Using lung ultrasound to detect lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.