
Galectin-3 Level in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Ankylosing SpondylitisForty-five AS patients and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Patients diagnosed with AS according to Modified New York criteria were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory measurements, duration of symptoms, age and body mass index (BMI) of AS patients were performed and compared with age and BMI matched control group.

Compare the Effect of Eupatilin and Rebamipide on the Prevention of Gastroenteropathy
Rheumatoid ArthritisOsteoarthritis6 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of eupatilin on the prevention of gastroenteropathy in patients with NSAIDs and low dose steroid by comparing with rebamipide.

Incidence of Hospitalizations for Serious Infections in Patients Receiving Biologic Anti-Inflammatories...
Rheumatoid ArthritisInflammatory Bowel Disease3 morePurpose: With the existing biologic anti-inflammatory product patents expiring and the FDA approval of new biosimilar and innovator biologics, patients with rheumatologic (RA), psoriatic (PsO-PsA-AS), and gastrointestinal (GI) conditions will have additional therapeutic options. This observational study will describe the patient characteristics of new users of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF) antagonists, non-TNF- α antagonists, oral DMARD, and non-biologic agents. It will describe in the treatment cohorts outcomes of serious infections that require hospitalization. The BBCIC will use the findings from this descriptive analysis to design a comparative study evaluating the real-world effectiveness and safety of biosimilar and innovator anti-inflammatory biologics.

Imaging Biomarkers in Crohn's Associated Spondyloarthritis
Crohn's DiseaseSpondyloarthritisIn patients with Crohn's Disease, symptoms of inflammatory back pain (IBP) precede changes on plain X-rays by years, and MRI changes of axial inflammation precede development of X-ray changes. Sacroiliitis on MRI without x-ray changes (i.e.Non radiographic SpA) is a valid diagnostic criterion for Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and leads to earlier diagnosis of SpA in patients with IBP. It is unclear when MRI changes occur, and if they precede clinical symptoms of IBP. There are reports of asymptomatic sacroiliitis noted on MRI in Crohn's patients. This is important, as MRI evidence of inflammation may be the first sign of incipient SpA. Inflammation in other regions of the axial skeleton in SpA patients has also been documented, but its significance is unknown. The prospect of undiagnosed and untreated inflammation is concerning, as it can lead to significant morbidity. Moreover, relationship between MRI evidence of axial inflammation-likely a proxy for systemic inflammation- and patient reported outcomes (e.g. ASDAS-CRP= Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score- C reactive protein, BASDAI= Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, SF-12 = Short Form- 12, HBI= Hervey Bradshaw Index and PROMIS-29= Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-29), has not been reported. Recent unpublished data from Dr. Longman's lab (collaborator) suggest a distinct intestinal dysbiosis in Crohn's associated SpA. But relationship between this microbiome and MRI changes is yet to be determined. Identifying inflammation earlier on MRI- in the absence of clinical symptoms will provide an opportunity to intervene early with available therapies, such as- biologics etc. Asymptomatic MRI changes could be a marker of underlying systemic inflammation- which is a risk factor for poor outcomes in Crohn's associated SpA. Studying association between whole spine MRI changes with patient reported outcomes) may facilitate informed clinical decision making to initiate targeted therapy to prevent progression of structural damage. Understanding microbial dysregulation in this population, and correlation with MRI changes, could lead to development of therapy targeted to restore intestinal symbiosis.

Combined Treatment With TNF Inhibitor and Pamidronate in AS Patients: Effect on the Radiographic...
Ankylosing SpondylitisIt will be a pilot, 2 year, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (for pamidronate) study. All patients with AS will receive treatment with TNF inhibitor, while randomization will be performed for pamidronate versus placebo group. Primary outcome will be the rate of radiographic progression of AS, calculated after 24 months of combined treatment.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Certolizumab Pegol in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis...
Axial SpondyloarthritisThe primary purpose is to assess the effectiveness of certolizumab pegol in patients with axial spondyloarthritis under routine clinical practice.

