We will follow you for 24 weeks. Starting from your first visit, we will see you after 6, 12 and 24 weeks for a total of 4 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 other two visits at 6 and 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.
Visit 2:
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 $350 total for the completion of the study. The reimbursement will be divided quarterly for each study visit; $100 each for the first and last visits, and $75 each for the two other visits. The reimbursements will be given following the completion of each visit. You will be reimbursed for parking, as well. In addition to the reimbursement, we will provide Cimzia free of charge for the duration of the study! We will also review your cardiac stress test results at your last visit and provide a copy for your records.