Assessing Biomarker in Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatic

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BONN · Jun 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The GCAIO study is a research project aimed at improving how we understand and treat two related conditions: giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The study focuses on three main areas: first, it looks at specific proteins and immune cells in the body to help predict how active the disease is and how well treatments might work. Second, it uses advanced imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound to better spot complications related to these conditions, which could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses. Finally, the study seeks to learn more about PMR in relation to GCA, using new markers and imaging methods to enhance diagnosis and treatment plans.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old and provide informed consent. They should have a confirmed diagnosis of GCA or PMR, either newly diagnosed or having experienced a flare-up in the last three days. Unfortunately, those with severe kidney issues or other inflammatory diseases that require steroid treatments are not eligible. Participants can expect to undergo various tests and imaging procedures that will help researchers gather important data to improve patient care in the future. This study is currently looking for participants, so if you or someone you know fits the criteria, it might be a great opportunity to contribute to advancing knowledge about these conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Informed Consent: Participants (\>18 years) must provide written informed consent to voluntarily participate in the study.
• • Confirmed Diagnosis: Diagnosis of GCA or PMR confirmed by the treating physician and fulfilling expanded ACR-EULAR classification criteria. Patients must have been either newly diagnosed within the last three days or have experienced a disease flare within the same timeframe.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe Renal Insufficiency: Chronic glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 30 mL/min.
• • Other Medical Conditions Requiring Glucocorticoids: Presence of medical conditions other than GCA or PMR that necessitate continuous or intermittent treatment with oral or parenteral glucocorticoids.
• • Other Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Patients with other inflammatory rheumatic diseases.