Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a condition in which the lungs of a patient become scarred and fibrous. It has been known to occur in as many as 40% of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cause of the pulmonary fibrosis in patients with RA is unknown.
Patients participating in this study will undergo a series of tests and examinations before and throughout the study. The tests include blood and urine tests, electrical measures of heart function (ECG), chest x-rays, CAT scans, nuclear medicine scans, breathing tests, exercise tests, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
The goals of this study are to:
1. Estimate how common pulmonary fibrosis is in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
2. Describe the natural course of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
3. Estimate the survival rate of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and
4. Learn more about the factors that contribute to the development or progression fibrotic lung disease....
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Non-smokers (never smoked or no smoking within the previous 2 years) who are 21 years of age or older with any of the following:
Rheumatoid arthritis with biopsy-proven pulmonary fibrosis or;
Rheumatoid arthritis only, or;
Biopsy-proven idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) less than 1L.
Inhalational exposure to fibrogenic fibers or dusts (e.g., asbestos, silica, coal, beryllium).
Chronic cardiopulmonary disorders other than pulmonary fibrosis.
Other collagen vascular disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, mixed connective tissue disease).
Non-rheumatoid arthritis.
Viral infections associated with pulmonary fibrosis (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus).
Uncorrectable bleeding diathesis.
Pregnancy or lactation.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Prevalence
Timeframe: Ongoing
2
Natural History
Timeframe: Ongoing
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00001876
SponsorNational Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)