AFRICAN AMERICANS WITH RA (CLEAR) REGISTRY

这个子项目是许多研究子项目中利用 资源由NIH/NCRR资助的中心拨款提供。子项目和 调查员(PI)可能从NIH的另一个来源获得了主要资金， 并因此可以在其他清晰的条目中表示。列出的机构是 该中心不一定是调查人员的机构。 这项研究是一项观察性研究，将监测大约400名类风湿性关节炎(RA)参与者的进展情况。类风湿性关节炎是一种以关节炎症为特征的慢性自身免疫性疾病。如果炎症持续存在，可能会导致骨骼和关节损伤和功能丧失。新发病的类风湿关节炎的症状还可能包括关节压痛、疲劳、发烧和睡眠困难。类风湿关节炎可能会影响功能，降低身体健康，降低整体生活质量。类风湿性关节炎的原因尚不清楚，但研究表明，它可能是遗传和环境因素的组合。南卡罗来纳医科大学、伯明翰阿拉巴马大学、埃默里大学、华盛顿大学、孟菲斯田纳西大学、范德比尔特大学和北卡罗来纳大学的研究人员致力于研究决定非裔美国人类风湿性关节炎严重程度和治疗反应的遗传和其他因素。 研究参与者将被要求完成三(3)次办公室访问。一次基线访问，一次病程36个月的访问和一次60个月的访问。每次就诊时都要填写DNA/血清、手足X光、体检、关节计数和参与者问卷。在基线和60个月的随访时进行DEXA扫描。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study is an observational study that will monitor the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in approximately 400 RA participants. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation of the joints. If inflammation persists, it can lead to bone and joint damage and loss of function. Symptoms of new onset RA may also include tender joints, fatigue, fever, and difficulty sleeping. RA may affect the ability to function, decrease physical health, and reduce the overall quality of life. The cause of RA is not known, but research has indicated it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Emory University, Washington University, University of Tennessee at Memphis, Vanderbilt University, and University of North Carolina are engaged in the study of genetic and other factors that determine severity of rheumatoid arthritis in African-Americans and response to treatment. Participants in the study will be asked to complete three (3) office visits. A baseline visit, a visit at 36 months disease duration and a visit at 60 month's duration. DNA/Serum, x-rays of hands and feet, physical exam, joint counts, and participant questionnaires are filled out at every visit. A DEXA scan occurs at the baseline and 60 month visit.