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  • Initiation of the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID Study | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK Initiation of the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID Study Oct 22, 2024 Initiating Patient Enrollment for Psoriatic Arthritis Research The PsA digital phenotyping and inflammation drivers study (iPROLEPSIS-PDPID) has officially been initiated. The first patient was enrolled in the Netherlands in early September. The iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study focuses on using smart devices and clinical data to develop AI-driven models for personalised monitoring and flare prediction. This approach aims to empower patients by providing tools to better understand their condition. The study seeks to develop unobtrusive and affordable digital biomarkers capable of detecting changes in disease activity, including flares, and identifying their triggers in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The study is being conducted in four countries: the Netherlands, the UK, Portugal, and Greece. Patient recruitment is planned to start in the UK by the end of October, with recruitment in Greece and Portugal expected later this year. The miPROLEPSIS phone app is used in this study. The app is installed on patients' smartphones and acts as a data collection tool, which will be used to develop and train algorithms. The app measures physical activity, sleep duration, self-registered flares, and daily records of pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and morning stiffness. Additionally, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch is used to collect data on physical activity, heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep quality. 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine Co-Creation Insights | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine Co-Creation Insights Nov 12, 2024 User-Centered Development of the iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine The iPROLEPSIS project recently hosted its first co-creation session focused on refining the Lifestyle Recommendation Engine for individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). This online session brought together a diverse, multidisciplinary group of 20 participants, including patient research partners from Portugal, The Netherlands, the UK, and Greece, along with clinicians, researchers, and developers from the iPROLEPSIS consortium. During the session, participants explored mockups and initial prototypes for nutrition and physical activity recommendations, offering valuable insights that guide iterative development towards a more user-centred and impactful design for the iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine. Purpose and Approach This collaborative effort aimed to improve the iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine, ensuring that it is user-centred and impactful. The session included detailed presentations of mockups and prototypes, followed by discussions where participants shared their perspectives and feedback on the nutrition and physical activity guidelines. Key Findings Strengths Clear Presentation: Participants appreciated the clarity of the nutrition and exercise recommendations, especially the structured breakdown of weekly meal plans and exercise intensity levels, which allowed for easy tailoring to user capabilities. User-Friendly Exercise Recommendations: Including exercise intensity was highly valued, helping users to select routines suitable to their abilities. Areas for Improvement Portion Sizes and Meal Timings : Participants recommended clearer definitions for portion sizes and specific guidance on meal timings to better support daily routines. Household Measurements : To improve accessibility, participants suggested including household measurements for ingredients, making recipes easier to follow. Cultural and Dietary Preferences : The inclusion of various cuisines, dietary options (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free), and meal preparation cost considerations were recommended. Suggestions for Future Development Customizable Meal Plans : Participants supported options for users to create or choose from curated meal plans, along with suggested recipes for variety and personalisation. Enhanced Accessibility in Physical Activity : The need for exercise recommendations catering to different mobility levels was emphasised, with suggestions for low-intensity options for users with limited physical capacity. Safety Information and Usability : Feedback supported the inclusion of safety information for users with joint conditions and clarity enhancements in the app's design, particularly in colour-coding for specific goals. Interactive Goal Setting : Participants supported the inclusion of features for progress tracking and personalised goal setting to motivate users and enhance engagement. Participant Feedback and Satisfaction Participants expressed high satisfaction, particularly with the session’s structure and the collaborative nature of the discussion. Many appreciated the online format, which improved interaction. Looking Ahead The valuable feedback gathered will guide further development, ensuring the Lifestyle Recommendation Engine meets diverse user needs. Future iterations will aim to incorporate additional user-friendly features, making it easier for individuals with PsA to access personalised nutrition and physical activity recommendations tailored to their unique health goals and lifestyle preferences. 1/3 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Season's Greetings from iPROLEPSIS | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK Season's Greetings from iPROLEPSIS Dec 21, 2023 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! No updates and announcements, simply warmth, joy, health and peace from the iPROLEPSIS consortium to all our community! Thank you for being a part of our journey. merry (1).png merry (1).png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • iPROLEPSIS Presented at the 7th Panhellenic Multidisciplinary Congress of Autoimmune Diseases, Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK iPROLEPSIS Presented at the 7th Panhellenic Multidisciplinary Congress of Autoimmune Diseases, Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology Apr 7, 2025 Engaging the clinical community with updates on iPROLEPSIS and ongoing research From 28–30 March 2025, the 7th Panhellenic Multidisciplinary Congress of Autoimmune Diseases, Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology took place in Portaria, Greece. Maria Mytilinaiou , representing the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) , presented an overview of the iPROLEPSIS and HIPPOCRATES projects and ongoing clinical studies. The congress brought together clinicians and researchers from across Greece, offering a valuable opportunity to share insights and strengthen collaboration. 1/3 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Managing Psoriatic Arthritis | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatments and Lifestyle Handbook Handbook 2 How is psoriatic arthritis treated? While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are multiple drug treatment options that work to control the disease and its symptoms (3). Drug treatments specific for psoriatic arthritis focus on: DRUG TREATMENTS slowing down the progression of the condition; reducing inflammation; relieving pain; treating skin symptoms; keeping joints as mobile as possible. For most people, treatment for psoriatic arthritis will involve trying several different medications. Since many people with psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis, managing the condition can seem like treating two diseases. Some treatments work on both diseases, while others work mainly on the arthritis or skin problems. Every person diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis is different. Doctors recommend certain treatments depending on: how many and which parts of the body are affected; how severe the disease is; drug allergies and other health conditions; current medication use. Many times, people with psoriatic arthritis may need to take more than one drug at the same time to control the disease – this is called combination therapy. Combination therapy can allow for lower doses of each individual drug to be used. During flares, additional medications may be added temporarily or for the longer term.It is important to be involved in shared-decision making with your doctor(s) and adhere to the treatment plan. You should communicate any issues with medications, such as side effects or difficulty adhering to the treatment plan, so that effective steps can be taken to address the problem(s). TREATMENT FOR THE ARTHRITIS The over-the-counter and prescription medicines for psoriatic arthritis include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); steroid medication (corticosteroids); disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). See related Key Facts section h2.1 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but they might not be enough to treat symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (9). There are two types of NSAIDs: traditional NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac; COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib and etoricoxib. Like all medicines, NSAIDs can have side effects. Your doctor will take precautions to reduce the risk of side effects by prescribing the lowest dose necessary to control your symptoms for the shortest time possible. NSAIDs can sometimes affect the stomach and intestines, causing digestive problems such as indigestion and stomach ulcers (17). A medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, may also be prescribed to help protect the stomach. Chronic treatment with NSAIDs can also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems (17). Please, let your doctor know if there are risk factors that may increase your overall risk, for example, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Some people have found that taking NSAIDs made their psoriasis symptoms worse. Inform your doctor if this happens to you. Steroid medication (corticosteroids) Like NSAIDs, corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain (18). If you have a single painful and/or swollen joint, your doctor may inject the medication directly into the joint. The effect can last from a few weeks to several months. However, having too many steroid injections in the same joint(s) can damage the surrounding tissue and, thus, your doctor will usually not recommend more than three injections per year. When lots of joints are inflamed, corticosteroids can be taken as a tablet, or as an injection into the muscle. However, doctors are cautious about this because corticosteroids can cause side effects, such as weight gain and osteoporosis, increased risk of infection and cardiovascular events, if used for long periods of time. Because of these side effects, your doctor will prescribe you the lowest dose necessary to control your symptoms for the shortest time possible. Psoriasis can flare up when you stop using oral corticosteroids. h2.2 Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) DMARDs are powerful medications that reduce inflammation and can stop psoriatic arthritis from getting worse (19). DMARDs can help prevent damage to your joints. Many DMARDs will treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Because this type of medicine treats the cause of your condition and not the symptoms, it can take up to three months before you feel an effect. Therefore, it is important to keep taking the medication, even if it does not seem to be working at first. Like all drugs, DMARDs can have some side effects. While DMARDs can be very effective, these medications reduce the activity of the immune system (immunosuppressants) and raise the risk of an infection. However, it is important to remember that not treating psoriatic arthritis could lead to permanent bone and joint damage. There are three types of DMARDs as described in Table 1. Table 1: Types of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Traditional Traditional DMARDs (csDMARDs) have been used the longest and have a broad immune- suppressing effect. These medicines are usually taken by mouth. Example: methotrexate, sulfasalazine. Biologic Biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) disrupt key steps in the inflammatory process and generally work more quickly than traditional DMARDs. These drugs are usually injected. Example: adalimumab, etanercept. Targeted Like biologic DMARDs, targeted DMARDs (tsDMARDs) block key steps in the inflammatory process. These medications are usually taken by mouth. Example: tofacitinib. TREATMENT FOR THE PSORIASIS The over-the-counter and prescription medicines for psoriasis include: topical medications made from vitamin D, derivatives of vitamin A, salicylic acid, coal tar or corticosteroids; phototherapy that uses ultraviolet light (UVB) may be prescribed to treat and lessen skin rashes. Only your doctor should prescribe phototherapy, do not try to use sunlight or sunlamps to treat your skin on your own; some DMARDs and biological therapies used for arthritis can also help the psoriasis. VACCINES If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may have a higher risk of infection and infections may be more severe (20). This can be due to the arthritis itself or its treatment. Psoriatic arthritis, which caused by a fault of the immune system, can make you more vulnerable to infections. In addition, some of the drugs utilised to treat psoriatic arthritis (e.g., DMARDs and/ or steroids) dampen down the immune system, that is, they act as immunosuppressants, which can also make you more prone to infection. An increased risk of infection due to a medical condition and/or drugs is called immunosuppression. Your rheumatologist can provide guidance based on your age and your risk for getting certain infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, shingles, or hepatitis B). Vaccines are safe and can help you avoid serious infections. See related Key Facts section Non-pharmacological treatments NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENTS Drugs are not the only way to treat or manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. There are many things you can do, alongside taking prescribed medication, that can improve your life quality by lessening pain and inflammation, and improving your overall health. YOUR VOICE MATTERS Your experiences – how your therapies are working, what side affects you are experiencing, how your symptoms are affecting you, what challenges you are facing in your daily life due to psoriatic arthritis – are very important pieces of information. This information is called patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and it may be collected via a questionnaire prior to your rheumatology appointment. PROs can help your doctor assess the impact of your disease and better evaluate your treatment plan. These questionnaires can also help you self-manage your condition. Some of the questionnaires your rheumatologist may use are: PSAID (Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease): measures the impact of your disease on your physical and psychological health; VAS (Visual Analogue Scale): a simple tool to track and measure your pain; IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire): measures the types of intensity of physical activity and sitting time that people do as part of their daily lives; HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire): measures your physical function and disability due to arthritis; FACIT-F (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue): measures your fatigue that is caused by the arthritis; WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment): measures impairments in work and activities; HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale): measures the levels of anxiety and depression; PsAQoL (Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life): measures the quality of life in people with psoriatic arthritis; EQ-5D (EuroQol-5 Dimensions): measures quality of life in relation to 5 dimensions – mobility, usual activities, self-care, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression; SF-36 (Short Form-36): measures quality of life and covers 8 domains of health – physical functioning, physical role, pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. So, if your doctor or nurse asks you to fill out a questionnaire, please take the time to do it and be honest! PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Inflammation of joints and soft tissues can often lead to extreme pain, immobility, and dysfunction. Additionally, the arthritis can lead to difficulty in daily activities in the home and workplace. Physical and occupational therapy can help you get moving safely and effectively. Physical therapy is the most impactful if you are experiencing (21): loss of motion due to inflammation