Clinical Trials & Registries Our research faculty are at the forefront of the efforts to explore and investigate new diagnostic and classification methods, promising biomarkers to monitor disease activity, and exciting new therapeutics to provide our patients with individualized, cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options. Einstein Lupus Cohort The Einstein Lupus Cohort is a longitudinal cohort started by the Division of Rheumatology in 2002. This study aims to investigate the role of biological markers in the risk of disease progression. We want to learn about genetic characteristics that may be involved in the risk of developing lupus and their contribution to the severity of the disease. Our goal is to learn how to treat patients with better results and less risk. Validation of the Attention, Memory, and Frontal-Executive Abilities Screening Test (AMFAST) in Lupus Individuals with Lupus are at increased risk for developing cognitive problems, which can have negative effects on patients’ quality of life. Presently, the process for identifying cognitive issues in Lupus patient is formal comprehensive neuropsychological testing - that can be costly and time consuming, and are not always readily available. The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a brief cognitive screening tool that is administered in the clinic in identifying different levels of cognitive difficulties in adults with Lupus. Practitioners can then use this information to determine whether referrals for more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations are indicated. For more information please contact: April Fu Clinical Research Coordinator Email: WaiYanAprilFu@einsteinmed.edu Phone: (718) 430-8583 New York City Lupus Outreach and Clinical Trial Education Program: Implementation of a concise educational program (PALs) Patient Advocates for Lupus Studies (PALs) is an educational program that teaches patients about lupus clinical trials so that they may feel more comfortable participating in these trials. This study evaluates the effectives of the PALs educational sessions – 3 short presentations that are administered during the routine doctor’s visit. Sponsor: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health For more information please contact: April Fu Clinical Research Coordinator Email: WaiYanAprilFu@einsteinmed.edu Phone: (718) 430-8583 Probing Remission in SLE: Blood and Brain (PRiSE) The purpose of this research is to find out more about the immune system in lupus patients who are in clinical remission with inactive disease and who have been taking no medications for treatment of their lupus (except for hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine) for at least 3 years. Little is known about how the immune system in lupus patients with inactive disease differs from those with active disease or healthy individuals. This study may help us identify immune states to aim for when treating patients with active disease. Sponsor: Lupus Research Alliance For more information please contact: April Fu Clinical Research Coordinator Email: WaiYanAprilFu@einsteinmed.edu Phone: (718) 430-8583 ACE Inhibition in Lupus Cognitive Impairment A novel Phase 2 double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of centrally active, non-toxic ACE inhibition in cognitive impairment associated with SLE. Cognitive dysfunction is a common manifestation of Lupus, and prior studies have shown that centrally acting ACE inhibitors can suppress pro-inflammatory microglia activation in the brain, and improve resting brain metabolism as demonstrated by advanced imaging studies. This study compares centrally acting ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril) to non-centrally acting ACE inhibitor (benazepril), on regional resting brain metabolism in SLE subjects from baseline to 12 months. Sponsor: Lupus Research Alliance (LRA)/Lupus Therapeutics (LT) For more information please contact: April Fu Clinical Research Coordinator Email: WaiYanAprilFu@einsteinmed.edu Phone: (718) 430-8583 For more information please contact: April Fu Clinical Research Coordinator Email: WaiYanAprilFu@einsteinmed.edu Phone: (718) 430-8583