
Genetics and Mechanisms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid ArthritisLeukocytes2 moreThe study is aimed at revealing genetic background in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For that purpose samples of DNA will be collected from 500 RA patients and similar number of controls from whole Slovakia. Variations in several genes associated with RA will be evaluated. The second aim is to assess functional changes in immune cells from selected patients and their evaluation together with genetic background. The project has observational character without any intention to change the treatment of RA patients.

Evaluation of the Intestinal Microbiota and Bacterial Translocation in Patients With Rheumatoid...
ArthritisRheumatoidThe main objective of this study is to compare the intestinal microbiota in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with that from individuals without RA. The first analysis will compare the proportion of filamentous bacteria in the intestinal microbiota between the two groups.

Activity Limitations in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid ArthritisObjective: To evaluate what factors contribute to activity limitations in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis considering the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 81 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using instruments to measure five constructs of the component activities.

NFKB1 and IKK Epsilon in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and auto-immune disorder whose primary characteristic is the chronic inflammation of joints. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there was an association between the NF-KB1/IKK epsilon genetic expression and the clinical activity in RA. 60 RA patients were included in the study, 30 with clinical activity and 30 with clinical remission The NF-KB1/IKK epsilon genetic expression was performed by real time quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) through the Pfaffl method of relative quantification with Taqman probes.

Joint Ultrasound Evaluation of Asymptomatic Rheumatic Feet
Rheumatoid ArthritisObjectives: The aims of the present study were to compare ultrasound on asymptomatic feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and normal controls, determine the association between ultrasound and global disease activity, function and goniometric measures in patients with RA and determine the correlation between ultrasound and radiography in the detection of bone erosion. Methods: The foot joints (talocrural, talocalcaneal, talonavicular, naviculocuneiform, calcaneocuboid, 5th tarsometatarsal and 1st to 5th metatarsophalangeal [MTP] joints) of 50 healthy subjects and 50 patients with RA (all with asymptomatic feet) were evaluated bilaterally regarding quantitative/semi-quantitative synovitis, semi-quantitative Power Doppler (PD) signals and erosion using ultrasound. Statistical significance was set to 5%.

An Observational Study of RoActemra/Actemra (Tocilizumab) in Monotherapy in Patients With Rheumatoid...
Rheumatoid ArthritisThis multicenter observational study will evaluate the use of RoActemra/Actemra (tocilizumab) in monotherapy in patients with active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis unable to use methotrexate. Eligible patients initiated on RoActemra/Actemra treatment will be followed for 6 months.

Assessment of NSAID-treated Patients Adherence to Co-prescribed Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
OsteoarthritisRheumatoid Arthritis1 moreThe primary objective of this cross-sectional observational real life study is to investigate the patient reported adherence to PPI, when prescribed as prevention of NSAID associated GI Ulcers to patients prescribed a NSAID. Patients included have Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis. Adherence will be assessed by patient questionnaires.

Articular Sonography: Healthy Subjects Versus Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Disorders of SynoviumMultiple Sites7 moreThe purpose of this study is to establish the normality of sonographic synovial measures in joints more affected in rheumatoid arthritis patients and establish, in those joints, a sonographic value of synovium predictive of rheumatoid arthritis.

Health Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid ArthritisThis research is being done to help us learn about how different factors related to treatment affect rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is not a treatment study. We will follow the patient for one year as he or she receives usual treatment from his or her rheumatologist. Up to 360 adults with RA may join this study.

Clinically Important Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid ArthritisThis study will explore how patients with rheumatoid arthritis evaluate, or rate, symptom improvements. Physicians generally evaluate patients health and treatment benefits based on laboratory measures, such as the number of tender or swollen joints, duration of morning stiffness, grip strength, pain severity and others. Less attention is given to whether these treatment results are meaningful to patients. This study will examine how much of an improvement in pain, stiffness, function, and other symptoms is needed before patients consider the change an important improvement. Patients 18 years of age or older who were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after age 16 and who have active arthritis (6 or more tender joints) may be eligible for this study. Of particular interest are patients beginning treatment with prednisone, methotrexate, leflunomide, infliximab, or etanercept, although patients receiving any type of treatment may be included. Participants will be evaluated twice at the NIH Clinical Center, once at the start of the study and again at either 1 month or 4 months later, depending on the individual s treatment regimen. Permission will also be requested to review patients medical records for results of previous blood tests and x-rays. At each NIH visit, patients will undergo the following tests and procedures: Medical history and physical examination, including evaluation of joint swelling and tenderness; Questionnaires about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms; Computer-based exercise to assess preferences for various state-of-health choices; Grip strength test; Walking test on level ground, with or without the use of a cane or walker; Blood test to measure inflammation. At the second visit, in addition to the above procedures, participants will complete a questionnaire to rate the importance of changes, if any, in pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, joint swelling, functioning, worry, depression, and overall impressions, since the first visit.