Systemic sclerosis

This study looked at whether the HPV vaccine works in girls aged 9 to 17 who are taking medicines that weaken their immune system, such as after an organ transplant or for diseases like lupus. The goal was to see if their bodies produce enough antibodies to protect against HPV. T…

This study tested an extra dose of the HIPRA COVID-19 vaccine in 241 adults with conditions like HIV, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders that weaken the immune system. The goal was to see if the booster raises antibody levels against virus variants and remains safe. Research…

This study tested the drug bosentan in 18 adults with systemic sclerosis who had reduced blood flow in their hands and a history of digital ulcers. The goal was to see if bosentan could improve hand blood flow measured by laser imaging and how blood flow relates to ulcer severity…

This study looked at whether bosentan (Tracleer) can reduce the thickness of lung artery walls in people with a type of high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH). Eleven adults with PAH took bosentan for 6 months. Researchers measured artery wall …

This study tested a program to help veterans with heart disease or rheumatic conditions take their medications as prescribed. Over 5,000 participants received reminders via text or phone calls, with extra support if needed. The goal was to improve medication adherence and reduce …

This study tested whether imatinib, a drug used for certain cancers, can reduce skin hardening in people with severe scleroderma. 28 adults received either imatinib or a placebo for 6 months. The main goal was to see if the drug improved skin thickness and quality of life.

This study tested whether sildenafil (the drug in Viagra) can help heal painful finger ulcers in people with scleroderma, a disease that damages blood vessels. 84 participants took either sildenafil or a placebo three times daily for 90 days. The main goal was to see if the ulcer…

This study tested a drug called bosentan in 16 adults with scleroderma who had a serious kidney complication called scleroderma renal crisis. The goal was to see if bosentan could help protect kidney function and improve survival over 6 months to a year. The drug works by blockin…

This study tested a single intravenous infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue in one person with severe scleroderma that had caused lung scarring and high blood pressure in the lungs. The goal was to see if the treatment could improve lung function, exercise ab…

This early-phase trial tested a new drug called VIS171 in 61 people: first in healthy volunteers, then in patients with autoimmune diseases. The main goal was to check safety and how the body processes the drug. No results on whether it actually helps the disease are available ye…

This study compared two treatment strategies for people with early, severe scleroderma: a stem cell transplant using their own cells versus standard immunosuppressive drugs. The trial enrolled 60 adults with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The goal was to see which approach…

This study tested a medicine called Avenciguat (BI 685509) in 214 adults with scleroderma, a disease that can cause skin hardening and lung or blood vessel damage. Participants took either the study drug or a placebo three times daily for at least 11 months. Researchers measured …

This study tested whether tofacitinib (a JAK inhibitor drug) works better than methotrexate (a standard treatment) at reducing skin thickening in people with a severe form of scleroderma called diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Thirty-four adults with early-stage disease took…

This phase 2 trial tested the drug nemolizumab in 6 people with systemic sclerosis, a rare disease that causes skin thickening. The goal was to see if the drug could improve skin symptoms and to check its safety. Participants received injections of nemolizumab, and doctors measur…

This study tested a new drug called MT-7117 (dersimelagon) in 76 people with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes skin thickening and can affect internal organs. Participants received either the drug or a placebo for 52 weeks. The main goal …

This study tested whether rituximab, a drug used for certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, can reduce joint pain and swelling in people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Twenty-two adults with active arthritis took rituximab or a placebo, plus standard care. Researchers c…

This study looked at how well flu vaccines (seasonal and H1N1) work in 234 adults with autoimmune diseases like lupus or vasculitis, some of whom were on steroids or immunosuppressants. Researchers measured antibody levels three weeks after each shot to see if the vaccine provide…

This study tested whether a combination of the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide and the steroid prednisone could help people with scleroderma-related lung disease. Forty adults whose lung function had worsened in the past year received either the drug combo or a placebo plus pr…

This study looked at a device called GLOBAFFIN that filters antibodies from the blood to help people with autoimmune diseases. It involved 34 adults and measured how much harmful antibodies were removed and if patients felt better. The goal was to see if the device is safe and wo…