Remicade in the Treatment of Patients With Active Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing SpondylitisThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) treatment, 5 mg/kg every 6 weeks, in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to determine whether IFX dose reduction and interval extension, 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks during the second year sustained the treatment effect. The study was started in 2003 an finished in 2008.

The IMPACT of a Referral Model for Axial Spondyloarthritis in Young Patients With Chronic Low Back...
Chronic Low Back PainAxial SpondyloarthritisRationale: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory back pain disorder affecting up to 24% of young chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. For general practitioners (GPs) it is difficult to distinguish axSpA patients in the large amount of CLBP patients. In previous studies a referral rule for axSpA applicable in CLBP patients was developed and validated. The next step is to investigate the impact of the referral rule in daily practice. This impact analysis will test if the referral rule will be beneficial or harmful. Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of a referral rule in young patients presenting at the general practitioners with chronic low back pain, who are at risk for axSpA, compared to usual care. Study design: A cluster randomized clinical trial. Study population: Primary care patients with chronic low back pain, aged 18-45 years. Intervention (if applicable): GPs are randomized in clusters either to use directly the referral rule or use the referral rule after 4 months. The referral rule consists out of four variables, a positive ASAS inflammatory back pain questionnaire, a positive family history for spondyloarthritis, a good reaction to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and back pain duration longer than 5 years. If at least two out of four variables are present a referral to the rheumatologist is advised. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary outcome is a change in the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) compared to baseline in the CLBP patients with or without use of the referral model. Secondary parameters: Quality of life measurements, cost-effectiveness, pain and fatigue and referral to rheumatologist and diagnosis of axSpA. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: The burden and risks associated with participation are minimal. No medical intervention is taken place. If the GP of the patients is randomized to the referral model, the patient is checked for the risk of axial spondyloarthritis, by the non-invasive referral model. If the referral model is positive a referral to the rheumatologist is advised. Is the GP is randomized to the 'usual care' there is no difference in the treatment of low back pain than nowadays. A GP is still allowed to treat the CLBP patients optimal and a referral to the rheumatologist is allowed but not actively advised. All participating CLBP patients are asked to fill several questionnaires at four different time points, at baseline, after 12 months and after 24 months. In total there are 8 questionnaires and four separate questions. The questionnaire are designed to fill out by the patient themselves. The total time to fill in the questionnaire is estimated to be 30 minutes. The benefits of the study are: For the CLBP patients, up to 24% of the back pain complaints are caused by axSpA, but the GPs are not (yet) aware of this disease. When a CLBP patient is participating in this study, the chance of having axSpA as cause for the back pain is investigated. This a benefit for a CLBP patients since there is effective treatment for axSpA. For the GP it is very difficult to distinguish an axSpA patients in the large amount of CLBP patients. If it appears that the validated referral rule has an impact on CLBP and GPs, the next step will be implementation of this referral model in daily practice and it will become a helpful tool for the GP. For the society, CLBP is a great socioeconomic burden for the society. When one of the causes for CLBP, namely axSpA is diagnosed and treated in an earlier stage this will lead to a decreased sick leave because of back pain and is therefore potentially cost-effective.

Functional Limitations Due To The Foot Involvement In Spondyloarthritis
Ankylosing SpondylitisPsoriatic ArthritisSeronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of rheumatic diseases Foot involvement of the SpA is common and enthesitis, erosive changes or ankylosis are the frequent lesions. The functional status of the SpA patients are usually evaluated globally.The aim of this study is to assess specifically the foot -related functional limitations of the SpA patients.

Special Investigation in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis (All Patients Investigation)
Ankylosing SpondylitisThis study of adalimumab (Humira) will be conducted to clarify the following with regard to the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with this drug: Unknown adverse drug reactions (especially important adverse drug reactions) Incidence and conditions of occurrence of adverse reactions in the clinical setting Factors that may affect the safety and effectiveness of Humira