Early stratification of acute arthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

START is a prospective observational cohort enrolling adults with active synovitis of less than 12 weeks to build a platform for biomarker discovery and validation. Participants receive standardized clinical evaluation, possible ultrasound confirmation, and collection of biological samples without any experimental treatments. The effort aims to identify markers that distinguish types of inflammatory joint disease, detect infection, and predict the most appropriate initial management. Results from a large, well-characterized patient sample will be used to develop tools for earlier diagnosis and more personalized therapy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Arthritis\* in one or more joints of less than 12 weeks' duration\*\*
* Adult patients (\> 18 years) capable of understanding and signing an informed consent form

  * Defined as currently active clinical synovitis (ie, swelling) in at least one joint as determined by an expert assessor which might be confirmed by ultrasonography \*\* Prior patient reported swollen joint not confirmed as arthritis by a rheumatologist is not an exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Swollen joint related to trauma
* Subject not capable of adhering to the study protocol

Where it's running

• Diakonhjemmet Hospital
  Oslo, Norway Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Silje W Syversen, MD PhD
• Email: s.w.syversen@gmail.com
• Phone: +4792040315

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.