How long will I take part in this study?
We will follow you for 24 weeks. Starting from your first visit, we will see you after 12 and 24 weeks for a total of 3 study visits. The first and last visit will take about 4.5 hours. This includes a clinical assessment, blood draw and non-invasive cardiac imaging (cardiac PET scan and echocardiogram). The middle visit at 12 weeks will take about 30 minutes.
What will happen in each study visit?
Baseline visit :
- Inquiries about medical history and complete a series of questionnaires.
- Conduct a physical exam, which will include measuring height, weight, vital signs, as well as assessing swollen and tender joints.
- Draw a blood sample.
- Complete a cardiac PET scan (approximately 2.5 hours long)
- Complete an echocardiogram
Visit 1:
- Inquiries about medical history and complete a series of questionnaires.
- Conduct a physical exam
- Draw a blood sample.
- Follow-up on medication use and side effects.
Final visit:
- Inquiries about medical history and complete a series of questionnaires.
- Conduct a physical exam
- Draw a blood sample.
- Follow-up on medication use and side effects.
- Complete a cardiac PET scan (approximately 2.5 hours long)
- Complete an echocardiogram
How will I benefit from participating?
You will be paid $275 total for the completion of the study. You will receive $100 for the first and last visit and $75 for the middle visit. The reimbursements will be given following the completion of each visit. You will be reimbursed for parking, public transportation, or eligible mileage, as well. At your final study visit, Dr. Liao will review your cardiac stress test results and provide a copy for your records.