This study, recruiting in Boston, Massachusetts, will evaluate several parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients based on observation. The primary outcomes to be investigated are the biomarkers that predict drug response and side effects in RA.
The details
In RA, the immune system begins attacking healthy tissues the way it normally attacks viruses or bacteria (autoimmune). This can cause inflammation, leading to chronic pain. Biomarkers are naturally occurring body substances associated with a disease. Biomarkers can help predict progression and survival of a disease. This study will analyze the presence of disease activity and extra-articular (presence of inflammation in other organs) RA.
Who are they looking for?
This study will recruit 1600 RA patients 18 years or older who are registered at R.B. Brigham Arthritis Center, Boston, MA, USA. Ideal candidates must be able and willing to provide an informed consent.
Patients cannot take part in this study if they have systemic lupus erythematosus (annother type of autoimmune disease) or psoriasis (an autoimmune skin disease).
How will it work
A sample of blood or urine from each patient will be stored for DNA/RNA testing. Patients will be asked information, through interview or questionnaires, about their disease severity, performance of daily activities, RA resource utilization, level of tiredness, employment status, medications, and adverse events.
Patients will be followed for 5 years at which time they will be asked if they would like to consent to an additional 5 years. At the 10-year visit, patients still enrolled will be given the option to consent for an additional 5 years.
