Active clinical trials for "Scleroderma, Localized"

Localized scleroderma or morphea is a fibrotic disease, imiquimod induces cytokines which inhibit fibrotic activity . We propose that topical imiquimod 5% cream is efficacious and safe in treating plaque-type morphea. Twenty adults will be enrolled for a pilot study. A screening and baseline clinic visit will be required for each patient enrolled in the study. Each visit will involve completing a medical history, skin examination, digital pictures, histologic examination if the patient consents and an ultrasonographic score. One morphea plaque will be treated with topical imiquimod 5% cream, and another morphea lesion with vehicle cream. Patients will be asked about side effects (local and systemic). Patients will be followed up in the clinic at 3, 6 and 9 months of therapy, and 3 months following end of treatment period (month 12).

This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of high dose UVB light therapy in the treatment of keloid (or hypertrophic scar), scleroderma, acne keloidalis nuchae, old burn scars, granuloma annulare or related conditions.

Scleroderma (SSc) is a rare crippling chronic disease associated with damage of the blood vessels and hardening of connective tissue. It has quite a number of complications including ulcers to the fingers and toes (digital ulcers). Digital ulcers (DU) are a frequent challenge in patients with SSc (PwSSc), as they approximately affect more than half of these patients. Care received by PwSSc DU is varied. Patients with three or more ulcers are considered to have severe disease therefore these patients usually receive expensive treatments and referred to specialist SSc clinics, while those with less ulcers may not receive the same treatments, and only see their general practitioner or local rheumatologist or left to their own means. Resulting in patients developing their own DU managing practices which may be good and some not. Currently, no research has fully identified the needs of PwSSc DU and self-care interventions to support them are lacking. The extent to which DU support needs are met by non-specialist health professionals is unknown. There is lack of literature in co-designing interventions with patients in SSc DU. Developing interventions and pathways for managing DU with patients and healthcare professionals (HCP) will enhance DU care and lessen the burden for the affected patients, a qualitative study is required. Aim The aim of this research is to co-design self-care opportunities and develop improvements in DU care. Objectives to explore how patients with SSc DU are currently managed to understand how they currently manage their ulcers and their healthcare needs. to collaboratively co-design self-care opportunities and improvements in care. Study Methods Experience-based co-design (EBCD) qualitative methodology will be used to conduct the study. 10 HCP and 12-15 PwSSc DU will be invited to participate in consultation observations. Followed by individuals interviews for the HCP and PwSSc DU care and perceptions on unmet needs. The results will inform collaborative co-designing and development of interventions with patients and HCP. The same participants will also be invited to participate in three workshops involving designing, discussion, refinement and finalisation of the interventions. The interventions developed will be ready to be tested or being evaluated once they have been put in place..

Prospective monocentric study of patients with systemic sclerosis disease. The primary outcome is to define the prevalence of olfactory disorders (hyposmia and anosmia) in systemic sclerosis disease. The secondary outcomes are: To assess the correlation of olfaction disorders with clinical and biological and factors related to systemic sclerosis patients. To estimate the frequency of sinonasal disorders in patients with systemic sclerosis disease

The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) is an organization established by researchers, health care providers, and people living with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The objectives of SPIN are (1) to assemble a large cohort of SSc patients who 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 problems related to SSc, including a self-management program (SPIN-SELF Program). In the SPIN-SELF feasibility trial, eligible SPIN Cohort participants will be randomized to be offered the SPIN-SELF Program (in addition to usual care) or to usual care only. The SPIN-SELF Program was designed by SPIN members based on key tenets of behaviour change that have been successfully incorporated in programs for more common diseases and on patient input. It utilizes social modelling through educational videos of SSc patients describing their challenges and what they have done to cope with SSc, as well as videos teaching key self-management techniques. After an introduction to self-management and instructions on how to navigate the program, a short quiz comprised of one-item questions will direct patients to modules that are most relevant to their symptoms and disease management challenges. The program's modules address (1) pain; (2) skin care, finger ulcers, and Raynaud's; (3) sleep problems; (4) fatigue; (5) gastrointestinal symptoms; (6) itch; (7) emotions and stress; (8) body image concerns due to disfigurement; and (9) effective communication with healthcare providers. The aim of the SPIN-SELF feasibility study is to collect data to assess the feasibility of planned procedures for the full-scale trial; required resources; and scientific aspects of the study (e.g., withdrawal rate, outcomes measures). These data will be used to determine whether it is feasible to carry out the main trial or whether changes need to be made before conducting a full-scale RCT of the SPIN-SELF Program.

Many people living with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease, attend support groups to help them cope with the disease. Support groups provide a safe environment where people facing a similar challenge can come together to share disease-related experiences and exchange practical and emotional support. This is especially important for rare diseases such as scleroderma as organized support services can be limited. However, many people with scleroderma do not have access to scleroderma support groups, and many support groups that are initiated are not sustained due to a number of obstacles. Leaders of these support groups play a particularly important role. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks including administrative details that go into planning meetings, facilitating effective and meaningful discussions, managing any issues that may arise in group dynamics, balancing their own needs with the needs of the group and many more. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) team has worked with patient organizations and an advisory team of scleroderma support group leaders to develop the Support group Leader EDucation (SPIN-SSLED) Program for scleroderma support group leaders with the goals of (1) providing information and resources to leaders to help them feel more comfortable, confident and supported in their roles and (2) to provide people with the skills they need to establish scleroderma support groups where none exist. The SPIN-SSLED Trial will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPIN-SSLED Program on scleroderma support group leaders' self-efficacy (primary outcome) in carrying out their leader tasks (which is defined as their perceived ability to carry out actions needed to be successful in support group leadership), burnout and emotional well-being.