in the shoulder, wrist, hand, knee, or foot; severe enthesitis or dactylitis; inflammatory back pain. Physical therapy will focus on (21): improving mobility and restore the use of affected joints; increasing muscle strength to support the joints; maintaining fitness; preserving the ability to perform daily activities. Occupational therapy can also be helpful, especially if you are experiencing difficulties with everyday activities. See related Key Facts section h2.3 Occupational therapy can help you maximise your ability to participate in daily activities. Strategies include the use of assistive devices (e.g., braces, splints), and movement modification to help people protect their joints by performing tasks in different ways than they are used to (e.g., using both hands). SURGERY Most people diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis will never need joint surgery. However, if joints are severely damaged by the arthritis, or if other treatments do not reduce pain, damaged joints can be replaced by plastic, metal, or ceramic prosthesis to reduce pain, and improve function and quality of life. COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS Some people with psoriatic arthritis feel that complementary therapies can be helpful. However, you should always talk to your doctor before trying complementary therapies. There is no scientific evidence to support that taking any kind of dietary supplement, such as fish body oil capsules, works in treating psoriatic arthritis. In addition, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of complementary therapies, such as balneotherapy or acupuncture, as treatments for psoriatic arthritis. Complementary therapies can react with other treatments, so you should talk to your doctor if you are using or thinking of using any. See related Key Facts section SELF-CARE AND LIFESTYLE Sedentary behaviour Sedentary behaviour, characterised by prolonged periods of sitting, when accumulated daily for more than 8 hours or maintained for periods longer than 30 minutes without interruption, constitutes a risk to health and well-being. h2.4 h2.5 In people living with psoriatic arthritis, studies suggest that sedentary behaviour may contribute to increased joint stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and compromised joint function. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue and depression, which are common in psoriatic arthritis. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, maintaining an active lifestyle is generally considered beneficial for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. The risks of sedentary behaviour increase even more when people are inactive; that is, they do not comply with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for physical activity, described below. Physical activity Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for people living with psoriatic arthritis. Physical activity concerns all body movements resulting from muscle contraction regardless of the context in which they are carried out: leisure, transportation to and from places, or as part of a person’s work. Physical activity can help improve joint flexibility, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall joint function. Moreover, physical activity may contribute to better mental health, as it can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety that are often associated with chronic conditions like psoriatic arthritis. Physical activity also plays a role in weight management, which is essential as excess weight can increase joint stress (22). According to the WHO, it is recommended to accumulate at least ~20 minutes per day of physical activity, such as brisk walking (23). This recommendation is also adopted by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (24). A 20-minute physical activity of moderate intensity corresponds to an accumulation of around 2000 steps. Considering a functional activity of 4500 steps per day associated with carrying out activities of daily living such as grooming, cooking, cleaning, travelling to and from work/school, the WHO recommendations, when expressed in total number of steps per day, represent the sum of the two types of activity and correspond to an accumulation of 6500 daily steps under normal living conditions. Figure 3: Beneficial (on the left side) and harmful (on the right side) dietary patterns. Adapted from Guilliams et al., 2023 (28). Reducing the intake of sugar, saturated fats , and sodium can help you maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is linked to a higher chance of developing psoriatic arthritis, underlining the significance of weight management, especially for psoriasis patients who often suffer from metabolic syndrome and obesity (29). Since mechanical stress in the case of an inflammatory crisis can promote the appearance of enthesitis, it is necessary to control inflammation before increasing the level of usual physical activity or starting an exercise programme. In any case, the beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise on disease, well-being and associated comorbidities outweigh the risk of enthesitis induced by mechanical stress, which is low (25). Diet While there is no a specific diet that can treat psoriatic arthritis, adopting a nutritious and balanced eating plan can play a vital role in managing symptoms and improving overall wellbeing. Research suggests that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet (Figure 3, left-hand side), which includes fruits, vegetables, fibre, high-quality fats, and vitamins, might lessen the impact of your psoriatic arthritis (26). This type of diet has anti-inflammatory benefits that help manage disease