Medical Research Study in Overland Park ExaminesWhether an Investigational Rheumatoid Arthritis... - Arthritis & Gastrointestinal Problems Research

Medical Research Study in Overland Park ExaminesWhether an Investigational Rheumatoid Arthritis...

Publication: Business Wire
Date: Monday, October 18 1999

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BW HeatlhWire)--Oct. 18, 1999--

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a life-altering disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissue, which affects more than two million Americans. Long-term use of pain medications to treat RA may cause stomach and digestive tract problems, often with no noticeable symptoms, and may even become so severe as to require surgery. But a possible new option for treating RA is being investigated at Mid-America Rheumatology Consultants in Overland Park to see if it causes fewer stomach problems. Eligible participants will receive an endoscopy at no cost, in order to assess any existing GI problems. RA sufferers interested in enrolling can call toll-free at 1-877-20-STUDY.

When an RA patient experiences a flare (which is when tissue becomes inflamed), knuckles swell to twice their normal size and the pain can be excruciating, impacting normal daily activities such as buttoning a shirt, grocery shopping and walking the dog. In fact, 50 percent of RA sufferers are considered too disabled to work as early as 10 years after the onset of the disease. Chronic inflammation of the joints can cause permanent damage and deformity, and because the disease is systemic, it may affect the body as a whole, rather than just affecting individual body parts.

Because GI problems can go unrecognized so easily by an RA sufferer, an endoscopy may help monitor GI health and avoid unnecessary complications. At Mid-America Rheumatology Consultants study participants will receive an endoscopy at no cost to them, in order to assess any existing GI problems. If the participant qualifies to partake in the research study, after an initial endoscopy is performed, each patient will receive care by gastroenterologists who will closely monitor each patient's GI health by conducting two more endoscopies throughout the study.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Know Your Options

There currently is no known cure for RA, therefore treatment is characterized by drug therapy to alleviate symptoms. Patients are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), most commonly known as aspirin or ibuprofen. NSAIDs, when taken frequently and in large doses, may cause extensive GI complications, often with no noticeable symptoms. The study drug is being investigated at Mid-America Rheumatology Consultants, to determine whether it will cause fewer GI complications while treating pain for RA sufferers.

Gastrointestinal Complications: Protection by Prevention

"By staying on top of your GI health, an RA sufferer can avoid unnecessary complications and possibly surgery," says Dr. John Cello, professor of medicine and surgery at the University of California, San Francisco and principal investigator of this national medical research study. "It is important for RA patients to voice any GI problems immediately to their rheumatologist or primary care physician so that the need for a thorough evaluation including an endoscopy is addressed."

This medical research study lasts approximately 16 weeks, and patients who enroll will receive either a placebo or the study drug, which is approved for other conditions. To find out more about this medical research study taking place at Mid-America Rheumatology Consultants or to get a list of other sites participating in this research study across the United States, the toll free study hotline is 1-877-20-STUDY (1-877-207-8839). Or, visit the study website at www.rastudy.com.

Copyright © 1999 - 2009 AllBusiness.com, Inc. All rights reserved.