Active clinical trials for "Scleroderma, Diffuse"

By contrast to other proinflammatory cytokines which are found up-regulated in the skin of patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or systemic sclerosis, IL-34 is the only cytokine that undergoes down-regulation. This finding is interesting regarding the description of IL-34 as an immunosuppressive cytokine. In this study, the expression and the role of interleukin-34 (IL-34) will be investigated in the physiopathology of systemic sclerosis.

Background: A typical feature of SSc is the fibrotic involvement of the connectival tissue of the face, which causes microstomia. Objectives: To test the effectiveness of an educational intervention with "face to face" training, compared to a standard information program, to reduce microstomia in women with SSc. Methods: SSc patients were randomized to the experimental and control group. Both groups received written and audiovisual information for self-management of microstomia; in addition, the experimental group received a reinforced training at baseline and at follow-up. Primary outcome: change in inter-incisal distance; secondary outcome: patient-reported mouth disability.

The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) is an organization established by researchers, health care providers, and people living with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis or SSc) from Canada, the USA, and Europe. The objectives of SPIN are (1) to assemble a large cohort of SSc patients to complete outcome assessments regularly in order to learn more about important problems faced by people living with SSc and (2) to develop and test a series of internet-based interventions to help patients manage aspects of their disease, including hand limitations. In SSc, approximately 90% of patients experience significant hand function limitations, which impact overall disability more than any other aspect of the disease. The SPIN hand exercise program was designed by SPIN experts in rehabilitation, behavioural therapies, and e-health interventions, as well as patient representatives in SPIN. The program core consists of 4 modules that address specific aspects of hand function, and integrates tools to support key components of successful self-management programs, including goal-setting and feedback, social modeling, and mastery experiences. The SPIN-HAND trial is a pragmatic randomized control trial (RCT) embedded in the SPIN Cohort that will evaluate the effect of SPIN's online hand exercise program, in addition to usual care, on hand function and health related quality of life (HRQL) in SSc patients with at least mild hand function limitations. SPIN will randomize 586 SPIN Cohort participants with at least mild hand function limitations and an indicated interest in using an online hand exercise program to be offered the hand exercise program or usual care only.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate pharmacodynamics (PD) in adult subjects with a diagnosis of Raynaud's Phenomenon secondary to Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

This Study is a collaborative project with partners (people with scleroderma and stakeholders) designed to refine an internet program for patients with scleroderma and to compare the internet program to an authoritative educational book (Taking Charge of Systemic Sclerosis [TOSS]). During a 16-week comparative effectiveness 16-week randomized controlled trial, the investigators will recruit up to 250 patients who will be randomized to either TOSS or authoritative book for patients, The Scleroderma Book: A Guide for Patients and Families.

This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an antifibrotic agent, pirfenidone as treatment of systemic sclerosis. The primary outcome of this study is improvement of skin fibrosis.

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of routine medical treatments of digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis in a prospective cohort study.

Systemic sclerosis is a systemic connective tissue disease with physical and mental disturbances. Based on a pilot study the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel, self-developed concept of vocal intervention in Systemic Sclerosis under vocal pedagogical guidance and music therapy is assessed.

The purpose of the study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of sirolimus treatment for people with systemic sclerosis. The investigators perform a multi-centre, double-blind pilot trial with sirolimus in SSc.The investigators evaluate the effectiveness and safeness of sirolimus for Systemic Sclerosis by randomized controlled study (sirolimus 2mg/d (N = 36) versus placebo group (N = 36)).

This study will assess the mental health and clinical benefits of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in patients with rheumatic disease who have anxiety or depression. MBSR, an interactive form of meditation that includes gentle yoga, will be taught by a certified instructor over an eight-week period. Mental health surveys will be conducted within one month of the study start and end as well as mid-course. Clinical assessments will be conducted within one-month of the study start and end.