Predictors of the outcomes for joint inflammation and damage in recent onset rheumatoid arthritis patients [ 2004 - 2006 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Malcolm Smith (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Michael Ahern ,  Dr Mark Coleman ,  Prof Adrian Esterman ,  Prof Peter Roberts-Thomson

Brief description Currently, it is difficult to predict what will happen to an individual patient who presents with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, either as a result of the natural history of the disease or as a result of drug treatment. It is also difficult to decide which drug treatment to offer a patient and when to decide to change the treatment to obtain a better clinical response. This study will investigate whether it is possible to predict the outcomes for a particular patient with rheumatoid arthritis for joint inflammation and joint destruction, based on the findings in the joint lining tissue. This study will also investigate whether it is possible to make decisions on the likely success of drug treatment given to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis based on the initial or subsequent joint lining tissue biopsies. If successful, this study will lead to a greater ability to advise patients about likely outcomes from their condition, either with or without treatment and also to predict whether a treatment is likely to work at an early stage. In addition, this study may identify future potential treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Funding Amount $AUD 255,750.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant