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Oklahoma Rheumatoid Arthritis Cohort (ORAC)

PROTOCOL: OKLAHOMA RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COHORT (ORAC)

Why Is This Study Being Done?

Physicians currently evaluate damage to the joints of RA patients by taking x-rays of the hands and feet. However, standard x-rays are very limited in finding bone changes. For example they often do not show early changes caused by rheumatoid arthritis until the destruction is fairly well established. It is known that patients who developed destruction by x-ray are more likely to become disabled due to their rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers hope that the use of MRI will allow physicians to find the destruction earlier, which could mean earlier treatment with disease modifying drugs and more aggressive treatments for those patients with these early findings. This project will evaluate whether a small in-office MRI system can be used successfully in the clinic.

Although treatments for rheumatoid arthritis have improved significantly in the past 20 years there is still no cure for this serious, chronic condition, and the treatments currently available are associated with a number of potentially serious side effects. Furthermore, since most patients with RA can expect to live into old age, it is increasingly appreciated that some diseases of aging may be exacerbated by RA, especially atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which leads to increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. Rheumatoid Arthritis, however, is a very complicated disease and may affect different patients in different ways. It is very important to begin studies to sort out the groups of patients who might best benefit from each of the new medications and/or those at higher risk for medicine side effects, heart disease, or permanent organ damage, requiring earlier preventative treatments. In order to achieve this goal, a large group of patients will need to be studied over a long period of time. This study will be large enough to address some of these questions.

How Many People Will Take Part In The Study?

This study will include up 500 patients with RA and up to 50 controls (healthy individuals and patients with another rheumatologic diseases) from a wide region around Oklahoma City. This study is expected to continue for a minimum of 15 years.

What Is Involved In The Study?

This study should not interfere with your ongoing medical care in any way. You will be asked to inform us of any changes in your medications or condition, but such decisions are entirely at the discretion of you and your physician(s).
You may stop participation in this study at any time.

CALL FOR INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS STUDY: (405) 271-7805

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