and care methods for patients suffering from these types of conditions.

About The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinical Research

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston participates in worldwide research studies for a select number of rheumatologic conditions. The goal for these studies is to test new methods and treatments that will help the future of the way we treat these conditions. Through constant research, conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis will become more manageable through medication.

In some cases, patients do not respond to the commonly used medications for these illnesses. Despite that, these studies are great for testing new forms of medication, so patients have more chances at a comfortable life. Patients with rheumatologic conditions can qualify to participate in testing these new types of treatments.

Each of the studies has a set of criteria that every participant must meet. Moreover, research studies often include free medication, clinic visits, and travel stipends. Studies like these allow patients to assist the medical community. If interested in The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinical Research, you can check out the requirements on the web page for each study.

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is currently participating in three different studies: SLE-BRAVE, The contRAst Program, and KEEPsAKE.

SLE-BRAVE

Lupus is an inflammatory disease that affects several parts of the body, such as skin, joints, and organs. The brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs are only a few of the many organs this disease can affect. As a chronic disease, there is still no cure for lupus. However, thanks to recent advances in medication, living with lupus is much more doable than in previous years.

Lupus primarily affects females going through puberty. Children and teenagers make up 20 percent of lupus patients. Symptoms for the disease vary case by case, but here are a few of the ones you should look out for.

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

The SLE-BRAVE study will last approximately 62 weeks or 14 months. The goal of the study is to test if the investigational drug Baricitnib and lupus therapy are effective options for lupus treatment. Patients suffering from lupus may qualify for the study. The study is a great thing for the field, as it will help current and future patients takle the hardships that come with the disease.

The contRAst Program

The contRAst program is divided into three different studies and will test new medication for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. The disease affects millions around the nation, which is why the study is so important. If successful, this new investigational drug will slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Participants must be at least 18 years old and meet other criteria.

This study offers patients a chance to contribute to the medical community. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues. The tissues affected are hit with inflammation, and in the instance of rheumatoid arthritis, the joins are regularly affected.

RA primarily affects smaller joints in a person’s hands and feet. It is also capable of affecting organs. Females between the ages of 30 and 50 are primarily affected by this disease. Commonly recognized as a disabling illness, RA has become much easier to deal with thanks to recent medical advancements.

There is no current cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, so most treatment options target the symptoms. Fortunately, there are research studies testing new medication that will potentially slow down the progression of the condition. As of now, many patients suffering from RA do not respond as desired to treatment options. Studies such as The contRAst Program are here to change that for the better.

What to Expect

The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinical Research takes an investigational new drug and test on eligible patients. These studies serve as a way to see if patients react positively to a new drug. The mission of the program is to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. The program is composed of three different studies for RA patients: contRAst-1 Study, contRAst-2- Study, and contRAst-3 Study.

• The contRAst-1 Study involves 1500 to 1700 people
• The contRAst-2 Study involves 1500 to 1800 people
• Approximately 600 people will take part in the contRAST-3 Study

There is a list of criteria that must be met. The most basic of these requirements is that patients must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Eligible patients may be able to receive medication and care from their local doctor at no cost. If patients do qualify but don’t have transportation, the concierge travel service may be an option. Visit the contRAst website for more details.

KEEPsAKE 1 and KEEPsAKE 2

If you are currently dealing with psoriatic arthritis and medication has not helped, then you may be eligible for a research study concerning this condition. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory and chronic condition. It affects those with psoriasis. However, not everyone with psoriasis develops this condition. As a matter of fact, only 15 percent of those with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that develops scaly red and white patches. Moreover, psoriatic arthritis sometimes appears prior to skin disease. People between the ages of 30 and 50 are the most vulnerable to the condition. Both men and women are at risk of the condition.

On regular occasions, psoriatic arthritis commonly affects feet, hands, knees, elbows, and neck. With that being said, the condition can affect any joint in the body. Furthermore, this type of arthritis does go through flares such as lupus. There are several treatment options available for patients with psoriatic arthritis. Most medication aims to reduce inflammation and pain. Some forms of medication can also slow down the process of the condition and preserve the bones around the joints. Even more, there are medications that specifically target the immune system itself.

Interested in Participating?

If you or someone you know is suffering from one of these conditions and want to participate in a research study, contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. We can give you valuable information on how to see if you are eligible. You can reach us by calling (281) 766-7886. Moreover, you can visit our research studies or services to learn more. Taking part in The Woodlands TX Rheumatology Clinical Research can be beneficial for you and other patients around the world.

 

The Woodlands TX Fun Facts

• The first high school in The Woodlands opened in 1976
• Home to almost 150 parks
• The Woodlands area is referred to as “The Invisible City”
• Learn more about The Woodlands here