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Study Title: Early, Simple and Reliable Detection of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH/PH) in people with Scleroderma
Category: Scleroderma

Currently accepting participants?
Yes - please read the description below and contact the study coordinator if you are interested.

Principal Investigator: Anthony Gerbino
Study Coordinator: Cora Fix
Phone: 206.625.7254 Ext.66040
Email: cora.fix@vmmc.org

What is the Early, Simple and Reliable Detection of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH/PH) in people with Scleroderma study?

At each study visit after Visit one, the following tests will be completed. * Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate) and weight measured. *Electrocardiogram (ECG, a tracing of the electrical activity of your heart) *Echocardiogram (ECHO, an ultrasound of the heart) will be done as well. *6 minute walk test *You will have blood drawn for laboratory testing (approximately 5 teaspoons). At the baseline visit and the year 3 visit only a right heart catheterization will be performed.

Who can participate?

Men and women At least 18 years of age Patients with a definite diagnosis of scleroderma; including some patients with other connective tissue disease Scleroderma for more than 3 years form onsent of first symtom *Other criteria will assessed during the screening appointment.

Study Summary:

There are two purposes for this research study. The first purpose is to try to evaluate different non-invasive screening methods to see how well they can predict and confirm PAH/PH in scleroderma subjects. Currently, right heart catheterization is the standard test to diagnose PAH/PH. It is invasive and can be costly. The second purpose of this study is to investigate how many scleroderma subjects develop PAH/PH.

Detailed Study Description:

To participate in the study, there are certain requirements that must be met. At Visit 1, your study doctor will decide if you qualify for the study. If you are included in the study, you will have certain medical procedures and tests done at a yearly visit over a total of 3 years. At each study visit after Visit one, the following tests will be completed. * Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate) and weight measured. *Electrocardiogram (ECG, a tracing of the electrical activity of your heart) *Echocardiogram (ECHO, an ultrasound of the heart) will be done as well. *6 minute walk test *You will have blood drawn for laboratory testing (approximately 5 teaspoons). At the baseline visit and the year 3 visit only a right heart catheterization will be performed. A catheter (narrow tube) will be inserted into your right heart. This will be used to determine certain parameters that measure the blood flow and blood pressures in your heart and lung. Right heart catheterization is performed by inserting a small catheter in a vein of the neck, arm or groin, under local anesthesia. Using a TV screen and x-rays, the study doctor will then thread the catheter along the vein, through the heart, and into the blood vessels going to your lungs. Right heart catheterization is the current gold standard confirmatory test for PAH/PH.

Study Design: Observational
Phase of Study: n/a
Study Type: Observational
Condition or Study Focus: Pulmonary hypertension in patients with scleroderma
Intervention Type: Other
Intervention Name: n/a
Gender: Male and Female
Age group: Observational
Sponsor: Actelion



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