IL-7 and IL-7R Expression in RA Patients With Active vs. Inactive Disease Treated With DMARD or CIMZIA
Rheumatoid Arthritis
About this trial
This is an interventional basic science trial for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Must meet 1987 Revised Criteria for the Classification of Rheumatoid Arthritis defined as the diagnosis of the referring physician.
- Persistent knee swelling (>ARA grade 2) for 2 weeks, and no recent intra-articular corticosteroid injection.
- Age 18 years and older.
- Must be on Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, plaquenil and/or prednisone.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients having received intra-articular corticosteroid joint injection within the last 2-4 weeks.
- Patients with active systemic or joint infections.
- Women who are pregnant (pregnancy status will be self-reported)
- Patients under 18 years of age
- Non-English speakers
Sites / Locations
- Outpatient Care Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Other
Other
DMARD's Responder and Non-Responder
DMARD's plus Cimzia (Certolizumab pegol)
In the first group of subjects, blood samples will be obtained from (50) RA subjects with Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, plaquenil and/or prednisone that achieve remission (DAS28<2.6). The subjects that achieve remission (DAS28<2.6), blood will only be taken once at the subjects routine visit. Subject's that are non-responder to DMARDS will go onto group 2.
The second group will consist of (150) RA subjects that did not respond to "DMARDs". These patients will further receive (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, plaquenil and/or prednisone as well as Cimzia®. In this Arm, blood samples will be collected onset of the study as well as 3 and 6 months after treatment with Cimzia at subject's visit through our collaboration with the aforementioned rheumatologists.