This study tested whether MRI can detect and monitor interstitial lung disease (lung scarring) in people with scleroderma. Twenty-five adults with scleroderma underwent both MRI and CT scans. A subset also breathed in a special xenon gas to see how well their lungs exchange oxyge…

This study tested whether a painless, non-radiation ultrasound of the chest can find early signs of lung scarring in people with scleroderma. Thirty patients without known lung disease on CT scans underwent thoracic ultrasound. The goal was to see how often ultrasound detects hid…

This study tested whether a type of PET scan called CXCR4-PET/CT can detect inflammation in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disease that causes scarring in organs like the lungs. The scan uses a radioactive tracer to highlight active immune cells. The goal is to find infl…

This study tested a device called SUDOSCAN, which measures sweat function in just two minutes, to see if it can detect small fiber nerve damage in people with autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) or unexplained pain. Researchers enrolled 139 adults and compare…

This Phase 2 trial tested whether selexipag, a drug that opens blood vessels, can reduce the number of Raynaud's attacks in adults with systemic sclerosis. 74 participants took either selexipag or a placebo twice daily. The main goal was to see if the drug lowered weekly attack f…

This study tested whether a personalized home respiratory rehabilitation program is feasible for people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) who have early lung disease. Fifteen participants completed a 3-month program with one supervised session followed by home exercises. The …

This early-phase study tested whether a drug used for lymphoma, brentuximab vedotin, is safe for people with a severe form of scleroderma (diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis). The drug targets overactive immune cells that may drive the disease. Only 17 people took part, and the…

This study tested a smartphone app called RENEW designed to help people with scleroderma manage fatigue and build resilience. Over 12 weeks, 43 participants used the app to set and track weekly healthy goals. The main goal was to see if people would actually use the app and compl…

This small study tested a new way to treat microstomia (a tight, small mouth) caused by scleroderma. Three adults received three sessions of a laser treatment that delivered hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down tight tissue, directly into the skin. The goal was to improve mo…

This study tested a pulsed dye laser to reduce red veins (telangiectasias) on the face and neck in 21 people with scleroderma. Participants received four laser sessions, and the researchers checked how many veins disappeared, how patients felt about the results, and any side effe…

This study looked at whether a diet low in salt and sugar can reduce common side effects of corticosteroid treatment, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Fifty adults with autoimmune diseases or asthma who were starting high-dose corticosteroids were randomly …

This study tested whether a personalized rehabilitation program could improve quality of life for people with systemic sclerosis, a disease that causes skin and joint stiffness. 220 adults with the condition were randomly assigned to either the rehab program or usual care. The pr…

This study tested whether eye drops made from a patient's own blood (autologous serum) can relieve severe dry eye better than standard artificial tears. 46 adults with severe dry eye tried both diluted (20%) and full-strength (100%) serum drops, as well as artificial tears. The m…

This pilot study tested whether gentle yoga and breathing exercises are feasible for people with scleroderma, a condition that can limit movement. Thirty participants learned chair-based yoga and breathing techniques, then practiced twice daily at home for 10 weeks. Researchers m…

This trial tests an online self-management program for people with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). Participants watch videos of patients and health professionals teaching techniques to manage pain, fatigue, skin issues, and more. The program also includes group video calls led …

This study looked at how stretchy the skin and blood vessels are in people with Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause heart problems. Researchers measured skin and pulse speed in 43 participants aged 5 to 70. The goal was to learn how these tissues change over tim…

This study looks at families where one sibling has a rheumatic disease (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) and the other does not. Researchers compare their blood, genes, and environmental exposures to find clues about why one got sick. Over 1,000 participants are involved, incl…

This study is looking at how nutrition affects disease activity in people with rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis. Researchers will measure the nutritional status of 460 participants using several different tools and compare it to how act…

This study looked at 719 people, including patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases like myositis, their blood relatives, and healthy volunteers. Researchers collected blood samples and medical histories to find genetic and environmental factors that may trigger these …

This study followed 150 adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) for two years to track their nutritional health. Researchers measured weight, diet, and disease severity every six months. If malnutrition was found, patients received dietary advice or supplements. The goal was…

