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Axial SpondyloarthritisProSpA-CDNCT03817983

MRE as a Screening Tool for axSpA in IBD

An observational study of Axial Spondyloarthritis and Crohn Disease, run by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to assess the effectiveness (specificity and sensitivity) of using magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) as a screening tool for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in patients with Crohns disease. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Axial Spondyloarthritis, Crohn Disease
What is being tested?
MRE review for evidence of axSpA in SIJs and Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis
How many people
259 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
4 Mar 2019to 8 Aug 2020
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Patients with Crohn's disease (aged more than 18 years) who have had a MRE scan performed between January 1st 2015 and January 1st 2019

Who may be able to join

  • Subjects who are willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
  • Male and female subjects aged 18 years or above.
  • Diagnosed by the gastroenterology team with Crohn's disease.
  • MRE imaging since 2015 for their Crohn's disease.

Who cannot join

  • 1. Subjects unwilling or unable to give informed consent.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • Rheumatology Research Unit

    Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 0QQ

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: Magnetic Resonance Enterography as a Screening Tool for Axial Spondyloarthritis in Crohn's Disease: A Prospective Single-center Cross-sectional Observational Study Using MRE Screening Followed by Clinical Assessment

This study aims to assess the effectiveness (specificity and sensitivity) of using magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) as a screening tool for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in patients with Crohns disease. Patients with evidence of axSpA on MRE imaging will be assessed clinically for axSpA (including a dedicated axial magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine and sacroiliac joints) and will be compared to a group of age and sex-matched control participants with Crohn's disease but with no evidence of axSpA on MRE imaging.

Read the detailed description

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a term that encompasses psoriatic arthritis with axial disease, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiological axial spondyloarthritis. The prevalence of SpA in the general population is estimated to be between 0.01%-2.5%. SpA patients have a high burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which primarily includes Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC), with an estimated prevalence of 10%-12%. However, few studies have investigated the converse; the presence of IBD cases with undiagnosed SpA. Untreated SpA may lead to a significant impact on general health and quality of life; therefore early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Most CD patients will have had a MRE assessment for their CD, which also captures the axial skeleton and can therefore be used to screen for evidence of axial SpA (axSpA). In this study, MRE images from consenting CD subjects will be reviewed for evidence of axSpA. CD patients with evidence of axSpA will then be reviewed in a rheumatology clinic to assess more specifically for SpA. This will include completion of patient reported outcome measures, clinical examination, routine blood tests, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 genotyping and a dedicated axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The patients will also be consented to participate in the second part of the study which will be to compare these 'cases' statistically to a 'control' group of age- and sex-matched CD subjects without MRE evidence of axSpA.

This study aims to: (i) determine the validity, sensitivity and specificity of MRE as a screening tool for axSpA in CD patients using dedicated axial MRI scans with clinical assessment as the gold standard; (ii) devise an algorithm of clinical indices that can be used as a screening tool for axSpA in CD cases.

Being tested
MRE review for evidence of axSpA in SIJs, Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis
Medical subject headings
Axial Spondyloarthritis, Crohn Disease

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • MRE review for evidence of axSpA in SIJsDiagnostic test

    Screening for evidence of axSpA on the MRE scan of patients with Crohn's disease

  • Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvisDiagnostic test

    Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis to assess for evidence of axSpA

Study groups in NCT03817983
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
ProSpA-CD Screen Phase: MRE review for axSpAReview of MRE scan for evidence of axSpA in Crohn's disease patients
Receives: Diagnostic Test: MRE review for evidence of axSpA in SIJs
ProSpA-CD Assess Phase (cases): Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvisClinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis to assess for evidence of axSpA for participants with abnormalities identified in the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) on MRE (cases).
Receives: Diagnostic Test: Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis
ProSpA-CD Assess Phase (controls): Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvisClinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis to assess for evidence of axSpA for participants with normal SIJs (controls) on MRE.
Receives: Diagnostic Test: Clinical assessment and dedicated MRI of the spine and pelvis

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Sensitivity and Specificity of MRE as a Screening Tool for Axial Spondyloarthritis in Crohn's Disease

    We assessed the SIJs on MRE imaging of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) for abnormalities potentially consistent with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), using a novel SIJ scoring system of 0-10 (0 = normal SIJs, 1-10 = abnormal SIJs). These patients were then assessed for evidence of axSpA using the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axSpA, including a dedicated axial MRI of the spine and pelvis. This primary outcome measure assessed the true positive rate (sensitivity) and true negative rate (specificity) of using MRE imaging of patients with CD to identify axSpA. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated using the novel SIJ scoring system of 0-10 and a 'diagnosis of axSpA' or 'no diagnosis of axSpA'. The ROC curve illustrated the true positive rate and true negative rate of using MRE as a screening tool for axSpA for each unit score (0-10) of the SIJ scoring system. This was performed using Stata 16 (2019).

    Measured: 12 months

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. The Number (and Percentage) of Participants With Evidence of Axial Spondyloarthritis on MRE Imaging Who Fulfill the 2009 ASAS Criteria for Axial Spondyloarthritis.