activity. So, trying this eating approach might help you ease your psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids , commonly found in oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, or flaxseeds), can also have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing joint stiffness and tenderness (27). Antioxidants found in colourful fruits and vegetables (such as berries, spinach, and kale) also offer potent anti-inflammatory properties that could alleviate joint inflammation and discomfort in people living with psoriatic arthritis. Overall, it is recommended to aim for a balanced intake of 2-5 portions of fruits and 3-5 portions of vegetables daily, as these nutrient-rich foods provide essential antioxidants that may contribute to managing joint inflammation and overall health. Physical exercise The most beneficial types of exercise for psoriatic arthritis focus on improving flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness without causing excessive joint stress. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and cycling are often recommended. Strength training exercises, including resistance training and gentle yoga, can help enhance muscle support around the joints. Water-based exercises are particularly advantageous as they provide buoyancy, reducing impact on the joints. The benefits of these exercises include increased joint mobility, reduced pain and stiffness, improved muscle tone, and better overall well-being. People living with psoriatic arthritis should adopt a tailored physical activity routine, considering their specific symptoms and limitations. The iPROLEPSIS app intends to help you limit sedentary behaviours, increase physical activity, and improve daily functional capacity with specific and safe training program recommendations (for more information see section “iPROLEPSIS”). Excess weight can increase joint discomfort and inflammation, particularly in load-bearing joints (such as the hips, knees, and spine). Thus, be mindful of your dietary choices, as these can help you manage your symptoms. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining healthy bones. Additionally, vitamin D helps boost our immune system, fight off viruses, and combat fatigue. It has even been linked to good mood, with a deficiency potentially leading to anxiety and depression. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our bodies produce when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained from certain foods or supplements. This vitamin has several forms, but the most important ones are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is the form that our skin produces naturally in response to sunlight. Research indicates that people with psoriatic arthritis often have lower vitamin D levels than others (30). Having enough vitamin D might help ease some psoriatic arthritis symptoms. The best way to ensure this is through adequate sun exposure. Spending around 10 to 30 minutes in the sun between 10 AM and 3 PM, at least twice a week, is generally sufficient for most individuals to produce enough vitamin D. The exact time needed depends on factors such as skin type, latitude, altitude, and season. The Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends vitamin D supplementation for psoriatic arthritis patients and encourages overweight or obese patients to explore weight reduction through a controlled diet (31). However, you must seek advice from your doctor. Hydration is another key aspect often overlooked, but crucial in managing psoriatic arthritis. Though there are no specific hydration guidelines for people with psoriatic arthritis, drinking around two litres of water daily not only supports maintaining overall health (32), but also helps in joint lubrication and efficient functioning, easing discomfort associated with movement. Some individuals find that certain foods may trigger or exacerbate their psoriatic arthritis symptoms. While these triggers can vary among individuals, common contributors include red and processed meat, low-quality fats, salt and additives, and refined carbohydrates (Figure 3 ; right-hand side). Monitoring your diet and identifying potential trigger foods through a systematic dietary approach or under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help manage pain, fatigue, and flare-ups (33). It is essential to find guidance from a healthcare provider or a dietitian with expertise in psoriatic arthritis to develop a personalised dietary plan (28) aligned with individual preferences and needs. A personalised plan aims to guarantee sufficient nutrient intake, manage weight, and promote overall well-being, addressing the unique challenges associated with psoriatic arthritis. Moreover, embracing a healthy lifestyle, including consistent physical activity, stress management, and a well-balanced diet, holds significant potential to improve the quality of life for people with psoriatic arthritis. Smoking and alcohol consumption Smoking is bad for your overall health, as it increases the likelihood of potential complications, such as heart problems and cancer. Smoking can also make you less sensitive to treatment and worsen your psoriasis symptoms (34, 35). Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of some drugs or increase side effects (36, 37). Some studies also suggest that alcohol may act as a trigger for flare-ups (38). See related Key Facts section See related Key Facts Previous page Next page

