An observational study in Relapsing Polychondritis and Vasculitis, sponsored by University of Pennsylvania. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-01-23.
Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania · Observational
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilage including ears, nose, tracheobronchial tree, chest wall and joints. Less commonly, it can cause inflammation of eyes, vasculature, nervous system, skin and inner ear. The purpose of this study is to study the pathogenesis of RP.
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilage including ears, nose, tracheobronchial tree, chest wall and joints. Less commonly, it can cause inflammation of eyes, vasculature, nervous system, skin and inner ear. There is variability in organ-system involvement and the disease course is relapsing making the diagnosis challenging. Delay in diagnosis can lead to end-organ damage and significant morbidity and mortality. There are no biomarkers or blood tests that can assist with assignment of a diagnosis.
Development of this longitudinal cohort and multicenter approach offers the potential to generate new insights and generate new questions regarding the immunology of the disease. Attainment of a better understanding of the mechanisms and trajectory of inflammation may yield insights into potential new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Study visits will occur every 6 months, or annually. Blood and urine collection will occur at every visit. A physical exam and medical and medication history will at every visit; also, participants will be asked to complete several questionnaires to assess disease activity, health status, and tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
170 studies on the registry are indexed under Vasculitis; 46 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 100 is below the median of 147 across 77 observational studies indexed under Vasculitis.
Browse Vasculitis studies →University of Pennsylvania is the lead sponsor of 1,668 studies on the registry; 235 are open to participants now.
Of its 158 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 109 (69%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Individuals with relapsing polychondritis (RP). Enrollment will be sequential and participants will have disease in various stages and of different duration.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Evaluate the pathogenesis of relapsing polychondritis using disease history.
To study the manner of development of disease in patients affected with relapsing polychondritis.
Time frame: Study completion; from baseline through month 36.
PROMIS Questionnaires
Questions will ask about fatigue on the PROMIS short form.
Time frame: Baseline, month 6, month 12, month 18, month 24, month 30, month 36
PROMIS Questionnaires
Questions will ask about pain interference on the PROMIS short form.
Time frame: Baseline, month 6, month 12, month 18, month 24, month 30, month 36
PROMIS Questionnaires
Questions will ask about physical function on the PROMIS short form.
Time frame: Baseline, month 6, month 12, month 18, month 24, month 30, month 36
PROMIS Questionnaires
Questions will ask about global health on the PROMIS short form.
Time frame: Baseline, month 6, month 12, month 18, month 24, month 30, month 36
Plan to share: No
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
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