Using lung ultrasound to detect lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients
dEtection of rheumAtoid aRthritis - Interstitial Lung dIseasE by Thoracic ultRasound
This study is testing if lung ultrasound can help find lung disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have certain risk factors, comparing it to the usual chest CT scans.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 280 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Tours Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tours) |
| Trial ID | NCT06235645 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of lung ultrasound (LUS) as a screening tool for detecting interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have specific risk factors. Participants will undergo routine assessments, including chest CT and pulmonary function tests, and those meeting the inclusion criteria will be offered participation. The study will compare the sensitivity and specificity of LUS against the current gold standard, chest CT, to determine its viability as a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative for monitoring lung health in RA patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and at least two risk factors for developing interstitial lung disease.
Not a fit: Patients with congenital lung diseases or other autoimmune conditions associated with RA that can lead to ILD may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more accessible method for early detection of lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
How similar studies have performed: While lung ultrasound has shown promise in other conditions, this specific application in rheumatoid arthritis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patient (age \> 18 years) followed at CHU of Tours * Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis validated according to ACR 2010 criteria, EULAR classification, regardless of time since diagnosis * Patient who has had or will have a thoracic CT scan and PFT performed as part of routine care in the 6 months preceding or following inclusion * Patient with at least two risk factors for developing RA-ILD among : * Male sex or * Active or former smoker assessed at 20 pack-year or * Age \> 60 years or * Levels of RF≥3N (rheumatoid factor) and/or anti-CCP≥3N (antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides) at diagnosis or at any time during the course of the disease or * High RA activity score (DAS28\>3.2) Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of congenital lung disease * Diagnosis of another autoimmune pathology associated with RA (overlap syndrome) linked to the development of ILD (interstitial lung disease) (systemic sclerosis, myositis, dermatomyositis, mixed connectivitis, systemic lupus erythematosus or other ANCA vasculitis, with the exception of secondary Gougerot-Sjögren's syndromes). * Current or operated lung cancer * Thoracic irradiation * Thoracic transplant patients * Previous invasive thoracic procedures * Pathologies responsible for pleural thickening (silicosis, asbestosis, known pleural plaque, pleural sequelae of tuberculosis) * Pregnant or breast-feeding women * Patient under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship or safeguard of justice) * Patient who has objected to data processing * Parenchymal infection current or less than one month old prior to LUS examination * Liquid or gaseous pleural effusion
Where this trial is running
Tours
- university hospital Tours — Tours, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sylvie LEGUE — University Hospital, Tours
- Study coordinator: Sylvie LEGUE
- Email: s.legue@chu-tours.fr
- Phone: 0247479835
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.