    Patients with Crohn's disease are at increased risk of developing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). MRE imaging is used to assess the extent of Crohn's disease in the small bowel and also captures the sacroiliac joints (SIJs), which are commonly affected in axSpA. The MRE images of participants with Crohn's disease were reviewed for abnormalities in the SIJs potentially consistent with axSpA. These participants were then clinically assessed for axSpA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This included a clinical history and examination, blood tests (including HLA-B27 and inflammatory markers) and a dedicated axial MRI of the spine and pelvis. Radiographs of the SIJs, hands and feet were reviewed if available. The 2009 ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) classification criteria for axSpA, modified New York criteria for AS and classification for PsA (CASPAR) criteria were then used to classify patients with axSpA, AS and PsA respectively.

    Measured: 12 months

  2. The Number (and Percentage) of Participants With Evidence of Axial Spondyloarthritis on MRE Imaging Who Fulfill the Modified New York Criteria for Ankylosing Spondylitis

    Patients with Crohn's disease are at increased risk of developing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). MRE imaging is used to assess the extent of Crohn's disease in the small bowel and also captures the sacroiliac joints (SIJs), which are commonly affected in axSpA. The MRE images of participants with Crohn's disease were reviewed for abnormalities in the SIJs potentially consistent with axSpA. These participants were then clinically assessed for axSpA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This included a clinical history and examination, blood tests (including HLA-B27 and inflammatory markers) and a dedicated axial MRI of the spine and pelvis. Radiographs of the SIJs, hands and feet were reviewed if available. The 2009 ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) classification criteria for axSpA, modified New York criteria for AS and classification for PsA (CASPAR) criteria were then used to classify patients with axSpA, AS and PsA respectively.

    Measured: 12 months

  3. The Number (and Percentage) of Participants With Evidence of Axial Spondyloarthritis on MRE Imaging Who Fulfill the CASPAR Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis

    Patients with Crohn's disease are at increased risk of developing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). MRE imaging is used to assess the extent of Crohn's disease in the small bowel and also captures the sacroiliac joints (SIJs), which are commonly affected in axSpA. The MRE images of participants with Crohn's disease were reviewed for abnormalities in the SIJs potentially consistent with axSpA. These participants were then clinically assessed for axSpA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This included a clinical history and examination, blood tests (including HLA-B27 and inflammatory markers) and a dedicated axial MRI of the spine and pelvis. Radiographs of the SIJs, hands and feet were reviewed if available. The 2009 ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) classification criteria for axSpA, modified New York criteria for AS and classification for PsA (CASPAR) criteria were then used to classify patients with axSpA, AS and PsA respectively.

    Measured: 12 months

  4. The Number (and Percentage) of Participants Fulfilling the 2009 ASAS Criteria for axSpA Proceeding to Non-pharmacological and Pharmacological Treatment of Their axSpA, as a Surrogate Measure of Change in Clinical Care as a Result of MRE Screening.

    This outcome measure focuses on the group of participants who fulfilled the 2009 ASAS classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis in the ProSpA-CD Assess cases group. A total of 22 participants in the cases group fulfilled the 2009 ASAS classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (n=22/90).

    Measured: 12 months

  5. The Predictive Value of Specific Extra-articular Features With a Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Crohn's Disease

    The MRE images of participants with Crohn's disease (CD) were reviewed for abnormalities in the SIJs potentially consistent with axSpA. The participants were then clinically assessed for axSpA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The clinical assessment included age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, occupation, site of CD, CD disease duration, history of extra-articular manifestations/ features, patient reported outcome measures, blood tests (including HLA B27 and inflammatory markers) and a dedicated axial MRI of the spine and pelvis. The 2009 ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) classification criteria for axSpA, modified New York criteria for AS and classification for PsA criteria were then used to classify patients with axSpA, AS and PsA respectively. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of extra-articular features and site of CD with a diagnosis of axSpA in CD, using Stata 16 (2019).

    Measured: 12 months

  6. The Predictive Value of a Particular Site of Crohn's Disease (Colon, Ileum Etc) With a Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Crohn's Disease

    The MRE images of participants with Crohn's disease (CD) were reviewed for abnormalities in the SIJs potentially consistent with axSpA. The participants were then clinically assessed for axSpA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The clinical assessment included age, sex, smoking status, site of CD, CD disease duration, history of extra-articular manifestations/ features, blood tests (including HLA B27 and inflammatory markers) and a dedicated axial MRI of the spine and pelvis. The 2009 ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) classification criteria for axSpA, modified New York criteria for AS and classification for PsA criteria were then used to classify patients with axSpA, AS and PsA respectively. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of extra-articular features and site of CD with a diagnosis of axSpA in CD, using Stata 16 (2019).

    Measured: 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Jan 2019
  2. Study start4 Mar 2019
  3. Primary completion8 Aug 2020
  4. Study completion8 Aug 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Case-control
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
259 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03817983
Sponsor's protocol ID
A094864
Acronym
ProSpA-CD
Status last verified
Jan 2025
First submitted
18 Jan 2019
Last updated
14 Jan 2025
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Axial Spondyloarthritis and Crohn Disease, run by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at 1 site in United Kingdom.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 14 Jan 2025). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The Sensitivity and Specificity of MRE as a Screening Tool for Axial Spondyloarthritis in Crohn's Disease (time frame: 12 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Jan 2025.

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