Contagious disease outbreaks, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and associated restrictions to prevent spread can lead to negative psychological outcomes, including loneliness, depression, and anxiety, particularly in vulnerable populations at risk due to existing medical conditions. To date, no randomized controlled trials have tested interventions to reduce mental health consequences of contagious disease outbreaks. Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and excessive collagen production. Systemic Sclerosis can affect multiple organ systems, including the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and heart. Many people with scleroderma are at risk of serious complications from COVID-19 if infected due to lung involvement (> 40% have interstitial lung disease) and common use of immunosuppressant drugs. The objective of The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network COVID-19 Home-isolation Activities Together (SPIN-CHAT) Trial is to evaluate a videoconference-based intervention designed to improve symptoms of anxiety and other mental health outcomes among individuals with systemic sclerosis at risk of poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that will be conducted using an existing cohort of systemic sclerosis patients. We will use a partially nested design to reflect dependence between individuals in training groups but not in the waitlist control. The SPIN-CHAT Program includes activity engagement, education on strategies to support mental health, and mutual participant support.

The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) is an organization established by researchers, health care providers, and people living with scleroderma from Canada, the USA, and Europe. The objectives of SPIN are (1) to assemble a large cohort of scleroderma patients to complete outcome assessments regularly in order to learn more about important problems faced by people living with scleroderma and (2) to develop and test a series of internet-based interventions to help patients manage aspects of scleroderma, including hand limitations. In the SPIN-HAND feasibility trial, SPIN Cohort participants with at least mild hand function limitations and an indicated interest in using an online hand exercise program will be randomized to be offered the SPIN hand exercise program or to usual care only. The core SPIN hand exercise program consists of 4 modules that address specific aspects of hand function, including Thumb Flexibility and Strength; Finger Bending; Finger Extension; and Wrist Flexibility and Strength. The program also integrates tools to support key components of successful self-management programs, including goal-setting. The aim of the SPIN-HAND feasibility study is to collect data to assess the feasibility of the steps that need to take place as part of the main trial; required resources; and scientific aspects (e.g., withdrawal rate, outcomes measures). Data will be used to determine whether it is feasible to carry out the main study or whether changes need to be made before conducting a full-scale RCT of the SPIN-HAND program.

Many people living with a rare disease turn to peer-led support groups to cope with their condition and access educational resources. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease where peer-led support groups play an important role. There are currently approximately 200 SSc support groups in Canada and the US, most of which are led by people with SSc. Many SSc patients, however, cannot access support groups. In other cases, support groups are not sustained due to factors that include the burden on group leaders living with a serious, unpredictable disease and limited group leadership skills of some untrained leaders. Our partners from Scleroderma Canada and the Scleroderma Foundation in the US are committed to improving support group accessibility and effectiveness. These organizations maintain a list of active support groups, but currently do not provide training or other resources to groups or their leaders. To address this gap, our team, including investigators and patients from the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN), developed the Scleroderma Support group Leader EDucation (SPIN-SSLED) Program, which is designed to improve support group leader confidence and self-efficacy, reduce burnout, improve emotional well-being, and improve health-related quality of life. In the planned full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will follow our feasibility trial, we will evaluate whether the SPIN-SSLED Program is effective in improving SSc support group leaders' self-efficacy for carrying out their leader role (primary) and if it reduces burnout, improves emotional well-being, and improves health-related quality of life (secondary). Thus, the SPIN-SSLED Feasibility Trial answers the following research questions: (1) Is a full-scale SPIN-SSLED RCT feasible? (2) Are adaptations needed to the research design for the planned full-scale RCT? (3) Are there ways to improve the SPIN-SSLED Program for delivery in the planned full-scale RCT based on input of support group leaders who participate in the feasibility trial?

This is a randomized, blinded, and controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of UVA1 phototherapy in the treatment of active morphea in adults and children. Forty patients will be randomized to receive either medium dose (70 J/cm2) phototherapy (active UVA1 phototherapy) with an ultraviolet translucent acrylic screen or "sham" UVA1 (0 J/cm2) phototherapy with an ultraviolet opaque acrylic screen 3 times per week for 10 weeks. The phototherapists, patients, and principal investigator will be blinded to whether the patients receive active or sham UVA1 phototherapy. Patients will only be allowed to apply emollients during the study. Patients completing the randomized placebo controlled trial (RPCT) will be followed during an open observation period for 3 months. During the open phase, all outcome measures from the RPCT (LoSSI, PGA-A) will be assessed every 5 weeks as well as adverse events. Patients who received sham UVA1 phototherapy will be invited to receive active UVA1 phototherapy using the same protocol as in the RPCT during the open observation. Adult patients enrolled in the RPCT will also be part of a nested translational study investigating the effect of UVA1 phototherapy on gene expression from whole skin biopsies taken before (Study Visit 1) and after UVA1 phototherapy (Study Visit 3). Gene expression profiles will be compared in lesional skin before and after treatment as well as nonlesional skin.