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50 active trials for Systemic Sclerosis

SPIN Self-Management Feasibility Trial With Progression to Full-scale Trial (SPIN-SELF)

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). 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, patients will have access 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 proposed study is a feasibility trial with progression to full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT), depending on whether stoppage criteria are met, of the SPIN Self-Management Program. The SPIN-SELF Program was previously feasibility tested as an online only, self-help intervention. However, uptake was low, thus the investigators have moved to a group-based format. SPIN-SELF participants randomized to intervention will access and use online self-management material, and this will be supported by videoconference group sessions, led by trained peer facilitators. In the SPIN-SELF feasibility trial with progression to full-scale trial, the investigators will evaluate the disease management self-efficacy of participants who use SPIN-SELF compared to usual care. Eligible SPIN Cohort participants and externally recruited participants, with low disease-management self-efficacy, will be randomized to the SPIN-SELF Program or to usual care only. In the feasibility portion, 40 eligible participants will be randomized. Unless the trial team determines, based on stoppage criteria, that trial procedures need important modifications thereby re-setting the full scale trial as a new trial, the outcome data of the participants in the feasibility portion will be utilized in the analyses of the full-scale trial. In the full-scale RCT, 524 participants will be randomized.

Start: September 2021
Effect of Ozone Therapy for the Treatment of Digital Ulcer in Patients With SSc

Functionality in patients with SSc? Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by microvascular involvement, immunological dysfunction, extracellular matrix deposition in the skin and internal organ involvement. Vascular disease has an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Especially as a result of involvement of micro-vessel and digital arteries, digital ulcer (DU) formation may be seen. DUs are responsible for pain, poor quality of life, impairment of life activities and morbidity in patients with SSc. , they are correlated to disease severity and outcome. Approximately half of SSc patients have DU during the course of the disease. Recurrent DU is observed in 10% of the patients. In 75% of these patients, DU occurs 5 years after diagnosis. Patients with anti-SCL 70+ develop DU 5 years earlier than those with anti-centromere positive. The development of DU may take a long time to heal if there is underlying calcinosis. In a study, it was seen that the recovery of DU was 93.6 days if there is underlying calcinosis, and 76.2 days if not. DUs can be infected and thus complicated by osteomyelitis. In a retrospective study, it was reported that 42% of infected DUs were associated with osteomyelitis. DU management is a great challenge for the clinician and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Ozone has a place in medical use since the 19th century, as it is an oxidant and disinfectant. In recent studies, it has been reported to be antiviral and bactericidal. Therefore, it has indications such as coronary artery disease, chronic hepatitis and chronic low back pain. It has also been shown to have a positive role in trophic ulcer, ischemic ulcer and diabetic ulcer healing. The mechanism by which ozone therapy provides wound healing is not fully understood. In addition, it improves microcirculation in the capillary vessels by improving flexibility and stability of the cell membrane and limiting the aggregation and adhesion of platelets. In the literature, it was stated in a study that ozone therapy was effective for the treatment of DU in SSc patients. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of ozone therapy on patients who are resistant to medical treatment and who have impaired quality of life for a long time.

Start: April 2021
Study of the Intestinal Microbiota of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

The term gut microbiota describes the entire intestinal microbial communities. Studies have established the important role played by the gut microbiome in modulating vital functions of the healthy host. The physiological effects of the microbiota for the host are, for the most part, beneficial. In several pathologies, an imbalance in the composition of the microbiota has been demonstrated. Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune, disorder of the connective tissue, characterized by vascular lesions, immunological abnormalities, and fibrosis of skin and internal organs As in many inflammatory diseases, there are painful digestive manifestations in systemic scleroderma that affect up to 90% of patients. The exact pathophysiology of the digestive involvement in systemic sclerosis is uncertain. The digestive manifestations of systemic sclerosis are frequent and can affect the entire digestive system. However, there are few studies of the intestinal microbiota in this disease, which seems to be part of the same continuum of diseases with abnormalities of innate immunity. By analogy with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly Crohn's disease, we have raised the question of the existence of dysbiosis during scleroderma which could lead to episodes of acute, severe and recurrent inflammation of the peritoneum under the influence of triggering factors. The long-term prospects would be to look for ways to prevent attacks or to treat them more rapidly and effectively by using therapeutic targets in the intestinal microbiota. The study population will be seen in the usual care setting, identically to all patients with systemic sclerosis treated in the department. In case of an inflammatory disease outbreak, and depending on its severity, the patient will be seen again in consultation or hospitalized. Appropriate complementary examinations (biology, imaging, endoscopy) will be carried out and the treatment adapted.

Start: April 2021