Impact of Capillaroscopy on the Management of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease

Launched by CHU DE QUEBEC-UNIVERSITE LAVAL · May 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the role of a test called capillaroscopy in helping to manage patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). UCTD is a condition where patients show symptoms of connective tissue diseases, like joint pain or skin issues, but do not fully meet the criteria for a specific disease. The trial aims to find out if using capillaroscopy can help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis for these patients within the first six months of their care.

To participate in the trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with UCTD by a rheumatologist. You should have signs of connective tissue disease, a positive test for certain antibodies, and your symptoms should have started less than ten years ago. If you join, you can expect to undergo the capillaroscopy test, which is a simple, non-invasive procedure that involves looking at small blood vessels in your skin to gather more information about your condition. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and it hopes to improve how UCTD is managed in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Be aged 18 and over;
• • Have been diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease by a rheumatologist;
• • Meet the preliminary classification criteria for undifferentiated connective tissue disease: present signs and symptoms suggestive of connective tissue disease, but do not meet the criteria for a connective tissue disease and have a positive antinuclear antibody on at least 2 occasions;
• • Have developed the first signs and symptoms of the disease less than 10 years before recruitment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • In the opinion of the clinician, have a health condition that does not allow a delay of six months before carrying out the capillaroscopy;
• • Have been diagnosed and/or meet the classification criteria for another connective tissue disease (for example, systemic lupus, etc.);
• • Have already performed a capillaroscopy in the past, regardless of the time or the reason;
• • Be unable to consent or respond to questionnaires.