Clinical and Immunogenetic Characterization of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS · Sep 24, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two conditions called Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). The researchers want to understand the genetic factors that may make some people more likely to develop these conditions. By studying both new patients and those who have been diagnosed in the past, the team hopes to gain insights into how these diseases develop and how they can be better treated. Some participants in the study will also be monitored if they are receiving a specific treatment called tocilizumab, which is used for patients who have GCA that does not respond to standard therapies.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be 50 years or older and have a confirmed diagnosis of GCA or PMR. They need to be willing to identify their ethnic background and provide informed consent to participate. This means they should understand what the study involves and agree to take part. If you or someone you know meets these criteria and is interested, joining this trial could contribute to important research that may improve the understanding and treatment of these conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Willing to self-identify an ethnic group, such as Caucasian, Asian, Afro-Caribbean.
• • Have a firm clinical diagnosis of GCA or PMR, or (for patients identified prospectively) GCA or PMR should be more likely than any alternative explanation for the patient's symptoms.
• • Able and willing to give informed consent. Patients will be 50 years of age or over, unless both biopsy-proven and a clinically classical case of GCA.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Patient unwilling or unable to give fully informed consent.