How is sexual function impacted by a hip replacement? Why do some women go into remission from autoimmune diseases when they are pregnant? Why does one twin get arthritis, but the other doesn’t? These are all questions clinical trials and research studies are determined to answer.

Are you stable on you current treatment regimen but still eager to contribute to furthering research? Observational studies may be the perfect fit for you! We've compiled a few in the autoimmune and autoimmune arthritis space so you can learn more.

Oh baby! How does pregnancy impact patients with autoimmune diseases?

It’s something women living with chronic illness hear about all the time. The famed “pregnancy remission”. Is it just a myth? Too good to be true? Some lovely researchers in Durham, North Carolina are committed to finding out.

The Duke Autoimmunity in Pregnancy (DAP) Registry is enrolling women with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome who wish to become pregnant within six months or already are, pregnant.

Plus who knows - perhaps this study will help us learn what role hormones play in autoimmunity. I’m no scientist, but there’s got to be some connect there, right?

Start making those babies, ladies, so we can learn what all the buzz is about!

Enough trial and error -- let’s find out which biologic will work the first time around!

An observational study running in Boston (pronounced BAH-STAN) for those of us native New Englanders, is determining and validating biomarkers (a biological molecule found in our bodies that helps indicate disease/conditions/treatment response etc) to better predict drug response and toxicity in RA and to predict disease activity and prognosis in RA.

This is an exciting step in the right direction for RA patients (and down the line autoimmune patients in general). If researchers can better understand biomarkers, they can more easily predict which treatments will work.

No more trying and failing a string of biologics! Let’s get it right the first time. Can I get an Amen???

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02051114?recrs=ab&type=Obsr&cond=Arthritis&cntry=US&rank=2

Sister, sister! Why do some siblings get autoimmune rheumatic diseases and others don’t?

Should we chalk it up to luck of the draw? Or is there a reason that one sibling or twin will develop rheumatic disease but the other will not?

This observational study will run a series of tests to see if they can discover any trends that might clue us into the mystery behind diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, or myositis.

This study just isn’t for the kids. Parents are included too - it’s a family affair!

Hip replacements and getting it on

The results are in and patients getting hip replacements have a strong desire to better understand how their hip replacement will impact sexual function. I.e. When can they get back to having sex? What positions are a no go? The researchers want all the details so they can help patients manage expectations post surgery.

Hey, mate! Head this way to learn more about this studying happening in the U.K.

Are you or a loved one interested in finding an observational study or clinical trial for arthritis? Let us know! We'll help you every step of the way. Sign up for Clara now or follow this link to learn more about how Clara supports patients through the clinical trials process.