What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Some people might hear “psoriasis” and think of the skin disease that causes itchy, scaly rashes and crumbling nails. It's true, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. But about 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop a form of inflammatory arthritis called psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Like psoriasis, PsA is an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, in this case the joints and skin. The faulty immune response causes inflammation that triggers joint pain, stiffness and swelling. The inflammation can affect the entire body and may lead to permanent joint and tissue damage if it is not treated early and aggressively.

Most people with psoriatic arthritis have skin symptoms before joint symptoms. However, sometimes the joint pain and stiffness strikes first. In some cases, people get psoriatic arthritis without any skin changes.

The disease may lay dormant in the body until triggered by some outside influence, such as a common throat infection. Another theory suggesting that bacteria on the skin triggers the immune response that leads to joint inflammation has yet to be proven.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five types of psoriatic arthritis:

• Symmetric psoriatic arthritis. This makes up about 50 percent of psoriatic arthritis cases. Symmetric means it affects joints on both sides of the body at the same time. This type of arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
• Asymmetric psoriatic arthritis: Often mild, this type of PsA appears in 35 percent of people with the condition. It’s called asymmetric because it doesn’t appear in the same joints on both sides of the body.
• Distal psoriatic arthritis: This type causes inflammation and stiffness near the ends of the fingers and toes, along with changes in toenails and fingernails such as pitting, white spots and lifting from the nail bed.
• Spondylitis: Pain and stiffness in the spine and neck are hallmarks of this form of PsA.
• Arthritis mutilans: Although considered the most severe form of PsA, arthritis mutilans affects only 5 percent of people who have the condition. It causes deformities in the small joints at the ends of the fingers and toes, and can destroy them almost completely.

Who’s Affected?

According to the Annals of Rheumatic Disease, between 6 and 42 percent of people who have psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. The disease usually appears between the ages of 30 and 55 in people who have psoriasis, but it can be diagnosed during childhood. Unlike many autoimmune diseases, men and women are equally at risk for developing this condition.

Article from www.arthritis.org

Almond Research Study for Patients with Pre-Diabetes

 Great Lakes Clinical Trials is looking for male and female volunteers for a research study involving the daily consumption almonds.

What is the objective of the study? 
The purpose of this study is to assess the Effects of Replacing Refined Carbohydrates with Almonds on Insulin Sensitivity in Men and Women

What is my time commitment to the study?
You will be asked to visit our clinic on 7 occasions over approximately 4 months. The study visits will last between 30 and 180 minutes.

 Is there a study stipend?
There is no cost for participation in this study. All study foods, tests and procedures are free of charge and we do not bill insurance. For your participation, you will receive up to $490.

You may be able to participate if you are:

1. between 18-69 years old
2. currently diagnosed as having pre-diabetes (slightly elevated HbA1c or glucose)
3. willing to consume almonds
4. willing to avoid other nuts and nut butters during the study

Note that other entry criteria will apply and can be discussed with our study staff. Lab values, blood pressure and weight measurements will be verified at your first clinic visit.

If you are interested in joining this trial, please call our center directly at (773) 275-3500 to speak with one of our staff today or visit www.greatlakesclinicaltrials.com/almond

Before the memories are lost: Participate in Alzheimer’s research

Could you be the solution to ending Alzheimer’s disease? Thousands of seniors from across Chicagoland have already joined the fight by participating in clinical trials. Much progress has been made, but tens of thousands more participants are needed to win the battle.

Clinical trials are well-planned research studies that assess interventions such as new medications, exercise or changes in diet. Trials are the primary way that researchers find out if a new medication is safe and effective in people. All prescription medications must be studied in clinical trials before they become available to the general public.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 100 Alzheimer’s disease and related memory studies recruiting participants at over 500 research clinics in the United States.

One such research clinic is Great Lakes Clinical Trials, located in Arlington Heights on the campus of the Lutheran Home. A primary focus of Great Lakes Clinical Trials has been to find prevention for Alzheimer’s disease.

