The purpose of this study is to better understand the causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in African Americans.

Condition
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Further Study Details: 

Expected Total Enrollment:  600

RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. It occurs in all races and ethnic groups and affects about two to three times as many women as men. Variations in certain genes that play a role in the immune system are associated with a tendency to develop RA. Some individuals without these genetic variations may develop this disease, while others who possess the variations never develop RA. Scientists believe that some environmental factors may play a part in triggering the disease process in people whose genetic makeup makes them susceptible to RA. This registry of African Americans with early RA will provide clinical and x-ray data and DNA to help scientists analyze genetic and nongenetic factors that might predict disease course and outcomes of RA in this population.

Participants in this registry will be enrolled in the study until they reach 5 years in their disease duration. For example, if a participant enters the study after 1 year of having RA, he or she will continue for 4 years. Participants will have three office visits (screening, 3 years disease duration, and 5 years disease duration) at which they will complete questionnaires and have blood samples taken, x-rays of their hands and feet, and DEXA scans. Between office visits, the study coordinator will call participants every 6 months to update any changes in medications or health problems.

Ages Eligible for Study:  18 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• African American
• Rheumatoid arthritis for less than 2 years

Alabama
      University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham,  Alabama,  35294,  United States
Georgia
      Emory University, Atlanta,  Georgia,  30303,  United States
Missouri
      Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis,  Missouri,  63130,  United States
North Carolina
      University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill,  North Carolina,  27599,  United States
South Carolina
      Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston,  South Carolina,  29425,  United States
Tennessee
      Vanderbilt University, Nashville,  Tennessee,  37235,  United States

Study chairs or principal investigators

Larry Moreland, MD,  Study Director,  University of Alabama, Birmingham   

Study ID Numbers:  NIAMS-106; N01-AR02247
Record last reviewed:  March 2005
Last Updated:  March 2, 2005
Record first received:  December 16, 2003
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00074555
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08