SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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…