“Oh, my aching knee!” is a common cry among the more than four million people affected with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States with approximately one in three adults with arthritis reporting limitation in their usual activities. The problem will be compounded with the aging of the Baby Boomer population and the projected increase in life expectancy.
Joint pain during and/or after activity is the most common symptom of this degenerative disorder, which affects the cartilage and bone of primarily large weight-bearing joints. Other joint symptoms include swelling, a grating or crackling sound or feeling, and restricted motion. Genetic predisposition, obesity, advancing age and physically demanding occupations contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
What are the treatment options?
Pharmacological intervention is an important and often early component in the management of OA. Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed as the first-line treatment for mild to moderate OA symptoms. Due to potentially dangerous side effects, caution should be taken when using any medication.
There is some evidence that physical therapy and a standardized exercise program can improve self perceptions of pain, stiffness and function in OA sufferers. One study showed that physical therapy and exercise delayed the need for total knee replacement one year after treatment.
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections also have an anti-inflammatory effect and may often provide short-term pain relief. Steroid injections carry the potential for complications, however, and frequent administration is somewhat controversial.
Hyaluronic acid, a component of cartilage and the fluid which cushions the knee, is another intra-articular injection option which can provide longer-lasting relief. These products, available in four different preparations, are designed to improve the shock absorption and lubrication of the joint and are generally provided in a series of three to five injections.
There is significant disagreement in the published literature about the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery as a treatment option for knee OA. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which focuses on the surgical removal of torn or damaged cartilage.
Total knee arthroplasty is the final procedure used to restore joint function by replacing damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial surfaces. Advances in biotechnology are revolutionizing knee replacements. Newer products can bend and rotate and can last 30 years or longer. This option is reserved for severely affected joints. To discuss this or any of the treatment options for OA of the knee, contact a rheumatology or orthopedic specialist.
Martin Memorial’s research department is currently enrolling volunteers in a clinical trial designed to test an investigational knee injection to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. For more information about the trial please contact me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 3739.
--Judith Johansen, RN, BSN, CCRP
Clinical Research Coordinator
Showing posts with label clinical research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clinical research. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Martin Memorial and VGTI Florida Collaborating on Another Research Study
In November 2009, Martin Memorial and the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute Florida announced the first research collaboration between the health system and the life sciences organization.
In June 2010, the two began working on a second study, in partnership with Florida Blood Center. That study was highlighted in a recent article in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
The purpose of the first study is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control flu epidemics, HIV and other chronic infections.
The second study involves the withdrawal of white blood cells from volunteers in a process called leukapheresis, which is somewhat similar to giving blood. Those white blood cells are then sent to VGTI Florida, where scientists can use them in studies involving the human immune system.
More studies could be in the works as well between the two organizations. You can learn more here about other clinical trials available at Martin Memorial, including numerous oncology trials at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center.
In June 2010, the two began working on a second study, in partnership with Florida Blood Center. That study was highlighted in a recent article in Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
The purpose of the first study is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control flu epidemics, HIV and other chronic infections.
The second study involves the withdrawal of white blood cells from volunteers in a process called leukapheresis, which is somewhat similar to giving blood. Those white blood cells are then sent to VGTI Florida, where scientists can use them in studies involving the human immune system.
More studies could be in the works as well between the two organizations. You can learn more here about other clinical trials available at Martin Memorial, including numerous oncology trials at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Martin Memorial, VGTI Florida Begin First Collaboration on Research Study
VGTI Florida and Martin Memorial are working on a research study that represents the initial collaboration between the life sciences organization and the health care provider.
The study began collecting blood samples in late October from patients visiting Martin Memorial physicians who agree to participate in the study. Those samples are then turned over to scientists at VGTI Florida for study.
“We believe this study can play an important role in helping us develop innovative vaccine and immune therapies for the current flu epidemic, HIV and other chronic infections,” said Rafick-Pierre Sekaly, Ph.D., co-director and scientific director of VGTI Florida. “Our partnership with Martin Memorial provides us with access to a patient population willing to participate in potentially life-saving research.”
VGTI Florida is the Florida-funded expansion of Oregon Health and Science University’s highly successful Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute. Research at the facility will focus on vaccine development with a special focus on vaccines and therapeutics that protect the aging population, which is the most vulnerable to disease.
VGTI Florida is one of the three life sciences organizations comprising the Florida Center for Innovation, located at the Tradition development in western St. Lucie County. Along with Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and the Mann Research Center, VGTI Florida is bringing innovative clinical research to the Treasure Coast.
Martin Memorial, which is seeking approval from the state of Florida to build an 80-bed hospital in Tradition near Torrey Pines, has been participating in research studies for many years – primarily in cancer clinical trials. Since 2001, more than 50 cancer clinical research trials have been conducted at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, which have provided valuable insight into the causes of and treatments for cancer.
