Studying The Natural History And Development Of Spondyloarthritis: An Observational Study

February 2020

The below is a third party research opportunity. SAA is not affiliated with the study, and is only sharing it as a service to the community.

This study will evaluate the natural history of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in children and adults. Researchers will study early signs and symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis to better understand the cause and progression of this disease, and in addition, compare genetic data of patients with that of healthy family members’ to help identify the genes involved in SpA, and their functions.

Successful completion of these combined analyses will allow rheumatologists to better recognize early SpA with axial involvement, particularly in children, and improve our understanding of disease cause, mechanisms involved, and progression.

Participants enrolled in this study will undergo physical examination, imaging studies, have family history taken, as well as have laboratory evaluations completed. Participants may also be evaluated for SpA related symptoms outside the joints and spine, as needed.

You may qualify to participate if you:

Have been diagnosed with a form of spondyloarthritis (no age limits.)
Are a healthy relative, 6 years old or older, of someone with spondyloarthritis.
Note – there is only ONE study location – in Bethesda, MD.

Study Design (What you can expect as a participant)

Participants with SpA will be screened through medical records and taking of family medical histories, physical exam including a study of joint movement, blood and urine tests, completion of questionnaires about pain and quality of life, as well as imaging studies (MRI).
Healthy family members of individuals participating in the study will be asked to provide a blood sample and cheek cell samples.
No treatment will be provided, although treatment options will be discussed.