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Background: Significant functional impairment of the hands is nearly universal in systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). Hand exercises may improve hand function, but developing, testing and disseminating rehabilitation interventions in SSc is challenging. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) was established to address this issue and has developed an online hand exercise program to improve hand function for SSc patients (SPIN-HAND). The aim of the proposed feasibility trial is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the SPIN-HAND intervention. Design and methods: The SPIN-HAND feasibility trial will be conducted via the SPIN Cohort. The SPIN Cohort was developed as a framework for embedded pragmatic trials using the cohort multiple RCT design. In total, 40 English-speaking SPIN Cohort participants with at least mild hand function limitations (Cochin Hand Function Scale ≥3) and an indicated interest in using an online hand-exercise intervention will be randomized with a 1:1 ratio to be offered to use the SPIN-HAND program or usual care for 3 months. The primary aim is to evaluate the trial implementation processes, required resources and management, scientific aspects, and participant acceptability and usage of the SPIN-HAND program. Discussion: The SPIN-HAND exercise program is a self-help tool that may improve hand function in patients with SSc. The SPIN-HAND feasibility trial will ensure that trial methodology is robust, feasible, and consistent with trial participant expectations. The results will guide adjustments that need to be implemented before undertaking a full-scale RCT of the SPIN-HAND program. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03092024. Canadian Institutes of Health Research(undefined)

Primary research question: For pregnant women with non-severe, non-proteinuric maternal hypertension at 14-33 weeks, will 'less tight' control (target diastolic blood pressure [dBP] of 100 mmHg) versus 'tight' control (target dBP of 85 mmHg) increase (or decrease) the likelihood of pregnancy loss or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission for greater than 48 hours? Secondary research question: Will 'less tight' versus 'tight' control increase (or decrease) the likelihood of serious maternal complications? Other research questions: Will 'less tight' versus 'tight' control: 1. Increase (or decrease) the likelihood of serious perinatal complications? 2. Increase (or decrease) the likelihood of severe hypertension and pre-eclampsia? 3. Increase (or decrease) the likelihood of maternal satisfaction with care? 4. Result in significant changes in dBP or health care costs? Treatment Allocation: Eligible women will be randomised centrally to either 'less tight' control (aiming for dBP of 100mmHg) or 'tight' control (aiming for dBP of 85mmHg) of their hypertension. Randomisation will be stratified by centre and type of hypertension (pre-existing or gestational). - In the 'less tight' control group, if dBP is ≥105mmHg, then antihypertensive medication must be started or increased in dose. - In the 'tight' control group, if dBP is ≤80mmHg, then antihypertensive medication must be decreased in dose or discontinued. - In both groups, centres will provide their usual care. Data will be collected on potential co-interventions (e.g., hospitalisation, bedrest). Outcomes: Primary: Pregnancy loss (miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy termination, stillbirth, or neonatal death) or high level neonatal care for >48 hours in the first 28 days of life or prior to primary hospital discharge, whichever is later. Secondary: One/more serious maternal complication(s) until six weeks postpartum. Follow-up: Compliance (dBP and antihypertensive dose) will be assessed within 4 weeks of randomisation. Outcome data will be collected during the woman's (and baby's) hospital stay for birth (or loss). Women will be contacted 6 to 12 weeks after delivery (or loss) and, for preterm babies, when the baby is at 36 weeks corrected gestational age to enquire about satisfaction with care and any major maternal/neonatal morbidity following hospital discharge. The investigators do not know which approach to treatment of non-severe high blood pressure in pregnancy is better for women and babies. In the CHIPS Trial, the investigators seek to determine whether 'less tight' control (aiming for a diastolic blood pressure [dBP] of 100 mmHg), compared with 'tight' control (aiming for a diastolic blood pressure [dBP] of 85 mmHg) can decrease the risks of adverse baby outcomes without increasing the risk of problems for the mother.