Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Strategies towards personalised treatment in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): An open randomised multicentre blinded-assessor trial assessing the effectiveness of intraarticular glucocorticoid injections in JIA patients starting tumour necrosis factor inhibitor treatment. The MyJIA trial.

The MyJIA study is for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It's testing a specific approach to treatment. Doctors want to see if giving a steroid injection directly into an affected joint, alongside starting a new type of strong medication called a TNF inhibitor, helps children achieve better and longer-lasting relief from their JIA. The main goal is to find out how many children can stay in a state of 'inactive disease' (meaning their JIA is very quiet) and avoid needing more steroid medications, either by injection or by mouth, for a period of several months. This research aims to understand if this combination therapy can lead to more personalised and effective ways to manage JIA.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Oslo University Hospital HF

Enrolment target

188

Start

15 May 2024

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

What is this study about?

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a condition where a child's immune system mistakenly attacks their own joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. We know it can be a challenging condition for children and their families.

This study, called MyJIA, is looking into how we can make treatment for JIA even better and more tailored to each child. When children with JIA start a new, strong medicine called a TNF inhibitor (which works by calming down the overactive immune system), doctors are also trying out whether a steroid injection directly into a sore joint at the same time helps. This steroid injection is a common treatment to quickly reduce inflammation in a specific joint.

The main aim of MyJIA is to see if adding this joint injection helps children stay in a state where their JIA is 'inactive' for a longer time, without needing more steroid treatment. By understanding this, doctors hope to find more effective ways to help children with JIA get well and stay well, making their treatment more personalised and effective.

Key takeaways

The MyJIA study is for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).
It combines a joint steroid injection with starting a new strong JIA medicine (TNF inhibitor).
The aim is to see if this combination helps children stay well for longer.
Participation involves regular check-ups and assessments.
This research hopes to improve personalised JIA treatment.

Who may be eligible?

Generally, this study is open to children diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). It is designed for both boys and girls across a wide age range, although specific age details would be discussed with your doctor.

Key to joining is that the child is starting treatment with a TNF inhibitor. This study focuses on how adding a joint injection works with this specific type of new medication. Your child will need to have a joint that can receive this injection.

Your child's doctor will be able to tell you if this trial is the right fit based on their specific JIA type and overall health.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Does my child have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?
Is my child about to start a new TNF inhibitor medicine?
Does my child have a joint that doctors could inject with medicine?
Has my child's doctor suggested this study might be suitable for them?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in the MyJIA study, they would receive a steroid injection directly into an affected joint. This would happen when they are also starting their new TNF inhibitor medication. You would have regular visits with the study team to check on your child's progress and how they are feeling.

During these visits, doctors and nurses would perform examinations and ask questions about your child's symptoms. They might also take blood samples or perform other standard assessments to monitor their JIA and how the treatment is working. The study team will follow your child's health closely for several months, with the main assessment period being from week 24 to week 36 after starting treatment. The total duration of participation would be explained fully by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like MyJIA could offer the potential benefit of a more effective and lasting treatment for your child's JIA, potentially leading to a longer period of inactive disease. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks associated with steroid injections into joints, such as temporary pain or swelling at the injection site, or in very rare cases, infection. There are also potential side effects from the TNF inhibitor medication, which your doctor would discuss with you. You and your child have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Norway

Common questions

What is 'inactive disease'?

Inactive disease means your child's JIA symptoms are very well controlled, with little to no pain, swelling, or stiffness in their joints.

What is a TNF inhibitor?

A TNF inhibitor is a type of strong medicine that helps calm down the immune system, which is overactive in JIA, leading to less joint swelling and pain.

What is a steroid injection?

A steroid injection is a medicine given directly into a joint to quickly reduce pain and swelling in that specific area.

How long will my child need to be in the study?

The main part of the study observes your child's progress from week 24 to week 36 after starting treatment. The total time they would be involved will be explained by the study team.

Will my child still receive their usual JIA care?

Yes, your child will continue to receive the best possible care for their JIA throughout the study, regardless of participation.