Identifying lung disease risks in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Risk for Interstitial Lung Disease

University of Colorado, Denver · NCT03297775

This study is trying to find out how lung disease develops in people with rheumatoid arthritis and what signs can help doctors catch it early.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver (other)
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT03297775 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to define the phenotype of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and identify factors that predict radiologic progression in those with subclinical RA-ILD. The researchers hypothesize that there are common clinical features, genetic variants, and biologic markers that link subclinical RA-ILD with other forms of ILD, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. By understanding these connections, the study seeks to improve early detection and management of lung disease in RA patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 45 and older who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to the 2010 ACR criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who have a history of interstitial lung disease or other causes of diffuse parenchymal lung disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification and management strategies for patients at risk of developing lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of identifying risk factors for lung disease in RA patients is not widely tested, similar studies have shown promise in understanding ILD phenotypes in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 45years old
2. Diagnosis of RA using the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to give informed consent
2. Pregnant women
3. History of interstitial lung disease
4. Evidence of other causes of diffuse parenchymal lung disease such as infection, drug toxicity, other autoimmune processes, etc.
5. Subjects over the age of 90 years old or less than 45 years old

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interstitial Lung Disease, RA, ILD, lung disease, connective tissue disease, CTD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.