dEtection of rheumAtoid aRthritis - Interstitial Lung dIseasE by Thoracic ultRasound

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, TOURS · Jan 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new method of detecting lung problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA can sometimes lead to a serious condition called rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), which affects the lungs and can increase the risk of serious health issues. Currently, doctors use a chest CT scan, but it can be expensive and involves radiation. This study is exploring the use of lung ultrasound (LUS) as a faster, safer, and cheaper alternative to identify lung damage in RA patients who are at higher risk.

To participate in this trial, you need to be an adult over 18 years old with a confirmed RA diagnosis and have had a chest CT scan and lung function test within the past six months. You also should have at least two risk factors for developing RA-ILD, such as being over 60 years old or having a history of smoking. If you join, you can expect to undergo a lung ultrasound, which is a simple and quick procedure that does not involve radiation. This study aims to improve how doctors screen for lung issues in RA patients, which could lead to better care and outcomes.

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patient (age \> 18 years) followed at CHU of Tours
• • Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis validated according to ACR 2010 criteria, EULAR classification, regardless of time since diagnosis
• • Patient who has had or will have a thoracic CT scan and PFT performed as part of routine care in the 6 months preceding or following inclusion
• * Patient with at least two risk factors for developing RA-ILD among :
• • Male sex or
• • Active or former smoker assessed at 20 pack-year or
• • Age \> 60 years or
• • Levels of RF≥3N (rheumatoid factor) and/or anti-CCP≥3N (antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides) at diagnosis or at any time during the course of the disease or
• • High RA activity score (DAS28\>3.2)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of congenital lung disease
• • Diagnosis of another autoimmune pathology associated with RA (overlap syndrome) linked to the development of ILD (interstitial lung disease) (systemic sclerosis, myositis, dermatomyositis, mixed connectivitis, systemic lupus erythematosus or other ANCA vasculitis, with the exception of secondary Gougerot-Sjögren's syndromes).
• • Current or operated lung cancer
• • Thoracic irradiation
• • Thoracic transplant patients
• • Previous invasive thoracic procedures
• • Pathologies responsible for pleural thickening (silicosis, asbestosis, known pleural plaque, pleural sequelae of tuberculosis)
• • Pregnant or breast-feeding women
• • Patient under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship or safeguard of justice)
• • Patient who has objected to data processing
• • Parenchymal infection current or less than one month old prior to LUS examination
• • Liquid or gaseous pleural effusion