“We believe this will be the first of many collaborative opportunities with our partners at the Florida Center for Innovation,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This is a perfect example of how we can provide valuable clinical resources that are critical to scientific research and that can profoundly impact the way health care is delivered.”
The study will be overseen at VGTI by Dr. Sekali and Lydie Trautmann, Ph.D., and at Martin Memorial by Richard Dube, MD, and Paul Gaeta, MD. The purpose of the study, which is expected to involve approximately 270 subjects, is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control the current flu epidemic, HIV and other chronic infections.
Three groups of subjects are being asked to participate in the study. That includes:
· Men and women who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose and are diagnosed with the seasonal flu (both types A and B) by having a positive rapid flu test. Blood will be drawn at that visit, with a second blood draw taking place 30 days later. One hundred individuals will be recruited in this group.
· Men and women who have flu-like symptoms and are diagnosed with the flu by having a positive rapid flu test for type A flu only. Blood will be drawn at that visit, followed by another draw 30 days later. Twenty individuals will be recruited in this group.
· Men and women who are scheduled to have the flu vaccine. There are three subgroups featuring healthy subjects receiving flu vaccine – a total of 50 in each group – who receive either seasonal flu vaccine or H1N1 flu vaccine, or seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine. Study participants will receive a blood draw the day of their vaccination, another three to seven days later, as well as another blood draw 30 days after the first sample.
Those interested in participating in the study can call (772) 288-5858 and select option four.
The study began collecting blood samples in late October from patients visiting Martin Memorial physicians who agree to participate in the study. Those samples are then turned over to scientists at VGTI Florida for study.
“We believe this study can play an important role in helping us develop innovative vaccine and immune therapies for the current flu epidemic, HIV and other chronic infections,” said Rafick-Pierre Sekaly, Ph.D., co-director and scientific director of VGTI Florida. “Our partnership with Martin Memorial provides us with access to a patient population willing to participate in potentially life-saving research.”
VGTI Florida is the Florida-funded expansion of Oregon Health and Science University’s highly successful Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute. Research at the facility will focus on vaccine development with a special focus on vaccines and therapeutics that protect the aging population, which is the most vulnerable to disease.
VGTI Florida is one of the three life sciences organizations comprising the Florida Center for Innovation, located at the Tradition development in western St. Lucie County. Along with Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and the Mann Research Center, VGTI Florida is bringing innovative clinical research to the Treasure Coast.
Martin Memorial, which is seeking approval from the state of Florida to build an 80-bed hospital in Tradition near Torrey Pines, has been participating in research studies for many years – primarily in cancer clinical trials. Since 2001, more than 50 cancer clinical research trials have been conducted at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, which have provided valuable insight into the causes of and treatments for cancer.
“We believe this will be the first of many collaborative opportunities with our partners at the Florida Center for Innovation,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer of Martin Memorial. “This is a perfect example of how we can provide valuable clinical resources that are critical to scientific research and that can profoundly impact the way health care is delivered.”
The study will be overseen at VGTI by Dr. Sekali and Lydie Trautmann, Ph.D., and at Martin Memorial by Richard Dube, MD, and Paul Gaeta, MD. The purpose of the study, which is expected to involve approximately 270 subjects, is to investigate how the body’s immune cells react to exposure to a viral infection such as the flu, either by immunization or by infection with the virus itself.
In the case of influenza infection the body reacts very quickly. During infection, the immune system produces cells that fight the infection. At the same time, the immune system produces antibodies that are able to protect against future infections from the same infection.
The study of this process will allow researchers to better understand the reaction the body has against the virus. Better understanding of the model for acute phase of influenza infection will be helpful in determining protective strategies and developing innovative vaccine and immune therapies to control the current flu epidemic, HIV and other chronic infections.
Three groups of subjects are being asked to participate in the study. That includes:
· Men and women who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose and are diagnosed with the seasonal flu (both types A and B) by having a positive rapid flu test. Blood will be drawn at that visit, with a second blood draw taking place 30 days later. One hundred individuals will be recruited in this group.
· Men and women who have flu-like symptoms and are diagnosed with the flu by having a positive rapid flu test for type A flu only. Blood will be drawn at that visit, followed by another draw 30 days later. Twenty individuals will be recruited in this group.
· Men and women who are scheduled to have the flu vaccine. There are three subgroups featuring healthy subjects receiving flu vaccine – a total of 50 in each group – who receive either seasonal flu vaccine or H1N1 flu vaccine, or seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine. Study participants will receive a blood draw the day of their vaccination, another three to seven days later, as well as another blood draw 30 days after the first sample.
Those interested in participating in the study can call (772) 288-5858 and select option four.
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