None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The introduction of “biological” disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) has been a major advance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When conventional therapy fails, bDMARD therapy can be life changing. bDMARDs specifically target key components in the pathways of inflammation causing RA, such as the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF). Consequently, knowledge of the inflammatory pathways active in individual patients is required for efficient targeting of bDMARDs. We have established a classification of joint synovial tissues, based on the expression of interleukin (IL) 17-A and CD21L genes, reflecting different inflammatory states. Our objective is to determine if we can predict response to anti-TNF therapy based on this system and concentrations of IL-17-related cytokines. The ability to predict response to treatment will improve outcomes for patients with RA and provide cost savings by ensuring that those patients most likely to respond receive these highly effective but expensive drugs.
Interventions
This is an observational study. Patients receiving bioloigic therapy for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis will be recruited. Patients will be seen prior to treatment and at 4-6 months after commencing treatment. Disease activity will be assessed using standard measures including swollen joint count, tender joint count, C reactive protein and the composite disease acitivty score 28.
Sponsors
University of Otago, Christchurch
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis as defined by American College of Rheumatology Criteria whom the treating clinician has started biological therapy
Exclusion criteria
Unwilling to provide informed consent
Outcome results
None listed