This study used color Doppler ultrasound to look at blood vessels in the belly and hands of 30 adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). The goal was to see how the disease affects larger blood vessels. Participants had an ultrasound scan of arteries in the abdomen and wrist.…

This completed study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing impacted the mental health of 259 adults with chronic inflammatory rheumatism (like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis). Researchers used questionnaires to measure stress, depression, anxie…

This study examined whether women with autoimmune diseases or inflammatory rheumatism receive proper gynecological follow-up, including cervical cancer screening and contraception advice. Researchers surveyed 318 women with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren…

This study tested a smartwatch and mobile app platform called Pedi@Ctivity to track physical activity in 362 adolescents, including those with chronic rheumatic disease. The goal was to collect big data and use AI to analyze activity patterns and create personalized exercise prog…

This study looked at 235 people to understand how certain immune cells, called innate T cells, might be involved in systemic sclerosis (a rare disease that causes hardening of the skin and organs). Researchers compared patients with systemic sclerosis to those with other autoimmu…

This study looked at over 13,000 people with chronic inflammatory rheumatism or autoimmune diseases who had or were suspected to have COVID-19. Researchers tracked how many developed severe COVID-19 requiring intensive care or leading to death. They also examined risk factors lik…

This study looked at tiny particles called microparticles in the blood and urine of people with lupus or scleroderma. Researchers wanted to see if these particles could help explain how these diseases work and possibly lead to better diagnosis or treatment. Over 200 adults partic…

This study looked at how blood vessel cells and immune cells talk to each other in people with systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes skin hardening and organ damage. Researchers collected blood samples and skin biopsies from 350 participants to measure a speci…

This completed study looked at how certain immune cells (T cells and NK cells) might damage blood vessels in people with systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 30 participants to measure a protein called Fractalkine and study cell i…

This study looked at how skin changes from systemic sclerosis affect a person's feelings about their appearance. Researchers compared 170 patients with the disease to healthy people using surveys about body image and emotional distress. The goal was to understand the burden of th…

This study compared two commercially available devices that measure how well the lungs transfer nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Nine adults with systemic sclerosis and related lung disease took part. Each person was tested with both devices in random order to see if the results…

This study tested whether holding a newborn skin-to-skin right after a C-section (within 5 minutes) or within the first hour helps with breastfeeding, reduces anxiety, and keeps mom and baby healthy. 92 mothers and their newborns took part. The results showed that early contact c…

This completed study followed 73 people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis who were starting treatment with rituximab. The goal was to track how many developed serious infections and to understand what factors increase that risk. Researchers …

This study looked at over 2,400 people with rheumatic diseases who take methotrexate. Researchers compared those who had standard lab monitoring to those who had fewer blood tests. The goal was to see if reduced monitoring is as safe in terms of preventing organ damage or death.

This study followed 293 people with autoimmune diseases and healthy volunteers to see how COVID-19 infection or vaccination affects their immune system, inflammation, and blood vessels. Participants were grouped based on their COVID-19 history and had up to 5 visits over 12-18 mo…

This study looked at 30 adults with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that often causes hand stiffness and disability. Researchers measured how much movement was limited in each hand to compare the dominant and non-dominant sides. The goal was to better understand hand function …

This completed study looked at how the immune system might affect the outlook for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Researchers took blood and skin samples from 629 participants with different types of PAH to search for specific antibodies. The goal was to better…

This completed study surveyed 121 adults with autoimmune diseases like lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, or scleroderma. Participants filled out a questionnaire about their use of alternative medicines. The goal was to find out how common these practices are in this patient group.

