Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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COMPLETED
63 participants
OBSERVATIONAL
2004-12-03
Brief Summary
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Patients 18 years of age and older with ankylosing spondylitis who are not currently taking or planning to receive treatment with anti-TNF alpha medications (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab) for 1 year may be eligible for this study. Participants have eight clinic visits, scheduled at study entry and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 48 months, at the NIH Clinical Center for the following procedures:
* Clinical assessment (all visits) - includes medical history and physical examination, measurement of spine flexibility with a tape measure and protractor, symptoms questionnaire
* Blood tests for measures of inflammation, including red blood cell sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level (all visits)
* Urine pregnancy test in women of child-bearing age (visits 1, 4, 7, 8)
* X-rays of the pelvis, low back, and neck (visits 1, 4, 7)
* X-ray of the low back (visit 8)
* CT scan of the low back (visits 1, 4, 7)
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the low back (visits 1, 4) - MRI combines a powerful magnet with an advanced computer system and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed pictures of organs and tissues. The patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field, wearing earplugs to muffle loud noises that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields. He or she can speak with a staff member via an intercom system at all times during the procedure. During the scan, a contrast dye (gadolinium) is injected into the bloodstream through a catheter (plastic tube inserted in a vein) to brighten the images.
In addition, participants will complete a symptoms questionnaire by mail every 4 months for 2 years between visits 7 and 8.
Detailed Description
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The goal of this pilot study is to test whether measurement of bone mineral density, bone volume, or bone mass at the annulus fibrosis of lumbar disc spaces by computed tomography (CT) can provide a reliable, valid, and sensitive measure of spinal fusion in patients with AS. Fifty-five participants will have lumbar spine CT scans at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 12 months, and spinal radiographs at baseline, 12 months, 24 months, and 48 months. In addition, clinical assessments will be done every 4 months during the first 24 months. An option to perform only the baseline studies is also possible. No treatment is provided in the protocol. Reliability of image processing will be tested on repeated measurements of baseline scans. Reliability will also be assessed with repeat CT scans on up to 10 participants. Construct validity will be tested by correlation of CT measures with scores of plain radiographs, lumbar magnetic resonance imaging, and spinal range of motion. The sensitivity to change of the CT measures over 12 months and 24 months will be compared to those of two scoring systems based on plain radiographs.
Conditions
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Keywords
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Study Design
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CASE_ONLY
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
2. Diagnosis of AS by the modified New York criteria
3. Lumbar spine BASRI score of 0, 1, 2, or 3
We will aim to recruit at least 6 patients in each of the following BASRI lumbar spine categories:
* 0 or 1 (normal or suspicious changes)
* 2 (erosions, sclerosis or squaring with or without syndesmophytes or 2 or fewer vertebrae)
* 3 (syndesmophytes on 3 or more vertebrae with fusion of at most 2 vertebrae)
1. Age 18 years or older
2. Diagnosis of AS by the modified New York criteria (5)
Exclusion Criteria
2. BASRI lumbar spine score of 4 (complete fusion; 12)
3. Contraindication to MRI scanning based on the NMR Center MRI Safety Screening Questionnaire or size or weight limitations of the scanner.
4. History of allergic reactions to gadolinium-DPTA contrast used for MRI
5. Anticipated unavailability for follow-up over 2 years
6. Pregnancy
7. Onset of AS at age 16 or younger
8. Spondyloarthropathy other than AS
9. Severe scoliosis or other spinal malalignment that would complicate scan interpretation
B. CROSS-SECTIONAL (RELIABILITY) STUDY PROTOCOL
Up to 35 patients will be studied.
1. Inability to provide informed consent
2. BASRI lumbar spine score of 4 (complete fusion)\<TAB\>
3. Pregnancy
4. Onset of AS at age 16 or younger
5. Spondyloarthropathy other than AS
6. Severe scoliosis or other spinal malalignment that would complicate scan interpretation
18 Years
ALL
No
Sponsors
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
NIH
Responsible Party
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Principal Investigators
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Robert A Colbert, M.D.
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Countries
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References
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Keaveny TM. Biomechanical computed tomography-noninvasive bone strength analysis using clinical computed tomography scans. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010 Mar;1192:57-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05348.x.
Simkin PA, Downey DJ, Kilcoyne RF. Apophyseal arthritis limits lumbar motion in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Rheum. 1988 Jun;31(6):798-802. doi: 10.1002/art.1780310617.
Cann CE, Genant HK, Kolb FO, Ettinger B. Quantitative computed tomography for prediction of vertebral fracture risk. Bone. 1985;6(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/8756-3282(85)90399-0.
Related Links
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NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web Page
Other Identifiers
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04-AR-0205
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: secondary_id
040205
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id