Investigating the effects of ageing on rheumatoid arthritis
Effect of Ageing on Interpretation of Disease Activity Measures and on Cognition, Physical Activity and Performance in Patients With Rheumatic Disorders
Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT05463666
This study looks at how aging affects people with rheumatoid arthritis compared to those without the condition to better understand their health and activity levels.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 840 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Maastricht, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05463666 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The STAR study aims to explore how disease activity measures, cognition, physical activity, and performance are affected by ageing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to age-matched controls. This observational cross-sectional matched case-control study will include 840 participants aged 55-85, with 420 RA patients and 420 population controls. Participants will complete various questionnaires, and a subset will undergo physical examinations and performance tests. The study seeks to construct age-specific reference curves to better understand the impact of ageing on RA outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 55-85 with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities or those who do not understand the Dutch language may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into how ageing influences rheumatoid arthritis, leading to improved treatment strategies for older patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of studying ageing in RA is not extensively explored, similar studies have shown the importance of age in disease management, suggesting potential for meaningful findings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (RA population): * Age between 55-85 years at baseline. * Diagnosis of RA by treating rheumatologist. Inclusion Criteria (control population): * Age between 55-85 years at baseline. * No diagnosis of RA, or other inflammatory RMD (osteoarthritis allowed). Exclusion Criteria: * Subject is the spouse/partner of the included RA patient. * Have severe comorbidity and the treating rheumatologist and/or research team decides they should not be included in the study because of health reasons. * A diagnosis of dementia or mental incompetency is always reason for exclusion. * Persons of whom the research team estimates that his/her life expectancy is less than 2 years. * Do not understand the Dutch language and/or are notable to understand the study information.
Where this trial is running
Maastricht, Limburg
- Maastricht UMC+ — Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marloes van Onna, Dr — Maastricht University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Saskia Truijen, MSc
- Email: saskia.truijen@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Phone: +31 (0)43 38 77024
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.
Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, ageing, elderly, reference curves, rheumatic disease, disease activity measures, cognitive function, physical activity