  • The protocol for iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study approved in the Netherlands | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK The protocol for iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study approved in the Netherlands Nov 12, 2023 Ongoing preparation for iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study initiation In November 2023, the protocol for the PsA Digital Phenotyping and Inflammation Drivers Study (iPROLEPSIS-PDPID) received ethical approval In the Netherlands. Approvals in the UK, PT and GR are in progress. The research will be conducted in the Netherlands, the UK, Portugal and Greece. The primary objective of the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID is to establish a development cohort to create smartphone and smartwatch-based, AI-driven digital biomarkers for the remote assessment and monitoring of individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Two action types will occur in the development cohort: measure and predict. Measure: To develop novel smartphone and smart device digital biomarkers for the assessment of inflammatory symptoms with a particular focus on the recognition of changes in movement patterns, pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness in comparison to the gold standard – medical evaluation by clinical evaluation of the joints, tendons and skin. Predict: To predict the change from uninflamed to inflamed using three triggers that may cause longstanding inflammation in psoriatic arthritis patients at risk for flare. Those three triggers are stress, mechanical stress and changes in the gut microbiome. To achieve these objectives, iPROLEPSIS-PDPID will leverage cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive set of products, such as a mobile phone app and a smartwatch. The miPROLEPSIS phone app, which will be used in this study, is currently under development. The app will be installed on the patients’ smartphones and utilised as a data collector before being used to develop and train algorithms. mIPROLEPSIS app.png mIPROLEPSIS app.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • iPROLEPSIS presented to Eli Lilly in the Netherlands | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK iPROLEPSIS presented to Eli Lilly in the Netherlands Nov 8, 2023 Presentation to Eli Lilly introduces iPROLEPSIS as the next step in personalised psoriatic arthritis care On the 7th of November 2023, Ilja Tchetverikov from CICERO Rheumatology presented the results and prospects of the DEPAR cohort and introduced iPROLEPSIS clinical studies to the representatives of Eli Lilly company in the Netherlands. DEPAR, Dutch south-west Psoriatic Arthritis Registry, is a registry set up by Cicero Rheumatology, a partnership of rheumatologists working in 15 different hospitals in the south-west of the Netherlands. DEPAR, with the participation of well over 900 patients, supports rheumatologists to gain insight into the treatment and course of psoriatic arthritis. The presentation highlighted iPROLEPSIS as a logical next step in the further development of DEPAR, emphasising the project’s vision and aim to explain psoriatic arthritis inflammation through multi-source data analysis, guiding to a novel personalised digital care ecosystem. Slide1.JPG Slide2.JPG Slide6.JPG Slide1.JPG 1/6 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Advancing Digital Health Solutions: Updates on User Research and Co-Creation | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK Advancing Digital Health Solutions: Updates on User Research and Co-Creation Nov 20, 2023 Navigating the Development of PDPID-App, Insights from Co-Creation Sessions Updates on user research and co-creation The current status of user research and co-creation involves a dedicated focus on advancing the development of the PDPID-app , scheduled for delivery before January 2023. In early October 2023, Erasmus MC ( EMC) conducted a co-creation session with patient partners to assess the general looks and feel of the User Interface (UI) and identify points to improve the app's usability. In apps used for medical data collection, it is of utmost importance that users know what is expected of them. Furthermore, users should be engaged with the app to a level that minimises missing data. Following this, bi-weekly meetings with patient partners were established to maintain alignment with their ideas. Furthermore, project partner FACULDADE DE MOTRICIDADE HUMANA (FMH-ULISBOA) is developing storyboards for the personalised gaming suite . Three co-creation sessions have been executed: one with healthcare professionals and two with patient partners. Additionally, project partners The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and FACULDADE DE MOTRICIDADE HUMANA (FMH-ULISBOA) have been working with the clinical partners to identify movements for the video analysis tasks that will be included in the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study. Multiple hand gestures and full-body movements have been identified for further assessment. Key take-away messages The development of the Digital health tools is still at an early stage. However, several take-away messages from the discussions about the PDPID app are : The general looks and UI of the miPROLEPSIS app have been approved by the patient partners. Even though the PDPID-app is a data-collection app for research purposes, patients find it of utmost importance that they can review their own data entries. Participants indicated that the app needs to improve its’ visual cues of when they need to perform certain activities. Take-away messages from the discussions about personalised gaming suite development: Smart games meant for disease management should be highly tailored to the capabilities of the patients. Gaming is for patients a way of relaxation, any game designed should not incorporate any stressful factors. Patient partners expressed interest in the proposed gaming categories. Future steps Future steps involve initiating a round of user testing for the PDPID version of the miPROLEPSIS app to validate designs with patients not involved in the development process. Subsequently, attention will shift to developing recommendation systems for physical activity and diet, incorporating insights from experts in the field (occupational therapists, physical therapists & nutritionists) and patients themselves. For the personalised gaming suite, the completion of the storyboard is planned for the end of December 2023, when the development of the first prototypes will follow. mIPROLEPSIS app.png mIPROLEPSIS app.