RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cardiovascular Risk in Digital Osteoarthritis

This study aims to understand the link between osteoarthritis in the finger joints and your risk of heart and blood vessel problems. Researchers want to see if people with finger osteoarthritis have a higher or different risk compared to those without. They will do this by comparing two groups: one with finger osteoarthritis and a control group with other non-arthritic conditions. All participants will have an ultrasound scan to look at the blood vessels in their neck (carotid arteries), a health check-up with a specialist doctor, and a general heart health assessment. The results will help doctors better understand the connection between joint health and heart health, potentially leading to improved care in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

100

Start

04 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

04 Oct 2026

Osteoarthritis Hand Lumbago Osteoporosis Radiculopathy Lumbar

What is this study about?

This study is called 'Cardiovascular Risk in Digital Osteoarthritis' and it's trying to find out if there's a connection between having osteoarthritis in your finger joints and your chances of developing heart and blood vessel problems. Osteoarthritis is a common condition where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in the hands.

Heart and blood vessel problems, like heart disease or stroke, are also very common. Scientists believe there might be a link between diseases like osteoarthritis and heart health, perhaps due to shared inflammation or other body processes. By looking closely at people with finger osteoarthritis and comparing them to people who don't have it, researchers hope to get a clearer picture of this potential link.

Understanding this connection is really important. If there is a link, it could help doctors identify people at higher risk of heart problems earlier or suggest different ways to manage their overall health. This study isn't testing a new treatment, but rather observing and gathering information to improve our understanding of these conditions.

Key takeaways

This study explores the link between finger osteoarthritis and heart health.
It compares people with and without finger osteoarthritis.
Participation involves a single visit for scans and health checks.
The study aims to improve our general understanding of these conditions.
You won't receive new treatments from this study, but your information is valuable.
All assessments are non-invasive and generally safe.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, male or female, and able to understand and agree to take part. You must also be signed up to a social security plan, which is usually the case for people living and working in the UK.

If you have osteoarthritis in your finger joints, you might be able to join the 'finger osteoarthritis group'. You would need to have been seen by a specialist doctor for this condition, and X-rays would need to show clear signs of osteoarthritis. However, if you have other types of inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis or gout) or severe arthritis in other joints at the moment, you wouldn't be able to join this specific group.

If you don't have finger osteoarthritis, you might be able to join the 'control group'. This is for people who have conditions like back pain (due to disc problems) or early, not severe, osteoporosis (thinner bones). But if you have any inflammatory arthritis, finger pain from other causes, or indeed, finger osteoarthritis, you wouldn't be suitable for the control group. Also, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to give consent, you cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
Are you able to agree to take part after understanding the study?
Do you have osteoarthritis in your fingers (confirmed by a specialist)? (For one group)
Do you have back pain, or mild osteoporosis, but NOT finger osteoarthritis? (For the other group)
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you NOT have other inflammatory arthritis conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis) or active, severe arthritis elsewhere?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to come to the hospital for a check-up. During this visit, you'll meet with a rheumatologist, who is a specialist doctor for joint conditions, for a full health check. You'll also have a special ultrasound scan of the blood vessels in your neck (called carotid intima media thickness ultrasound) to check their health.

Additionally, there will be another ultrasound scan of your hand joints, and a specific test called an EndoPAT™ system measurement, which looks at how well your blood vessels are working. You will also have a scan called a DXA scan, which measures bone density. This is a "one-off" visit, meaning you won't need to come back multiple times. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be just for this single assessment appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might not directly benefit your health immediately, as it's an observational study rather than a treatment trial. However, the information gathered could help improve understanding of health conditions for many people in the future. Potential risks are generally low; the scans used are safe and non-invasive, similar to what you might have at your doctor's surgery. As with any study, you are free to change your mind and withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu Clermont Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is digital osteoarthritis?

It's a common type of arthritis affecting the joints in your fingers, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling.

What does 'cardiovascular risk' mean?

This refers to your chances of developing heart and blood vessel problems like heart attacks or strokes.

Will I receive treatment if I join this study?

No, this study is about observing and understanding, not testing new treatments. You will continue with your usual medical care.

What is an ultrasound scan of my neck for?

It's a painless scan that helps doctors look at the health of the main blood vessels in your neck, which can give clues about your heart health.

How long will my visit for the study take?

The study involves a single visit for all the assessments, but the exact duration of this visit isn't specified. It will likely take a few hours.

How to find out more

Lise Laclautre

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr 334.73.754.963 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.