Steve Satek, president of Great Lakes Clinical Trials, explains why he opened a clinic at the Lutheran Home.

“Many people think clinical trials are only conducted at major hospitals and medical centers. In reality, across the country the majority of clinical trials are conducted at private physicians’ offices. We opened our clinic at the Lutheran Home to provide convenient access to research in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. I grew up in this community and I know firsthand that the local residents can get behind an important cause.”

Participation in a memory loss prevention trial is a big decision. Older adults who join prevention studies are generally healthy and are not experiencing significant memory loss beyond normal aging. “This presents a challenge, as these healthy individuals don’t necessarily want to go to a doctor unless they are sick,” added Satek. “They typically don’t want to take a medication unless they really need it. Joining a clinical trial is not always at the top of a todo list.”

Many seniors opt to participate in research studies as part of their legacy. They are doing it for their children and grandchildren, with the thought that if this generation doesn’t find a way to prevent Alzheimer’s, then the responsibility will be a passed to the next generation. These participants understand that the only way for to find a cure is for today’s seniors to get involved.Nowis the time.

As a testament to its commitment to the cause, this past year Great Lakes Clinical Trials had the honor of joining an international network of research clinics called the Global Alzheimer’s Platform. This network includes top-performing, respected academic and private commercial institutions that share the goal of streamlining clinical research and drug development for Alzheimer’s disease. These clinics are committed to sharing information and fostering a collaborative environment across the network.

Participation in research at Great Lakes Clinical Trials is always free. Insurance is not required and appointments can generally be made within a week or two. Patients remain under the care or their regular doctor and Great Lakes’ board-certified physicians provide supplemental care. Great Lakes may even be able to provide free transportation for clinic visits.

Do something unforgettable today. Take part in research to help preventAlzheimer’s disease. To learn how to participate, call Great Lakes Clinical Trials at (773) 275-3500 or visit www.greatlakesclinicaltrials.com.

Daily Herald Article
Healthy You Section, Page 2
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Great Lakes Clinical Trials Now Recruiting Volunteers for a Cholesterol Study

Click here for more information or visit http://www.greatlakesclinicaltrials.com/cholesterol2

Great Lakes Clinical Trials Contributes to Successful Migraine Research Program

Great Lakes Clinical Trial staff, under the direction of Medical Director, Jeffrey Ross, MD, are pleased to share the results of Alder Biopharmaceuticals' migraine research program which were released earlier today.  A press release has been issued entitled,

Alder Announces Eptinezumab Significantly Reduces Migraine Risk Meets Primary and All Key Secondary Endpoints in Pivotal PROMISE 2 Phase 3 Trial for Chronic Migraine Prevention

The highlights of the press release include:

Jeffrey Ross, MD
Medical Director

• Highly statistically significant results with rapid prevention beginning Day One
• 50%, 75%, 100% responder rates by month one sustained for three months
• 15% of patients had no migraines for a full three months

To view a full copy of the press release click HERE.

"Our clinic is an independent and unbiased research facility for the testing of investigational medicals for a variety of diseases, including migraines.  Our primary service is for our medical staff to work closely with our patients and determine if a new medication works or not, and assess its safety." commented Steve Satek, Great Lakes Clinical Trials President.  "When we hear positive results from research programs which we conducted on such as this Alder Biopharmaceuticals migraine program, it reaffirms our company's mission to advance the science of medicine and  improve the quality of life and health of patients around the world.

All services at Great Lakes Clinical Trials are provided at no cost and are conducted by board-certified physicians.  No insurance required.  For a full listing of studies currently being conducted at Great Lakes Clinical Trials, visit our Studies page by clicking here.

Help Preserve Memories: Participate in Research

If you or someone you know is over the age of 60 and has a family history of Alzheimer's disease, you can help join the fight to find a cure for future generations.

Great Lakes Clinical Trials is committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's Disease, but this cannot be done without the participation of our senior community in clinical trials. 