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • The iPROLEPSIS Learning Hub Has Been Renewed | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK The iPROLEPSIS Learning Hub Has Been Renewed Oct 14, 2025 A refreshed space to learn more about psoriatic arthritis The iPROLEPSIS Learning Hub has been renewed with a new design, structure, and additional content to make exploring its materials more intuitive and engaging. The updated platform offers accessible information and practical resources related to psoriatic arthritis , supporting users who wish to learn more about the condition and its management. Explore resources on psoriatic arthritis The renewed Learning Hub brings together several sections that guide visitors through different aspects of the condition: Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook – an overview of psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management. Key Facts – short explanations and definitions to help understand key topics. Interactive Quizzes – quick checks to support learning in an engaging way. News Feed – a selection of updates and materials from external, recognised sources. A space to learn and stay informed The Learning Hub offers a simple way to explore information about psoriatic arthritis and to learn more about its characteristics, treatment approaches, and impact on daily life. Visit the renewed Learning Hub : https://www.iprolepsis.eu/learning-hub-new iPROLEPSIS_Learning Hub.png iPROLEPSIS_Learning Hub.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • How is psoriatic arthritis treated? Self-care and lifestyle | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search How is psoriatic arthritis treated? Self-care and lifestyle See related Handbook section PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Highlights from PETRA 2024 | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK Highlights from PETRA 2024 Jul 1, 2024 The iPROLEPSIS Exergames Introduced at PETRA 2024 The iPROLEPSIS Exergames were introduced and received very positively by the audience at PETRA 2024, a scientific interdisciplinary conference held on 26-28 June 2024 in Crete, Greece. Developing Exergames for Psoriatic Arthritis using Agile Storyboarding and Game Design Processes Abstract: Serious Games (SGs) offer significant potential in healthcare for disease assessment and intervention, enhancing patients’ quality of life. Exercise SGs, or Exergames, promote physical activity and mobility in a gamified environment, encouraging tailored exercises based on individual abilities and needs. Here, within the Horizon Europe iPROLEPSIS project that targets Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), we describe the design process of Exergames to address PsA symptoms, including morning stiffness, impaired finger/hand and wrist functionality, and motor asymmetry. From a methodological point of view, the storyboarding technique was adopted to facilitate the visualization of the proposed Exergame scenarios, including the graphical user interface, interactive game elements, narratives, characters, and contexts related to the PsA condition. This approach has been implemented within an agile game development methodology, which includes gathering feedback early on to iteratively refine both the game ideas and prototype. Informed by the results of the game design via two agile sessions incorporating 25 participants (PsA patients, clinicians, technology developers, facilitators/observers), the current efforts are focused on developing the game prototypes and corresponding mock-ups, preparing them for upcoming clinical validation trials. The Exergames development lays the groundwork for an innovative framework to improve gross and fine motor symptoms in PsA patients. This framework could inform healthcare providers and policymakers about its potential inclusion in routine PsA management. Read the full publication: https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3652037.3663939 1/3 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • iPROLEPSIS presented at the COMFORT-EU Plenary Meeting | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK iPROLEPSIS presented at the COMFORT-EU Plenary Meeting May 19, 2025 Strengthening Collaboration in AI for Healthcare Dr. Vasileios Charisis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) recently took part in the 2nd Plenary Meeting of the COMFORT-EU project (15–16 May 2025), where he presented the iPROLEPSIS project and introduced our work on a Trustworthy AI framework for healthcare. Meetings like this offer a valuable opportunity to connect with other research teams, share knowledge, and explore ways to collaborate. In the fast-evolving field of AI in healthcare , collaboration is essential — helping us learn from each other and develop better, safer solutions for real-world use. We are excited to continue working with COMFORT-EU and other Horizon Europe projects to drive innovation that benefits both science and society. 2.jpg 2.jpg 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

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