UCSF Department Of Medicine | Division of Rheumatology

This study is open to select scleroderma patients who are willing to undergo skin biopsies and blood draws for research studies. In addition, clinical information is stored in a computer database that investigators may use for research studies and to contact subjects about future studies they may want to participate in.

Investigator: M. Kari Connolly, M.D.

The Scleroderma Lung Study.

This is a 2-year study that compare the affect of daily oral cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) for one year versus mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) twice daily for 2 years in patients with systemic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease.

Sponsor: NIH
Co-investigator: M. Kari Connolly, M.D.
Research coordinator: 415-353-2060

Anti-TGFb in scleroderma patients

This study is in the planning stages and will involve the use of a topical preparation on scleroderma skin to block fibrosis.

Sponsor: ISDIN
Investigator: M. Kari Connolly, M.D.

Research by Lindsey A. Criswell, M.D., M.P.H.

Lupus Genetics Research Project

Any patient with a diagnosis of systemic lupus (SLE) is welcome to participate in this study. This ongoing study is investigating the genes that may predispose an individual to develop lupus. Participation can be completed by mail and involves completing a questionnaire, consent form, as well as providing a small saliva sample.

Sponsor: National Institute of Health (NIH)
Investigator: Lindsey Criswell, M.D., M.P.H.
Contact: toll free 888-223-3067 x1

Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics Research Project

Any patient with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is welcome to participate in this study. This ongoing study is investigating the genes that may predispose an individual to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Participation can be completed by mail and involves completing a questionnaire, consent form, as well as providing a small saliva sample.

Sponsor: National Institute of Health (NIH)
Investigator: Lindsey Criswell, M.D., M.P.H.
Contact: toll-free 888-223-3067 x4

Mother-Child Immunogenetic Study

This study involves a collaboration with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health to investigate the role that pregnancy plays in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus (SLE). Criteria for participation include: (1) a diagnosis of RA or SLE, (2) at least one pregnancy resulting in a live birth, (3) at least one child must be willing to participate and over the age of 7, and (4) participation of the biological father is encouraged but not required. Participation can be completed by mail and involves completing a questionnaire, consent form, as well as providing a small saliva sample.

Sponsor: National Institute of Health (NIH)
Investigators: Lindsey Criswell, M.D., M.P.H. & Lisa Barcellos, Ph.D.(UC Berkeley)
Contact: toll-free 888-223-3067 x3

Research by Maria Dall'Era, M.D.

Abatacept for patients with lupus nephritis (lupus kidney disease)

Objective: To test a potential new therapy, abatacept, for patients with active lupus nephritis
Investigators: Maria Dall’Era, MD and David Wofsy, MD
Main Eligibility Criteria: Active lupus nephritis with kidney biopsy within past year
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

Vitamin D for the treatment of lupus

Objective: To test the ability of Vitamin D to reduce the symptoms and signs of lupus
Investigator: Maria Dall’Era, MD
Main Eligibility Criteria: Diagnosis of lupus
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

Lovastatin for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To test the ability of lovastatin to improve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Investigator: Maria Dall’Era, MD
Main Eligibility Criteria:

Rheumatoid Arthritis
1 swollen (max 6) and 2 tender (max 8) joints
If on corticosteroids, the dose must be stable and ≤ 10mg/day (prednisone or equivalent) for at least 4 weeks.
If on a DMARD (traditional or biologic), the dose must be stable,

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health