Bill Gates Donates $100 Million to Help Find a Cure for Alzheimer's Disease

"My family history isn’t the sole reason behind my interest in Alzheimer’s. But my personal experience has exposed me to how hopeless it feels when you or a loved one gets the disease. We’ve seen scientific innovation turn once-guaranteed killers like HIV into chronic illnesses that can be held in check with medication. I believe we can do the same (or better) with Alzheimer’s."
Bill Gates, 2017

For more information about Bill Gates' commitment to fight Alzheimer's, click here.

 

To learn more about how you can participate in a research study at Great Lakes Clinical Trials, click the button below.

Pre-Diabetes: Are You at Risk?

By ABC NEWS  July 30, 2017

Is diabetes knocking at your door? It is for millions of Americans. In fact, it's the fourth-leading killer in the country. But with proper identification of those with a condition dubbed "pre-diabetes," the full-blown version of the illness can be turned away.

An estimated 16 million Americans have pre-diabetes, on top of the 17 million estimated to have already developed diabetes. Pre-diabetes, a term coined earlier this year as part of an ongoing prevention campaign, describes a condition previously known as impaired glucose tolerance.

Those with the condition have blood glucose levels higher than they should be but are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. The higher levels put them at greater risk of developing not only diabetes, but also stroke and heart disease.

While pre-diabetes has been around for years under a different moniker, a growing body of research uncovering its considerable threat encouraged health officials to push for greater awareness and recognition.

"If you tell people that they don't have diabetes yet, they think 'Oh good.' They take that loophole," says Anne Daly, past-president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association, based in Alexandria, Va. "We don't want people to take that loophole."

Who Is at Risk?

The good news is that with quick intervention a future full of insulin shots can be avoided. Among those at the greatest risk of developing pre-diabetes, and full-blown diabetes, include:

• Those with a family history of diabetes, as well as those who have had high blood sugar while pregnant — a condition known as gestational diabetes.
• Those who belong to minority groups that are disproportionately affected by diabetes, including African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and Pacific Islanders.
• Those who are overweight or obese.
• Those with high blood pressure or blood fats.
• Those who are sedentary or inactive.

To ward off the the disease, health officials recommended specifically that overweight people over the age of 45 be screened for pre-diabetes.

Keeping Diabetes at Bay

A major message of the government-backed campaign, however, is that diabetes need not be an inevitable conclusion after a pre-diabetes diagnosis.

"Progression to type 2 diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle modification," says Dr. Joann E. Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass. "Most importantly, lose weight and become physically active."

Medications, such as metformin, may be used in some instances to lower blood sugar. But some experts emphasize the importance of diet and exercise over medical intervention.

"We know that losing weight is effective," says Daly. "In order to create a calorie deficit, which is how you lose weight, you've got to decrease what's coming in the door and increase what's going out the door. You need to work on both sides of that energy equation. You can try to be a couch potato and eat like a bird, but it isn't going to work."

For those who are baffled about getting started on an effective diet and exercise program, Daly recommends consulting a dietitian or other health-care professional for help.

Adds Daly, "If we identify more people with pre-diabetes, it is likely we can prevent heart attacks and strokes by the bucket full, by implementing lifestyle change to decrease medical risk factors that are an accident looking for an place to happen."

Click here for a link to the original article.

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Great Lakes Clinical Trials is currently seeking volunteers with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and other complications related to diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy and fatty liver disease, to participate in our research studies.  Our research is led by board-certified physicians and registered dieticians and is provided at no cost to you. 

For more information you can visit our study information pages here or simply complete the fields below and one of our research staff will be in touch with you shortly. 

Managing the Holidays With Diabetes

For people with diabetes or even pre-diabetes, holiday parties present challenges. There’s a great deal of temptation to sway from a diet and eat large holiday meals, sample sugary desserts, and to increase alcohol consumption over the holiday season.  How can you manage the temptation without risking your health? 

