Swallowing problems in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Prediction of Dysphagia and Its Possible Causes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Run by Tanta University · NCT07401732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether a flexible fiberoptic throat exam can find joint-related swallowing problems and what predicts swallowing severity in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tanta University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tanta, Elgharbia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07401732 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with rheumatoid arthritis defined by the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria who are alert and able to cooperate with a bedside throat endoscopy are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other clear causes of dysphagia (such as cancer, other rheumatologic diseases, jaw trauma, recent TMJ injections, congenital oral abnormalities), pregnancy, or those unable to cooperate or with anatomical barriers to nasofibroscopy are unlikely to benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional study of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen at inpatient and outpatient clinics who meet the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria. Participants will undergo a flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy (a bedside endoscopic throat exam) to document presence and severity of dysphagia. The study will analyze clinical and joint-related factors to identify predictors of swallowing severity and will note whether both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia occur. Data will be collected during routine clinic visits without experimental treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians detect and address joint-related swallowing problems in RA earlier using a simple endoscopic exam.
How similar studies have gone: Flexible endoscopic swallowing exams are widely used to detect dysphagia in other conditions, but using them specifically to diagnose joint-affection-induced dysphagia in rheumatoid arthritis is relatively novel and not yet extensively validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis defined by the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative (ACR/EULAR) 2010 classification criteria. * Patients aged above 18 years old, well-orientated, and cooperative. Exclusion Criteria: * concomitant thyroid dysfunction. * concomitant hypovitaminosis D. * concomitant cancer diagnosis, pregnancy. * jaw-related traumas, teeth, and gum diseases. * other rheumatologic conditions * other comorbidities. * other causes of TMJ arthritis, patients with TMJ, palatal or tongue congenital abnormalities, and patients who underwent TMJ injections in the last six months. * Patients with any language disorders or intellectually handicapped (as certain questions depend on the patient's ability to comprehend and express their emotions regarding their issue) and patients with anatomical anomalies impeding the functionality of flexible nasofibroscopy. * Any apparent causes of dysphagia other than RA.
Where it's running
-
Faculty of medicine, Tanta University
Tanta, Elgharbia, Egypt Recruiting -
Rheumatology, rehabilitation, and physical medicine department Faculty of medicine, Tanta University
Tanta, Elgharbia, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aliaa MA Farag, MD — Tanta University Faculty of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Aliaa MA Farag, MD
- Email: aliaa.mamdouh@med.tanta.edu.eg
- Phone: +201069468486
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.