Early stratification of acute arthritis
Early STratification of Acute ARThritis (START)- A Prospective Observational Study
The project will collect clinical information and biomarker samples to try to find signs that help classify and guide treatment for adults who developed inflammatory arthritis symptoms within the past 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Diakonhjemmet Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oslo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07106931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (over 18) with clinically active synovitis in at least one joint of less than 12 weeks' duration who can provide informed consent are eligible candidates.
Not a fit: People whose swelling is clearly due to trauma, those with symptoms longer than 12 weeks, children under 18, or individuals unable to follow the protocol are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the platform could enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis and help clinicians choose the right initial treatment tailored to each patient's type of arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous early arthritis cohorts and biomarker studies have produced promising leads but have not yet delivered widely adopted clinical stratification tools, so this work builds on encouraging but incomplete evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Oslo
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital — Oslo, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Silje W Syversen, MD PhD
- Email: s.w.syversen@gmail.com
- Phone: +4792040315
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.