The American Association of Diabetes Educators provide useful tips for patients in managing their condition.  Clinic on the image to the right to access the AADE Holiday Toolkit -- an informational resource that provides not only tips on how to manage the holiday temptations, but also how to prepare diabetic friendly meals. 

As the Toolkit say, "If you follow these strategies, you can maintain your blood sugar levels and enjoy the parties and gatherings along with everyone else. But, just like everything else with diabetes, you have to take a few extra steps!

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Great Lakes Clinical Trials is currently seeking volunteers with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and other complications related to diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy and fatty liver disease, to participate in our research studies.  Our research is led by board-certified physicians and registered dieticians and is provided at no cost to you. 

For more information you can visit our study information pages here or simply complete the fields below and one of our research staff will be in touch with you shortly. 

NOW ENROLLING! Breakfast Egg Research Study for Patients with Pre-Diabetes

Great Lakes Clinical Trials is looking for male and female volunteers for a research study involving the daily consumption of eggs (12 per week) at breakfast compared to non-egg breakfast foods. 

What is the objective of the study?
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of eating eggs on metabolic health in people with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

What is my time commitment to the study?
You will be asked to visit our clinic on 7 occasions over approximately 3-4 months.  The study visits will last between 30 and 180 minutes.

Is there a study stipend?
There is no cost for participation in this study.  All study breakfast foods, tests and procedures are free of charge and we do not bill insurance.  For your participation, you will receive up to $575. 

You may be able to participate if you are:

1.     between 18-74 years old

2.     currently diagnosed as having pre-diabetes or if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, as indicated by having at least 3 of the following 5 conditions:

• overweight
• elevated triglycerides
• low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol)
• high blood pressure (or are on a blood pressure lowering medication)
• elevated glucose

3.     willing to consume study-related breakfast foods 6 days per week during two 4-week test periods

Note that other entry criteria will apply and can be discussed with our study staff.  Lab values, blood pressure and weight measurements will be verified at your first clinic visit.

If you are interested in joining this trial, please call our center directly at (773) 275-3500 to speak with one of our staff today or visit www.greatlakesclinicaltrials.com/eggstudy

Steve Satek to Provide Opening Address at 2017 AWARE for ALL - Chicago

Given the vital importance of clinical research in advancing understanding of the causes and cure for Alzheimer's Disease, mental health disorders, pain disorders and general health, Great Lakes Clinical Trials is excited to have a presence at AWARE for All: Chicago - Clinical Research Education Day.

Steve Satek, President of Great Lakes Clinical Trials

Steve Satek, President of Great Lakes Clinical Trials, is proud to provide the Opening Address at this importnat conference. "After participating in past AWARE for All events as a research panelist, I am humbled to have the opportunity to address this program from a more global perspective," commented Mr. Satek.  "The goal of AWARE for All and its organizer CISCRP, falls very much in line with that of Great Lakes Clinical Trials.  We all understand the important role volunteers play in clinical research and this program supports our mission of educating and informing the public about clinical research participation." 

Clinical trials have long been a source of groundbreaking treatment developments, assistance for patients and a small source of additional income for many. AWARE for All is an educational session outlining the process, benefits and options for participation in a variety of clinical trials. The event has free health screenings, as well as information booths from local healthcare professionals and community organizations. Connect with local doctors and patients to learn how you can engage with clinical trials locally. The event begins at 5:00PM, with discussions starting at 6:00PM. There will be free dinner served, as well as giveaways. This event is free to attend however pre-event registration is encouraged.

Presented by: Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research (CISCRP)

Tickets: Free, registration encouraged.
Location: The University of Illinois Chicago Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

Date & Time: Thursday, October 26 from 5:00PM – 8:00PM

AWARE for All: Chicago will take place on Thursday, October 26 from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at the The University of Illinois Chicago Forum. For more information:

Visit:  www.awareforall.org

Call: 877-633-4376

Email:  awareforall@ciscrp.org