None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease which when left untreated leads to long term joint damage, loss of function and a reduced life expectancy. There is evidence that by treating RA early with combination therapies the damage to the joints may be much less and function preserved. Following on from this observation, many rheumatologists think aiming for a specific end point to prevent progressive joint damage should be introduced. However, new TNF agents such as Adalimumab seem to protect against damage more than do conventional therapies even when signs and symptoms of arthritis are equally controlled. The explanation for this is unclear and needs to be explored further.
Interventions
This is an observational study looking at disease control and joint structure preservation in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with non-biologic agents and Adalimumab. This involves a descriptive comparism of MRI features using RAMRIS scores in participants with varying degrees of disease control taking adalimumab and conventional DMARD therapy in a cross sectional analysis. A second longitudinal analysis will be performed assessing plain radiographs of hands and feet with a conventional
This is an observational study looking at disease control and joint structure preservation in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with non-biologic agents and Adalimumab. This involves a descriptive comparism of MRI features using RAMRIS scores in participants with varying degrees of disease control taking adalimumab and conventional DMARD therapy in a cross sectional analysis. A second longitudinal analysis will be performed assessing plain radiographs of hands and feet with a conventional radiological scoring system and correlated with the baseline MRI appearances. There are 7 study visits over an 18 months period.
Sponsors
Emeritus Research
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Stable therapy for at least 6 months, non-biological DMARDs with a DAS-28 of < 2.6 2. Stable therapy for at least six months, Adalimumab, DAS-28 < 2.6. 3. Stable therapy for at least six months, Adalimumab, DAS -28 > 3.2 4. Rheumatoid factor or CCP positive at some stage in the course of their disease 5. Capable of undergoing MRI examinations. 6. Capable of understanding the Informed Consent document. 7. Anticipate stable treatment for at least 18 months 8. Reliable to attend for the review
Exclusion criteria
1. Contra-indications to MRI examination, including but not limited, to metallic brain clips, previous stapedectomy, cardiac pacemaker, profound claustrophobia or inability to lie in the MRI machine in an appropriate position to obtain quality images. 2. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding or planning to become pregnant during the study. 3. Treatment with any investigational therapy within 3 months 4. Not willing to return for required follow-up visits or there is a clear demonstration of likely poor compliance; 5. Any other medical condition (including current infections) that, in the judgment of the Investigator, would prohibit the patient from participating in the study.
Outcome results
None listed