This study tested whether a special MRI technique can measure lung stiffness in people with scleroderma, a disease that often causes lung scarring. Researchers enrolled 24 adults and compared MRI results to standard lung function tests. The goal was to see if MRI could offer a sa…

This study aimed to create a standard set of items, called an ICF core set, to describe the health and functioning of people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Researchers gathered input from 100 patients and experts to identify the most important aspects of the disease. The …

This completed study looked at anxiety about COVID-19 in 200 adults with rheumatic diseases who were already taking either biologic or conventional disease-modifying drugs. Researchers called participants and asked them to fill out a questionnaire about their coronavirus-related …

This study looked at whether video or phone visits (tele-rheumatology) work as well as in-person visits for people with rheumatic diseases like arthritis. Over 650 adults took part, and researchers measured how satisfied they were with each type of visit and which they preferred.…

This study measured two newer blood markers (calprotectin and serum amyloid protein) alongside standard tests in 20 children with juvenile arthritis and related conditions. The goal was to see if these markers could better track disease flare-ups in everyday clinic visits. The st…

This study tested an artificial intelligence algorithm designed to help primary care doctors decide whether a patient with a skin condition really needs to see a dermatologist. Researchers enrolled 200 adults with skin problems and had their doctors take photos of the affected ar…

This study looked at 43 adults with scleroderma or unexplained pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to understand why the right side of the heart weakens. Researchers collected blood and tissue samples during routine procedures and measured heart function over 6 months. The goal…

This study used a very powerful 7 Tesla MRI to look at the hands of 50 people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), a rare autoimmune disease. The goal was to see bone, joint, and blood vessel problems in detail. Researchers hope this will help them understand how the disease af…

This study looked at whether people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) have higher levels of the hormone prolactin in their blood. Researchers measured prolactin in 71 patients and compared them to healthy volunteers. The goal was to understand if prolactin plays a role in the…

This study looked at how B cells, a type of immune cell, may contribute to scarring in people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Researchers compared skin and blood samples from 71 participants, including patients and healthy volunteers. The goal was to understand the disease…

This completed study examined whether eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, contribute to fibrosis (scarring) in systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Researchers compared blood samples from 40 patients with systemic sclerosis and 30 healthy volunteers, with optional skin…

This study followed 56 adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) who also had a serious lung complication called diffuse infiltrating pneumonia. Researchers measured lung function at 12 and 24 months to see how it changed and to identify factors that might predict faster decli…

This study tested whether a special laser technique called Raman spectroscopy can measure skin fibrosis (hardening) in people with systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease. Twenty-six adults with the condition had their skin scanned with the laser. The goal was to see if thi…

This completed study involved 214 people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) to find out how often calcium deposits form in the hands and feet. Researchers used X-rays to detect these deposits and checked if they were linked to damage in organs like the lungs or heart. The goal…

This study looked at how a special exercise approach called BETY affects people with rheumatic diseases (like arthritis) who have chronic pain. Researchers reviewed past records of 300 participants to see if BETY improved their physical function, mood, and quality of life compare…

This early-phase study tested the safety and tolerability of a new drug called LAD191 in 69 healthy adults and people with an autoimmune disease. Researchers gave single or multiple doses to see how the body processes the drug and if it causes side effects. The goal was to gather…

This study looked at the experiences of family members who care for someone with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), a rare and serious disease. Researchers surveyed 50 caregivers to understand their physical, mental, and social challenges. The goal is to use this information to cr…

This study collected blood, saliva, stool, urine, and skin samples from 19 people with unknown or poorly understood immune system problems. The goal was to learn how different parts of the immune system work together. No treatments or drugs were tested. Participants were followed…

This completed study looked at 1,000 women with autoimmune diseases (like lupus) who had a C-section. Researchers wanted to find out how many had severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) and what factors increased that risk. By analyzing medical records, they hope to identify high…

This study looked at specific cells in the blood of 40 women with either Sjögren's syndrome or systemic sclerosis. The goal was to see if counting these cells could help understand the diseases better. No treatment was given; it was purely an observational study to explore potent…

This study looked at whether the way depression questions are asked changes how people with scleroderma report physical symptoms like sleep problems, fatigue, and appetite changes. Over 800 participants were randomly assigned to answer the same depression questionnaire either in …

This study tested a simple approach where doctors review pharmacy refill data during clinic visits and talk with patients about their medications. The goal was to see if this method is practical and acceptable for improving medication adherence in people with chronic rheumatic di…

This completed study looked at 32 people with known genetic changes in connective tissue genes to better understand how these changes affect overall health. Participants underwent a range of medical tests and exams over 3-5 days. The goal was to gather information, not to test a …