Pediatric and Adolescent Research

The Center for Adolescent Rheumatology

The Center for Adolescent Rheumatology has five main areas of research:

  • Characterizing rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: Including collecting data on onset and outcome. We do much of this work through collaborative networks.
  • Improving biomarkers of disease to diagnose and treat diseases early and prevent poor outcomes: Current testing is often very limited and we need better predictive tools.
  • Expanding medications available to children and teens by trials that result in safety and dosing information: Participation in pharmaceutical FDA process for new medications - speeds access to medication for all patients.
  • Exploring methods of supporting patients to become independent in their health management: What are the best methods/how best to support transition from pediatric to adult care while providing continuity of support through the college or early working years. Innovative programming is being offered by Charla De Lupus and The Adolescent Center – we are collecting data on outcomes.
  • Patient-centered outcomes: How do we best identify and address the symptoms either from the disease or the treatment that improve quality of life for patients – like fatigue, sleep, nausea.

Current Medication Trials

  1. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter, Efficacy and Safety Study of Subcutaneous Anakinra (Kineret®) in Patients With Still’s Disease (SJIA and AOSD) Followed by an Open-label Extension.
  2. An Open-Label Multiple Dose Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Tofacitinib In Pediatric Patients from 2 to Less Than 18 Years of Age with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and a Long-Term, Open-Label Follow-Up Study of Tofacitinib for Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).
  3. A Long-Term, Open-Label Follow-Up Study Of Tofacitinib For Treatment Of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Protocol Version. PROPEL (Extension protocol of A3921104-Xeljanz)( Sie PI – L.Imundo)
  4. Observational Study of Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases: The CARRA Registry. CARRA – PCORI Comparative Effectiveness of CARRA Treatment Strategies for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, STOP JIA ( Site PI: L.Imundo ) DCRI – Duke Clinical Research Institute
  5. A Multicenter, Open Label Study to Assess the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy of Certolizumab Pegol in Children and Adolescents with Moderately to Severely Active Polyarticular-Course; Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PASCAL)

Collaborative Research Organizations

  • International Myositis Outcomes Assessment Collaborative Study Group, and the Childhood Myositis Heterogeneity Collaborative Study
  • Pediatric Heart Network Investigator.
  • ARChiVe (A Registry for Childhood Vasculitis E entry) Investigators
  • Pediatric Rheumatology Center Study Group (PRCSG): Infliximab in JIA / Meloxicam in JIA / Rilonacept in Systemic Arthritis / Belimumab for pediatric SLE / Rituximab in Pediatric Patients with Sever Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ( Wegener’s) or Microscopic Polyangiitis
  • Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. International Flare Consensus Initiative Lupus. International Consensus for a Definition of Disease Flare in Lupus
  • CARRA Registry Investigators. Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA): projects in multiple areas including PFAPA, Periodic Fevers.
  • Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus Investigators

Faculty Active in this Area